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University Communications

University of Richmond's School of Continuing Studies to Offer Two New Master's Degree Programs

August 13, 2004

The University of Richmond's School of Continuing Studies will offer two new master's degree programs in 2004-05.

A master's degree in disaster science will be offered online and expands the current graduate certificate in disaster science. Students will complete 33 credit hours, including a thesis, in the interdisciplinary program. Concentrations include governmental emergency management, business continuity, health care contingency planning and voluntary agency disaster response.

Students also may elect courses on the politics, economic impact, religion and law of disaster, among others.

"This research- and theory-based curriculum is unique in a field that is largely application based," commented Walter G. Green III, associate professor of emergency services.

A master's degree in human resource management will be offered to public safety officers through SCS's Public Safety University. The three-semester, full-time evening program will provide police, firefighters and other public safety officials knowledge and skills needed to attain higher-level positions, plus wider options for employment after retirement from public safety agencies.

"The curriculum is interdisciplinary in nature, covering the spectrum of disciplines critical to the strategic management of the human resource function," said James Narduzzi, dean of SCS. Classes will be conducted at the training academies of Chesterfield County, Henrico County, Richmond and Virginia State Police.

Interested officers should contact their agency's PSU liaison officer. Information on the master of disaster science degree is available by contacting Green at (804) 287-1246.