Be a leader when it matters most
June 12, 2025 Written by Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice | Image at top courtesy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency
Emergency management minor launches in fall 2025
Beginning in fall 2025, undergraduate students can enroll in the University of Delaware’s new minor in emergency management, gaining access to the University’s internationally recognized expertise in disaster research.
Applying theory and solving problems
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.
“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.”
A pathway to an exciting career
The department previously offered a concentration in the area, but that was only open to sociology majors. Josh Kelly (AS '10) 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. “Taking Dr. Wachtendorf’s Disaster & Society class and the subsequent opportunities that it opened up for me 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.
Coursework explores key areas such as the social dimensions of disaster, emergency management history and practice, ethical issues and principles of leadership and administration. Students must complete at least 18 credits for the minor.
