Online
Program Available
Graduate Certificate
Program Type
Total Credits
12
Affordability
Private School Education At State School Prices
Why Study Disaster and Emergency Management?
A disaster and emergency management certificate provides essential knowledge for preparing for and responding to natural and man-made disasters. The certificate addresses the growing need for skilled public managers who can navigate complex emergencies and equips students to engage with critical public policy issues in their communities. The Graduate Certificate in Disaster and Emergency Management program is designed to seamlessly integrate with the MPA degree, allowing all four certificate courses to count toward the MPA’s Disaster and Emergency Management concentration.
What You’ll Learn
- With an emergency disaster management certificate, you will be able to anticipate both natural and technological hazards and assess the effectiveness of governmental and non-governmental strategies across the full emergency management cycle—mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
- You will be equipped to analyze methods and techniques used in the creation of public policies related to disasters, focusing on how these policies are formulated and implemented.
- Upon completion of an emergency and disaster management program, you will be prepared to evaluate how emergencies and disasters disproportionately affect marginalized or vulnerable populations, as well as broader impacts on communities, regions, and nations.
- A graduate certificate in emergency and disaster management enables you to identify common disaster myths and design leadership strategies that accurately convey risks and anticipated public behaviors during hazard events.
- You will be capable of creating inclusive, democratic decision-making processes, while recognizing that emergency management policy development can raise ethical dilemmas, and develop strategies to resolve these conflicts effectively.
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Tuition & Fees
Park University offers a transparent and student-focused approach to tuition and financial aid. Our tuition structure is designed to be competitive and manageable, and our financial aid counselors are available to guide you through every step of the process. From understanding your cost breakdown to exploring funding options, we ensure that financial planning is clear, personalized, and aligned with your educational journey.
Admission Requirements
Park University’s graduate certificate programs are designed for professionals looking to deepen their expertise. To apply, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 2.75. You can pursue a certificate on its own or alongside a graduate degree—with your advisor’s approval. Keep in mind that certificate admission doesn’t automatically grant entry to a full graduate program. To earn the certificate, you’ll need to maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete 75% of the program coursework at Park to meet the residency requirements.
Visit Admissions Policies and Procedures to learn more about admission requirements at Park University.
Criminal Justice Administration Career & Future Opportunities
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*General salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education and opportunities for employment that are outside of Park University’s Control. The labor market and average salary range can be explored further at the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics.
FAQs: Disaster and Emergency Management, Graduate Certificate
Park’s disaster and emergency management professional development curriculum emphasizes crisis leadership, mitigation planning, and interagency coordination—skills directly applicable to FEMA, Homeland Security, and municipal emergency management offices. Graduates are equipped to pursue roles like emergency planner, hazard mitigation specialist, or public safety coordinator.
Yes. Park’s certificate is delivered fully online in accelerated 8-week terms, allowing students to start multiple times per year. This format is ideal for military personnel, EMTs, and law enforcement professionals who need asynchronous access and mobile-friendly coursework. Park also offers transfer credit evaluations for military training and prior learning.
Many students ask if certificate credits can be applied toward a full graduate degree. At Park, the emergency disaster management certificate is stackable—meaning credits earned may transfer into the MPA or MBA programs with an emergency management concentration, pending academic advisor approval. This pathway supports long-term career growth without repeating coursework.
Unlike a generic certificate program, Park’s offering is built around real-world emergency response scenarios and faculty with field experience in disaster response and emergency preparedness. Students engage in simulation-based learning and case studies drawn from recent crises. The program’s emphasis on mitigation and recovery planning makes it especially relevant for professionals in healthcare, education, and nonprofit sectors.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
Class Start Dates: Term Dates