Maintenance Outage - Thursday, December 12th, 2024

We will be performing scheduled maintenance on Thursday, 11/14/2024 at 7:00 AM ET. Service is expected to be restored by 10:00 AM ET. However, this could run over. During this time Independent Study exams, Online Admissions, NETC Transportation, IMDA, STAR and the EMI Student Portal will not be available. Please contact us if you experience any issues outside of this maintenance window.

Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Public Info Management Theories & Concepts

The Master Public Information Officer Program (MPIOP) is the final component of the public information training series. This program consists of a three (3) course series that prepares public information officers for an expanded role in delivering public information and warning using a strategic whole community approach.

The program reinforces the qualities needed to lead whole community public information/external affairs programs, provides relevant management theories and concepts, and uses case studies to enhance public information/external affairs skill sets. MPIOP participants work within a collaborative environment on projects and establish a network of peers.

MPIOP participants will contribute to the body of knowledge for public information.

MPIO Paper Requirement

The MPIO paper is the culminating experience of all MPIO participants designed to reflect the MPIO participant’s commitment to lead the future of public information.

The MPIO paper is an original paper, developed and finalized over the course of the 10 month program. Strict deadlines are assigned during key stages and failure to meet the deadlines will preclude a participant from completing the program.

Previous MPIO Papers

Master PIO student papers can be found in the NTEC Library Catalog:

Search MPIO Papers

Who Should Apply

MPIOP is for public information officers with the pertinent background and extensive experience as a public information officer who have demonstrated a sphere of influence capable of advancing the relevance of whole community external affairs.

All applicants to the MPIO program must have successfully completed the Advanced Public Information Officer Program (v.2022 – present)

*Please note: While retaking the APIO is not required, it may be advantageous.
  Applications from individuals who have completed the 2022 version or later
  will receive a higher rating.

Classroom Course Requirements

The MPIO program consists of the following 3 classroom courses, comprising 15 days (120 hours) of learning. Attendance at each course is mandatory.

  • E0389: Master Public Information Officer - Implementing Communications Strategies for Whole Community Leadership

    • Classroom Delivery

      Resident (E), Virtual (K)

      • Incorporate executive and strategic leadership competencies in public information decision-making.
      • Promote research to grow the body of knowledge on public information issues.
      • Advocate for diversity in the public information field.
      • Build an active network of public information experts to mentor and support PIOs around the country.
    • Course Length

      5 days (40 hours)

  • E0393: Master Public Information Officer - Applying Advanced Concepts in Public Information and Communications

    • Classroom Delivery

      Resident (E), Virtual (K)

      • Create an environment that supports behavioral and mental health.
      • Support further professionalization and credibility of the public information field.
    • Course Length

      5 days (40 hours)

  • E0394: Master Public Information Officer - Mastering Public Advocacy Plans to Create an Effective Community of Stakeholders

    • Classroom Delivery

      Resident (E), Virtual (K)

      • Lead public information in an ethical, honest, and proactive manner at an executive level.
      • Engage in modernization and evolution of public information.
      • Foster an understanding of legal considerations in public information.
    • Course Length

      5 days (40 hours)

Fiscal Year Course Schedule

The MPIO on campus classroom courses are typically scheduled as one cohort series per fiscal year. The courses are not offered individually. Cadidates selected to a cohort must attend each course in sequence, and in person, throughout the series progression.

FY 2025

  • E0389: Dec 2-6, 2024
  • E0393: Apr 7-11, 2025
  • E0394: Sep 15-19, 2025

MPIO Selection Process

The National Disaster & Emergency Management University (NDEMU) Emergency Management Professional Program Branch will start accepting applications for the Master Public Information Officer Program (MPIOP) April, 2025 – June 1, 2025 for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Cohort. A formal selection board will convene to review the application packages with an announcement of the results made to applicants in August.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following requirements:

  • Completion of the Advanced Public Information Officer Program v.2022 – present
    Please note: While retaking the APIO is not required, it may be advantageous. Applications from individuals who have completed the 2022 version or later will receive a higher rating.
  • Pertinent background and extensive experience as a public information officer
  • Basic PIO instructional experience (recommended not required)
  • Substantial continuing service and commitment to the field
  • Sphere of influence to advance whole community external affairs

There are a limited number of spaces for the Cohort and applications are expected to be very competitive in nature. Applicants are encouraged to review all selection and application requirements before submitting their application package.

Application packages will be reviewed by the selection committee.

How to Apply

  1. Verify Qualification

    • Review and verify the candidacy requirements for selection to the MPIO program
    • Application open period for FY 2026 will open April 1, 2025 – June 1, 2025
    • Incomplete applications, and applications submitted outside of the open period will not be considered
  2. Download Application Package

    The MPIO Application Package Document is the only acceptable document to complete when applying to the MPIO program. Incomplete packages and additional attachments will not be considered.

    • Download the fillable PDF application package below
    • Save the document in the format required for submission:
      • LastnameFirstname.MPIO.FY24 (e.g. PolitanoPhilip.MPIOP.FY24)

    MPIO Application Package

  3. Complete the MPIO Application Package

    Complete the MPIO application form within the space provided with this document. This is the only acceptable document to complete when applying to the MPIO program. Incomplete packages and additional attachments will not be considered.

    What to include in MPIO application package:

    • Candidate Information
    • A cover letter requesting consideration for admission to the program and specifying the applicant’s qualifications and expectations of the program
    • Resume
    • Master Public Information Officer Program Commitment Statement indicating a commitment to complete the entire program, which consists of the three resident courses at NDEMU and the MPIOP Paper.
    • Master Public Information Officer Program Questionnaire
    • A Recommendation letter from your Supervisor
    • Signatures section has a location for the electronic signatures of both the applicant and the applicant’s supervisor
  4. Submit Application Package

    For consideration of selection to the MPIO program, simply email the completed application package document to FEMA-NDEMU_PIO_Program@fema.dhs.gov.

    • The application package is the only document accepted
    • Incomplete packages and additional attachments will not be considered
    • Ensure the package file name meets the required format above

    Once the selection board concludes, you will be notified of the selection status via the email address provided during application.

Tuition and Travel Reimbursement

There is no cost of tuition for the Master Public Information Officer courses.

Some individuals taking courses at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland may be eligible for stipend reimbursement. For information about travel reimbursement eligibility and procedures, see the NETC Welcome Package.

Eligible for stipend reimbursement

  • State, local or tribal government representatives.
  • Recognized volunteer organization representatives.
  • Active emergency management organization representatives.
  • Representatives from state or local fire organizations

Not eligible for reimbursement

  • Federal government. (Federal students are subject to federal travel regulations and travel under orders prepared by their office.)
  • Private industry employees.
  • Employees who are contracted to federal, state, or local government entities (such as rural-metro departments).
  • Representatives of a foreign organization.

Further Information

For more information about the MPIO program, please see the EMPP list of frequently asked questions

For further inquiries about the MPIO program, please see the EMPP points of contact list

training.fema.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security