The authors review research literature and emergency management certificates and interview program directors to identify best practices for the National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU) in developing its certificate programs. They offer templates intended to help future NDEMU certificates follow a shared path from creation to development and identify future topics for NDEMU certificates.

Emergency Management Certificate Programs

Current Picture and Future Possibilities for the National Disaster and Emergency Management University

Rebecca Herman, Phoebe Rose Levine, Peggy Wilcox, Eileen Young, Jin Kim, Patrick S. Roberts

ResearchPublished Jun 24, 2025

In this report, the authors use a review of the research literature, a review of emergency management certificates, and program director interviews to identify best practices to support the National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU) in developing its certificate programs. They offer templates intended to help future NDEMU certificates follow a shared path from creation to development. The report also identifies future topics for NDEMU certificates based on current NDEMU course offerings and potential needs in the field. Certificates are more robust than a single course but less demanding than a full degree. They are designed to offer a coherent package of knowledge and skills in one area and to require a feasible amount of effort for the kind of working professional that makes up much of NDEMU's audience.

Key Findings

  • Emergency management certificate programs that currently operate in the United States are fairly consistent related to topics covered, course duration, target audience, and other areas.
  • NDEMU could find a distinctive niche for its certificate programs compared with the existing landscape.
  • NDEMU might consider a five-step process to develop its certificates that consists of a needs assessment, identification of learning goals, course selection, marketing, and evaluation.

Topics

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Citation

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Herman, Rebecca, Phoebe Rose Levine, Peggy Wilcox, Eileen Young, Jin Kim, and Patrick S. Roberts, Emergency Management Certificate Programs: Current Picture and Future Possibilities for the National Disaster and Emergency Management University. Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center operated by the RAND Corporation, 2025. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3025-6.html.
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The research was sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Disaster and Emergency Management University (NDEMU) and conducted in the Disaster Management and Resilience Program of the RAND Homeland Security Research Division (HSRD).

This publication is part of the RAND research report series. Research reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND research reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.