2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Emergency and Disaster Health Systems
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Faculty
Department Chair
Lauren Clay
Professor
Lucy Wilson
B.A., Johns Hopkins University, 1989; Sc.M., Harvard University, 1993; M.D., University of Maryland School of Medicine, 1996
Associate Professor
Lauren Clay
B.A., La Salle University, 2005; M.P.H., Drexel University, 2010; Ph.D., University of Delaware, 2014
Clinical Associate Professor
Crista Lenk
B.S., Pennsylvania State University, 1997; M.P.A., West Virginia University, 1999
Clinical Assistant Professor
Kyle Bates
B.S., Rochester Institute of Technology, 1997; M.S., University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2004
Senior Lecturer, Clinical Coordinator
Gary Williams, Jr.
B.S., University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2004; M.S., 2019
Lecturer
Farah Nibbs
B.A., Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, 2009; M.A., 2014; M.P.H. 2018
Visiting Clinical Lecturer
Jaeyoung Yang
B.S., University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2016; M.S., 2020
Medical Director
Matthew Levy
B.S., University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 2000; M.S., 2008; D.O., Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 2006
Program Management Specialist
Renee Decker
B.A., Western Maryland College, 1990
Professor Emeritus
Richard Bissell
B.A., University of California, Davis, 1973; M.S., University of Colorado, 1979; M.A., University of Denver, 1979; Ph.D., 1984
Jeffrey Mitchell
B.S., St. Mary’s Seminary and University, 1971; M.S., Loyola College, 1975; Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park, 1983
Bruce Walz
B.A., Western Maryland College, 1975; M.A., Hood College, 1982; Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park, 1985
Senior Lecturer Emeritus
Dwight Polk
B.A., Virginia Polytechnic and State University, 1981; M.S.W., University of Maryland, Baltimore, 1996
Instructor Emeritus
John Ashworth
B.A., University of Virginia, 1967; M.H.A., The George Washington University, 1975
The Department of Emergency and Disaster Health Systems (EDHS) is dedicated to equipping students for diverse roles within a wide range of health organizations involved in emergency and disaster management. These organizations encompass healthcare institutions, health departments, emergency management agencies, and emergency medical services.
Within the EDHS department, students can pursue an Emergency Health Services, B.S. , which offers three distinct pathways to graduation. These pathways include a concentration in paramedic studies, a track focusing on Emergency and Disaster Health Management, and another emphasizing Emergency Health Leadership. Additionally, the department provides two minor options: the Emergency and Disaster Management Minor and the Emergency Health Systems Minor . After thoughtful coordination with both undergraduate and graduate advisors, students may have the opportunity to pursue a combined Accelerated Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree program.
Admission to the Emergency and Disaster Health Systems major is concurrent with the general admission requirements at UMBC. Both first year and transfer students must submit university application forms to the UMBC Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. Students are able to complete this degree on a part-time basis.
Paramedic Concentration
The UMBC Emergency and Disaster Health Systems - Paramedic Concentration is a four-year bachelor of science degree. The first two years focus on completing the program’s prerequisites (including EMT Certification), such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology. During the spring semester, generally around January, the department begins taking applications for the core paramedic program which occurs during a student’s last two years in the degree.
Applicants will be considered if they can meet the following criteria by the following August:
- All EDHS paramedic concentration lower-division requirements must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or higher before taking any paramedic clinical courses. (Years 1 and 2)
- A valid Maryland EMT certification or valid EMT certification from another state (NREMT and provisional certifications are not accepted)
- Documentation of 100 patient contacts as a certified EMT
- Current CPR (BCLS) certification
- Acceptable verification of the status of physical health and immunizations
- Four recommendations as suggested by the program
- Actively engaged in patient care with a Maryland fire or EMS agency is strongly encouraged.
To be admitted to the Paramedic Concentration, students must first apply and be accepted to UMBC.
Emergency and Disaster Health Management Track
In our ever-changing world, the need for skilled professionals in emergency and disaster health management has become increasingly critical. The program offers students a comprehensive education in the foundational principles of emergency management while providing the flexibility to tailor electives to specific areas of interest within this dynamic field.
Emergency Health Leadership Track
This track is tailored for students who have finished their paramedic education through a CAAHEP accredited program and are seeking to obtain their bachelor’s degree. New students are required to consult with the track advisor to guarantee the proper transfer of credits for all paramedic classes completed at their previous institution.
Emergency and Disaster Management Minor
The Emergency and Disaster Management Minor introduces students to the principles, strategies, and practices for managing emergencies and mitigating the impact of disasters. Students will gain theoretical knowledge for addressing various types of emergencies, including natural disasters, technological hazards, and human-made crises.
