Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership (MS-DRL)
EMBODY STRONG LEADERSHIP BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES
Learn more about Tulane’s MS-DRL program.
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Available on campus and online for students across the U.S. and internationally
All degree-seeking students qualify for at least $15,000 in scholarships
Enroll full-time to complete in 12 months or part-time in 24 months
Learn Community-Focused Strategies to Support Disaster Recovery
The only program of its kind in the U.S., Tulane University’s Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership (MS-DRL) is recognized for its global reach in nearly 40 countries while staying grounded in New Orleans — a city that has long exemplified grit and determination in times of crisis.
When you enroll in the MS-DRL, you’ll learn collaborative, community-focused strategies to support disaster recovery from resilience experts who are deeply embedded in the local community.
While the MS-DRL is a great fit for those with social work experience, you don’t need a social work background to enroll. You’ll emerge from the program with the interdisciplinary knowledge to drive positive outcomes and promote disaster resilience for individuals, families, and entire communities.
Join us in building resilient communities — for a brighter TUmorrow.
“THE LESSONS LEARNED IN THE GULF ARE A BLUEPRINT FOR EARLY INTERVENTION AND PREVENTION. THEY APPLY TO CITIES IN MARYLAND THAT FLOOD EVERY TIME IT RAINS. EVEN IN CALIFORNIA WITH THE WILDFIRES, WE CAN LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS AND THE LIVED EXPERIENCES IN THE GULF TO INFORM EMERGENCY MITIGATION AND COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS.”
– Amy Gyau-Moyer, MSW Alumna
Focus on Cutting-Edge Strategies
The MS-DRL is the only program in the country with a focus on the disaster recovery sector, preparing you for work in government and nonprofit organizations like FEMA, Save the Children, CARE International, and Amnesty International.
The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!
Why Earn the MS-DRL at Tulane?
The MS-DRL program goes beyond disaster response, risk mitigation, and emergency management, preparing dynamic leaders through an interdisciplinary, evidence-based curriculum.
MS-DRL graduates emerge with the skills necessary for national and global roles that promote resilience in every phase of the disaster cycle.
Our programs address current industry issues — with many of our faculty members engaged in groundbreaking research — preparing you with the knowledge needed to tackle future challenges and stay ahead of the curve in your career.
Why Tulane School of Social Work?
Tulane’s Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy is the first U.S. institution to be admitted to the Global Resilience Partnership, a group of 80+ partner organizations working together to drive sustainability and inclusivity across the globe.
Located downtown near the French Quarter, Tulane School of Social Work sits in the heart of New Orleans. Whether you’re studying online or on campus, you’ll experience the unique spirit of the city through courses taught by professors embedded within the local community.
About Tulane School of Social Work
With over 100 years of innovation and impact in New Orleans, the South, and across the U.S., Tulane School of Social Work has remained committed to its motto, “not for oneself, but for one’s own.” Continuing this tradition, Tulane School of Social Work offers industry-focused graduate degrees and a certificate program for purpose-driven professionals to do work that matters — in the New Orleans community and beyond.
Rise to Leadership With the MS-DRL
Graduates of Tulane University's MS-DRL program are equipped for community-focused roles in disaster management and resilience across government agencies, nonprofits, and international organizations. Tulane MS-DRL alumni have landed roles at Deloitte, Red Cross, Rubicon, Nike, and Uber.
Take a look at some top occupations within community food and housing, and emergency and other relief services:
General and Operations Manager*
Median Annual Salary: $101,280
Median Annual Salary: $83,960
Emergency Management Director*
FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer**
Median Annual Salary: $70,821
*Salary information sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023
Certificate Option Available
Students with a master’s degree who want to gain core skills quickly may opt to enroll in the Disaster Resilience Leadership Certificate, a 15-credit-hour program available online or on campus.
TULANE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
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**Salary information sourced from Payscale
Disaster Resilience vs. Emergency Management: How Are They Different?
While emergency management focuses on reducing the effects of disaster through resource and responsibility coordination, disaster resilience focuses on the holistic healing aspect of disaster, allowing for the resilience of economics, environment, collective response, and most importantly — the human spirit.
Tulane University's MS-DRL program is unique in its focus as it honors the fact that each community is distinct in both its needs and how resilience is developed after a disaster. Because of this, DRL takes a person-centered and culturally responsive approach to supporting communities throughout the entire disaster cycle — going beyond preparation and response to collaborating with vulnerable communities so that they may rebuild after disaster, minimize the effects of future emergencies while discovering untapped resilience within their communities.
| Emergency Management | Disaster Resilience | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Emphasis | Operational response & preparedness | Long-term recovery, community resilience, climate adaptation, equity, and leadership |
| Typical Roles |
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| Approach | Structured, command-based, logistics-driven | Human-centered, strategic, interdisciplinary |
| Sectors |
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| Disaster Cycle Emphasis | Focus on preparedness and immediate response | Emphasis on full disaster cycle: response, recovery, mitigation, and long-term preparation |
| Ideal For | Those who want to lead tactical operations during crises |
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