Online Emergency Management Degree
To prep new leaders, many online schools offer an online emergency management (EM) degree programs. In fact, these programs typically touch on ways to oversee a crisis, how to prepare, deal and even respond. If you like a tactical plan, you might find it a perfect time to earn an emergency management degree and to do so online.
An online emergency management degree program typically studies public service and what to do when there are threats to public safety. More to the point, it deals with the processes used to protect a group or business from the effects of disaster, wars, and acts of terrorism.
You may find online colleges with all levels of emergency management (EM) degrees. Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate. While distinct, they all typically look at the four phases of EM. How to prepare, lessen the impact, respond and recover. At the bachelor’s level, you may tend to learn about the critical cycle of emergency and disaster management. You often study this from both a hands on and concept based approach. Then once you graduate, you may be ready to make crucial decisions when it counts.
Master’s programs often take crisis leadership to the next step. This tends to mean you learn how to use data to craft tactical plans. Then also how to apply policy with firm skills. Once you are a grad, you may be ready to manage emergency response teams at local and national levels.
PhD in emergency management programs tend to be for people who want to research, teach and lead at highest levels. So, these programs may often discuss how to form a policy that emergency managers at other levels may enact. As a result, grads may be ready to direct in senior positions or use their expertise as scholars.
Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management
Many colleges may offer either an online BA or BS in Emergency Management. As entry level degrees, they aim to prepare you for a full range of careers in both EM and public safety. More to the point, they often prep people who may work in public service for advanced admin and managerial roles within emergency services jobs. For instance, firefighters, police officers, emergency responders, military personnel, private sector and others.
That said, there may be variables in the courses between the BA and BS. Often, a BS includes more math and data studies. In contrast, a BA may more focus more on human factors such as mental health care for victims.
For the most part, the classes in an online Bachelor’s in emergency management may go from basic to more complex. They tend to first frame key concepts to help you develop a general grasp of the threats faced by communities. Then move into classes about risk, planning and response both from a managerial and public relations standpoint.
Many online colleges typically use the Common App when you are ready to apply. While you typically need a high school diploma or GED, each school usually sets its own standards for admissions. Above all, the acceptable GPA tends to vary as does the need to include other material. Like a personal statement or SAT / ACT scores.
You typically do not need military training or an associate degree to embark in a bachelor’s program. But having these things may shave some time and credits off your program. Otherwise, either a BA or BS in EM may entail 120 credits and take about four years to graduate. Another variable is tuition. According to the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of an undergrad degree at a public college for the year 2015-2016 was $17,237. It is even more if you choose a private for profit school ($25,431) or private nonprofit school ($44,551).
Master’s Degree in Emergency Management
Many online colleges award a Master of Science (MS) in emergency management. As a grad degree, it tends to be a program for those who may want to advance in a career. And to this point, is likely to have an applied focus.
What this means is that many online MS in EM programs may discuss crises within a certain context. One example is health care and the leadership skills needed during the event of let’s say, a pandemic. As a result, courses may often dive more into tactics and planning. Plus, might explore the decision process and how to divide resources. For this reason, many programs stress practical work. Like exercises to test scenarios and chain of command.
Apart from about 36 credits of courses, some programs entail research. So, you might need to complete a thesis or design a tactical plan as a final project. With this in mind, many programs may take from one to two years, depending on the number of classes you take per term. Once you graduate, this type of training may ready you to lead the crisis response in a variety of settings. From public agencies to private firms, on a local or global scale.
When you are ready to apply, you may of course need a bachelor’s degree (in an approved major). Grad schools may also want to see your GPA, resume and get a sense of your career goals and commitment to the field. You typically have many options when it comes to where to earn an online MS in emergency management degree. Some online colleges may offer rolling start dates but there could be a range of price points. According to the NCES, the average cost of a grad degree at a public school for the academic year 2016-2017 was $11,617.
PhD in Emergency Management
One of the highest degrees in the field is a PhD in EM. As a research doctorate, it tends to be for people who want to research, teach and lead at senior levels. Many online PhD in EM programs typically take a broad approach to a specific field. Criminal justice, for example, business admin, or medicine. Then they may zoom in on how to be an effective leader or scholar in that field of study. As a result, a PhD course plan has certain elements that other levels of degrees do not. As you might imagine, there may be classes in research methods to help you gain these critical skills.
