University of South Florida - Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief, & Homeland Security

Our completely online Master of Public Health (MPH) in Global Disaster Management, Humanitarian Relief, & Homeland Security offers individuals who are interested in enhancing their knowledge of the foundations and principles of the international relief system and its main actors, while providing a strong framework of understanding for humanitarian and disaster relief. The program has both a strong research base, and is designed to supplement and enhance work-related experiences of professionals to address real-world problems and develop useful tools and outreach programs to serve those affected by natural disasters, conflict and complex humanitarian emergencies.

Faculty provide expert knowledge in disaster management through coursework designed for individuals who intend to assume greater management responsibility in assisting domestic and international communities in the reduction of vulnerability to risks and hazards. Investigating emergency management provides vision, leads to advancements in the field, and gives students the tools needed to move forward in reducing the public health complexities following a disaster or instability in a region. An emphasis on managerial and leadership skills, and comprehensive collaboration across multiple agencies, while focusing on cross-disciplinary research that integrates all activities necessary to build, sustain, and improve the ability to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from risks or actual natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters.

Students in this online graduate program are involved in a wide range of humanitarian-related topics including monitoring early-warning systems, conducting needs assessments, organizing humanitarian action with a focus on logistical support, and identifying national and international trends affecting the outcomes of health services for refugee and internally displaced persons. Engaging in critical thinking skills enables students to develop more effective aid delivery systems, provides them with the ability to identify challenges in the humanitarian field, and the diverse scope and nature delivers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of public health in regions experiencing conflict, post-conflict recovery, political instability or natural disasters.

This concentration builds on the existing framework of the College of Public Health core courses, field experience and special project. Combining this framework with the existing disaster management, humanitarian and homeland security courses will provide graduates with the ability to recognize, assess, implement and evaluate a global, regional or local disaster.

Additionally, we offer a special tuition rate for individuals who are non-Florida residents. We have designed this program as an opportunity for individuals working in the field, enlisted in the military, or who simply need a more flexible and affordable alternative to pursue their degree in Global Health without having to pay out-of-state tuition.