SPU-image

M-A-DISASTER-MANAGEMENT in General at Sardar Patel University

Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Vidyanagar, is a premier autonomous state university established in 1955 in Gujarat. Recognized for its academic strength and research focus, SPU offers over 250 diverse undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. The expansive 86-acre campus fosters a vibrant learning environment.

READ MORE
location

Anand, Gujarat

Compare colleges

About the Specialization

What is General at Sardar Patel University Anand?

This M.A. Disaster Management program at Sardar Patel University focuses on developing comprehensive expertise in managing all phases of the disaster cycle, from mitigation and preparedness to response and recovery. The curriculum integrates scientific principles with administrative and socio-economic aspects, emphasizing the unique challenges and policy frameworks relevant to India. It aims to cultivate professionals capable of strategic planning and effective intervention in diverse disaster scenarios, addressing the critical demand for skilled disaster managers in the Indian subcontinent.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for recent graduates from science, social science, engineering, or management backgrounds who aspire to careers in humanitarian aid, emergency services, or policy-making. It also caters to working professionals, including government officials, NGO workers, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) personnel, seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in disaster risk reduction and crisis response. Individuals passionate about community resilience and environmental sustainability will find this program deeply rewarding.

Why Choose This Course?

Graduates of this program can expect to pursue impactful careers as Disaster Management Officers, Project Coordinators, Emergency Response Managers, Risk Analysts, or Humanitarian Aid Workers across India. They are highly sought after by central and state disaster management authorities, NGOs like Oxfam and Sphere India, UN agencies, and private sector consultancies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3.5 to 6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning upwards of 12-15 lakhs, contributing significantly to India''''s disaster resilience efforts.

OTHER SPECIALIZATIONS

Specialization

Student Success Practices

Foundation Stage

Master Core Disaster Concepts and Geo-Informatics- (Semester 1-2)

Dedicating significant effort to understand fundamental disaster concepts and simultaneously building a strong foundation in Remote Sensing and GIS. Attend all practical sessions, learn relevant software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS basics) diligently, and practice mapping techniques to visualize hazard and vulnerability.

Tools & Resources

Official textbooks, ''''Introduction to Disaster Management'''' by Goel, QGIS/ArcGIS tutorials, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines

Career Connection

A solid grasp of core principles and geospatial tools is non-negotiable for any disaster management role, enhancing analytical skills crucial for risk assessment and planning in government bodies and NGOs.

Engage in Field Visits and Case Studies- (Semester 1-2)

Actively participate in any departmental field visits to disaster-prone areas or institutions involved in disaster management. Critically analyze documented case studies of major disasters in India (e.g., Gujarat earthquake, Uttarakhand floods) to understand real-world application of theoretical knowledge.

Tools & Resources

NDMA reports, disaster case study databases, local news archives, documentary films on Indian disasters

Career Connection

Practical exposure builds empathy, contextual understanding, and problem-solving skills, making candidates more effective in ground-level response and community engagement roles.

Develop Effective Communication and Policy Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)

Focus on improving written and verbal communication through presentations, reports, and group discussions, especially concerning disaster policies and administrative structures. Participate in debates or mock policy formulations to understand the intricacies of disaster governance in India.

Tools & Resources

Academic writing guides, public speaking workshops, analysis of Disaster Management Act (2005) and National Disaster Management Policy

Career Connection

Strong communication and policy understanding are vital for advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and navigating bureaucratic structures in disaster management agencies.

Intermediate Stage

Specialize through Electives and Practical Application- (Semester 3-4)

Carefully choose electives in Semester III and IV that align with your career interests (e.g., CBRNE, Climate Change Adaptation, Public Health). Simultaneously, apply theoretical knowledge from core subjects like Disaster Recovery and Humanitarian Logistics in practical scenarios, workshops, or small projects.

Tools & Resources

Specialized journals/reports related to chosen elective, simulation exercises, disaster relief kits and protocols

Career Connection

Specialized knowledge makes you a more valuable asset in niche areas of disaster management, opening doors to expert roles in specific hazard types or operational domains.

Undertake an Impactful Dissertation/Project- (Semester 3-4)

Identify a relevant research topic early in Semester III for your Semester IV dissertation, focusing on an India-specific disaster challenge. Conduct thorough research, collect primary/secondary data, and aim for actionable recommendations. Engage regularly with your faculty guide for feedback.

Tools & Resources

Research methodology guides, statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), academic databases (e.g., Google Scholar, JSTOR), field survey tools

Career Connection

A well-executed dissertation showcases analytical capability, independent research skills, and dedication, significantly boosting employability for research-oriented roles or higher studies.

Network and Seek Internship Opportunities- (Semester 3-4)

Attend conferences, seminars, and webinars related to disaster management to network with professionals and organizations. Actively seek out short-term internships or volunteer opportunities with local NGOs, government bodies (e.g., GSDMA), or international agencies working in disaster relief within India.

Tools & Resources

LinkedIn, professional association websites, university career services, NGOs like SEEDS, Goonj

Career Connection

Networking and internships provide invaluable real-world experience, mentorship, and often lead directly to placement offers or strong professional references in the Indian disaster management sector.

