MS in emergency & threat response management

Lead with confidence in crises. Learn how to assess threats, direct coordinated responses, guide recovery efforts and more through Rowan’s master’s degree in emergency management.

Flight paramedic sits on helicopter holding his helmet.

Why choose Rowan’s emergency & threat response management program?

Designed to meet the growing demand for skilled emergency management professionals, Rowan University’s Master of Science (MS) in emergency and threat response management degree program prepares you to plan for, respond to and help communities recover from crises of every kind.

In today’s world, natural disasters, public health emergencies and acts of terrorism reveal critical gaps in leadership. Our program addresses those challenges and equips you with the strategic, operational and interpersonal skills to strengthen response systems and build resilient communities. Through a comprehensive, multi-hazard framework, you’ll learn how to manage complex threats while promoting safety and preparedness at every level.

At Rowan, you’ll study the full spectrum of emergency and threat response, from operations management and crisis communication to disaster recovery and homeland security. The curriculum blends academic theory with applied learning, helping you develop the analytical and leadership skills to make informed decisions when it matters most. Additionally, courses in disaster public health, civil unrest and executive leadership prepare you for advanced roles across government, homeland security, public safety and the private sector.

Key considerations

From degree requirements and program length to cost and application deadlines, these quick facts outline what to expect in Rowan’s threat response degree program.

Quick Facts

24

Months To Complete

30

Credits

Application Deadlines

7/1

Fall Entry Term

11/1

Spring Entry Term

Studying emergency & threat response management at Rowan

Discover the courses, learning experience and application details that shape Rowan University’s master’s degree in emergency management.

What You’ll Learn

In 10 courses, or 30 graduate credits, you can earn Rowan’s master’s in emergency and threat response degree. Courses are offered on our Camden campus, and you can complete the program on a full- or part-time basis. The program features two culminating paths, allowing you to select the type of final project that best aligns with your goals:

  • Non-Thesis Option: Complete a capstone experience, in which you’ll combine fieldwork and applied research on a significant issue in emergency management or homeland security.
  • Thesis Option: Undertake a two-course research sequence and conduct an in-depth study on a topic of your choosing under faculty mentorship.

The curriculum establishes a foundation in organizational theory, budgeting and crisis leadership, with additional courses exploring areas such as disaster policy, homeland security and threat assessment. Beyond the required courses, you’ll choose from an extensive list of electives spanning topics like public health emergencies, cybersecurity, disaster recovery and global crisis response. This range of options allows you to tailor the master’s degree in emergency management program to your professional interests.

Emergency & threat response management key courses

  • Advanced Incident Command: Leadership and Ethics
  • Complex Organizational Theory in Emergency Services
  • Disaster Policy and Legal Environment in Emergency Management
  • Public Budgeting and Finance for Emergency Managers
  • Research Methods and Statistics in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • Threat Assessment in Homeland Security

Note: The course information above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please review the Rowan University Academic Catalog.

How You'll Learn

When it comes to leading in a crisis, real experience matters. While earning your emergency and threat response degree, you’ll work on challenges in emergency management and homeland security, analyzing data, evaluating policies, researching solutions and developing strategies that strengthen community resilience. Whether you’re completing a thesis project or a field-based capstone, your role will involve collaboration with professionals and agencies that manage emergencies every day. These experiences prepare you to manage complex situations, make informed decisions and communicate effectively under pressure.

Admission Requirements

Take the next step toward earning a master’s degree in emergency management by completing the application requirements listed below. After you complete your application, a representative from Rowan’s Office of Admissions will confirm your application status and notify you of any missing information. There may be additional actions or materials required for admission to the program. 

  • Completed application
  • $65 nonrefundable application fee
  • Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional résumé
  • Typewritten statement of professional objectives
    • Provide reasons for pursuing this program. Describe how you might use this program to advance your career.
  • Two letters of recommendation
    • Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators and include information that attests to your ability to pursue a graduate degree.

Tuition and Aid

Financial aid, scholarships and flexible payment options are available to help make this advanced training in emergency management and crisis leadership attainable for working professionals.

Learn more about graduate financial aid and tuition and fees.

Careers and outcomes

A master’s degree in emergency and threat response management opens the door to leadership roles across government, public safety, healthcare and the private sector. Graduates of Rowan’s program guide preparedness planning, lead coordinated responses and help organizations recover from natural disasters, security incidents and public health emergencies. As communities face increasingly complex challenges, professionals with advanced training in emergency management are essential to keeping systems running and people safe. This program gives you the strategic perspective and crisis management skills to meet that growing demand—whether you’re advancing in your current field or pursuing new opportunities in emergency management, disaster relief or homeland security.
A group of students learning in a classroom about CPR

Upcoming virtual information sessions and events

Explore Rowan’s master’s in emergency management degree program by attending an upcoming virtual information session. Faculty will walk you through the curriculum, thesis and non-thesis options and the real-world applications of what you’ll study. You’ll also meet advisors who can answer your questions about admissions, tuition and career opportunities in emergency management and homeland security. Register today!
decorative campus building in fall

Ready to learn more about Rowan?

From helping you find the right program to understanding how to apply, we’re here to make sure you get the information you need. Fill out the form to get started!
Loading...

Apply to Rowan’s emergency & threat response management program

Rowan University’s Master of Science in emergency and threat response management degree program empowers you to lead in crisis situations with knowledge and real-world skills. Apply now and learn to make a difference in managing threats and protecting communities.