EM/Homeland Security: U Dub MSPCI program "under review"

Noticed this blurb on the University of Washington's MSPCI program page:

The Master in Strategic Planning for Critical Infrastructures (MSPCI) is under review and no longer accepting applications....

Earn a certificate from programs focused on critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and disaster preparation. These courses are based on the MSPCI curriculum.

MSPCI-Related Certificate Programs:

- Certificate Program in Critical Infrastructures Protection (online) »

- Certificate Program in Emergency Management (online) »

So, the Master's degree program is at least on hiatus, and in its place two certificate programs are offered.

This was one of the first programs of its kind offered after 2001, developed in conjunction with the Washington National Guard. Since then, the Guard has been preoccupied in SW Asia, and preparedness for natural disasters has assumed more prominence relative to terrorism. Also, Washington state is in a budget crisis. And need it be said this is now a crowded degree field. Perhaps this is a sign that the Homeland Security career boom has peaked. If so, it's fitting that the degree program is undergoing review.

 

I had heard that the numbers for this program had been decreasing significantly over the past couple of years. The cost ($27,820 - 52 core credits) and the number of programs out there now probably have a lot to do with it. If they re-branded and shifted the focus from critical infrastructure/homeland security to more of an emergency management focus I think they would have more interest.

 

Definitely a crowded degree field from the educational perspective. The job offerings for these positions don't seem to be slowing though. A quick search on Monster reveals plenty of openings out there.

 

My CO (USAF O-4) has this degree. I believe he was in the first cohort for the program. Since we are in the Washington Air National Guard I believe he got a pretty good rate (He's full time so it may have been very reduced tuition). I asked him about the program and he thoroughly enjoyed it. Still too expensive for my tastes, that and it is from UW....as a Coug it would be unacceptable for me to attend that school

 

An update

This from Eric Holder, one of the MSPCI's advisory board members:

1. The program will be relaunched in Fall 2011

2. The curriculum is being completely revamped. It will still have an all-hazards emphasis (as opposed to counter-terrorism), but will be much more focused on hazards arising from global climate change - extreme weather events, water scarcity. etc.

So, in an effort to differentiate itself, the program is evolving from its post-9/11 roots. The market is crowded with such programs.

 

Ooooo....that certainly has my interests.

"climate change and its impact on planning for critical infrastructures."

I like the way that sounds...maybe a cert after I finish up with Penn State. Thanks for posting this...

 

The two cert. programs listed as alternatives to the MSPCI while it is under review appear to be no longer offered. They are no longer listed on the MSPCI program site and have completely disappeared from the certificate listings and individual course offerings on the UW Extension website.

 

The UW MSPCI program has been re-launched under a new name - Master's in Infrastructure Planning and Management (MIPM). The program will start up again in the Fall of 2011.

The new website: Master's in Infrastructure Management and Planning

 

I like the curriculum change...but it sure doesn't look like an entry-level credential. And the re-launch was an opportunity - now lost - to adopt a more conventional, marketable name.

 

Reading this thread made me laugh cause all the Emergency Management & Homeland Security majors are coming out of the woodwork, lol.

 

I think the new name is better than the old one. Also, in a field crowded with emergency management and homeland security degrees, this program distinguishes itself. It is housed under the School of Planning and Design, so they may not have had a lot of latitude in the new name - the School of Public Health also has an graduate emergency management curriculum. I would agree that it is geared towards those with experience.

I am sooooooo tempted to enroll..............

 

It does distinguish itself similar to what the PSU MPS does. My degree will be awarded through the School of Medicine. I wish they showed a more detailed curriculum. Oh and truckie stay put man...You are supposed to be enrolling with me in that Georgetown Grad Cert in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases...:laughing: