Tulane University School of Social Work logo

Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership (MS-DRL)

EMBODY STRONG LEADERSHIP BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Fill out the form below, and an admissions representative will reach out to you via email or phone with more information.

By submitting this form, I agree to be contacted via email, phone, or text to learn more about the programs at Tulane University.

Available on campus and online for students across the U.S. and internationally

Alumni have landed roles at Deloitte, Red Cross, Rubicon, Nike, and Uber

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.

REQUEST INFO

“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.”

photo of Amy Gyau-Moyer

– 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, USAID, Save the Children, CARE International, and Amnesty International.

APPLY NOW

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 equitable resilience in the face of disaster.

You’ll leave the program with an understanding of:

  • Planning, management, and delivery of human services within communities
  • Disaster mitigation, disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery experience
  • Research and applied experiences to support evidence-based practice

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.

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

VIEW CURRICULUM & COURSES

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

Copyright © 0000 Tulane University | Privacy Policy

Tulane University shield

**Salary information sourced from Payscale