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Complete Guide to Online Emergency Management Degrees

Earning an online degree in emergency management provides the first step towards a career in this lifesaving field where you can help people caught in crisis situations. Keep reading to learn more about emergency management degree programs online and find the best schools.

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The Best Emergency Management Online Degree Programs for 2024

In order to handle the responsibility and challenges of their jobs, emergency management professionals need high-quality training. There are many online degree programs available in the emergency management discipline that can provide this training in a convenient format. To help you narrow your choices, we created the following rankings of the best schools that offer these programs. Colleges were rated on key factors such as overall affordability, accreditation status, number of online programs in emergency management offered, and availability of student support services. See which schools rose to the top for 2024 and find the program that best meets your needs below.

About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

University of Nebraska Omaha's Emergency Management Bachelor of Science can be completed fully online, with classes also available in an in-person format. The Emergency Management program will prepare students for a career in either public service or the private sector by teaching how to prepare for, prevent, and respond to large-scale disasters. A minor and a graduate concentration in emergency management are also available for interested students. Within the bachelor's program, a bevy of different concentrations are available for students to customize their learning experience and areas of expertise, and it's required that each student pick two concentration areas. It should be noted that not all 16 concentrations are available entirely online. Near the end of the program, students may participate in an internship program that requires 135 contact hours.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $268/credit (resident), $402/credit (OUR residents, which includes nearby states), $622/credit (non-resident)
  • Mode: 100% online with partially online programs available
  • Accreditation: HLC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 75%

2

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, Alaska

The University of Alaska in Fairbanks offers an online bachelor's degree in homeland security and emergency management. This degree offers a unique mix of emergency preparedness and business management, which is different from many other programs. Students can choose concentrations in Fire Administration, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Public Safety Administration, Cybersecurity and Information Technology, and Emergency Medical Management. The curriculum coursework includes topics in emergency response, cybersecurity, border patrol, aviation security, and anti-terrorism. Students will have the opportunity to network and access research in the International Association of Emergency Managers organization while furthering their education completely online or in a hybrid format.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $289 per credit (online)
  • Mode: Online, Hybrid, On-Campus
  • Accreditation: NWCCU

Master of Security and Disaster Management

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 1-2 years
  • Cost: $539/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: NWCCU
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 80%

3

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, Alabama

At Jacksonville State University, students can receive an online bachelor's in emergency management with offered minors in homeland security or public safety telecommunications. This program is designed for undergraduate students who want to pursue careers in governmental, private, and volunteer sectors dealing with both natural disasters and terrorist events. The curriculum covers topics in disaster mitigation and preparedness and disaster response and recovery, in addition to general education courses and a capstone. Students may also choose to obtain a cybersecurity certificate embedded within their degree. This degree requires 120 credit hours and takes approximately four years to complete. JSU also offers master's and doctoral degrees in emergency management.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years
  • Cost: $343 per credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Master of Science in Emergency Management/em>

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: 1-2 years
  • Cost: $422 per credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Doctor of Science Emergency Management

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2-3 years
  • Cost: $500 per credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 68%

4

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, Arkansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 64%

5

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 69%

6

Thomas Jefferson University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 67%

7

Adelphi University

Garden City, New York

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 73%

8

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 89%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 90%

10

Columbia College

Columbia, South Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 79%

11

Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Millersville, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 47%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 24:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

13

Idaho State University

Pocatello, Idaho

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 59%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 81%

15

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 30:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 61%

16

Bethel University

McKenzie, Tennessee

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

17

Immaculata University

Immaculata, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 9:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 54%

18

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, Arizona

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 55%

19

St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 76%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 61%

21

University of Central Missouri

Warrensburg, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 50%

22

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 9:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 26%

23

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 84%

24

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 47%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 100%

26

Lander University

Greenwood, South Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 49%

27

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 79%

28

Post University

Waterbury, Connecticut

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation NECHE
Online Students 96%