Besides these classes, other topics may tend to explore crisis leadership. Things such as how to form a policy or decide to evacuate or shut down school systems. These decisions may take a firm grasp of theory, current issues, policy analysis and tactical planning.
While it does depend on your program, a full course load may entail about 60 credits. This may take about 3 years, as most programs have year 1, 2, and 3 classes mapped out in a certain order. That said, many online PhD in EM programs are blended. As a matter of fact, many have brief residencies built in and may even include some teacher assisting. With this in mind, if teaching is not your goal, you may have the option of more directed study.
When you are ready to apply, many online schools want you to hold a master’s degree first. Coupled with an approved major, you may need to submit GRE scores, a statement of goals and a resume too. Also, reference letters to show your diligence as a student and research interests that pair with the school’s.
What could I pursue with an Online Emergency Management Degree?
An EM degree may be an entry point to many jobs at local, regional, state, or national levels. As a matter of fact, EM leadership is crucial to gov’ts, businesses, hospitals, service sectors and schools. Since EM is evolving with new crisis reported around the globe, there may be jobs for all levels of education. Emergency Managers tend to need a bachelor’s degree and years of experience, so this may be an option.
Apart from having a bachelor’s degree, many corporate jobs call for a master’s or MBA. And some employers who bring in analysts may look for workers with an extra credential. Of the more common is the Certified Management Consultant, or CMC.
1. Emergency Management Directors
As an emergency management director, you are likely to use your decision skills to craft tactical action plans. Not to mention, you may be the point person who drives results and improves responses in crises. Aside from that, you may also need to have a critical eye so you may assess and review systems and practices. If this type of job interests you, some positions typically call for a bachelor’s degree. And others may entail a few years of experience as well as a master’s degree.
2. EMT’s and Paramedics
As an EMT or paramedic, you typically respond to medical 911 calls. In fact, people’s lives may depend on your ability to provide first aid treatment. Apart from these skills, you may provide life support care to sick or injured patients. For this reason, you need to know CPR, and how to manage cardiac, trauma and respiratory conditions. Then depending on the state, some type of certification.
3. Police and Detectives
Both police officers and detectives respond to crimes and emergencies. Police officers tend to do this to protect people’s lives and property. While detectives investigate and solve crimes by gathering evidence. To work in either role there are stringent standards to meet. And if you want to work for a federal agency like the FBI, you need at least a bachelor’s degree.
4. Emergency Management Analyst
Above all, EM analysts are problem solvers. As a result, they may come into a setting to assess finances, staff performance and systems. In fact, their role is often to support the readiness plans for different types of crisis. Apart from the skill to communicate well and multi task, most enter the field with a bachelor’s degree. And, depending on the position, may need security clearance and a solid resume.
5. Business Continuity Planning Manager
A business continuity analyst ensures there is a plan in place in case there is an emergency or disaster. To do this they often start with a business impact analysis. Then also need to run tests to measure how resilient the business is and how to help it recover. Coupled with these skills, many roles call for an ability to work with teams across the globe and a firm grasp of regulatory issues. Apart from being results focused, many jobs entail a bachelor’s degree, if not a master’s or MBA.
6. Emergency Room (ER) Nurse
ER nurses typically deal with crisis and trauma. They perform triage, medical evacuations and beyond. While they may do this every day, in times of crisis, their role maybe even more vital. And may call for a specific understanding of chain of command as well as leadership. If you are up for the task, you typically tend to need a few credentials. Things like an active RN license, bachelor’s degree (at least) and specific ER certification.
7. Information Security Analyst
As an info sec analyst, you may play a key role on an emergency response team. For one, you tend to watch for breaches in computer networks and systems. And with cyber attacks on the rise, may have to know how to spot risks and threats as well as deal with their effects. This tends to entail strong technical skills (like forensics) and a bachelor’s degree to enter the field.
8. Emergency Communications Director
An emergency communications director is typically in charge of PR. They may also deliver client centric plans that ensure timely, accurate and emergent info to the public. Because above all, when disaster strikes, people need to understand what is going on and what to do. Apart from skills as a leader, you may tend to need at least a bachelor’s degree and some employers may prefer candidates with a grad degree.
Is an Online Emergency Management Degree worth it?
