10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Programs

Prepare for Disasters with an Online Emergency Management Degree

Earning a bachelor's in emergency management degree provides the training needed to build skills in areas such as risk assessment, disaster response and recovery, and emergency mitigation, among other topics.

According to College Board data, in-state learners attending public four-year institutions paid an average of $10,740 in tuition and fees during the 2021-2022 academic year. Those attending private colleges paid an average of $38,070 during the same year. Students looking to save money typically find that attending a public institution as an in-state learner offers the most cost-effective option.

Emergency management graduates can look forward to modest job growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting 6% growth between 2020-2030 for emergency management directors. This figure is on par with the average growth rate of 7% for all occupations. These professionals earned median annual wages of $76,730 in 2021. Read more about common courses from top online schools, career paths, and continuing education opportunities.

What to Expect From an Online Bachelor's in Emergency Management Program?

Students considering an online bachelor's in emergency management typically enjoy jobs that allow them to solve problems, think critically, develop detailed plans, and work with many different types of stakeholders. Most programs consist of 120 credits and require four years of full-time study. Part-time programs often take six years to complete, while accelerated options may allow for graduation in as few as three years.

In addition to core coursework focused on general emergency management topics, many schools now offer concentrations to help learners develop specific skills in nuanced areas. These vary from school to school, but common options include:

• Homeland Security
• Business Continuity
• International Management
• Fire Services Management
• Natural Disaster Management and Response

In addition to general education and degree-specific classes, many bachelor's in emergency management programs include a semester-long internship, allowing learners to build real-world skills and begin networking with other professionals. Some also provide an opportunity to complete a capstone project that allows for hands-on problem solving.

10 Best Accredited Online Bachelor's in Emergency Management Programs

Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team

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Popular Online Emergency Management Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Courses Within an Online Bachelor's in Emergency Management Program

Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Typically taken in the first semester, this introductory course helps students understand the theories and methodologies used within the profession. Course topics include preventing and protecting against emergencies.

Disaster Response and Recovery

Students taking this course learn about the processes in place once a disaster occurs, including how to manage recovery protocols. The syllabus typically includes several case studies and field experiences to help develop required skills.

Fiscal Management

Designed to build the skills needed to develop and oversee emergency management budgets, this course looks at various management methods for public funds usage. In the case of nonprofits, students also learn how to engage in fundraising.

Politics and Policy in Emergency Management

This course looks at the local, state, and federal policies in place to handle emergency management programs and the interagency relationships required to ensure each piece of the process goes smoothly.

Emergency Management Internship

Typically completed in the senior year of studies, emergency management internships allow learners to develop real-world skills and network with other professionals during a semester-long experience.

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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor's in Emergency Management Program?

Admission requirements for bachelor's in emergency management programs vary from school to school, making it important that learners carefully review the expectations of each program. That said, online and campus-based admission requirements tend to mirror one another. Particularly competitive programs may also require candidates to participate in an interview.

Application

Applications allow colleges to gather basic information about prospective candidates. Most of these documents request demographic details such as the applicant's full name, mailing address, and citizenship status. Colleges routinely allow students to submit undergraduate applications online, though some may still allow for paper applications.

Test Scores

When applying to a bachelor's in emergency management program, students may be asked to provide ACT or SAT scores to help demonstrate their general preparedness for higher education. Some schools have done away with college entrance exams, but allow learners to submit their scores if they feel they enhance their application.

Letters of Recommendation

Admission officers use letters of recommendation to get a more well-rounded perspective of prospective students. These letters typically come from individuals who can speak to a student's academic and professional aspirations, including current and former professors, supervisors, and volunteer managers.

Essays

College application essays allow prospective students to communicate in their own words why they want to pursue a bachelor's in emergency management, how they plan to use the degree, and why they want to study at a particular school. Applicants may be given a specific prompt or asked to submit a personal statement of their choice.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts help admission officers ensure applicants meet minimum GPA and prerequisite course requirements, but they also help registrars when working with learners transferring from community colleges to four-year programs. After reviewing transcripts, registrars can identify which classes will transfer to the new degree.

Programs in Emergency Management

Careers with an Online Bachelor's in Emergency Management Degree

Although emergency management may not qualify as one of the most popular college majors, individuals who earn a bachelor's in emergency management can qualify for several growing and well-paid positions in varied industries. Whether working for a government agency, nonprofit group, or private company, graduates have options in various fields and positions.According to the BLS, jobs for emergency management directors are projected to grow by 6% between 2020-2030, leading to approximately 700 new jobs. These professionals earned median annual wages of $76,730 in 2021. This is substantially higher than the annual mean wage of $58,260 for all occupations.

