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.

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.

Best Online Emergency Management Degree Programs

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Discover the top online emergency management degree programs for a fulfilling and impactful career in this high-demand field. Check out our guide to learn more.

Edited by

Updated December 18, 2024

Why Trust BestColleges

3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers

Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.

Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.

Emergency management presents the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in communities by ensuring public safety and improving disaster resilience — a significant motivator for many in this field.

Whether you’re looking to start a career in emergency management or advance your current role, earning a degree in this field can help you get started on your goals.

Online degree programs offer a flexible and convenient option for individuals who may be working or have other commitments. We’ll explore the best online emergency management degree programs and why a degree can be a valuable investment in your future.

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

Learn More

Visit Site

In this Article

Best 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

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

Affordability (30%)
Student outcomes (30%)
Reputation (20%)
Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

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 Pursue a Degree in Emergency Management?

Are you considering a career that combines excitement, challenge, and a genuine opportunity to make a difference in your community? A degree in emergency management could be your ticket to such a fulfilling profession.

The field of emergency management is in high demand due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and climate catastrophes. As an emergency management professional, you’ll likely enjoy job security and a wide array of career paths.

You could become an emergency management director, an emergency preparedness coordinator, a disaster recovery specialist, or a hazard mitigation specialist.

The field also offers ample career advancement opportunities, including leadership roles and specialization in areas like natural disasters, public health emergencies, or cyber threats.

Additionally, the dynamic and challenging work environment requires quick responses to evolving threats and effective collaboration with multiple stakeholders, making it a rewarding and fulfilling career. Overall, a degree in emergency management equips professionals with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in a critical and impactful career.

What Do You Learn in an Emergency Management Degree Program?

An emergency management degree program combines rigorous academic study with practical training on the four main phases of disaster relief work: preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

You’ll take courses like:

Hazard mitigation and preparedness
Disaster response and recovery
Emergency preparedness and planning
Political and policy basis of emergency management
Principles of hazards mitigation
Public administration
Urban management
Geographic information system (GIS) technology

Hands-on experiences through simulations and field exercises will further equip you to manage real-world crises with precision and agility.

You’ll also gain essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, leadership, and problem-solving, preparing you to anticipate, mitigate, prepare, respond, and recover from a variety of emergencies.

What Can You Do With an Emergency Management Degree?

With an emergency management degree, you’ll be equipped to pursue a variety of career paths, each with distinct job responsibilities.

Career options include emergency management specialist, emergency management technician, emergency medical services (EMS) worker, firefighter, law enforcement officer, homeland security professional, public safety officer, disaster recovery manager, public information officer, safety coordinator, and emergency preparedness coordinator.

These roles vary in their focus, from immediate response and medical care to long-term recovery and safety planning.

6 Careers in Emergency Management
Job	Median Annual Salary (2023)	Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
Community Health Workers	$48,200	13%
Emergency Management Directors	$83,960	4%
Firefighters	$57,120	4%
Police and Detectives	$74,910	4%
Project Management Specialists	$103,610	7%
Social and Community Service Managers	$77,030	8%

Source: BLS

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Management Programs

How long does an emergency management degree take?

A bachelor’s degree in emergency management usually requires four years of full-time study. However, there are accelerated programs available that allow students to complete their bachelor’s degrees in three years or less.

For master’s degrees in emergency management, the standard duration is two years, but some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as one year with intensive study.

Are emergency management majors in demand?

Is a bachelor’s in emergency management worth it?

What degree is best for FEMA?

Explore More College Resources

Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management Programs

Emergency managers save lives by directing personnel and resources after anthropogenic and natural disasters. On this page, you can learn about some of the best online master’s in emergency management programs.

by Doug Wintemute

Updated September 21, 2023

Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Program Guide

Learn about earning a bachelor’s degree in emergency management. Discover career opportunities, earning potential, and typical coursework for this program.

by Staff Writers

Updated August 16, 2023

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

Other Business and management Resources

Business and Management

programs

careers

guides