Expertise in emergency leadership may provide flexible skills, opportunity and above average earning potential. Per the US BLS, the number of EM jobs is on the rise. In fact, the BLS predicts 4% more openings for EM directors by 2029. And many of these jobs are likely to be in gov’t, hospitals, schools and business sectors as current workers hit retirement. But by all means, emergency plans are a staple of the oil and gas as well as electric power industries. So, these may provide jobs too.
While the same growth rates apply for law enforcement, other areas show above average promise. Management and business continuity managers are a prime example. This field expects 11% more jobs by 2029 and that is much faster than the norm. Then of course there are certain sectors where you might pair emergency skills with other abilities. If these are technical, info sec jobs are growing faster than others (by 31%) due to the rise in cyber attacks.
In the event you prefer a hands on role like nursing, EMT or paramedic, the future is also bright. Above all as emergencies tap into front line providers with the skills to care for our physical and mental health. As a result, the need for RNs is on the rise by 7% and EMTs by 6%.
Emergency Management Degree Jobs & Salary
| Occupation | Annual Median Wage | Jobs |
| Emergency Management Directors | $74,590 | 9,900 |
| EMTs and Paramedics | $35,400 | 262,100 |
| Police and Detectives | $65,170 | 808,700 |
| Management Analysts | $85,260 | 876,300 |
Top States for Jobs as an Emergency Management Director
| State | Jobs | Annual Mean Wage |
| CA | 840 | $118,320 |
| NY | 680 | $99,960 |
| TX | 540 | $89,810 |
| PA | 440 | $69,850 |
| IL | 420 | $81,830 |
What classes could I take with an Online Emergency Management Degree?
Many emergency management degree programs typically study risks and what to do in the event of crises. These areas may help students understand the four major areas of EM. Mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
While you study these areas, you may tend to also focus on the skills leaders need. Above all those that assist the public, direct first responders. And also, those that typically advise officials about key areas. Such as how to prepare, respond and recover from disasters and other emergencies.
And as there may be many examples in real life, many programs weave in case studies, exercise design and theory. But each type of degree is likely to do this in a unique way. Below are some of the classes you might find at the bachelors, masters and PhD levels.
Bachelor’s Degree Courses
As an online student in a bachelor’s in emergency management program, the field may be new. As such, many course plans may include an intro to emergency management and to all types of disasters. So, it is likely you may study natural ones (like hurricanes), health crises (epidemics, and pandemics), terrorism and homeland security.
Then apart from classes about emergencies, you may need to learn what to do if one happens. Also, if there are any steps that may be put into place to avoid them. This takes and understanding of risk, response and planning. For this reason, other classes may delve deeply into the steps that go into making crucial decisions.
Here are a few other popular topics at the bachelor’s level.
Evidence Based Practice and Research
This type of course may teach students best practices. They may learn solutions in criminal justice based on data. Students may learn aspects of quantitative and qualitative research. This program tends to have a focus on helping students to become good researchers. They may also learn how to evaluate data and studies. The goal is to help them determine how to make sound decisions
Intro to Emergency Management
This class takes a historical look at emergency management. It may include areas of disaster planning and management. The focus often is on post- 9/11 methods. Homeland Security may be another key topic in this program in many cases. Students could learn how Homeland Security and local public safety forces work together and the various rules to government.
Ethics and Leadership in Public Safety Agencies
This type of course aims to focus on leadership methods and skills in public safety organizations. This course often has an ethics focus and teaches leadership skills to students. They may learn how to use these skills in various ways including tactical and strategic settings. They may learn how ethics matters within these agencies in areas of culture.
Government and Nonprofit Budgeting
This course usually focuses on the fundamentals of running a public agency from the viewpoint of finance. It may include topics related to financial management like budgeting and accounting. It may also cover areas of planning and decision making. The topic generally focuses on, in many cases, government and nonprofit groups. This program may also include communication skill training for some.
Graduate Degree Courses
In a MS in emergency management program, the focus is typically on how to lead and make effective decisions. To this end, the classes may often highlight the skills and knowledge to excel as a tactical planner.
Then also, many master’s programs have an applied focus. In light of this, there may be classes that may discuss various scenarios to help you develop an EM plan into the final stages of recovery. Above all, may be able to tailor this plan to a specific setting or scenario. Like health scares, hostage situations and in the event of a hurricane.
As a result, you tend to study ways to address all types of emerging threats. Including protocols for terrorism, homeland defense, Info sec, and critical infrastructure protection. And may take away the well rounded expertise needed to see the big picture, manage risks, and take action before and after disaster strikes.
