<p>I personally think it’s fabulous, and I wish it existed when I was in college. Do you know someone with this major? What do you think about it?</p>
<p>The title is: In Colleges, Disaster is now a major</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/10/education/10disaster.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/10/education/10disaster.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto</a></p>
<p>My S is pursuing a Master of Public Health degree with a certificate in Disaster Management. He was checking out many MPH programs and was thrilled when he found the DM certificate option. He has always been a strong interest in this area.</p>
<p>It definitely is an up and coming major and there are lots of opportunities these days. I work in the health sector and it is very interesting work.</p>
<p>Interesting stuff. I think in the U.S., there’s an ever-increasing expectation of very fast and professional response to disasters. Now, anything that happens after the disaster incident gets blamed on the response or lack thereof. Bodes well for specialists. Hiring a certified professional is always a good firewall for managers and politicians.</p>
<p>There is a college in Canada (I think it is Canadian Mennonite University) that has offered a program in disaster response for more than 40 years, I believe, and much of Canada’s disaster infrastructure personnel were training there.</p>
<p>Ah, here it is: <a href=“http://www.cmu.ca/programs/drs.html[/url]”>404 Error: Page Not Found | About CMU | CMU;
<p>I am not at all a fan of practical majors in actual university that have a trendy, sound cool to them or that are generated not from an academic discipline but rather from a practical event (which would of course touch upon many areas of expertise- from business to policy to health). </p>
<p>Not that such training is not needed, or that we don’t need this kind of expertise, but it may be far better served in a non-university/diploma setting, or as an attached certification or minor as part of a broader, more established/foundational/academic major (such as MHP noted above). Managing a disaster effectively is a subset of effective management (which is what one learns with a business degree, MBA, or degree in public administration at undergrad or masters level). </p>
<p>My concern is often these fashionable things are cobbled together courses that universities spend far more time promoting than anything else (it become literally a marketing gimmick, something a bunch of folks sitting around a table think will be a big draw). I’ve been there, done that. And at the end, the student comes out with a very narrow practical degree that may have no jobs at the end that fit, and/or their degree isn’t broad and academic enough to be morphed into another kind of job or grad school. The kids take the risk, not the school.</p>
<p>I’d love a companion piece that addresses how well these graduates are getting jobs (something the university degree designers rarely worry about). It isn’t enough for us, or university administrators to assume there is this big demand, but who is doing the hiring and what exactly are they looking for?</p>
<p>I’m about to enter a graduate program in Disaster Science and Management at the University of Delaware. In undergrad I majored in English and minored in Bio. I’ve been working with the Red Cross for the last year and a half. Disaster/emergency management is way more prevalent than it sounds. Most mid-sized cities and all large cities have emergency managers. Many large private businesses have them. All major schools have them. The State and Federal levels obviously have lots of openings. It is actually a large and expanding field, with tons of opportunity. Previously, these positions were largely held by retired firefighters/police officers/ military personnel, or people who came into the field by accident. It has become clear in the past decade that a haphazard approach to the training of managers in disaster response isn’t effective, and that having intense and specific training is incredibly useful. My program was designed by professionals in the field coming together and deciding on what skills and information they would want in people they hired. </p>
<p>I really disagree that managing disasters could be taught simply by taking a MBA program. MBA’s are great, but they aren’t focusing on the specific needs of disaster managers. There would be useful information there, but it really, really isn’t the same thing to manage a business as it is to manage a disaster. The number of agencies that have to work together to manage huge groups of people and complicated and sensitive situations is unique. I had the option to do an MPA program with an emphasis on Emergency Management, but I turned it down. I want to specifically study disaster.</p>
<p>By the way, there are definitely academic disciplines to this field. My program is connected with a Disaster Research Center that studies the sociological impacts of disasters. </p>
<p>I looked into certificate programs, but felt that if I wanted to put in the time to get a certificate, I might as well go all the way and get a Masters. I feel that I’ll have a stronger grounding in all of the different aspects of the subject. </p>
<p>By the way, while I came to age in the era of 9/11 and Katrina, I was actually inspired by events happening in my own community. I live in earthquake country, so I know how important preparedness and mitigation are, not just response and recovery. </p>
<p>For anyone who is interested, programs I also considered included North Dakota State University’s Emergency Management Masters/PhD program and Florida State University’s MPA. Many of the programs in this field are online, but all of the ones listed here are on campus, which appealed to me…</p>
<p>A cool video on what emergency management students study from North Dakota State:</p>
<p>[YouTube</a> - 2010 10 14 1326](<a href=“2010 10 14 1326 - YouTube”>2010 10 14 1326 - YouTube)</p>
<p>Thanks, Nikara. As I said before, fascinating, and very necessary.</p>
