In a modern world rife with threats of disasters of both natural and man-made origins, many students want to get Emergency Management degrees in Washington to prepare for them for careers in this up and coming field. Washington is a state known for its fertile farm land, lofty mountain peaks and extensive forests fed by its usually abundant rainfall. When hazards like unusual droughts, wildfires and even volcanic activity threaten those natural resources and man-made structures that are key to the economic success of the state, urban planners with emergency management skills are called upon to help mitigate those risks. Here are some details about an emergency management degree program in Washington.
University of Washington – Seattle, WA
Department of Urban Design and Planning
The University of Washington’s (UW) Department of Urban Design and Planning develops academic programs that give students the tools to help design a higher quality of life into the communities in which they will live and work. The issues that these future urban planners will have to balance include environmental stewardship, economic growth and social justice. In a society that is quickly changing in all these areas, traditional training in urban planning is not always sufficient. UW’s Department of Urban Design and Planning brings to life programs that fit modern urban planning needs that range from designing more sustainable, walk-able cities to strategically planning mitigation plans for the worst natural disasters.
Master Of Infrastructure Planning And Management
UW’s Master of Infrastructure Planning and Management (MIPM) is an advanced level urban planning degree program that focuses on strengthening urban infrastructure against natural and man-made disasters. The creators of the program recognize that these future urban planners have to account for rapid increases in city populations due to heavy immigration and native migrations, fast paced advancements in information technology and climate change. The MIPM program’s comprehensive coursework instructs students about urban infrastructure and strategic planning concepts; they will also understand how systems like water, communication and power within urban areas are interconnected. The program introduces advanced assessment tools like ones for geospatial and epidemiology analysis to quantitatively assess risk to urban infrastructure at the enterprise level. Students are given realistic scenarios of natural and man-made hazards and are allowed to apply their knowledge to mitigate the risk of an impaired urban infrastructure. The MIPM is offered in a distance learning format that enables students to stay fully employed while increasing their knowledge of urban planning for future emergencies.
Accreditation
Planning Accreditation Board
Contact
410 Gould Hall
Box 355740
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 685-6447
mipm@pce.uw.edu
http://www.infrastructure-management.uw.edu/mipm/
Conclusion
With growth in both urban sprawl as well as natural and man-made threats, this niche within urban planning has become increasingly important. Students who want to meet this demand on the West Coast with the right set of skills often pursue emergency management degrees in Washington.
Another helpful resource:
Top 10 Best Online Emergency Management Degree Programs 2014