Program Description
The Master of Emergency Management and Crisis (MECM) is designed to prepare individuals to practice as highly trained practitioners in the emergency management field through the development of core competencies including: resiliency, hazard mitigation and analysis, disaster response and recovery, emergency preparedness and planning, fiscal management, communication, intergovernmental administration, geographic information systems, legal and ethical decision making, cultural competency and diversity, and general emergency management.
The frequency of man-made and natural disasters has dramatically increased since the 1990s; emergency and disaster declarations in the U.S. reflect it. Florida is the fifth highest state with 69 major disaster declarations between 1953 and 2016 (Congressional Research Service, 2017). For communities to be prepared for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate these disasters, an educated workforce of emergency management specialists is required. Students in UCF’s Master in Emergency and Crisis Management program will learn and demonstrate the competencies required to lead and manage in this dynamic and complex profession.
Please Note: The Emergency and Crisis Management MECM may be completed fully online, although not all elective options or program prerequisites may be offered online. Newly admitted students choosing to complete this program exclusively via UCF online classes may enroll with a reduction in campus-based fees.
International students (F or J visa) are required to enroll in a full-time course load of 9 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. Only 3 of the 9 credit hours may be taken in a completely online format. For a detailed listing of enrollment requirements for international students, please visit http://global.ucf.edu/. If you have questions, please consult UCF Global at 407-823-2337.
UCF is not authorized to provide online courses or instruction to students in some states. Refer to State Restrictions for current information.
Curriculum
The Master of Emergency and Crisis Management program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. The program is offered completely online and students have an option of taking part-time or full-time coursework.
Total Credit Hours Required: 36 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor’s Degree
Required Courses—36 Credit Hours
Emergency and Crisis Management Core Courses—30 Credit Hours
Additional Elective Courses—6 Credit Hours
Select from the list below.
Additional Program Requirements
- Students must achieve a grade of “B-” (80%) or higher in all Emergency and Crisis concentration courses.
- Students must maintain a program of study and graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher and can only graduate with a graduate status GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Independent Learning
Independent learning is demonstrated throughout the curriculum through the process of inquiry, dialogue, and service learning. Tangible projects such as strategic plans, grant proposals, commercialization plans and case studies along with projects, scholarly papers, internships, and presentations at professional conferences contribute to the self-development of our students.
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
In addition to meeting general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- Three letters of recommendation specifically for the MECM program. Letters of recommendation should be from professors, researchers, or professional administrators who can attest to the applicant’s ability to succeed in graduate coursework and his or her work ethic.
- Résumé: The most current, professional resume should be provided.
- Statement of goals: The goal statement is a key component of the admission review process and serves as an example of the applicant’s ability to express him or herself in writing. The goal statement must be single-spaced, one-inch margins, and no longer than two pages (500-800 words). Applicant must address the following:
- Reason for pursuing graduate study in Emergency and Crisis Management, including future goals and plans.
- Topics or areas of special interest in Emergency and Crisis Management.
- Expectations of the graduate program.
- What the applicant will bring to the program that would make him or her a special candidate for admission to this program.
- Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA
calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.
- All International students must meet university minimum TOEFL requirements regardless of the language in which the undergraduate program was completed.
Admission to this program is competitive. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to this program. All requested material must be submitted by the established deadline date. Materials received after the established deadline may not be considered.
Students are expected to be computer literate upon entry to the program. This program is completely online, so computer skills and computer internet access are necessary to take the courses.
Application Deadlines
| Emergency and Crisis Management MECM |
*Fall Priority |
Fall |
Spring |
Summer |
| Domestic Applicants |
Jan 15 |
Jun 1 |
Nov 1 |
|
| International Applicants |
Jan 15 |
Jan 15 |
Jul 1 |
|
| *Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date. |
Financials
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowships
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student’s graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