29

Notre Dame College

Cleveland, Ohio

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 36%

30

Southwestern College

Winfield, Kansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 52%

31

Barry University

Miami, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 35%

32

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 45%

33

Everglades University

Boca Raton, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 48%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 98%

35

Pikes Peak Community College

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 52%
About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

1

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Salisbury, North Carolina

Rowan Cabarrus Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Management, an Emergency Management diploma, and an Emergency Management certificate, as well as emergency management certificates in several other specific disciplines including Fire Investigations, Business Continuity, Response and Recovery, Rescue, Medical Technician, Foundations of Emergency Management, Volunteer Services and NGO, and Policing. The degree is made for students pursuing careers in emergency management in local and state government and can be done entirely online. This AAS degree can be completed in two years, while the diploma takes 3 full-time semesters, and the certificate takes 3 part-time semesters.

Program Highlights:

Emergency Management Certificate

  • Credits: 18
  • Length: 3 smesters (part-time)
  • Cost: $76/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Emergency Management Diploma

  • Credits: 41
  • Length: 3 semesters
  • Cost: $76/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management

  • Credits: 64
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $76/credit
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 82%

2

Cape Fear Community College

Wilmington, North Carolina

Cape Fear Community College offers an Emergency Management AAS degree for students seeking work in ambulance services, fire and rescue, law enforcement, and government agencies as both hands-on workers and supervisors. The program is available partially online, with its classes and labs focused on technical and management aspects of emergency preparedness and planning, hazardous materials, and investigative principals. Students will also learn codes and standards related to emergency management. In addition to the AAS degree, Cape Fear Community College also offers two related certificates — an Emergency Management certificate and an Emergency Management Administration certificate, both of which require 12 credits to complete.

Program Highlights:

Emergency Management or Emergency Management Administration Certificate

  • Credits: 12
  • Length: 2 semesters
  • Cost: $76-$154 per credit (in-state), $268-$364 per credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Emergency Management Associate of Applied Science

  • Credits: 66
  • Length: 5 semesters
  • Cost: $86-$154 per credit (in-state), $268-$364 per credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 78%

3

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, North Carolina

The Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management at Wayne Community College is offered entirely online and focuses on investigative principles, hazardous materials, emergency agency operations, and the use of the latest planning and management software in the field. Students who already have fire/EMS/law enforcement certifications may be able to receive credit for their knowledge and experience. In the fifth and final semester of study, students will need to choose between the fire/EMS track or the law enforcement track. Students looking to commit less time than the two years required for an associate degree can pursue emergency management certificates in management, EMS management, fire service management, law enforcement management, and public safety.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management

  • Credits: 65-68
  • Length: 5 semesters
  • Cost: $76/credit (resident), $268/credit (non-resident)
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 78%

4

Fayetteville Technical Community College

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 82%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

6

Bucks County Community College

Newtown, Pennsylvania

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 81%

Exploring Emergency Management Degree Programs Online from Certificate to PhD

If you’re interested in training for an emergency management career, there’s a program at every college education level to help you gain the expertise you need to pursue the position you want. Learn more about the available degree and certificate programs below.

Program Type Credit Hours Time to Complete Availability Online
Undergraduate Certificate in Emergency Management 18 1 year full-time Undergraduate certificates in emergency management can be
completed entirely online.
Associate Degree in Emergency Management 60 2 years full-time In some cases, this degree can be offered completely online,
however, some schools require that students participate in
practicums that are conducted on campus.
Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management 120 4 years full-time These programs may be offered fully online or in a hybrid
format.
Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management 15 1 year full-time These certificates can be completed entirely online.
Master’s Degree in Emergency Management 33 2 years full-time, four to five years part-time Students can complete these degrees in fully- or
partially-online formats.
Doctorate Degree in Emergency Management 60 3 to five years full-time, up to eight years part-time Hybrid and fully online programs are available.

Online Emergency Management Certificate Programs for Undergraduates

Online emergency management certificate programs are a fast way for current professionals to learn the specific skills they need to work in the field. They are also commonly earned as a supplementary credential for those with an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field to help bolster their expertise without dedicating the time and money to a full degree. Depending on their education and career background, certificate holders may be eligible for cybersecurity, emergency management, and law enforcement jobs, and may be employed by government agencies or private companies.

