Master of Emergency and Crisis Management (MECM)

Program Overview

The Master of Emergency Management and Crisis (MECM) program at UCF emphasizes developing core competencies in emergency management, including resiliency, hazard mitigation, disaster response, and fiscal management. Offered online, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of the field through core and elective courses. Graduates are prepared for management roles in emergency and crisis management within government agencies, private companies, and nonprofit organizations. The program addresses evolving risks such as pandemics and cybersecurity threats, equipping students with strategies for preparing, responding, and recovering from disasters.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Emergency Management and Crisis (MECM) program at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is designed to prepare individuals to practice as highly trained practitioners in the emergency management field. The program emphasizes the development of core competencies, including:

• Resiliency: The ability to withstand and recover from disruptive events.
• Hazard Mitigation and Analysis: Understanding and reducing the risks associated with hazards.
• Fiscal Management: Managing financial resources effectively in emergency situations.
• Communication: Effectively communicating with the public and stakeholders during emergencies.
• Intergovernmental Administration: Collaborating with different levels of government to address emergency management needs.
• Legal and Ethical Decision Making: Making sound decisions in complex and challenging situations.
• Cultural Competency: Understanding and respecting diverse cultural perspectives in emergency management.
• General Emergency Management: A comprehensive understanding of the field of emergency management.
The program highlights the increasing frequency of natural and man-made disasters, emphasizing the need for a skilled workforce to address these challenges.

Outline:

The MECM program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree. It is offered completely online, allowing students to take part-time or full-time coursework.

Core Courses (30 Credits):

• PAD6399 - Foundations of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (3)
• PAD6825 - Cross-Sectoral Governance (3)
• PAD6700 - Research Methods in Public Administration (3)
• PAD6397 - Managing Emergencies and Crises (3)
• PAD6705 - Public Sector Communications (3)
• PAD6227 - Public Budgeting (3)
• PAD6398 - Hazard Analysis and Disaster Planning (3)
• PAD6439 - Leadership in Public Service (3)
• PAD6946 - Internship (3)
• PAD6086 - Advanced Concepts and Applications in Emergency and Crisis Management (3)

Elective Courses (6 Credits):

Students must complete at least 2 of the following:

• PAD5356 - Managing Community and Economic Development (3)
• PAD5850 - Grant and Contract Management (3)
• PAD5887 - Energy Policy (3)
• PAD6077 - International Emergency and Crisis Management (3)
• PAD6307 - Public Policy Analysis and Management (3)
• PAD6327 - Public Program Evaluation Techniques (3)
• PAD6335 - Strategic Planning and Management (3)
• PAD6353 - Environmental Planning and Policy (3)
• CCJ6027 - Criminal Justice Responses to Terrorism (3)
• CPO6729 - Global Security in the Age of Migration (3)
• IDC5602 - Cybersecurity: A Multidisciplinary Approach (3)
• INR6136 - Seminar in American Security Policy (3)
• PLA5587 - Current Issues in Cyberlaw (3)
• POS6686 - National Security Law (3)
• PUR6403 - Crisis Public Relations (3)

Careers:

The MECM program prepares graduates for management roles in emergency and crisis management within various organizations, including:

• Government Agencies: City of Orlando, Seminole County Office of Emergency Management, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Private Companies: Lockheed Martin, Reedy Creek Improvement District
• Nonprofit Organizations: Organizations focused on disaster relief and preparedness

Other:

• The program emphasizes an all-hazards, whole community approach to emergency management.
• The program addresses the evolving nature of risks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and cybersecurity threats.
• The program is designed to help students develop plans and strategies to help organizations and communities prepare, respond, and recover from disasters.
• Students will learn to mitigate potential hazards caused by natural and human-induced disasters.
• The program emphasizes the importance of communicating with the public before, during, and after a crisis.
• Students will develop leadership skills, including ethical and culturally competent leadership.