Offered through the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, the minor integrates theory, hands-on research and practical problem-solving. Students will benefit from the department’s close affiliation with UD’s Disaster Research Center—the world’s first center dedicated to the social science and management of disasters.

“Our students will be learning from faculty who are leaders in their field and connected to local, state and federal agencies,” said Jennifer Earl, department chair. “The program prepares students to address the human and social aspects of disasters—before during and after they strike.” Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in emergency management, social science research, business continuity, first response (including fire, security, law enforcement and health), humanitarian and nonprofit organizations and government administration.

“If the 2020 pandemic showed us anything, it’s that every organization and career path can benefit from enhanced emergency management skills and knowledge,” said Tricia Wachtendorf, professor of sociology and director of the Disaster Research Center. “Whether you’re pursuing a future in government, the nonprofit sector, business or emergency response, this minor better prepares our graduates to face those challenges.” 

The department previously offered a concentration in the area, but that was only open to sociology majors. Josh Kelly (Class of 2010) was one of these students. Kelly went on to work as a planner for the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and currently serves as director of emergency management for the University of Delaware. “The classes provided a strong basis for modern disaster theory that I still draw on, and the constant focus on group work really helped prepare me for the realities of working in a professional setting,” said Kelly. Reflecting on the courses and opportunities it opened up for him, he shared that they “have been a tremendous professional asset and were one of the more meaningful decisions I made as an undergraduate.”

The emergency management minor complements other majors across the University of Delaware, such as sociology, criminal justice, organizational leadership, public policy, environmental studies, health sciences and business. It is also excellent preparation for graduate study in fields like emergency management, sociology, criminology and public policy and administration.

For more information, contact Professor Tricia Wachtendorf at twachten@udel.edu.