New options expand access to BU’s Applied Disaster and Emergency Services program

A flagship program originated at Brandon University (BU) continues to push forward, with two new options for training emergency management professionals.

The Applied Disaster and Emergency Studies (ADES) program will now offer three-year majors, either through a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree program, beginning with the 2027-28 academic year. This new option complements the four-year ADES major currently available at BU, creating flexibility for incoming and current students.

Also in 2027-28, BU will introduce the even more focused Certificate in Disaster Risk Management, which can be earned in as little as one year with the completion of five ADES courses. 

“Both the ADES certificate and the three-year degree support students who are new to the field, mid-career, or seeking to add a new skill set to broaden their employment opportunities,” said Dr. Etsuko Yasui, Associate Professor and Department Chair of ADES. “Disasters and emergencies are happening everywhere, and this helps us fill the industry’s need for highly qualified individuals.” 

While registration for the three-year ADES major formally opens 2027, current students can register for the four-year program now and change to the three-year option in 2027, if desired.

“The three-year degree may be attractive to those who have practical experience in emergencies management or a related field and don’t require the Applied Project, which is the capstone course of the four-year program,” Dr. Yasui. “For others, the four-year degree will be the ideal choice for comprehensive training in the skills and knowledge required for this growing profession.”

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of ADES, the first degree program in disaster and emergency management offered in Canada. Today, ADES alumni work in key leadership positions across Canada and internationally. Special events will be held at BU Homecoming in September and throughout the upcoming year to mark the occasion.

“From hurricanes to heat domes, wildfires in the north, and flooding such as we’ve faced here in Westman, the principles of ADES are woven through the planning, preparation and responses to any kind of emergency,” said Greg Gatien, Acting Provost and Vice-President (Academic) at BU.  “ADES graduates are high-demand leaders in the field, and the program’s value continues to grow as environmental and societal risks rise. I applaud the department for continuing to adapt to meet the needs of our students and our community.”

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