Explore Top Online Emergency Management Degrees
Earning an online degree in emergency management is the first step toward a career dedicated to helping people through crisis situations. This guide lists top schools with the best online emergency management degree programs — both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
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 made our list and find the one that best meets your needs below.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
Public
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Public
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama
Public
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, Arkansas
Public
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Private
Union Institute & University
Cincinnati, Ohio
Private
Adelphi University
Garden City, New York
Private
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Public
West Texas A & M University
Canyon, Texas
Public
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, Pennsylvania
Public
George Mason University
Fairfax, Virginia
Public
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Public
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, New York
Public
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Daytona Beach, Florida
Private
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Public
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Public
Bethel University
McKenzie, Tennessee
Private
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Public
Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
Public
Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Public
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, New York
Public
Columbia College
Columbia, South Carolina
Private
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Public
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Private
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Public
Immaculata University
Immaculata, Pennsylvania
Private
George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Private
Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Private
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Public
University of Maine at Augusta
Augusta, Maine
Public
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida
Public
Idaho State University
Pocatello, Idaho
Public
Notre Dame College
Cleveland, Ohio
Private
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
Public
Indiana Tech
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Private
Everglades University
Boca Raton, Florida
Private
Lander University
Greenwood, South Carolina
Public
Barry University
Miami, Florida
Private
Truckee Meadows Community College
Reno, Nevada
Public
Southwestern College
Winfield, Kansas
Private
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, Kansas
Private
Pikes Peak Community College
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Public
Coastal Carolina Community College
Jacksonville, North Carolina
Public
Cape Fear Community College
Wilmington, North Carolina
Public
Wayne Community College
Goldsboro, North Carolina
Public
Bucks County Community College
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Public
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Salisbury, North Carolina
Public
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Hudson, North Carolina
Public
Nash Community College
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Public
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Public
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina University | 120 | $3,497.28 (resident) / $5,497.28 (non-resident) per semester, 12+ credits | $27,978.24 (resident) / $43,976 (non-resident) per semester |
| American Military University | 120 | $350 | $42,000 |
| Purdue University | 180 | $371 | $66,780 |
| Bellevue University | 127 | $449 | $57,023 |
| Louisiana State University at Alexandria | 120 | $325 | $39,000 |
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 (2023)
$83,960
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)
3%
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.
Minimum Education
Certificate
Related Work Experience
None
Median Salary (2023)
$44,780
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)
5%
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.
Minimum Education
High School Diploma
Related Work Experience
Experience as a firefighter
Median Salary (2023)
$71,420
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)
5%
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 (2023)
$77,580
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)
13%
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 (2023)
$48,890
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)
3%
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.