<p>My husband has an MPA and has worked in various gov’t positions. He is now a Director of one of Offices in the state’s Dept. of Homeland Security. His office is responsible for developing communication systems between various first responders for natural and man-made disasters. Like at the federal level, our state’s emergency management is a part of homeland security. It’s a growing field but it’s also increasingly important to have a Masters degree to be hired to work for the gov’t.</p>
<p>Philadelphia University offers an MS in Disaster Medicine and Management. It’s primarily an online learning curriculum, with 1 week required on campus.</p>
<p>Here’s what their website says:</p>
<p>“INTRODUCTION
Recent events in our nation and the world have focused our attention on the prevalence of disasters, mass casualty situations and public service disruptions including terrorism, biological and chemical terrorism, war, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, volcanoes and major power grid disruptions. Additionally, we are facing an increasing number of accidents involving hazardous materials. The effects of all of these events on people, animals, the environment, physical structures and our public infrastructure have been immense. This has brought increased attention to our public safety, emergency medical services (EMS) and public health systems in terms of disaster preparedness. The need for a highly organized disaster preparedness infrastructure and individuals with expertise in this area has become readily apparent to the government and private sector. Disaster emergency planning and management has become an expanding area of study in the fields of medicine, emergency medical services, public safety, mental health, public health and the military.”</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I hear what you are saying, but specializing so much you may miss so much that is critical to effective management regardless of context. Though I would probably agree an MBA with a specialization would not work. But by the same measure, I would worry that you will be missing so much very basic, fundamental evidence based management that IS essential to <em>any</em> kind of effective management- its simply foundational- that you can’t understand because you haven’t learned it yet. </p>
<p>Let’s just look at North Dakot’s program: four faculty teaching it from areas like anthropology and sociology. You have to take “the sociology of disasters” and NO course in operations and logistics? A course in “disaster preparedness” but none in management information systems? </p>
<p>I’m going to push back a bit and say sure, yes growing field BUT who is getting hired and where out of your program? Yo may very well be correct, but please don’t drink the koolaid or buy too much into the brochures, get the data.</p>
<p>I am a bit interested in the programs at Tulane and Pitt.
At Pitt, this is Homeland Security.</p>
<p>"I hear what you are saying, but specializing so much you may miss so much that is critical to effective management regardless of context. Though I would probably agree an MBA with a specialization would not work. But by the same measure, I would worry that you will be missing so much very basic, fundamental evidence based management that IS essential to <em>any</em> kind of effective management- its simply foundational- that you can’t understand because you haven’t learned it yet. "</p>
<p>Starbright- I hear you on the need for the programs to have foundational aspects of management. I definitely think there is a need for that in university degree offerings. However, different programs have different strengths and weaknesses. They are focused on studying different aspects and specialties in the field of disaster science and management. There are programs designed to create future scholars and researchers in disaster science, programs that look at specific aspects of disasters (mental health, hospital response, terrorism), and programs with a broader focus that include internships and other aspects to supplement the classroom environment with real life experience, intended for future disaster responders at different levels.</p>
<p>As I noted earlier, I’ve been working in the field for the past two years, so I’ve had the chance to speak to people working at city, county and state levels in Los Angeles. I definitely advise similar conversations for any students interested in entering the field. Each adviser emphasized the importance of both classroom and practical learning in anyone who is interested in working in such a position. I definitely know that there are jobs out there with this type of training- I’ve been researching jobs and programs for the past 3 years!</p>
<p>I also advise anyone interested to look into the IAEM certification program. Undergraduate and graduate classes can help a student get that certificate, which is what is really necessary to get a job in many areas. In the past two years, I’ve been able to participate in several of the practical aspects needed. In grad school, I’ll be backed up by the hours of classroom learning also required.</p>
<p>I don’t mean it to look like I think every program out there is great. One of the current issues is that the for-profit college industry is getting into the game, and I feel that many of their programs aren’t as well rounded or researched. Standards are being worked on, but don’t yet exist that are looked at nation-wide for undergrad or grad programs.</p>
<p>By the way, at least for the non-profit schools, this isn’t a cash-cow program. I’m going to grad school fully funded with a research assistantship and stipend. I think lots of research on different programs and schools is necessary, and that anyone interested should get some hands on experience and see how they feel about it before investing years into a program. This is a new and emerging field, and I’m excited to see that it is beginning to get some recognition.</p>
<p>Nikara wrote,</p>