Undergraduate certificate programs in emergency management may be offered online through two- or four-year colleges. The following are examples of available undergrad certificate programs.

  • Emergency and Disaster Management
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • Emergency Management Planning and Administration
  • Emergency Management Technology
  • Emergency Management with Special Populations
  • Emergency Preparedness Technology
  • Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Preparedness and Mitigation in Emergency Preparedness Technology
  • Response and Recovery in Emergency Preparedness Technology

Online Associate Degrees in Emergency Management

An online associate degree in emergency management, which may be offered fully or partially online, is designed for those who want to land an entry-level job in the field, as well as emergency responders who want to move up in their careers. In addition, some professionals use these degrees as the foundation for higher-level education programs.

Programs at this level can lead to an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or Associate of Science (AS) degree and are generally found at two-year colleges. The following are examples of some of the types of these degrees that are available.

  • AA in Emergency Management and Business Continuity
  • AA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • AAS in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
  • AAS in Emergency Management and Planning
  • AAS in Emergency Management Technology
  • AS in Emergency Administration
  • AS in Emergency Management and Disaster Recovery
  • AS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • AS in Emergency Preparedness Management
  • AS in Emergency Services Administration

Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Online

An online bachelor’s degree in emergency management is ideal for students who are new to the field, as well as those who have already earned an emergency management associate degree. As a result, people may take two to four years to complete these programs, depending on their past education.

Online bachelor’s degrees in emergency management, which are typically available as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees, are offered in a fully-online or hybrid format. The following are some examples of these programs.

  • BA in Disaster and Healthcare Mission Management
  • BA in Emergency and Disaster Management
  • BAS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • BS in Crisis and Disaster Management
  • BS in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
  • BS in Emergency Management
  • BS in Emergency Management International Disaster Relief/Humanitarian Assistance
  • BS in Emergency Planning and Management
  • BS in Emergency Services Management
  • BS in Public Service and Public Policy Emergency Management/Homeland Security

Master’s Degree Programs in Emergency Management Online

Online master’s degrees in emergency management teach the advanced skills and information high-level professionals need to know. As a result, these programs are typically designed for mid-career emergency management workers who want to move up the ladder and specialize in a specific area of the field.

More information on earning these degrees can be found on our master’s in emergency management online page.

Online Graduate Certificates in Emergency Management

Online graduate certificates, which are offered completely online, are for those who have experience in the emergency management field and want to advance their skills and knowledge without devoting the time to a master’s degree. Since these certificates are designed for students who already have at least a bachelor’s degree, the material covered in the curriculum provides an advanced understanding of emergency management principles.

Graduate certificate programs are offered by four-year colleges and universities. The following are some examples of titles for these certificates.

  • Emergency and Disaster Management
  • Emergency Management
  • Emergency Management Administration
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security
  • Emergency Management Studies
  • Emergency Planning
  • Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness, and Response
  • Public Administration of Homeland Defense and Security

Doctoral Degree Options in Emergency Management Online

Online doctoral degrees in emergency management are designed for seasoned professionals who want to take managerial roles in the industry, as well as conduct research and become a college instructor to train the next generation of emergency management workers.

Offered in fully online and hybrid formats, emergency management doctorates are available at universities. The following is a list of the common names for emergency management programs at this level.

  • Doctor of Science in Emergency Management
  • PhD in Crisis, Emergency, and Risk Management
  • PhD in Disaster Science and Management
  • PhD in Emergency Management

A Closer Look at Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Online Programs

Whether you’ve already earned an associate degree or have not studied in the discipline at all, emergency management bachelor’s degrees give you a solid foundation to build your career on. The following provides in-depth information on these degrees.

