Disaster and Emergency Management

Diploma

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The Disaster and Emergency Management (D&EM) program provides current, relevant, and forward-thinking theory and knowledge, to help ensure that the D&EM practitioners of tomorrow are prepared to better manage the increasing complexity and frequency of disaster events. The program offers learning and skills that extend across the entire system of D&EM, including mitigation/prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, as well as resiliency building, business continuity, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and crisis communication.

Graduates from this program will leave able to support businesses and organizations in any sector or community to prepare for and respond to the risk of harm or loss resulting from natural, technological, and intentional hazards more effectively.

This guided pathway allows students to engage in their diploma learning as a full-time cohort.

Upcoming Intakes

Select your preferred intake to see relevant program information. Program details, including tuition and course information, may vary by intake.

Selection Start Date Delivery Mode Time Campus Length Domestic Status International Status
Sep. 02, 2025 (Fall) Online No set time Online 2 Years (Full-time) Open N/A
 
             
 

Swipe table to view more information for each intake.

Delivery Mode

  • In-person - All your class activity will be delivered in person, on campus.
  • Online - All your class activity will be delivered online.
  • Hybrid - Your classes will be a mixture of in person and online learning. You must be able to come to campus and participate remotely online.
  • Your choice - Your program offers a variety of class delivery options (in person, online, or a mixture of both) and you can select which type of classes to take. If you wish, you can complete your entire program either in-person or online.
  • HyFlex - All your classes are delivered for simultaneous participation in person and online. You can choose daily to attend your classes in person or join remotely online.

Time

  • Your choice - You can select class times and days that fit your schedule. There are a variety of class options for you to choose from including daytime, evening, weekdays or weekends.
  • No set time - No set class days or times, content is access on-demand. You can complete your studies on your own schedule within the scheduled class dates; may have set due dates and deadlines.
  • Evenings & Weekends - Classes are scheduled after 5 p.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends.
  • Weekdays - Daytime - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start before 6 p.m.
  • Weekdays - Evening - Classes are scheduled on weekdays, typically start after 6 p.m.
  • Weekends - Classes are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays.

Campus

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at this campus location.

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Length

  • Full-Time - This is the standard length to complete the program, with a full course load per term.
  • Part-Time - Students follow a structured schedule of classes so they can progress in their studies part-time while balancing everyday life.

Domestic Status

The program availability status for domestic applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

International Status

The program availability status for international applications is updated as applications are reviewed and assessed. Program availability is subject to change without notice.

  • Open - Program intake is accepting applications. If you apply and are qualified, you may be offered admission or be waitlisted. Open does not guarantee a seat.
  • Limited - For international applicants, the program intake is now only available if you already have a valid study permit.
  • Waitlisting - Program intake is accepting applications, but qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
  • Closed - Program intake is not accepting applications.
  • Upcoming - Applications will open soon for this intake. View the upcoming terms for open dates.
  • N/A - Not available for this intake.

Credit programs that accept international applicants also meet the eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, including programs with a Hybrid delivery mode. Each student is responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.

Applied, industry-relevant training

The Disaster and Emergency Management Program will give you the opportunity to study while balancing other aspects of your busy life. All 20 courses, including the Final Project course, are delivered 100% online. Your final project will showcase your ability to independently tackle a Disaster and Emergency Management issue or problem on behalf of an approved stakeholder, and provides the opportunity to apply current, theoretical knowledge to address a real-world stakeholder need.

NAIT is a member of the Canadian Risk and Hazards Network (CRHNet) which allows students in the program to access mentorship and learning/job/volunteer opportunities through their “Emerging Professionals” group.

Alumni profile: Shauna Hetherington

Hear how recent graduate Shauna Hetherington used her training in Emergency Management to launch a rewarding career

Centre for Applied Disaster and Emergency Management

NAIT’s Centre for Applied Disaster and Emergency Management (CADEM) advances the Disaster and Emergency Management profession through hands-on training & professional development.

A new frontier in hands-on health-care training

CAE Healthcare and NAIT have entered a simulation research partnership to improve health-care education and patient safety, including support for the polytechnic's simulation research initiatives.

International Applicants

Some NAIT programs are unavailable to international students because they do not meet eligibility for a study permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

  • Study Permit: This program is delivered through distance learning and therefore does not meet the criteria for a study permit.
  • Post-Graduation Work Permit: This program is delivered through distance learning and therefore is not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program. Completion of this program will not make you eligible for a PGWP.

International applicants seeking permissions to take this program in the Winter term can contact a NAIT Academic Advisor – International to discuss options.

Career Outcomes

Disaster and Emergency Management is one of the fastest growing fields globally.

Many organizations require disaster and emergency managers in the areas of policy development/advocacy, field work, public engagement, communications, business continuity management, risk management, crisis management, disaster risk reduction, response coordination, disaster preparedness/mitigation, planning, disaster recovery, training, and building community resilience. This field is relevant and necessary for all organizations, communities, and businesses that are exposed to any type of natural, human-induced, or technological hazard.

Build your resume before you even graduate

Explore work experience opportunities that help grads get hired even sooner.

View Work Integrated Learning

Work Experience Placements

Courses and Advanced Credit

Current and recently admitted students can find information and updates about their program on their My Program page in the MyNAIT Portal. To monitor your course progress and the courses still needed to graduate, visit your Academic Progress Report.

Advanced Credit

You may apply for advanced credit once you have been accepted into the program. Advanced credit can be Transfer Credit (for completed post-secondary courses) or PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition).

Transfer Credit

In addition to the common guidelines outlined on the Transfer and Credit Options section, your program has other advanced credit requirements that are applied to each request including:

  • You must have completed the course or program no more than 4 year(s) ago unless a formalized articulation agreement is in place
  • You must have a minimum mark of C- in the course(s) or program

Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

Read more about advanced credit or contact us about applying for credit for this program.

Scholarships & Awards

Want to learn more about this program?

Thank you for your interest! We want to get you in contact with the right person to answer your questions. If you are a current or recently admitted student you can find program and course information as well as contact details for your program on the My Program page on the MyNAIT Portal.








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