Samarpan Academy Institute of Crisis Management Studies

The Institute of Crisis Management Studies (ICMS), Samarpan Academy, is located ideally at Dhumbarahi - 4, Kathmandu. It is affiliated with Tribhuvan University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. It is a center for academia, focusing on the management of crisis resulting from both natural and man-made hazards, as well as providing professional knowledge and training in counseling psychology and Computer Application. 

ICMS offers two unique masters courses – Master of Arts in Crisis Management Studies (MCMS) and Masters in Counseling Psychology (MCP) as well as Bachelor's in Computer Application (BCA). The MCMS advocates for a holistic approach in understanding how to effectively manage and take measures to resolve, adapt to and mitigate crisis- related issues both in the national and international contexts. The MCP focuses on social, emotional, educational and developmental concerns within the crisis setting.

The ICMS also offers training, simulation exercises and field visits, not only as part of the curriculum but as practical exercises for a range of different governmental and non-governmental organisations and initiatives. The specialized nature of the ICMS extends to its purpose built grounds, computer facilities, and online learning experiences to inspire students to forward themselves and the subject.

Students are engaged in intensive fieldwork, case studies and independent research. ICMS equips its students with the necessary skills to pursue further scholarly research and practically apply the knowledge gained in class within their future careers. 

Mission:

ICMS strives to achieve excellence and be a world-class education provider. The modules relating to MA Crisis Management are designed in such a way to help to shape the intellectual, moral, and crisis management leadership necessary for meeting both natural disaster and human made global challenges.

The modules in the MA Counseling Psychology course related to Counseling Psychology, aim to help practitioners improve well-being alleviate distress, to resolve crisis and increase capacity. The course pays particular attention to emotional, social, education, development and organizational concerns.

Vision:

To provide a platform for the pursuit of scholarly and practical inquiry in a challenging and stimulating program which supports academic excellence in a new and important field of academic discourse.

Objectives:

• To conduct an interdisciplinary program for a better understanding both the fields of crisis management and counseling psychology
• To prepare students for professional positions in the various fields of crisis management counseling psychology
• To prepare professionals who can respond to a range of uncertain, ever evolving crisis management complexities
• To prepare managers who can evaluate alternative approaches and make critical decisions that facilitate crisis response and recovery operations
• To prepare highly ethical professionals who will work within the boundaries of crisis management to ethical, legal and regulatory standards
• To provide an opportunity for students to engage in significant and appropriate research within the field of crisis management and counseling psychology
• To prepare qualified, knowledgeable, skillful, and ethical counselors equipped with the skills to work in a variety of settings
• To offer courses with the priority of meeting the educational and personal needs of its students, based on a scientist-practitioner model, with an emphasis on empirical research and evidence-based practices

Why Study Crisis Management?

• Vulnerability and Preparedness: Nepal's location makes it vulnerable to multiple hazards, including earthquakes, landslides, and floods. A crisis can strike at any time, and effective disaster management strategies are essential to minimize loss of life, infrastructure, and the economy. By studying crisis management, professionals can actively contribute to creating resilient communities that are better equipped to respond to and recover from disasters.
• Addressing Institutional Gaps: There is a significant lack of institutional preparedness in Nepal, both at the government and community levels. As disasters become more frequent and severe due to climate change, skilled crisis managers can bridge this gap by implementing disaster-sensitive policies, strengthening preparedness programs, and ensuring that institutions are capable of withstanding crises.
• Building a Disaster-Sensitive Culture: For long-term sustainability, Nepal needs to cultivate a culture that values disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Crisis management professionals play a key role in fostering this mindset among communities, individuals, and businesses. This shift is essential for the future, as it will help people anticipate risks and act proactively in the face of danger.
• Scope for Employment: Crisis management is not limited to government roles or non-profit organizations. The scope extends to private businesses, humanitarian organizations, and sectors such as health, logistics, and education. Skilled professionals are needed to handle crisis communication, emergency response planning, business continuity, and post-disaster recovery efforts. As Nepal continues to experience economic growth, businesses will increasingly rely on crisis managers to mitigate the risks of natural disasters and other crises that could disrupt operations.
• Growing International Demand: In addition to domestic opportunities, crisis management is a field that offers global opportunities. As the world grapples with issues such as climate change, pandemics, and security threats, crisis management experts are in high demand worldwide. This provides Nepali graduates with the chance to work in international organizations, NGOs, and multinational companies dedicated to disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance.

Samarpan Academy’s Institute of Crisis Management Studies (ICMS) in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu, offers a unique opportunity. Affiliated with Tribhuvan University, ICMS runs the only Master’s in Crisis Management Studies program in Nepal. This two-year program is designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to manage disasters and crises effectively.
What sets the ICMS program apart is its multidisciplinary approach, which combines teaching methodologies from diverse fields, including management, sociology, psychology, and environmental science. The course content covers everything from disaster preparedness and risk assessment to post-disaster recovery and humanitarian assistance.