2024’s Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management Programs
Many quality colleges offer online emergency management master’s programs, each with its own mix of admission requirements, specializations, course offerings, and more. Finding the right program to meet your needs can be confusing and time-consuming with so many options. An excellent place to start your search is our list of the top online emergency management master’s degree programs. Selections were made based on our review of several key program components, including accreditation, online program availability, affordability, and student support services. Online availability and overall affordability play a substantial role in a school’s position. See which schools rose to the top of this year’s list.
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).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
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
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Arkansas State University offers a fully online Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Students in this program learn the necessary skills to serve communities during natural disasters. This program was designed with working professionals in mind, providing fully online coursework and multiple start dates throughout the year. Each course is offered in an accelerated, seven-week format, making it possible for students to graduate in as little as one year. After graduation, students are qualified for careers in the disaster preparedness and emergency management field. While all coursework is available online, students gain practical experience through in-person internships and practicums at emergency management sites.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
- Credits: 36
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $340/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: CAEMHSE
2
New York, New York
Students with an interest in managing natural and public health hazards can earn a Master's in Emergency Management online from John Jay College of City University of New York. Courses in this program are offered in varying sequences, meaning students can personalize their program according to meet their unique needs. To further customize their degree, students choose between thesis and nonthesis tracks. Each class in the program is presented in an accelerated, eight-week session, which allows most students to complete the program in just two years. While a bachelor's degree in the field isn't required to apply, students with prior coursework in emergency management are given priority admission.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Emergency Management
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $470/credit (in-state); $565/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
3
Fairbanks, Alaska
Whether a student wants to break into the field of homeland security and emergency management or boost their existing career, they can earn a master's degree online from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Courses in the program explore topics such as disaster management policy, community planning in emergency management, and the legal concerns of homeland security and emergency management. Students can choose from concentrations in Arctic Security, Business Continuity, Climate Security, Cybersecurity, Disaster Management, STEM, and Strategic Leadership. All classes are available in an online, asynchronous format, meaning that students are in control of when they view lectures and complete the corresponding coursework.
Program Highlights:
Master's in Security and Disaster Management
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $539/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: NWCCU
4
Greenwood, South Carolina
5
Daytona Beach, Florida
6
Scottsdale, Arizona
7
Jacksonville, Alabama
8
Orlando, Florida
9
Saint Leo, Florida
10
Russellville, Arkansas
11
Miami, Florida
12
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
13
Millersville, Pennsylvania
14
Garden City, New York
Degree Options for Your Online Master’s in Emergency Management
Prospective students can choose from a surprisingly wide range of program variations for their online masters in emergency management. Some focus on an emergency management subfield, such as homeland security or disaster relief, while others take a more rounded approach, covering subfields equally. In rare cases, emergency management programs can be housed as a specialization within other master’s programs, such as public health. Here are a few examples of degree titles for emergency management master’s degrees currently available online:
Master of Science in Emergency Management
The foundational degree in emergency management takes a holistic approach to the preparation for and response to emergency and disaster events of all kinds. A good choice for those in law enforcement, public service, and similar professions seeking advancement into supervisory positions.
Master of Arts in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
This degree provides high-level knowledge and skills in emergency management with an emphasis on community preparation and response to homeland security threats. A good choice for those seeking positions as first-line law enforcement supervisors and medical administrators.
Master of Science in Disaster Medicine & Management
Designed for current defense, public safety, and medical professionals seeking skills for responding to the public health and psychological effects of manmade and natural disasters.
What You Can Expect from an Emergency Management Master’s Degree Online
The online masters in emergency management gives students with a broad base of practical knowledge and skills (organization, administration, communication, etc.). Students learn how to effectively manage teams to prepare for and respond to emergency and disaster events of all types and sizes. Additionally, students are often able to tailor their academic work to focus on specific emergency management subfields. Examples of such specializations include:
- Cybersecurity
- Criminal Justice
- Public Health
- Environmental Hazards
- Fire Administration
- Homeland Security
Keep reading for a more detailed look at some of the key components and features you can expect to find in any online emergency management master’s program you consider.
Core Curriculum for Online Master’s in Emergency Management Degrees
Emergency management master’s curriculums consist of required core subject classes, as well as elective courses that allow students to explore unique emergency management topics they’re most interested in. Below are descriptions of core subject courses similar to those you’ll encounter as an emergency management master’s degree student.
Foundations in Emergency Management
This course explores the various types of disaster events and the core concepts of risk assessment and disaster prevention/management. Specific topics covered include the phases of disasters, ethical issues of disaster response, dealing with the media, and how to handle disruptions to public services resulting from emergency and disaster incidents.
Hazard Economics
Students are presented with a comprehensive examination of the costs involved in responding to and dealing with hazardous events, both manmade and natural. A wide range of topics are covered including the financial costs of specific types of hazards, the role of insurance, the influence of climate change, and the moral issues surrounding decisions about the use of disaster response funds.
Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Emergency Management
This course teaches students how to conduct, collect and analyze data that can be used to inform critical emergency management decisions. Included is a discussion of the ethical issues that must be considered with conducting research.
Geographic Information Systems for Emergency Management
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are playing a greater role in emergency and disaster management, and students need to know how to use GIS equipment and software in the field. This course covers the concepts and capacities of GIS systems, along with basic skills for operating GIS applications in emergency situations.
