Threat and Response Management

These incidents can range from terrorist attacks; biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear threats; natural disasters; and disease outbreaks. Upon completion of the core requirements, students choose one of two concentrations—Scientific/Threat or Administrative/Response Preparedness—to further focus their studies.

Applications should be initiated through the online application.Prospective students are encouraged to attend one of the program's open houses to find out more about the program, meet the faculty, staff, and other applicants, and experience a presentation by a leader in the field. Information sessions are free and open to the public, but space is limited.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies at the University of Chicago now offers the Master of Science in Threat and Response Management (MScTRM), an interdisciplinary course of study in emergency preparedness. Students learn all the relevant disciplines--how to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from complex incidents, regardless of their size or cause. These incidents can include, among others, terrorist attacks; biological, chemical, radiological and nuclear threats; natural disasters; and disease outbreaks. The program is designed to enhance the abilities of public health practitioners and administrators, applied researchers, medical and nursing professionals, homeland security officials, members of law enforcement, fire and emergency rescue personnel, and policy makers who are responsible for preserving and protecting the public's health and safety.

The degree program is offered in two distinct concentrations but with a common required core that ensures all participants will possess the fundamental elements of hazard and response management. All students must complete the six basic core courses in key competency areas and select one of two curricular concentrations

The Scientific/Threat curriculum will teach the necessary scientific knowledge and competencies relevant to weapons of mass destruction and protection of the public following exposure to a biohazard, terrorist event, natural disaster, or disease outbreak.

The Administrative/Response Preparedness curriculum will address planning and management for emergency preparedness and cover key technological skills required of managers, directors, and officials who manage crises and who work to prevent or contain disasters.

The program is connected to the Great Lakes Regional Center of Excellence (GLRCE) for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, a program supporting a consortium of 20 area institutions funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Research at the GLRCE focuses on developing vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics for dreaded diseases such as anthrax, botulism, tularemia, hemorrhagic fever viruses, and plague. The collaborative efforts of the Biological Sciences Division of the University of Chicago, the GLRCE, and the resources of Argonne National Laboratory provide students with unparalleled experiential learning opportunities and help translate the findings from these research projects to practitioners and policy makers. Additional instruction is provided by the faculty, scientists, and scholars of the University of Chicago, as well as by practitioners from the emergency.

Students enroll in two courses per quarter during the first year of study, which convene for three extended weekends each academic quarter. A sample schedule for one quarter of each year of study follows.

Classroom instruction will be supplemented through the use of alternative delivery technologies. All students must have regular access to a computer equipped with a wireless Internet card. High-speed Internet connectivity is highly recommended.

Year One: Core Curriculum. Students are required to enroll in two courses per quarter. After completion of the core curriculum, students will begin the second year of study by selecting one of the curricular concentrations.

Year Two: Concentration Curriculum. Students will enroll in one formal course each quarter, while working in groups with a member of the faculty on a practicum or comprehensive special project.

Upon completion of the program, students will be awarded the Master of Science degree from the University of Chicago Graham School of General Studies.

Application: Apply online or download the application form.Candidate StatementWriting Sample3 Letters of RecommendationOfficial academic transcripts must be enclosed in a sealed envelope from every college and/or university from which you received a degree or were enrolled in a degree program. In order to ensure timely application processing, international transcripts, when necessary, must be submitted in a translated English version. Applicants who have previously attended another University of Chicago program must submit a transcript of their coursework.International applicants generally must submit proof of English proficiency by providing TOEFL/IELTS scores. Exemptions may be granted if the applicant attended for two years a secondary school where the language of instruction was English, or if the applicant attended a one year institution of higher learning in the United States of America. Other evidence documenting English proficiency may also qualify.Non-refundable application feeAfter the materials have been reviewed, selected applicants will be invited for an interview with the program director.ADMISSIONS DECISIONSAdmissions decisions are made in August. Applicants are notified of the decision by email and postal service. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 7 TOEFL paper-based test score : 600 TOEFL iBT® test: 100

The University of Chicago helps graduate and professional school students pay for their educations in a variety of ways—through direct funding and through facilitating student participation in federal loan programs.

For more information about specific funding for your degree program, please refer to the financial aid information pertinent to each division or professional school below. Note that UChicago offers most incoming doctoral students funding packages, which cover tuition and student health insurance as well as including a stipend for living expenses and research support.

Biological Sciences Division

Humanities Division

Physical Sciences Division(click on the individual department, or talk to your Dean of Students for financial aid information)

Social Sciences Division(click on the individual department, or talk to your Dean of Students for financial aid information)

Divinity School

Chicago Booth School of Business: Full Time MBA | Evening MBA | Weekend MBA | PhD

Harris School of Public Policy

Law School

Pritzker School of Medicine

Social Service Administration

Loan Programs

Loan programs augment any other aid students have received from the University and from outside funding sources. Find details of all loan programs and application instructions on the Student Loan Administration website.

FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS

For 2012-2013, the Federal Direct Loan program consists of two types of loans:

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan – a loan with a 6.8 percent fixed interest rate. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application required for this loan program. Graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year.

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS (GradPLUS) Loan – a credit-based loan with a 7.9 percent fixed interest rate. Students must complete the FAFSA and pass a credit check to apply. Students may borrow up to their cost of attendance, minus all other awards.

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN

The Federal Perkins Loan has a fixed interest rate of 5 percent. Interest does not accrue while the student is enrolled, and students receive a nine-month grace period after leaving school and before repayment begins. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,000 per year, depending on the availability of funds at the University of Chicago.

Award amounts and types are subject to change, based on programmatic changes in the Federal Student Aid programs.