As a PhD in emergency management is a research degree, this is a main focus of many study plans. In other words, it is likely you may learn how to frame a theory, collect and test data and present your findings in a clear manner.
Apart from this aspect, many course plans go both wide and deep. On the wide side, you may study theories of EM along with detailed analysis of each phase of crisis planning. Plus, the policies that go along with hazards, catastrophes and incidents of all types. More narrowly, you might learn how to use proven methods to assess and lessen risks. Then you may also look at the area of disaster response and recovery. Things like how to make the tactical decision to evacuate an area, deal with humanitarian issues and restore affected areas.
Here are a few other popular topics at the graduate level.
Resource Planning and Decision Making
This higher level course often is necessary for those who wish to work in managerial positions in public safety. They may learn how to manage poorly structured situations and how to create strategic plans. Students may learn how to develop strategies from the perspective of managing personnel and budgets. Students may also learn about performance markets and goal setting.
Strategic Human Resource Management
Students may learn about the regulations and methods of managing human resources in a public safety field. They may have a focus on human resource management’s role in the functions of planning for needs, hiring, and training. They may also consider topics such as recruitment and career development in this field in the field of emergency management.
Project Management
Project Management is a course that often looks at all things involved in managing in this field. It usually includes various concepts and uses many tools. Students may learn how to choose a managerial process approach. This may include areas of planning and executing, and controlling a project. Students may also learn about project cost, time, and management as it applies.
Principles of Emergency Management
This high level course aims to teach students about all levels of government. They may look at how the system works to limit disasters when preventable. It may also include insight into mitigating consequences when disasters take place. Students may learn about communication in this area as well as disaster management methods.
How long does it take to earn an Online Emergency Management Degree?
It tends to take about four years to earn a bachelor’s in emergency management degree online. But many students bring in transfer credits. So this may lead to a shorter program of from 18 months and up. Once you graduate, you may take about 1 to 5 years to earn a master’s degree in EM. And, from 2.5 years to earn a doctorate. Naturally, there may be part time and full time options so the format you choose may impact program length.
| University | Level of Degree | # of Credits Required | Starts Per Year | Minimum Months to Complete |
| Bellevue University | Bachelors | 127 | 3 | 18 |
| Utah Valley University | Bachelors | 120 | 3 | 24 |
| American Military University | Bachelors | 120 | 2 | 24 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Masters | 36 | 5 | 15 |
| Boston University | Masters | 36 | 2 | 12 |
| Georgetown University | Masters | 33 | 3 | 24 |
| Walden | Doctorate | 83QC | Multiple | 30 |
| Capella University | Doctorate | 90QC | Multiple | 36 |
| Jacksonville State University | Doctorate | 60 | 1 | 36 |
15 Online Emergency Management Degrees
We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.
- Bellevue University
- Utah Valley University
- American Military University
- West Texas A&M University
- Arkansas State University – Jonesboro
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Boston University
- Georgetown University
- Adelphi University
- Millersville University
- Walden University
- Capella University
- Jacksonville State University
- Oklahoma State University
- University of Delaware
FIND AN ONLINE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEGREE
Below is a more detailed look at the online colleges where you may earn an emergency management degree.
