Community resilience refers to the efforts of government and nongovernment actors to develop policies and practices aimed at reducing short and long-term hazards risk in order to enhance safety, sustainability and overall community resilience capacity.

This concentration within the MA program in Emergency Management and Homeland Security is focused on understanding how community resilience is developed and promoted across government agencies (local, state and federal) as well as private and nonprofit sector organizations in which functional and operational responsibilities relate to planning, hazards mitigation, disaster recovery or sustainability. Further, it leverages international partners in Australia and the United Kingdom through the PLuS Alliance for additional course offerings.

Program students serve and promote stronger and more resilient communities across public, private or nonprofit sector organizations. The program emphasizes a blended approach of practical knowledge and broader integrative thinking about the complex societal challenges of the 21st century. Its core values of collaboration between practitioners, faculty and students, public service, commitment to diversity, critical thinking and evidence-based assessment are all central to promoting informed and effective leadership.