Security and Disaster Management

Online Master's Program

Get advanced training for careers in homeland security, emergency management and disaster relief. The Master of Security and Disaster Management (MSDM) degree provides the education needed to lead and manage from the operational to strategic levels within your chosen career field.

This online master’s degree program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills required for managers and leaders in homeland security and emergency management. Real-world situations, stripped from the morning’s headlines, are class material that afternoon and are often applied to solutions in our students’ day jobs.

Designed for both aspiring and existing homeland security and emergency management professionals, this program is offered 100% online. Nearly all of our students find jobs at or before graduation.

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Quick Facts

Degree type:

  • Master of Security and Disaster Management (MSDM)

Availability:

  • Available 100% online

 

Why Earn Your Master’s in Security and Disaster Management at UAF?

Our graduate program in homeland security and emergency management is the only degree of its kind in Alaska. Here are some of the unique opportunities you can look forward to in this program.

Earn your master’s degree online at our in-state tuition rate

  • The master’s in security and disaster management program offers an affordable, flexible option for working students. You can complete the degree online, work at your own pace and get the maximum value from your education with our low in-state tuition rate.

Learn from faculty with real-world, hands-on experience

  • Course instructors have experience in careers that include the military and law enforcement. Faculty and staff also work hard to help you find your next job or advance your career opportunities in your current job.

Access national resources in an accredited academic program

  • We are a member of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Higher Education Program, as well as the Department of Homeland Security University and Agency Partnership Initiative (UAPI).

Transfer credits you’ve already earned

  • You can transfer up to 6 graduate-level courses from approved American Council on Education (ACE) credit programs toward the homeland security and disaster management degree.

 

The online master’s in security and disaster management gives me the opportunity to expand my specialized knowledge and offer applicable expertise in the field, volunteering with my city’s Emergency Operations Center in regional training activities. Robert Ituarte, Master of Security and Disaster Management 2017

 

Security and Disaster Management Careers

Earning your master’s in homeland security and disaster management improves your marketability and demonstrates your focus, discipline, knowledge and experience. Nearly 100% of our students are employed either when they graduate or, in some cases, prior to graduation.

Homeland security, disaster management and emergency management jobs

Having a master’s degree in security and disaster management provides the knowledge and skills to be successful in management and leadership positions in the following career areas:

  • Disaster response coordination
  • Fire departments
  • Homeland security
  • Emergency medical services
  • Program coordination
  • Emergency management
  • Red Cross
  • Military
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • Local, state and federal government jobs
  • Law enforcement
  • Business continuity
  • Risk management

Salary for homeland security and emergency management professionals

In addition to opening new career and leadership opportunities, earning your master’s degree is a great way to boost your earning potential. Here’s a quick look at salaries in emergency management, homeland security jobs and related careers.

  • Emergency management director: $74,420
  • Emergency response coordinator: $54,964
  • Management analyst: $83,610
  • Fire chief: $76,489
  • Immigration office: $69,347
  • Security manager: $70,547

 

Explore Classes for the Online Security and Disaster Management Degree

The program builds upon the experience and education of those within this highly interdisciplinary enterprise, providing a relevant graduate level education focusing on the operational to strategic requirements of our collective public safety. A full load of classes consists of 9 credits per semester or 18 credits per year.

View all required classes for the online master’s degree in security and disaster management

Programs Related to the Master’s in Security and Disaster Management

 

Get Started on Your Online Master’s Degree in Security and Disaster Management

Take the next step toward earning your master’s degree in security and disaster management. We have the resources to help you get started.

Talk to an Advisor

Have questions? Our expert advisors are here to guide you every step of the way. Let us know how we can help.

Transfer to UAF

Transferring to UAF? We can walk you through the process and help make sure you get the most out of the credits you’ve earned.

Apply Now and Request More Information

Earn your security and disaster management degree online at UAF. Submit your application today.