Immaculata and Thomas Jefferson Universities Offer Path to Master’s Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management

Starting with the fall 2024 semester, Immaculata University undergraduates majoring in emergency planning and management can further their education with a Master of Science in Emergency & Disaster Management from Thomas Jefferson University through a new admissions partnership.

The partnership, which guarantees Immaculata students admission into Jefferson’s master’s program and waives the application fee, also applies to Immaculata students majoring in public health or minoring in emergency planning and management. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required along with adherence to all Jefferson admissions criteria.

“I am very pleased to be able to partner with Jefferson’s master’s in emergency & disaster management program,” stated George Schwartz, Ed.D., Immaculata assistant professor of emergency planning and management. “For our graduates, there is not a better program in the Philadelphia-area that furthers their education in emergency management.”

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in the field of emergency management can anticipate an average annual income of nearly $80,000, making it a lucrative and in-demand career. Furthermore, the Emergency Management Degree Program Guide website emphasizes that professionals with a master’s degree can secure higher-level positions, enjoy more substantial salaries and advance more rapidly within the industry.

“This agreement provides a pathway to a rewarding professional career while strengthening the well-being and health security of our communities,” said Michael Dryer PA-C, DrPH, Dean of Jefferson’s College of Health Professions. “It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Pictured, from left to right: Immaculata President Barbara Lettiere; Assistant Professor & Program Director of Emergency Planning & Management George Schwartz, Ed.D. (standing); Immaculata Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost Angela Tekely, Ed.D.; Dean of Jefferson College of Health Professions Michael Dryer, PA-C, DrPH; Assistant Professor & Program Director Emergency and Disaster Management David Nitsch; and Senior Associate Provost for Academic Enterprise Initiatives Peter Miller, Ph.D., PT.