Best Online Emergency Management Degree Programs

Q: What courses do I take in an emergency management degree?

An emergency management degree program usually features courses on disaster response and recovery, emergency preparedness and planning, and hazard mitigation and preparedness. You may also be required to complete hands-on simulations and field exercises to help you prepare for real-world emergencies.

Q: In which government agencies can I work in with an emergency management degree?

You can typically find work in federal, state, and local emergency management agencies. At the federal level, this includes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

This guide goes over the top online emergency management degree programs and the factors to keep in mind when choosing the best one for you.

Edited by

Updated December 18, 2024

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Emergency management services help ensure that communities are prepared for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies. From natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes to human-caused crises such as chemical spills or acts of terrorism, emergency managers play a key role in ensuring public safety and coordinating response efforts.

If you’re interested in taking an active role in disaster preparedness and response, a bachelor’s degree in emergency management can help prepare you for a career in federal or state government, healthcare, law enforcement, firefighting, or homeland security.

Read on to learn more about the best online emergency management programs and how to determine whether this career path suits you.

Emergency Management Degree Highlights

A bachelor’s degree in emergency management can help equip you with the necessary skills to develop and manage emergency response policies.
These degree programs typically take around four years to complete, though it can take longer if you’re a part-time student.
A degree in emergency management can help qualify you for roles in federal or state emergency management agencies, healthcare, law enforcement, firefighting, or homeland security.

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In this Article

Top Online Emergency Management Programs

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

How We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2022. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO4 yearCampus + Online

$3,574

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,662

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

35%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $357/credit ($263/credit with Colorado College Opportunity Fund)
Out of State | $401/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | N/A

Serving the Denver metro area, ACC offers a fully online bachelor of applied science in emergency service administration. The program highlights topics in disaster preparedness, response strategies, and multiagency collaboration. Students also explore ethical and research-based approaches to emergency management.

Applicants to the degree-completion program need an associate degree in a related field, such as criminal justice, emergency management, or emergency medical services.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

12,759

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,574

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,662

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,574

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,662

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

35%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

12,759

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $357/credit ($263/credit with Colorado College Opportunity Fund)
Out of State | $401/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants to the degree-completion program need an associate degree in a related field, such as criminal justice, emergency management, or emergency medical services.

Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$26,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

81%

Acceptance Rate

44%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $540/credit
Out of State | $540/credit

Credits to Graduate
126

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A private Catholic institution based in East Whiteland Township, Pennsylvania, Immaculata offers an online bachelor's in emergency management program. The curriculum explores risk analysis, disaster planning, and emergency management systems. Students can receive credit for relevant prior learning experience.

Applicants submit high school transcripts, an admissions essay, and a letter of recommendation. Immaculata does not require SAT or ACT scores. However, learners can submit test scores to qualify for scholarships.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,780

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,780

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

2,479

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,500

Immaculata University

Immaculata, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$26,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$26,500

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

44%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,780

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,780

Retention Rate

86%

Students Enrolled

2,479

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Self-Paced Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $540/credit
Out of State | $540/credit

Credits to Graduate
126

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies

Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online

$6,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

70%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320/credit
Out of State | $320/credit

Credits to Graduate
124

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A private school located in Springfield, Missouri, Drury delivers one of the state's top bachelor's in emergency management programs. Courses explore hazard identification, social aspects of disaster, and public information management. Graduates can apply program credits toward Drury's master's in public service and safety leadership.

Applicants submit high school and college transcripts. Drury does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

1,326

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,288

Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies

Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,288

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,288

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

70%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

1,326

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $320/credit
Out of State | $320/credit

Credits to Graduate
124

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants submit high school and college transcripts. Drury does not require SAT or ACT scores.

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK4 yearCampus + Online

$6,962

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,980

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

76%

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $234-289/credit
Out of State | $800-$855/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

One of Alaska's top public colleges, UAF offers a fully online bachelor of security and emergency management program. Degree-seekers gain skills in management, leadership, and emergency planning. Learners can choose from six concentration options, including medical and public health management, fire administration, and homeland security.

Applicants to the bachelor's in emergency management need a minimum 2.5 high school GPA. UAF does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,414

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,904

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

7,179

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,962

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,980

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,962

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,980

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

68%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,414

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,904

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

7,179

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $234-289/credit
Out of State | $800-$855/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants to the bachelor's in emergency management need a minimum 2.5 high school GPA. UAF does not require SAT or ACT scores.

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$38,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

74%

Acceptance Rate

21%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $790/credit
Out of State | $790/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A private school in Garden City, New York, Adelphi delivers an online bachelor's in emergency management program. The BS in emergency service administration emphasizes hazard preparation for all types of industries and organizations. Candidates can receive credit for military and police training.

