UCF’s Master of Emergency and Crisis Management, ranked No. 1 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, is a fully online program designed to prepare professionals to lead before, during, and after disasters. Tailored for working students, it offers the flexibility to advance your career without interrupting your current commitments.
Learn from the nation’s most published emergency management faculty, whose expertise spans urban resilience, disaster recovery, hazards geography and public policy. Through hands-on simulations, real-world case studies and a capstone course, you’ll gain practical skills that translate directly to the field.
This program bridges theory and practice, focusing on ethical leadership, cross-sector collaboration and all-hazards preparedness. Whether you’re already serving your community or seeking to step into a leadership role, the MECM prepares you to become the leader your community turns to in a crisis.
Possible Careers
- Crisis Manager/Lead
- Disaster Recovery Specialist
- Emergency Management Director
- Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
- Hazard Mitigation Specialist
- Policy Analyst

Ranked No. 1 in the nation
NAPA Fellows on Faculty
Median Pay for Emergency Management Directors
(US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
Online Courses
Location
Fully online via UCF Online.
Internships
Internships are a key part of UCF’s Master of Emergency and Crisis Management program, required for students without two or more years of professional experience. These hands-on opportunities build leadership skills, expand your network, and boost your career prospects. Work with agencies like the City of Orlando, FEMA, or local nonprofits, gaining real-world experience in crisis response and policy. Our internship coordinator helps match you to placements that fit your goals. Learn more about MECM internships.
Capstone Projects
In their final semester, MECM students complete a capstone project that takes on real-world challenges in emergency management. Working with partners like the City of Orlando or Orange County, students apply what they’ve learned to develop solutions such as disaster preparedness plans or resilience strategies. This hands-on experience strengthens your portfolio and demonstrates your readiness to lead in high-pressure situations. Explore more about MECM capstone projects.
Graduation Rates
You’ve got options when it comes to earning your MECM. Our program is designed with flexibility in mind. Full-time students can finish in as little as two academic years (five semesters, including summer), while many choose a part-time path that fits alongside work and family life.
For the 2020-21 cohort of 57 entering students, 5 graduated within two academic years, 17 graduated within three academic years, 17 graduated within three academic years, and 26 graduated within four years.
Job Placements
MCEM grads go on to make a difference across public, nonprofit and private sectors. Here’s where our 2023–2024 graduates are putting their skills to work:
Job Type
Number of Placed Graduates
U.S. Federal Government
0
State, Provincial or Regional government
1
City, County, or other Local Government
8
International Government (all levels)
0
Nonprofit (domestic-oriented)
7
Nonprofit/NGO internationally- oriented
0
Private Sector – Research/Consulting
6
Private Sector (other)
0
Obtaining further education
1
Military Service
3
Obtaining further education
0
Unemployed seeking employment
0
Unemployed not seeking employment
0
Status unknown
4
Total
29
MECM Faculty
Learn from 13 expert faculty who bring practical experience and community-embedded research to the classroom.
-
Thomas Bryer, Ph.D.
Pegasus Professor -
Maritza Concha, Ph.D.
Lecturer -
Christopher Emrich, Ph.D., GISP
Professor -
Yue Ge, Ph.D.
Associate Professor -
Terry Henley, Ph.D.
Lecturer -
Xi Huang, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor -
Naim Kapucu, Ph.D.
Pegasus Professor and Associate Dean of Research and Innovation -
Claire Knox, Ph.D.
Professor and Emergency Management Academic Program Coordinator -
Romeo Lavarias
Lecturer -
David Mitchell, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Public Administration Academic Program Coordinator -
Abdul-Akeem Sadiq, Ph.D.
Professor and Public Policy Academic Program Coordinator -
Jungwon Yeo, Ph.D.
Associate Professor -
Staci Zavattaro, Ph.D.
Professor and Public Affairs PhD Academic Program Coordinator