1
Bellevue offers an online Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management. It typically entails 127 credits and uses a building block approach so you go through one course at a time. While in the program, you may become familiar with a range of natural and man made threats and disasters. And others that take you through the whole cycle of how to manage in these scenarios. The program may also frame policy, procedure, legal issues and risk. As a result, you may takeaway a set of solid and ethical decision skills. Some other sample topics are:
- Crisis readiness for natural and human caused disasters
- Terrorism and homeland security
- Command structures
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $7,851
Grad $11,205
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$4,961
Average Net Price:
$13,261
2
UVU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration. It typically entails 120 credits and offers a focus in Emergency Management and Disaster Assistance. This focus studies EM at all levels. Local, regional, state, and national. Paired with types of crises, you may learn how to handle them. This includes classes in process and response as well as research and analytics. Thus, apart from understanding theory, you may have the chance to hone decision skills. For those who also want some practical training there may be options such as an Emergency Medical Technician. Some courses are:
- Humanitarian services
- Human factors
- Disaster recovery
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $16,570
Grad $26,070
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$5,383
Average Net Price:
$8,267
3
This program takes a practical view. So, a main goal is to prep students for a full range of careers in EM and public safety. On one hand, it offers a broad intro to the field and helps you to learn the all hazards approach. And on the other, goes into depth about risk, how to identify threats and also ways to prevent and manage them. Along with these topics, you study the phases of emergency and disaster
AMU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management. It typically entails 120 credits and courses start monthly. This program usually takes a practical view. So, a main goal is to prep students for a full range of careers in EM and public safety. On one hand, it may also offer a broad intro to the field and help you to learn the all hazards approach. And on the other, typically goes into depth about risk, how to identify threats and also ways to prevent and manage them. Along with these topics, you may study the phases of emergency and disaster management. You may also study human responses along with national measures in counter terrorism. Some other sample topics are:
- Managerial issues in hazardous materials
- Emergency planning
- Social media responses for EM
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $7,324
Grad $7,005
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$1,639
Average Net Price:
$10,995
4
West Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in Emergency Management Administration
Online
Above all it is is a professional emergency management program based on a public admin curriculum. And gears to students are also firefighters, police officers,
WTAMU offers an online BAAS degree in Emergency Management Administration (EMA). It generally entails 120 credits and is available in full and part time formats. Above all it is typically a professional emergency management program based on a public admin curriculum. And gears to students who may be firefighters, police officers, emergency responders, military personnel, and in the private sector. To help them move into advanced levels of admin, it places emphasis on leadership. So, you may study effective ways to communicate as well as decision skills, risk, response and practices. Some other sample topics are:
- Municipal gov’t
- Ethics, Justice and the EMA system
- Tech for public and EM
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $9,541
Grad $7,727
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$6,144
Average Net Price:
$12,982
5
Arkansas State University – Jonesboro
Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Online
ASU offers a Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (DPEM). It entails 120 credits and 8 semesters. One of the features of the BS DPEM program is that it draws from a few disciplines. As a result, you may study topics from business continuity to health care responses. The course plan typically also looks at disasters and the mental health component. While studying core topics, you may also choose an area in DPEM to focus on which also filters into your capstone paper. Some course topics may include:
- Law enforcement response actions
- Tactics for civil disorder
- Command and Planning
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $15,860
Grad $11,408
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$9,534
Average Net Price:
$13,281
6
SNHU offers an online Master of Science in Management with a focus in Emergency Management. It entails 36 credits and if you take two courses per 15 week term, you may graduate in 15 months. A main focus of the MEM program is to help you gain managerial skills. So, the courses typically look at ways to cut down risk, safeguard the public and craft plans. You may also study how to prepare and respond to critical threats in both life and business. As a result, the material could look at disasters of all kinds. Corporate, natural, toxic spills and security threats. Notable also is that the curriculum uses guidelines of the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Incident Management System (FIMS). Some other sample topics are:
- Critical issues in management
- Disaster response and recovery
- Applied EM
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $31,136
Grad $18,810
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$3,913
Average Net Price:
$39,743
7
BU offers an online Master of Science in Healthcare Emergency Management. It typically entails 36 credits and features rolling admissions for two term start dates. A main goal of the program is to prepare you to pursue work across the spectrum of emergency and crisis management. That said, the emphasis is on events related to the fields of biomedical sciences and healthcare. As a result, it may help you learn about triage, unified command and other vital protocols. If this interests you, the program usually comes with two options. One, a full time one year format, and the other, a part time track that takes 2 years. Some other sample topics are:
- Applied theory and crisis modeling
- Physics of natural and man made hazards
- Community health and EM
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $55,892
Grad $55,502
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$36,461
Average Net Price:
$29,479
8
