Best Online Emergency Management Degree Programs
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.Why Trust BestColleges
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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.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Emergency Management Programs
Arapahoe Community College
Littleton, CO4 yearCampus + Online
$3,574
$14,662
N/A
35%
N/A
N/A
N/A
12,759
Public
Yes
$3,574
$14,662
Littleton, CO4 yearCampus + Online
$3,574
$14,662
N/A
35%
N/A
N/A
N/A
12,759
Public
Yes
Immaculata University
Immaculata, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$26,500
$26,500
81%
44%
$12,780
$12,780
86%
2,479
Private
Yes
$26,500
$26,500
Immaculata, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$26,500
$26,500
81%
44%
$12,780
$12,780
86%
2,479
Private
Yes
Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies
Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$6,288
$6,288
N/A
70%
N/A
N/A
62%
1,326
Private
Yes
$6,288
$6,288
Springfield, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$6,288
$6,288
N/A
70%
N/A
N/A
62%
1,326
Private
Yes
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK4 yearCampus + Online
$6,962
$22,980
76%
68%
$10,414
$21,904
73%
7,179
Public
Yes
$6,962
$22,980
Fairbanks, AK4 yearCampus + Online
$6,962
$22,980
76%
68%
$10,414
$21,904
73%
7,179
Public
Yes
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$38,470
$38,470
74%
21%
$41,920
$41,920
79%
7,991
Private
Yes
$38,470
$38,470
Garden City, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$38,470
$38,470
74%
21%
$41,920
$41,920
79%
7,991
Private
Yes
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$1,000
$5,000
66%
42%
$3,375
$16,437
70%
1,769
Public
Yes
$1,000
$5,000
Elizabeth City, NC4 yearCampus + Online
$1,000
$5,000
66%
42%
$3,375
$16,437
70%
1,769
Public
Yes
Barry University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$29,700
$29,700
51%
16%
$17,820
$17,820
65%
7,401
Private
Yes
$29,700
$29,700
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$29,700
$29,700
51%
16%
$17,820
$17,820
65%
7,401
Private
Yes
Bethel University
McKenzie, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$10,188
$10,188
90%
51%
$11,034
$11,034
62%
3,119
Private
Yes
$10,188
$10,188
McKenzie, TN4 yearCampus + Online
$10,188
$10,188
90%
51%
$11,034
$11,034
62%
3,119
Private
Yes
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$7,070
$13,534
85%
64%
N/A
N/A
70%
3,223
Public
Yes
$7,070
$13,534
Canton, NY4 yearCampus + Online
$7,070
$13,534
85%
64%
N/A
N/A
70%
3,223
Public
Yes
Ohio Christian University
Circleville, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$13,533
$13,533
N/A
84%
$10,765
$10,765
61%
2,843
Private
Yes
$13,533
$13,533
Circleville, OH4 yearCampus + Online
$13,533
$13,533
N/A
84%
$10,765
$10,765
61%
2,843
Private
Yes
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.
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% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Management Programs
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.
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