Advanced Stage

Program Structure and Curriculum

Eligibility:

  • B.Sc. (Environmental Science/Geology/Botany/Zoology/Chemistry/Physics/Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology), B.A. (Geography/Political Science/Sociology/Economics/Social Work/Psychology/Public Administration), B.E./B.Tech. (Civil/Environmental/Mining), B.C.A., M.C.A., Post Graduate Diploma in Disaster Management or any Law degree with minimum 45% marks in aggregate.

Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)

Credits: 88 Credits

Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%

Semester-wise Curriculum Table

Semester 1

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
DM 101Basic Concepts of Disaster ManagementCore4Introduction to Disasters and Hazards, Vulnerability and Risk Assessment, Disaster Cycle and Phases, Policy and Legal Frameworks, Community-Based Disaster Management
DM 102Fundamentals of Remote Sensing & GISCore4Principles of Remote Sensing, Types of Remote Sensing Systems, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Basics, Spatial Data Models, Introduction to GIS Software
DM 103Disaster Management: Policies and AdministrationCore4National Disaster Management Act, Disaster Management Policy, Institutional Mechanisms, International Cooperation in DM, Role of Government and NGOs
DM 104Disaster Mitigation and Sustainable DevelopmentCore4Concept of Disaster Mitigation, Structural and Non-Structural Mitigation Measures, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction
DM 105Practical based on DM 101 & 103Practical4Hazard Mapping and Zonation, Vulnerability Assessment Tools, Preparation of Disaster Management Plans, Mock Drills and Evacuation Plans, Case Study Analysis of Disasters

Semester 2

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
DM 201Disaster Preparedness and ResponseCore4Early Warning Systems, Emergency Preparedness Planning, Search and Rescue Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Relief Operations and Humanitarian Aid
DM 202Geo-Informatics in Disaster ManagementCore4Global Positioning System (GPS), Satellite Imagery Analysis, Drone Technology in DM, Web GIS and Online Mapping, Data Visualization for Disasters
DM 203Climatology and Disaster VulnerabilityCore4Climate Change Science and Impacts, Extreme Weather Events, Floods and Droughts, Cyclones and Heatwaves, Climate Risk Assessment
DM 204Application of Geo-Informatics for Disaster Risk ReductionCore4Geospatial Technologies for DRR, Hazard Zonation and Mapping, Vulnerability and Exposure Mapping, Damage Assessment using GIS, Decision Support Systems for DM
DM 205Practical based on DM 202 & 204Practical4GIS Software Exercises, Image Processing Techniques, Field Data Collection using GPS, Creating Thematic Maps, Project on GIS in DRR

Semester 3

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
DM 301Disaster Recovery and RehabilitationCore4Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), Shelter and Settlements, Livelihood Restoration, Psychological Support and Trauma Counseling, Reconstruction and Build Back Better
DM 302Media and Communication in Disaster ManagementCore4Role of Media in Disasters, Crisis Communication Strategies, Public Awareness Campaigns, Information Dissemination, Social Media and Crowd-sourcing in DM
DM 303Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain ManagementCore4Humanitarian Aid Principles, Supply Chain Planning for Disasters, Warehousing and Inventory Management, Transportation and Distribution, Resource Mobilization and Coordination
DM 304 (A)CBRNE Disasters (Elective I)Elective4Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive Agents, Detection and Decontamination, CBRNE Emergency Response, Risk Assessment for CBRNE, Case Studies of CBRNE Incidents
DM 304 (B)Industrial & Technological Disasters (Elective I)Elective4Industrial Hazards and Risks, HAZOP and Risk Assessment, On-site and Off-site Emergency Plans, Industrial Safety Regulations, Accident Investigation and Prevention
DM 304 (C)Earthquake & Tsunami Disasters (Elective I)Elective4Earthquake Mechanics and Seismicity, Seismic Zonation of India, Tsunami Generation and Propagation, Early Warning Systems for EQ & Tsunami, Mitigation Strategies for Seismic Hazards
DM 305Practical based on DM 301 & 302Practical4Developing Recovery Plans, Crisis Communication Exercises, Media Briefing Simulation, Psychosocial Support Activities, Community Consultation for Rehabilitation

Semester 4

Subject CodeSubject NameSubject TypeCreditsKey Topics
DM 401Conflict and Humanitarian CrisisCore4Causes and Dynamics of Conflict, Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Crises, International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution, Protection of Civilians in Conflict Zones
DM 402Research Methodology in Disaster ManagementCore4Research Design and Types, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis for DM Research, Report Writing and Presentation, Ethical Considerations in Research
DM 403 (A)Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation (Elective II)Elective4Climate Change Science and Projections, Adaptation Strategies and Planning, Mitigation Technologies and Policies, Carbon Sequestration, International Climate Regimes
DM 403 (B)Public Health and Disasters (Elective II)Elective4Epidemiology of Disaster-Related Diseases, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Mental Health in Disasters, Health Infrastructure and Surge Capacity, Public Health Emergency Preparedness
DM 403 (C)Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing (Elective II)Elective4EIA Process and Stages, Scoping and Baseline Data Collection, Impact Prediction and Evaluation, Environmental Management Plans, Environmental Auditing Principles
DM 404Dissertation/ProjectProject8Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Methodology and Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation of Results, Thesis Writing and Presentation
DM 405Viva-Voce (Related to DM 404)Internal Assessment0Presentation of Dissertation, Defense of Research Findings, Answering Questions on Project, Understanding of Research Area, Communication of Academic Work
whatsapp

Chat with us