UoP looking to fill need for emergency managers with master's program

STOCKTON, Calif. —

When first responders arrive at a disaster scene — be it human caused or brought on by forces of nature — when lives are at stake and every minute counts, effective emergency management is critical.

A new master's degree program at the University of the Pacific is working to shape the next generation of leaders who respond to such emergencies.

The four trimester, 15-month course that began its inaugural term at UoP on Aug. 25 aims to equip a cohort of students with advanced emergency management skills.

“This program is really centered on protecting communities and organizations,” said Darcy Leutzinger, program director for UoP’s Master of Emergency Management Science (MEMS) program. “How do we notify everybody? How do we let everybody know that this potential emerg