Program Objectives of Online Emergency Management Bachelor’s Degrees

The curriculum of an emergency management bachelor’s degree program is created based on specific learning objects that will prepare you for the rigors of the field. The following are examples of some of the learning objectives that programs establish as goals for their students:

  • Understanding natural and manmade disasters and how the responses to them differ
  • Understanding the different phases of a disaster response
  • Understanding emergency management research concepts
  • Understanding laws related to emergency management
  • Understanding the work done by different agencies that respond to emergencies and disasters

5 Important Skills Gained in an Emergency Management Bachelor’s Online

When you enter the emergency management field, employers will expect you to have concrete skills that are specific to these types of jobs. The following are examples of some of the skills you’ll gain proficiency in during your online emergency management bachelor’s degree.

1

Create disaster plans that address the preparation and recovery stages of an emergency.

2

Use National Planning Scenarios to manage the response to potential terrorist attacks.

3

Evaluate the effectiveness of emergency management systems.

4

Apply federal, state, and local policies when creating emergency plans.

5

Utilize industry best practices to evaluate and improve emergency responses.

Essential Coursework in Online Emergency Management Bachelor’s

The specific classes you will be required to take in your online emergency management bachelor’s degree program depends on what is expected by your specific department. However, there are some common classes that schools want their students to complete, and the following are some examples of those courses.

Overview of Disasters and Complex Emergencies

Year

1

Type

Core

Students are
introduced to different kinds of natural and manmade disasters, the
effects of these emergencies, and how they are addressed.

Emergency Communications

Year

1

Type

Core

Reviews the emergency communications systems that are used when a disaster strikes. Students learn how these systems are operated and managed.

Emergency Planning

Year

2

Type

Core

Covers the methods and strategies used to create an emergency response plan. Students may be required to examine and analyze different plans and create a mock emergency plan of their own.

Emergency Management Legal Issues

Year

2

Type

Core

Covers the legal ramifications of emergency management, including the laws that govern professionals and the liability that may arise during an emergency situation.

Quarantine Response and Management

Year

3

Type

Elective

Students learn how quarantines are handled during public health emergencies. Coursework covers how quarantines are planned and implemented, as well as the best practices for using this kind of emergency response procedure.

Homeland Security and Defense

Year

4

Type

Elective

Familiarizes students with the role that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plays during an emergency, as well as the policies this agency must adhere to.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management Cost?

Just as the curriculum of a specific online bachelor’s degree in emergency management is important, the cost is also a huge factor you will consider when deciding which school to enroll in. In order to give you an idea of what to expect, we have compiled the following list of tuition costs for five different schools. However, it’s important to note that the table below doesn’t include fees, so be sure to go to the schools’ websites for more information on the total cost figures.

School Name No. of Credits Cost/Credit Est. Total Tuition Cost
Franklin University 120 $398 $47,760
American Military University 120 $270 $32,400
Purdue University 180 $371 $66,780
Bellevue University 127 $425 $53,975
Louisiana State University at Alexandria 120 $250 $30,000

Need help paying for your online emergency management certificate or degree? Check out our in-depth financial aid and scholarships guides for more information.

Free Online Emergency Management Courses Provided by FEMA

From earthquakes to floods to wildfires, when there’s a disaster in the United States, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is on the front lines working to help the public during and after the emergency. Created in 1979, FEMA is dedicated to providing emergency assistance to those affected by natural disasters, as well as terrorist attacks, and implement pre-disaster mitigation programs so that local governments can act before disaster strikes.

In order to help support the mission of the agency by educating professionals and the public alike, FEMA created the Emergency Management Institute, which offers free online courses. The following table includes some examples of the courses offered.

Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness

Designed to help animal owners know what to do with their pets in the event of a disaster.

Course Length

4 hours

Eligible for College Credit?

Yes

Fundamentals of Emergency Management

Covers emergency management basics and how professionals develop comprehensive emergency operations plans.

Course Length

6 hours

Eligible for College Credit?

Yes

Military Resources in Emergency Management

Provides information
on the military resources available to civilians during an emergency.

Course Length

2 hours

Eligible for College Credit?

