Master of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management
Main Campus, Canada
Master of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management
Royal Roads University
Disaster and Emergency Management
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Disaster and Emergency Management at Royal Roads University is a two-year interdisciplinary degree designed for both aspiring and existing disaster and emergency management professionals. The program emphasizes an integrated and holistic approach, recognizing that disasters are products of the inter-relationship between environmental, social, economic, and political spheres.
Delivered primarily online with short intensive on-campus residencies at the historic Hatley Park campus on Vancouver Island, this program allows you to balance your studies with professional and personal commitments. You will take one online course at a time over nine-week periods, with two-week breaks between courses, and attend two two-week on-campus residencies during the program.
Through this program, you will learn how to support communities at risk and increase their resilience to a variety of hazards they may face both now and in the future. Graduates develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and best practices applicable to sectors such as international development, disaster mitigation, emergency response, and NGOs.
Key Program Highlights
- Interdisciplinary two-year degree with flexible blended delivery combining online learning and intensive on-campus residencies
- Choice of course-based track, thesis track, or course-based with internship track in the second year
- Opportunities for domestic and international field-based learning experiences
- Part of the School of Humanitarian Studies with cross-registration opportunities in related graduate programs
Curriculum and Modules
The MA in Disaster and Emergency Management curriculum is structured across two years. During the first year, all students take the same set of core courses alongside Graduate Diploma students. In the second year, students choose from a course-based track, a thesis track, or a course-based track with an internship component, allowing for specialization aligned with career goals.
Foundations in Disaster and Emergency Management
3 CreditsExamines the socially constructed relationship between hazards and disasters, introduces key stakeholders in emergency management, and explores historic and contemporary principles, policies, and legal frameworks guiding the field.
Risk Assessment and Hazard Analysis
3 CreditsDevelops competencies in identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks and hazards across diverse contexts, covering quantitative and qualitative assessment methods used in disaster and emergency management practice.
Community Resilience and Sustainable Recovery
3 CreditsExplores strategies for building community resilience and promoting sustainable recovery following disasters, examining the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of recovery processes.
Emergency Planning and Response
3 CreditsFocuses on the design and implementation of emergency plans and response frameworks, including incident management systems, coordination among agencies, and communication in high-stress situations.
Research Methods in Humanitarian Studies
3 CreditsIntroduces qualitative and quantitative research methodologies relevant to disaster and emergency management, preparing students for thesis work or evidence-based professional practice.
Disaster Policy and Governance
3 CreditsAnalyzes the policy frameworks and governance structures that shape disaster management at local, national, and international levels, including the roles of government, NGOs, and private sector actors.
Elective Courses
Admission Requirements
The MA in Disaster and Emergency Management welcomes applications from professionals working in government, emergency management, healthcare, education, NGOs, military, police, fire services, and community planning. Both standard and flexible admission pathways are available to accommodate diverse educational and professional backgrounds. Contact Uni4Edu for personalized guidance on your application.
Academic Requirements
- Standard AdmissionFour-year (or comparable) undergraduate degree in a related field with a minimum GPA of B+ (3.33/4.33) from a recognized post-secondary institution
- Flexible Admission (with degree)Applicants who meet the degree requirement but not the GPA requirement must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience
- Flexible Admission (without degree)Applicants without an undergraduate degree normally require 10 years of work experience, with a minimum of 2 years in a relevant professional leadership role
- Flexible Admission RequirementAll flexible admission applicants must complete Academic Writing and Critical Thinking prior to starting the program and obtain a minimum B+ (77%)
- Personal StatementApplicants must address how their academic education and professional experience are relevant to the program of study
English Language Requirements
- IELTS Academic6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in writing and speaking, and 6.0 in listening and reading
- TOEFL iBT88 overall with a minimum of 24 in writing, and 20 in listening, reading, and speaking
- PTE Academic60 overall with a minimum of 60 in writing and speaking, and 58 in listening and reading
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Royal Roads University offers a range of financial aid opportunities for graduate students, including entrance awards, bursaries, and external scholarship options. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities early and apply through Uni4Edu for guidance on eligibility and application procedures.
RRU Entrance Award
CAD 2,000 - CAD 10,000Competitively awarded to incoming students based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and demonstrated financial need. Open to students at all degree levels including graduate programs.
International Entrance Scholarship
Up to CAD 10,000Available to incoming international students and primarily awarded based on academic merit. This scholarship helps reduce the financial barriers for international students pursuing graduate studies at Royal Roads.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA in Disaster and Emergency Management are prepared for leadership roles across a wide range of sectors. With skills in critical thinking, communication, risk assessment, and community resilience planning, you will be equipped to work in government agencies, international NGOs, healthcare organizations, and the private sector.
Potential Career Roles
Sectors and Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Royal Roads University is a publicly funded institution accredited by the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and a member of Universities Canada. While it is not typically featured in major global rankings such as QS or Times Higher Education due to its specialized focus and smaller size, it is widely recognized in Canada for its innovative blended learning model and applied professional programs. It is one of only four Canadian universities recognized by Ashoka U for social innovation in higher education.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | EduRank | #63 in Canada |
| Environmental Science | EduRank | #60 in Canada |
| Health Sciences | Nature Index | #1639 Globally |
| Business | EduRank | #59 in Canada |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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