Leadership and Organizational Behavior for Emergency Preparedness
Emergency managers are required to deal with behavioral issues concerning their organization’s systems and personnel on a daily basis. This course takes a look at leadership theories used in emergency preparedness, including conflict management and group dynamics, and how to properly use the power that comes with one’s position and authority.
Disaster Planning and Evaluation
Planning for potential and impending disasters is at the heart of emergency management. This course introduces students to the most commonly-used strategies in disaster preparedness. Students assess and evaluate existing plans, and are taught the importance of constantly updating plans due to changes in vendors, personnel, etc., as well as the gaps revealed through specific exercises.
In-Person vs. Online Elements in an Emergency Management Master’s Program
Convenience and flexibility are the hallmarks of an online college degree program. However, some majors are more adaptable to online study than others. Emergency management is a particularly good fit for distance learning. In fact, many master’s degree programs are available in a 100 percent online format.
Alternatively, some emergency management master’s programs are available in a hybrid format, meaning that the program consists of a combination of distance learning and traditional program elements. For example, Jefferson University’s predominantly online MS in Disaster Medicine & Management program requires participation in two courses during a six-and-a-half day summer on-campus session. And Nova Southeastern University’s MS in Disaster & Emergency Management online program includes an on-site meeting where students present their practicum project for evaluation. Also, many online programs include a mandated or optional internship which is typically completed in an off-campus emergency management setting.
Common Graduation Requirements for Master’s in Emergency Management Students
No two online emergency management master’s programs are exactly alike, and graduation requirements vary from program to program. Nevertheless, most programs include graduation requirements similar to the following:
Didactic Coursework/Advancement to Candidacy
Students must complete all required pre-candidacy didactic coursework, typically with a stated minimum GPA (3.0 is common). Programs may include meeting other pre-candidacy requirements.
Internship
Programs often require an in-the-field internship to provide students with hands-on experience working with actual emergency managers in real-life professional settings.
Culminating Project/Exam
Following advancement to candidacy, most programs require students to complete a culminating project, such as a thesis, practicum, or capstone project. In most cases, projects are presented personally by the student to a faculty committee for evaluation. Some programs offer a comprehensive examination option in lieu of a culminating project.
Admission Requirements for Online Master’s Degrees in Emergency and Disaster Management
As with graduation requirements, specific admissions requirements for online master’s emergency management programs vary from school to school. To be admitted to most programs, however, you’ll likely need to meet the following criteria:
Typical Tuition Costs for Online Emergency Management Master’s Degrees
Like other degrees, the range of tuition costs for online emergency management master’s degrees is quite broad. To give you a better idea of what college will cost, we’ve collected tuition data from five schools that offer online emergency management programs at the master’s level. Keep in mind that these figures are for tuition fees only, and your total costs will include additional fees and charges.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adelphi University | 39 | $690 | $26,910 |
| Georgetown University | 33 | $1,392 | $45,936 |
| Nova Southeastern University | 36 | $594 | $21,384 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 36 | $627 $470 Military* | $22,572 $16,920 Military* |
| University of New Haven | 36 | $950 | $34,200 |
*U.S. service members (full-time and part-time) and spouses of those on active duty.
What Can I Do with a Master’s in Emergency Management?
When it comes to careers in the emergency management field, diversity is the key word. Positions in emergency management – ones with good pay and real growth potential – exist at agencies on all levels of government, including federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Jobs are also available in private industry and with nonprofit organizations. Dozens of nonprofits involved in disaster prevention and response employ emergency management professionals, including familiar names like the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Save the Children, and the United Way. Here are a few of the most popular career options that a master’s degree in emergency management can help prepare you for:
Emergency Management Director
Emergency management directors are responsible for developing procedures and plans for responding to natural and manmade disasters and emergencies. They may also be called upon to lead response efforts both during and after emergency events.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists are scientists in the public health field that are involved in the causes and patterns of injury and disease in human beings. They work to reduce the occurrences and risks associated with those injuries and diseases through research, policy development, and community education and outreach.
First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives
First-line supervisors of police and detectives supervise and coordinate criminal investigations, including those involving emergency and disaster events. First-line supervisors are employed by police departments and law enforcement agencies on all (local, regional, state, and federal) government levels.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers are responsible for planning, directing, and managing the services provided by an entire department or facility. Tasks include developing goals and objectives, preparing budgets and managing finances, improving services quality and efficiency, and recruiting and training staff members.
Risk Management Specialist
Risk management specialists are experts at both analyzing and managing issues of risk in a variety of contexts. Tasks include recommending ways to reduce and control risk and developing contingency plans for managing disaster and emergency events.
Career Outlook in the Emergency Management Field
Disaster and emergency events are continuing to escalate in number, size, and intensity. Because of this, the need for knowledgeable and well-trained emergency management professionals should continue to grow into the foreseeable future. This chart shows the projected job growth and median salary estimates for the career types listed above. All figures are taken from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*NET.
| Career | Projected Job Growth (2016 – 2026) | Median Salary (May 2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Management Director | 8% | $74,420 |
| Epidemiologist | 9% | $69,660 |
| First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives | 5% to 9% | $89,030 |
| Medical Health Services Manager | 20% | $99,730 |
| Risk Management Specialist | 10% to 14% | $70,280 |
