Master’s Program

GRADUATE EDUCATION IN EMERGENCY HEALTH SERVICES

Graduate Program Director: Dr. Lucy Wilson
Graduate Program Coordinator: Renee Decker

PURPOSES OF A MASTER’S LEVEL PROGRAM

The UMBC Emergency Health Services graduate study programs encompass agencies ranging from local rescue squads to national and international disaster and refugee health services and include mobile (i.e. ambulances) and fixed resources (hospitals). The program is primarily focused on preparing professionals for leadership roles requiring skills in planning, research, development, and organizational operations. The different track curriculums are designed to provide graduate-level training and education to health care providers, researchers, educators, policymakers, and administrators.

AREAS OF STUDY

Combined Degree Program (B.S./M.S.)

Students in the EHS undergraduate program (or related field) who meet specific qualifications may opt for a combined BS/MS degree. Application for this program is made during your Junior year of undergraduate study and must be approved by both the Graduate Program Director and the Advisor for the student’s undergraduate degree track.

Once approved, students apply to the Graduate School for the Accelerated Bachelor/Master’s program, (Not a full Master’s degree program) focusing on the EHS Master’s degree track they wish to pursue, and will be allowed to start taking graduate-level courses during their Senior year. Students must submit approval paperwork for undergraduates to take graduate courses for credit each semester they take a Graduate course (see link below).

PLEASE NOTE: Acceptance into the EHS BS/MS program does not guarantee acceptance into the EHS Graduate program. Students must apply to the EHS Master’s program to start after they complete their undergraduate degree. If accepted, up to three (3) graduate courses taken in the BS/MS program can be applied towards the EHS Master degree.

Accelerated Program Application [DocuSign]

Approval for Undergraduates to Take Courses for Graduate Credit [DocuSign]

 

Emergency Management Certificate

The Emergency Management Post-Baccalaureate Certificate provides an option for those interested in emergency management. There are four (4) required core courses, with recommended elective courses for the fifth course to complete a total of 15 credits. This certificate can be obtained as a stand-alone option, or in conjunction with the M.S. degree. Under the guidance of the program advisor, a concurrent completion of the certificate program and the M.S. degree is possible. Courses are available through distance education (completely online) or through on-campus/hybrid courses.

 

Master of Science (M.S.)

Three tracks are available to the Master’s level emergency health services major:

Tracks I & II have four (4) mandatory courses, followed by track-specific elective courses.

Track III consists of three (3) mandatory core courses and completion of a Learning and Performance Technology (LAPT) Graduate Certificate, followed by track specific courses. The certificate courses can be taken concurrently with the Emergency Health Service degree and the courses count towards completion of the M.S. degree requirements. All of the certificate courses are offered via distance learning (online).

All tracks are offered either completely online via distance education or in an on-campus/hybrid format.

 

TIME LIMITS

Master’s level EHS programs require a minimum of 30 hours of credit which must be completed within five (5) years from the date of initial enrollment. With continuous enrollment each semester, most students complete the degree in about two years. A three-year time frame will be typical for many part-time students, although earlier completion is possible.

 

For General Graduate School information and funding option/opportunities, please check out the Graduate School’s website at https://gradschool.umbc.edu/

EHS Graduate Program Alumni Careers and Positions after Graduation  (PDF)