Master Public Information Officer Program

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.

Classroom Course Requirements

The MPIO program consists of the following 3 classroom courses, comprising 13 days (96 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)

  • Prerequsities

    Selection to MPIO Program

  • Course Objectives

    • Demonstrate how to use networking to influence programs, organizations and environments by conducting a networking activity;
    • Describe how to explain to stakeholders the importance of engaging community executives in communications planning by applying the whole community concept to an analytical activity;
    • Assess science-based research methods available to grow the Public Information body of knowledge by drafting initial ideas for the individual capstone project;
    • Examine leadership lessons by participating in a group Executive Reading session;
    • Apply the basic concepts of Disaster Behavioral Health by analyzing a case study;
    • Promote public information training and exercises in the organization and community by developing a community or agency specific training and exercises plan;
    • Contrast strategic and executive concepts for a public information case study; and
    • Implement the next steps of the Master Public Information Officer program.
  • Course Length

    4 days (32 hours)

  E0389 Course Details

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

  • Classroom Delivery

    Resident (E), Virtual (K)

  • Prerequsities

    Selection to MPIO Program

  • Course Objectives

    • Discuss organizational analysis in preparation for analysis of a joint information center functional exercise;
    • Discuss techniques for analyzing interpersonal relationships within a Joint Information Center during a functional exercise;
    • Design a process for analyzing a joint information center functional exercise;
    • Analyze a functional exercise for personnel management trends, best practices leadership practice;
    • Evaluate interpersonal relationships as they pertain to joint information center practice during a functional exercise;
    • Design a report outlining results of the functional exercise analysis that will contribute to the public information body of knowledge.
  • Course Length

    5 days (32 hours)

  E0393 Course Details

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

  • Classroom Delivery

    Resident (E), Virtual (K)

  • Prerequsities

    Selection to MPIO Program

  • Course Objectives

    • Develop body of knowledge report through consolidated review of multiple joint information center functional exercise analysis reports;
    • Propose how strategic PIO leaders coordinate the actions of stakeholders and emergency management agencies to achieve a common purpose; and
    • Design, Develop and implement a research project to contribute to the public information body of knowledge.
  • Course Length

    4 days (32 hours)

  E0394 Course Details

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.

MPIO Selection Process

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Emergency Management Professional Program Branch will start accepting applications for the Master Public Information Officer Program (MPIOP) in April, 2024 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 September

Applications will be evaluated based on the following requirements:

• Completion of the Advanced Public Information Officer Program v.2017 – present (no substitute or waiver and must have been completed 2017 or later)
• Pertinent background and extensive experience as a full-time 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 2025 will open April, 2024
   • 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.

   How to Complete MPIO Package

   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 EMI and the MPIOP Paper. There are 3 date options for the E0393 course in this section. Please indicate which date you prefer for this course if selected into the Program
   • 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-Master_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

   Sumbit MPIO Application

   Once the selection board concludes in August, 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.

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