Georgetown offers an online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Emergency & Disaster Management. It typically entails 33 credits and comes with a part time or fulltime option. As an MPS degree, the program looks at the emerging field of EM from all sides. As such, it usually discusses the full disaster lifecycle. In particular, it has a main focus on preparedness and recovery. By the same token, there may be classes that cover theory and ones that could help you frame decisions as well as budget and manage projects. You may study these areas through case studies, analysis and by creating response plans that test your critical thinking. Some other sample topics are:
- Risk perception
- GIS for EM
- Humanitarian crisis management
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $56,058
Grad $51,790
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$42,040
Average Net Price:
$28,442
9
Adelphi offers an online Master of Science in Emergency Management. It typically entails 39 credits and may take about 2.5 years to complete as it caps with a research project. While on the path to completing your master’s degree, you may also earn a Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management after just six courses. The program typically also discusses how EM applies science, technology, planning, risk analysis and management practices to deal with large and complex events. And, you might tailor the study plan further to meet your goals. Whether these are in health care, law enforcement, education or business. Some other sample topics are:
- Math for managers
- EM law
- Business continuity planning
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $40,300
Grad $43,420
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$19,075
Average Net Price:
$28,130
10
Millersville offers an online Master of Science in Emergency Management (MSEM). It typically entails 30 credits and features rolling admissions as well as part and fulltime formats. Apart from the flexibility, the study plan is usually dynamic, and evolves to meet new industry themes. That said, you may not need any experience in EM to enroll. In fact, the program aims to benefit both seasoned and new EM workers. In light of this, the classes may draw from multiple areas like planning, preparedness and disaster research. There also may be an option to complete internships or co ops as well as to undertake independent study. Some other sample topics are:
- Social aspects of disasters
- Emergency mental health and trauma
- Natural hazards primer
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $22,220
Grad $16,574
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$5,966
Average Net Price:
$21,505
11
Walden offers an online PhD in Criminal Justice with an Emergency Management Track. It usually entails 83 quarter credits and takes at least 2.5 years to complete. While you take classes online, there may be brief residencies as well. As the main point is criminal justice (CJ), the course work looks at areas like risk factors for criminal behavior. Then may also discuss leadership theory, human services, technology and law enforcement, homeland security, and public management. As a result, you may learn about the root causes of crime. And also, could gain the skills you need to be effective when you need to lead, motivate, and manage others during times of crisis. Some other sample topics are:
- Spatial analysis and GIS for EM
- Disaster response and recovery
- Policy and analysis in CJ
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $12,150
Grad $12,539
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$3,900
Average Net Price:
N/A
12
Capella offers an online Doctor of Emergency Management (DEM) degree program. It typically entails 90 quarter credits and a capstone instead of a dissertation. While you take classes online, there may be brief residencies as well. In contrast to a PhD, the DEM program stresses practical skills. As a result, you may study ways to craft and support effective political, social and legal policies. Then in other classes, explore EM systems as well as how to make risk based decisions. You may also analyze response, continuity, recovery, and resilience to a wide range of hazards and crises. Some other sample topics are:
- EM operations and planning
- Risk management in EM
- Application of EM theory
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $14,540
Grad $15,233
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$3,781
Average Net Price:
$17,368
13
JSU offers a blended online Doctor of Science in Emergency Management. It typically entails 60 credits and you have up to 10 years to write and defend your applied research dissertation. A main focus of the courses is usually on admin and policy, practice areas and research methods including statistics. Aside from these, there may be other courses that build a systems thinker mindset. As a result, it goes into depth about risk and how to develop strategy and operations. Then also, you may tailor your studies with electives such as spatial analysis and GIS for EM and risk communication. Some other sample topics are:
- Risk based response and recovery strategy
- Health care systems in disaster
- EM program management
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $20,840
Grad $20,200
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$8,397
Average Net Price:
$10,689
14
Oklahoma State offers an online PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration. It usually entails 60 credits and follows a 3 year course of study. At the outset, the courses may help you become familiar with EM and fire admin. As a result, you may study risk and how businesses behave in crisis. Apart from these classes, there may be ones in research methods and design. Then also you may choose electives to tailor the rest of your studies. Some other sample topics are:
- Incident command system
- Leadership and management for fire and EM
- Financial admin for fire and EM
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $24,539
Grad $23,963
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$9,444
Average Net Price:
$15,325
15
UD offers an online PhD in Disaster Science and Management. It typically entails 42 credits beyond the master’s degree. One feature of the program is that it has an interdisciplinary focus. As a result, it usually stresses theory, research and policies that relate to the EM cycles. Preparedness, mitigation, admin and response. Beyond this, you could study four main areas and how they relate to disaster. Social science, science and engineering, management and tools. Then also pick a theme for remainder classes and your final dissertation. For example, health systems leadership. Some other sample topics are:
- Risk analysis
- Leadership and organizational behavior
- Issues in disaster response
Tuition and Fees:
Undergrad $35,710
Grad $34,956
Special rates available for military students.
Avg Grants & Scholarship Aid:
$10,691
Average Net Price:
$17,539
*Unemployment Earnings. Sources for school stats and data include the NCES and IPEDS.