Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies has announced a new executive master’s degree programme designed to meet the needs of emergency and disaster management professionals in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. 
Endorsed by the GCC Emergency Management Centre (EMC), the degree is the “first of its kind” in the region and specifically caters to the unique challenges and potential man-made and environmental emergencies that may affect GCC countries, according to a statement.
Dr Adnan al-Tamimi, chairman of the GCC Emergency Management Centre, said: “The programme aligns with the GCC EMC’s primary goals of enhancing regional risk management capacity through improved information management and exchange, supporting co-ordinated regional response and promoting regional integration and interoperability.”
The Executive Master of Professional Studies in Emergency & Disaster Management will prepare students to effectively mitigate the impact of potential threats and manage response efforts across the GCC member states. 
Through a mix of learning methods, including a series of on-site intensives in Doha, Muscat and Washington, DC, the degree will develop the students’ strategic understanding of emergency management. The coursework includes critical thinking exercises, hands-on practice and engagement with some of the world’s top industry experts and organisations.
“This degree is an opportunity for professionals working in the emergency and disaster management field to develop their skills with a qualification that is the first of its kind,” said Dr Tim Frazier, faculty director at Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies. During the year-long course, participants will learn how to prepare and respond to natural and technological hazards and disasters, man-made threats, public health risks and humanitarian crises. 
Students will be equipped to deal with a range of issues — from cyber-attacks to infectious disease outbreaks — while working effectively under pressure and with partners in neighbouring GCC countries.
Interested professionals may attend an information session at 7pm today, at Four Seasons Hotel Doha, where they can learn more about the degree and application requirements. More information is also available at https://cee.georgetown.edu/edm3