Applicants need a minimum 2.0 high school GPA. Applicants submit a personal statement detailing their motivations for pursuing the degree.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,920

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

7,991

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,470

Adelphi University

Garden City, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$38,470

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$38,470

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

21%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$41,920

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$41,920

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

7,991

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $790/credit
Out of State | $790/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants need a minimum 2.0 high school GPA. Applicants submit a personal statement detailing their motivations for pursuing the degree.

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City, NC4 yearCampus + Online

$1,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

66%

Acceptance Rate

42%

Online Enrollment

100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $42/credit
Out of State | $208/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A private, historically Black institution located in North Carolina, ECSU offers one of the state's only bachelor's in emergency management programs. Degree-seekers complete coursework in emergency service law, global terrorism, and social dimensions of disaster. Students can pursue an aviation science minor.

Undergraduate applicants need a minimum 2.5 high school GPA and submit SAT or ACT scores. ECSU offers alternate admissions pathways for older students.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,375

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,437

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

1,769

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,000

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City, NC4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,000

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,000

Acceptance Rate

66%

Online Enrollment

42%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,375

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,437

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

1,769

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online or Hybrid | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $42/credit
Out of State | $208/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Undergraduate applicants need a minimum 2.5 high school GPA and submit SAT or ACT scores. ECSU offers alternate admissions pathways for older students.

Barry University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$29,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

51%

Acceptance Rate

16%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $255/credit
Out of State | $255/credit

Credits to Graduate
120 credits

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A private Catholic college in Miami Shores, Florida, Barry admits students with diverse backgrounds. The school's online bachelor's in emergency management features coursework incorporating public administration, criminal justice, and environmental sciences. Students in the accelerated program can complete core coursework in 12 months.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have at least two years of work experience. Barry offers admissions exceptions for military personnel.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,820

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

7,401

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,700

Barry University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$29,700

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$29,700

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment

16%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$17,820

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,820

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

7,401

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $255/credit
Out of State | $255/credit

Credits to Graduate
120 credits

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and have at least two years of work experience. Barry offers admissions exceptions for military personnel.

Bethel University

McKenzie, TN4 yearCampus + Online

$10,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

51%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $350/credit
Out of State | $350/credit

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

A Presbyterian institution based in McKenzie, Tennessee, Bethel offers a fully online bachelor's in emergency management program. Students prepare for leadership roles in the emergency public service industry. Course topics include homeland security and public policy, weapons of mass destruction, and terrorism in the modern world.

Applicants need a minimum 2.25 high school GPA. Depending on their background, applicants may need work experience and letters of recommendation.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,034

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

3,119

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,188

Bethel University

McKenzie, TN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$10,188

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,188

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

51%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,034

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,034

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

3,119

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $350/credit
Out of State | $350/credit

Credits to Graduate
128

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants need a minimum 2.25 high school GPA. Depending on their background, applicants may need work experience and letters of recommendation.

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Canton, NY4 yearCampus + Online

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,534

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $295/credit
Out of State | $353/credit

Credits to Graduate
123-125

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

SUNY Canton's online bachelor's in emergency management trains students to address natural and technological disasters. The curriculum covers hazard assessment, emergency planning, and incident management systems. Degree-seekers can also complete internships and disaster simulations.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED. SUNY Canton does not require SAT or ACT scores. International applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

3,223

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,534

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

Canton, NY4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,070

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,534

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

64%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

3,223

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $295/credit
Out of State | $353/credit

Credits to Graduate
123-125

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | No
Program Accreditation | N/A

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or GED. SUNY Canton does not require SAT or ACT scores. International applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA.

#10

Ohio Christian University

Circleville, OH4 yearCampus + Online

$13,533

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,533

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

84%

Online Enrollment

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $416/credit
Out of State | $416/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | N/A

A private Christian university based in Circleville, OCU delivers a fully online bachelor's in emergency management program. The curriculum uses a Christian approach to emergency management.

Students develop a biblical framework for ethical management and decision-making. Coursework explores response and recovery, international development, and hazardous materials response.

Applicants to the online program need at least 50 credits from an accredited institution. Applicants must hold a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,765

Retention Rate

61%

Students Enrolled

2,843

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,533

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,533

Ohio Christian University

Circleville, OH4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$13,533

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$13,533

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

84%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,765

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,765

Retention Rate

61%

Students Enrolled

2,843

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

100% Online | Scheduled Classes

Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $416/credit
Out of State | $416/credit

Credits to Graduate
120

Program Information
Degree-Completion Program | Yes
Program Accreditation | N/A

A private Christian university based in Circleville, OCU delivers a fully online bachelor's in emergency management program. The curriculum uses a Christian approach to emergency management.

Students develop a biblical framework for ethical management and decision-making. Coursework explores response and recovery, international development, and hazardous materials response.

