Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's M.S. in Psychology with a specialization in Crisis Management and Response is an online degree program designed to teach you the skills needed to deal with conflict management, public safety, disaster relief, and issues of security. Some of the topics covered in the degree program include counseling and psychotherapy theories, contemporary issues in psychology, the psychology of terrorism, interviewing and observational strategies, and disaster, crisis, and trauma. A capstone project or thesis is required.

What Are the Prerequisites?

If you are interested in applying to Walden University's M.S. in Psychology program with a specialization in Crisis Management and Response, you should have an interest in the fields of emergency preparedness, disaster management, and conflict negotiation. The degree program accepts applicants from diverse undergraduate backgrounds. Strong communication and critical-thinking skills are also helpful. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

Degree program curriculum and credits are subject to change, and you should contact Walden University for the most current information before enrolling in a program. To earn Walden University's M.S. in Psychology with a specialization in Crisis Management and Response, you must complete 54-61 credits. A foundational course is taken in the first quarter of enrollment. The rest of the degree program is composed of specialization and core courses. A capstone project is required in the final quarter. Students may select a thesis option in place of the capstone project, which increases the number of credits to 61.

Required Courses

• Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology
• Contemporary Issues in Psychology
• History and Systems of Psychology
• Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma
• Culture and Psychology
• Research Theory, Design, and Methods
• Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis
• Psychology of Terrorism
• Interviewing and Observational Strategies
• Counseling and Psychology Theories
• Conflict, Conflict Resolution, and Peace
• M.S. Psychology Capstone
• Thesis (optional)

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

When you have completed Walden University's M.S. in Psychology program with a specialization in Crisis Management and Response, you could pursue positions with disaster relief agencies and organizations. Employers could include state and federal agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), that are dedicated to emergency planning and conflict management. Possible job titles could include:

• Emergency planner
• Emergency management specialist
• Conflict negotiator
• Public safety analyst

Advanced Degrees

Once you have finished Walden University's M.S. in Psychology program with a specialization in Crisis Management and Response, you have the opportunity to pursue a doctoral program in the field. Doctoral programs focus on research and are generally completed in four to five years of full-time study. A doctoral program in emergency management and planning may cover topics such as emergency policy development, mitigation theory and practice, international disasters, and hazard, risk, and vulnerability assessment. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Degrees you could pursue include:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Emergency Management
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration (Emergency Management)
• Doctor of Science in Emergency Management