<p>“I’ve been working with the Red Cross for the last year and a half. Disaster/emergency management is way more prevalent than it sounds. Most mid-sized cities and all large cities have emergency managers. Many large private businesses have them. All major schools have them. The State and Federal levels obviously have lots of openings. It is actually a large and expanding field, with tons of opportunity. Previously, these positions were largely held by retired firefighters/police officers/ military personnel, or people who came into the field by accident. It has become clear in the past decade that a haphazard approach to the training of managers in disaster response isn’t effective, and that having intense and specific training is incredibly useful.”</p>
<p>Wow, one and a half years, starting a grad degree and your already an expert on disaster response effectiveness. You obviously read a lot, so look up “McNamara’s Whiz Kids.” A bunch of over-educated fellows who thought their academic background would allow them to run the Defense Department. Their legacy? One word: Vietnam.</p>
<p>The people leading the field came into it by accident??? No Junior, it is called EXPERIENCE. Ever moved hundreds of cargo plane missions filled with food? How about putting a few large cargo ships in a 3rd World port with no infrastructure? Ok, maybe motor transport into Central Asia or a hostage situation during rush hour in a major city? Hmmm…I guess this sort of “training” doesn’t cut it since it is “haphazard,” huh? I hear Wright State University near Dayton Ohio is opening up an exercise training ground called “Calamityville.” It will allow newbies like yourself to do all the correct “academic training” you need to run emergency management operations the “right way” and kick the old “ineffective” vets out…Well, at least that is what you will tell the politicians, I’m sure.</p>
<p>With any luck, the next time this country or a state or a city truly needs REAL Emergency Management, the grizzled old vet who “accidentally” fell into the job won’t be looking at his wunderkind (with all kinds of degrees) boss screwing everything up and asking “This is your first rodeo, isn’t it?”</p>
<p>Refresh yourself on the definition of a word: Hubris</p>
<p>I understand that I sounded arrogant in that post, and I apologize. I obviously didn’t explain myself well in my post, and came off sounding like I know what is needed. I don’t. That’s why I’m planning on going to school. And working. And learning. Especially from those with lots of experience. I don’t mean to speak badly in any way of those working in the field right now. The efforts I witnessed first hand from a ground level in Alabama were incredible, and I know that I’m nowhere near able to respond like that. Experience is absolutely necessary. </p>
<p>The people in the field by accident was not meant to reflect on the people coming from fire/police/military. Instead I’m talking about some of the incredible people I work with who learned about the possibilities of working in emergency management when they were assigned the side duty of making a disaster plan for their office, doing an otherwise unrelated job. Obviously, they have learned and experienced a lot, and are completely qualified for what they are doing now. I’ve just had conversations where they’ve expressed that they wish they could have started earlier, instead of learning as they went. This isn’t to say they haven’t learned. </p>
<p>As I believe I mentioned repeatedly, classroom learning is only the starting point. Years of experience are definitely needed in order to have any ability to be the boss of anyone. At this point, I’m attempting to learn everything I can by watching and working with those currently in the field. Some of my current supervisor are in the military, were in firefighting, or were in other roles, and they are all incredible at their jobs. I’m incredibly grateful for that fact that they have let me watch what they do and try to learn from them.</p>
<p>The reason that I think programs like this are needed is because not everyone is cut out to be a firefighter, police officer, or in the military. While I highly respect those who are, and am incredibly grateful for the work they do, I don’t think it should be the only path to becoming an emergency manager. Programs that encourage both hands-on and in classroom experience can give a foundation for students who are choosing a different route into learning about disaster management.</p>
<p>Nikara,</p>
<p>My apologies for being “severely crusty” in my first post. As your thoughtful answer clearly shows, you have your “head on straight” and are willing to put in all that is required to be of great benefit to your community and nation. I sincerely pass my best wishes to you and I am glad we as a country have people like you willing to step up to the plate and do the what is necessary to protect us.</p>
<p>Thanks for you kind response. This is a evolving field, and I hope I can learn from those who have gone before me.</p>
<p>My major is material forming and conrtolling, and I like it.</p>
<p>As a faculty member at a public administration program that’s getting into this area, I can attest that it’s serious stuff with a substantial market. Disasters, whether natural or man-made, are the classic low probability/high impact event–a lot of stress, with people trying to figure out what’s going on and how to deal with it under conditions of extreme urgency. Disaster management agencies have been historically dominated by “first responders”–mostly fire/EMS–with little attention to other involved agencies such as law enforcement or public health. The typical disaster, whether natural or man-made, typically has a lot of agencies responding with little prior planning or coordinating, and there’s always a lot of squabbling about who’s in charge–the NYC Police and Fire Departments at 9/11 had separate command structures and never said a word to each other, which probably got a lot of firefighters and policemen killed. Ditto with Katrina–multiple fed/state/local agencies running around all trying to be in charge, with the result that the response was late and fairly pitiful at a time when it very badly needed to be effective. Disaster management is getting folded into homeland security agencies in a lot of states, but some still have free-standing emergency management agencies.</p>
<p>The required education for future “Brownie, you’re doing a heckuva job” types? … :D</p>