Disaster Science MS (0507)
- Graduate
- Master of Science
- Science and Engineering
- Geography & Geology
Overview
The Master of Science in Disaster Science builds upon traditional emergency management practices to include a better understanding of the complex causal relationships that yield the destructive outcomes trending in modern catastrophic events. This program integrates science-based principles from emergency management; earth, environmental, and atmospheric sciences; public health; engineering; and social sciences to prepare graduates for leadership roles in disaster preparedness, response, recovery, mitigation, and research.
- Thesis (DSTH)
- Non-thesis (DSNT)
Prospective students must meet the WKU general admission requirements for graduate programs.
Program Requirements (30 hours)
The M.S. in Disaster Science offers thesis and non-thesis tracks. Thesis students enroll in three hours of DISC 598 and six hours of DISC 599 as part of their degree program. Non-thesis students enroll in six hours of DISC 595 as part of their degree program.
Thesis Track
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| EMDS 500 | Emergency Management Policy and Practices | 3 |
| EMDS 501 | Understanding Natural and Technological Disaster Risks | 3 |
| EMDS 502 | Terrorism, Violence, Resiliency, and Response | 3 |
| DISC 598 | Research Methods for Disaster Science | 3 |
| DISC 599 | Thesis Research and Writing | 1-6 |
| ELECTIVES | ||
| Any 12 hours from the following: EMDS 503, EMDS 504, EMDS 505, EMDS 506, EMDS 510, GEOS 510, GEOS 522, GEOS 526, GEOS 543, GEOS 577, EOHS 550, EOHS 572, EOHS 577, EOHS 595, PH 581, PH 582, PH 584, PH 586, LEAD 500, LEAD 505, LEAD 525, LEAD 530, RSA 515, RSA 534, RSA 536, RSA 538 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Non-Thesis Track
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| REQUIRED COURSES | ||
| EMDS 500 | Emergency Management Policy and Practices | 3 |
| EMDS 501 | Understanding Natural and Technological Disaster Risks | 3 |
| EMDS 502 | Terrorism, Violence, Resiliency, and Response | 3 |
| DISC 595 | Disaster Science Capstone | 6 |
| ELECTIVES | ||
| Any 15 hours from the following: EMDS 503, EMDS 504, EMDS 505, EMDS 506, EMDS 510, GEOS 510, GEOS 522, GEOS 526, GEOS 543, GEOS 577, EOHS 550, EOHS 572, EOHS 577, EOHS 595, PH 581, PH 582, PH 584, PH 586, LEAD 500, LEAD 505, LEAD 525, LEAD 530, RSA 515, RSA 534, RSA 536, RSA 538 | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 30 | |