No

Public Information Officer Awareness

Familiarizes
students with the role of public information officers, including the
tools used to do their job and the strategies they employ to
communicate effectively.

Course Length

2.5 hours

Eligible for College Credit?

Yes

Social Media in Emergency Management

Explores how
emergency management professionals leverage social media to get
information to the public during a crisis.

Course Length

3 hours

Eligible for College Credit?

Yes

Accreditation for Emergency Management Online Degree Programs

Unlike other types of degree programs, there is not a college accreditation agency that reviews emergency management programs specifically. However, students can still take advantage of the quality assurance checks that accreditation provides by making sure a school holds institutional accreditation by either a national or regional accrediting organization.

Examples of national accrediting agencies for online emergency management degrees may include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, while regional accreditors include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Higher Learning Commission, the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Students can find a list of accredited schools through the Department of Education’s Database of Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Career Options for Your Online Emergency Management Degree

Emergency management is a diverse field that can lead to a variety of careers after completing your degree program. Below are examples of jobs you may qualify for with an online emergency management degree, including those you can move into if you choose to advance your education.

Emergency Management Directors

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s degree

Related Work Experience

5+ years

Median Salary (2018)

$74,420

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)

8%

These professionals
are responsible for creating the plans and procedures followed in
response to emergencies like natural disasters. In order to do this,
emergency management directors work closely with government agencies,
private companies, and nonprofit organizations to create the best
emergency response practices based on federal, state, and local laws.

EMTs and Paramedics

Minimum Education

Certificate

Related Work Experience

None

Median Salary (2018)

$34,320

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)

15%

EMTs and paramedics provide prehospital care to those who have illnesses or injuries. When not working directly with patients, these professionals are responsible for ensuring that equipment is fully stocked and clean.

Fire Inspectors

Minimum Education

High School Diploma

Related Work Experience

Experience as a firefighter

Median Salary (2018)

$60,200

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)

10%

Workers in this profession are in charge of inspecting buildings to ensure they are up to code based on local, state, and federal regulations—and following up when they find violations. In addition, fire inspectors test fire alarms, grant burn permits, and review building plans.

Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians

Minimum Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Related Work Experience

None

Median Salary (2018)

$69,370

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)

8%

These professionals conduct inspections of workplaces in order to evaluate their adherence to safety and environmental regulations. Also, they create and provide safety training programs to employers and offer demonstrations of safety equipment.

Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers

Minimum Education

High School Diploma

Related Work Experience

None

Median Salary (2018)

$40,660

Projected Job Growth (2016-2026)

8%

Police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers answer calls made the 9-1-1 systems and dispatch them to the appropriate emergency responders. In addition, they keep records of the calls they handle, provide medical instructions to people as needed, and track the status of first responders.

Additional Emergency Management Student Resources

Emergency Management Agencies
This page on the FEMA website includes a list of government agencies around the country that may be future employers for those earning emergency management degrees.

Emergency Management Podcast
The Emergency Management Podcast features industry experts discussing news of the field, best practices, and information on technology.

Emergency Management Principles
This page on Boston University’s website outlines the best practices for emergency management set forth by the National Incident Management System.

FEMA Podcast
FEMA’s podcast includes discussions of a variety of emergency management topics, including wildfires, hurricane recovery efforts, and disaster planning.

International Association of Emergency Managers
This organization promotes high standards in emergency management in order to support professionals who assist the public during natural disasters and other emergencies around the world.

National Emergency Management Association
The National Emergency Management Association, or NEMA, is a professional organization that provides services and resources to those in the emergency management industry.

National Emergency Number Association
Also called NENA, this organization is made up of telecommunications, emergency management, and policy professionals who receive support designed to improve emergency communication systems.

Ready.gov
This site includes preparedness guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security for emergencies like floods, heatwaves, and hurricanes.

FEMA’s The College List
This page of FEMA’s website has a comprehensive list of emergency management degree programs on all levels.

The U.S. National Response Team
This site includes NRT resources including information on emergency laws, training exercises, and technical assistance.