Career Paths

Emergency Management Director

These professionals spend their days creating procedures to respond to emergency situations. They meet regularly with stakeholders to organize training and update protocols as needed. When an emergency or natural disaster occurs, directors also work to respond to these situations and coordinate the sharing of equipment and resources.

Median Annual Salary: $76,730

Firefighter

Firefighters work on the frontlines of emergency management by responding to calls about fires and other emergencies. Whether working on a forest fire or house fire, these professionals work to extinguish flames, rescue trapped individuals, and treat those who are sick or injured. They also participate in drills to hone their skills. Professionals typically need to complete additional fire academy training before pursuing this career.

Median Annual Salary: $50,700

Forensic Science Technician

Unfortunately, not all emergencies are accidents. In the case of criminal crises, forensic science technicians collect evidence and analyze the data to better understand what happened. In addition to gathering physical evidence, these professionals also take photographs of crime scenes and develop sketches.

Median Annual Salary: $61,930

Community Service Manager

These professionals commonly work with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to develop programs that help educate the public and support their well-being. In addition to designing programs and assessing their effectiveness, these professionals also develop outreach activities to engage more community members.

Median Annual Salary: $74,000

Management Analyst

Management analysts look for ways to improve efficiency, either as consultants or in-house employees. When working in emergency services settings, management analysts review emergency protocols and make recommendations for improvement. They may also work with senior staff to create presentations to share with other company employees.

Median Annual Salary: $93,000

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Continuing Education

Students who complete a bachelor's in emergency management may work in the field for a few years before assessing the next steps. While it is possible to move up in seniority and pay over time with only a four-year degree, many see earning a master's in emergency management as a quicker way to climb the career ladder.

These programs typically consist of 30-36 credits and require approximately two years of full-time study. Some accelerated programs may allow learners to graduate in as few as 12 months. After earning these credentials, candidates can apply for more senior-level positions with managerial responsibility. These roles often pay higher than positions for candidates with a bachelor's degree.

Other education options include certificates and certifications to expand professionals' areas of expertise. Professionals who plan to pursue careers in firefighting or law enforcement may need to complete additional academy training.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Management Programs

Is a bachelor's in emergency management worth it?

An online degree provides value in many ways, and pursuing an online bachelor's in emergency management offers a promising professional pathway poised for growth. These programs typically require four years of full-time study and result in the qualifications and training needed to take on well-paid roles in government, nonprofit, and corporate settings. Students gain the skills needed to develop procedures in the event of an emergency and create plans for response after an emergency occurs. They also learn how to work with various government agencies and private contractors alike to ensure the best possible handling of dire situations.

What can I do with a bachelor's in emergency management?

Individuals who graduate from a bachelor's in emergency management program can apply for jobs in various professional settings. Many graduates decide to pursue work as emergency management directors, as this allows them to work on the frontlines of the discipline. That said, graduates can choose from a variety of positions, including work as firefighters, emergency services managers, safety specialists, disaster recovery directors, and border patrol agents. Others may decide to work in science-based roles, such as environmental health and safety officer.

Are emergency management majors in demand?

Graduates of online bachelor's in emergency management degrees can look forward to joining an industry experiencing steady growth. The BLS projects that jobs for emergency management directors will expand by 6% between 2020-2030, leading to the creation of 700 new jobs. Additionally, approximately 1,000 jobs should open each year due to existing workers taking on different positions or retiring.Meanwhile, jobs for forensic science technicians are projected to grow by 16% by the end of the decade, creating nearly 3,000 new positions. Those who plan to go into emergency community service roles can look forward to a projected growth rate of 15% during the same years.

How much money can I make with a bachelor's in emergency management?

The amount of money a bachelor's in emergency management graduate can earn varies significantly based on their level of experience, job title, location, and employer. In 2021, firefighters earned median annual wages of $50,700, while forensic science technicians took home median pay of $61,930.Technicians who worked in state government roles earned the highest median wages at $64,250 per year, while those in the top 10% of earners in these positions brought home more than $103,430 for the year.

What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor's in emergency management?

Emergency management is not the highest-paying sector, but many jobs in this field pay above-average salaries. For instance, emergency management directors earned median annual wages of $76,730 in 2021. The top 10% of directors received salaries above $133,580 during the same year.Meanwhile, management analysts took home a median yearly pay of $93,000 in May 2021. Professionals who worked their way up to the top 10% of earners commanded wages over $163,760. Community service managers had a median salary of $74,000.

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