Emergency Health Systems Minor
The Emergency Health Systems Minor integrates healthcare, public health, and emergency and disaster management knowledge to equip students with the skills needed to effectively assess, triage, and treat patients in emergency and disaster situations.
Academic Advising
To successfully complete the major, strategic planning and close adherence to program requirements are crucial. Therefore, early, and ongoing advising is essential. The EDHS faculty team is committed to guiding each student towards academic success. Advisors offer support in crafting a personalized academic pathway towards graduation and are available to discuss post-graduate education and career prospects. A student’s future plans, whether pursuing graduate studies or entering the workforce, significantly shape their academic journey and course choices. Given these factors, it’s imperative to establish early and consistent communication with a program advisor.
Students must meet with their advisors each semester during advanced registration to review their progress toward fulfilling major and university requirements, but students are also encouraged to meet with their advisor at any point during the semester.
For more information about the program’s advising process or for general questions regarding the EDHS department, please refer to the department website.
Career and Academic Paths
Paramedic Concentration
Federal, state, and local efforts in the past three decades have resulted in innovative programs designed to improve the quality and efficiency of emergency health care services. As a result, several career fields have been created. Health professionals are needed at all levels in today’s emergency medical services system. Depending on experience and education, EMS health professionals serve as emergency medical technicians, educators, supervisors, coordinators, planners, consultants, managers, and directors. Additionally, EMS activities are relevant to ambulance providers, fire and rescue services, hospitals, industrial health services, military, and volunteer EMS organizations. The solid academic basis of the EHS baccalaureate degree also prepares students for advanced studies in the sciences, medicine, public health, hospital administration and other health management programs. Students completing a degree within the Department of Emergency Health Services may choose to specialize in the Paramedic Concentration.
Emergency and Disaster Health Management Track
Upon completion of the program, graduates will emerge as well-rounded professionals equipped with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and specialized expertise needed to navigate the complexities of emergency and disaster health management. Whether they pursue careers in government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare institutions, or international relief efforts, graduates are prepared to make a meaningful difference in safeguarding communities and saving lives during times of crisis.
Emergency Health Leadership Track
Following graduation, individuals with a bachelor’s degree in paramedicine unlock a wide array of career possibilities in the field of emergency medical services (EMS). Equipped with advanced knowledge and skills acquired through their academic journey, graduates are primed for roles beyond traditional paramedic positions. Opportunities may include leadership roles within EMS agencies, such as EMS coordinator or supervisor positions. Moreover, graduates may explore avenues in healthcare administration, disaster response coordination, or pursue further education to specialize in areas such as critical care paramedicine, flight paramedicine, or healthcare management. With their blend of clinical expertise and academic training, bachelor’s degree holders in paramedicine are well-equipped to excel in diverse and rewarding career paths within the healthcare and emergency services sectors.
Graduate Programs
EDHS graduate study at UMBC encompasses all EMS system components, with the program primarily focused on preparing professionals for leadership roles requiring skills in planning, research and development, and organizational operations. The curriculum is designed to provide graduate level training and education to health care providers, researchers, educators, policy makers and administrators.
Three master’s degree track options are available:
- Track I: Administration, Policy & Planning
- Track II: Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine
- Track III: EDHS Education
Also offered:
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
The certificate courses can be taken as a standalone program or it can be taken concurrently with the Emergency and Disaster Health Systems degree and the courses count towards completion of the M.S. degree requirements.
UMBC School of Public Policy Ph.D. Program with Specialization in Emergency and Disaster Health Systems: (Must apply to the School of Public Policy)
- Emergency Health
- Emergency Management
This course work is a specalization focus within UMBC’s School of Public Policy Ph.D. degree.
All Emergency and Disaster Health Systems courses are offered as on-campus/hybrid or via distance education (fully online) formats. The EDHS degree sequence is designed to fit the needs of part-time as well as full-time students.
Combined B.S./M.S.
Students in the EDHS undergraduate program who meet specific qualifications may opt for a combined B.S./M.S. degree that can, under optimal conditions, be completed in five years total time for both degrees.
Part-Time Option
The EDHS undergraduate and graduate programs can both be completed on a part-time basis. The paramedic concentration of the undergraduate major requires full-time status during the core paramedic program which occurs during a student’s last two years in the concentration.
Special Opportunities
UMBC’s proximity to and cooperative arrangements with the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) professional schools and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) provides students unique opportunities for contacts and experiences. Included in the possibilities are: Maryland’s internationally renowned R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the National Study Center for Trauma/EMS, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Student Organizations
EDHS majors, minors, and graduate students are encouraged to participate in the student Emergency Health Services Society (EHSS).
ProgramsMajorMinorCoursesEmergency and Disaster Health Systems
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