Applicants to the online program need at least 50 credits from an accredited institution. Applicants must hold a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Why You Should Get an Emergency Management Degree

Impactful Work: Emergency management professionals play a vital role in protecting communities and saving lives, which can make the work both challenging and rewarding.
Varied Job Positions: A degree in emergency management can lead to positions in several industries, including government, healthcare, and law enforcement.
Access to Advanced Roles: Certain emergency management positions, especially those in the government sector, require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Benefits of Getting an Emergency Management Degree Online

In BestColleges’ 2024 BestColleges Online Education Trends Report, 82% of online college students and program graduates surveyed say they think an online learning environment is equal to or better than learning on campus
Our report also found that 93% of online students and program graduates surveyed think their degree will have or has had a positive return on investment — and 97% say they would recommend online education to others.
The report also indicated that of the 77% of students surveyed who were enrolled full time in fully online programs, 43% of them were also working full time.

How to Choose the Best Emergency Management Degree Program for You

There are several factors to consider when evaluating an online emergency management degree, including cost, program length, application requirements, and career outlook.

Cost and Financial Aid
Program Length
Application Requirements
Careers

How Much Does an Emergency Management Degree Cost?

Online

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$11,842

Avg. Net Price

$6,498

In-Person

Avg. Tuition & Fees

$17,009

Avg. Net Price

$8,638

Source: NCES PowerStats

For the 2019-2020 academic year, the average cost of tuition and fees for online public administration and social services programs (which include emergency management programs) was $11,842 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). However, with grants and scholarships, the average cost drops down to $6,498 per year.

There are several options that can help lower the cost of an emergency management program, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), loans, grants, work-study programs, and scholarships.

Find Financial Aid for Your Emergency Management

Your Guide to the FAFSA

Your Guide to College Loans

Online Student Scholarships

How Long Does It Take to Get an Emergency Management Degree?

Typical # of Credits

120 Credits

Typical Program Length

4 Years

Earning a bachelor’s degree in emergency management typically requires around 120 credits, which takes roughly four years of full-time study to complete.

Some programs offer self-paced or part-time curricula that are more flexible, though they can take an additional year or more to complete. Others are offered in an accelerated format, which can be ideal for students looking to graduate sooner, but these require a more intensive study schedule.

Application Requirements

What Can You Do With an Emergency Management Degree?

With an emergency management degree, you can pursue various career paths in healthcare, law enforcement, homeland security, and government.

Several emergency management roles are expected to see a faster-than-average job growth rate. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for community health workers is projected to grow by 13% from 2023 to 2033, which is more than triple the average projected job growth rate for all occupations. The BLS also projects that employment for social and community service managers will grow by 8% during the same time period.

The table below shows some of the most popular emergency management jobs along with their median annual salaries:

Popular Emergency Management Jobs
Job	Median Annual Salary (May 2024)	Description
Community Health Workers	$51,030	Implement programs and advocate for people with limited access to health resources
Emergency Management Directors	$86,130	Prepare plans and lead responses to natural disasters and other emergencies
Firefighters	$59,530	Put out fires and respond to emergencies
Police and Detectives	$77,270	Respond to emergency calls, investigate crimes
Social and Community Service Managers	$78,240	Coordinate and supervise programs and organizations that support public wellness

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Is an Emergency Management Degree Worth It?

A bachelor’s degree in emergency management can be a worthwhile investment for students interested in pursuing a hands-on career in public service.

Earning a degree in this field can offer several long-term career benefits, opening up job opportunities in government positions, hospitals, research institutions, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, private companies, and community groups.

This can be fulfilling because emergency management professionals have the opportunity to make a direct impact on public safety, help communities recover from crises, and contribute to the overall well-being of society.

Also, if you choose an online program, you’ll have a more flexible schedule that can allow you to earn your degree on your own schedule without the need to commute to campus.

Education Beyond an Emergency Management Degree

Many graduates of bachelor’s in emergency management programs go on to pursue a master’s in emergency management degree. These programs typically require 30-45 credits and take students roughly 1-2 years to complete.

A master’s degree can open doors to more senior positions, such as emergency management director, which generally have a higher salary range. After earning a master’s degree, students may also pursue a doctorate in emergency management, criminal justice, public administration, organizational leadership, or public health.

Online Master’s in Emergency Management Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Management Degrees

What is an emergency management degree?

A degree in emergency management helps equip students with the necessary skills to develop and manage emergency response strategies. These programs combine academic learning with hands-on training and cover the four main phases of disaster relief work: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

What courses do I take in an emergency management degree?

In which government agencies can I work in with an emergency management degree?

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Updated April 15, 2024

Bachelor’s in Public Safety Administration Program Guide

We answer your questions about earning a bachelor’s in public safety administration degree — career outlook, admissions, cost, and program information.

by Staff Writers

Updated August 15, 2023

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