Unfortunately, disasters and emergencies happen. In 2018, according to The Insurance Information Institute, the U.S. experienced 108 natural disasters (floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.) with 355 dead, and an estimated $81.9 billion in financial losses. Human-made disasters (terrorism, aviation, maritime, etc.) in 2017 resulted in the deaths of 2,934 in 118 incidents at the cost of $8 billion.
These events require well-coordinated responses by qualified managers and aid workers. Several colleges and universities offer undergraduate degrees in Emergency and Disaster Management as well as a degree in Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, etc. to provide qualified and well-trained managers.
25 Best Value Online Bachelor's of Emergency Management Programs
Responses to emergencies and disasters require pre-planning and well-developed procedures to assess the damage rapidly and coordinate and restore community services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates this field will grow by 8% over the next ten years, and trained emergency managers can earn an average of $74,400 a year. Entry-level managers need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in emergency management. Emergency Management graduates can find employment with a wide range of employers. Universities, hospital systems, local, state, and federal agencies, and professional or technical services.
Methodology
Best Medical Degrees has searched several online Emergency Management bachelor's programs to help identify the best program for you. We considered the following to determine: 1) program length and transfer credits allowed for degree completion, 2) program accreditation by a Department of Education approved agency, 3) estimated costs (tuition only) and school graduation rates (using information from schools websites or the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 4) educational format, and 5) available school rankings from U.S. News & World Report .
Colleges and universities may change the curriculum or tuition costs without notice.
1. Saint Louis University
Saint Louis University's School for Professional Studies offers a BS in Emergency Management. U.S. News and World Report recognize this university as a Best College for Veterans and a Best Value School. Classes cover the Fundamentals of Emergency Management, Managing Natural, Man-made and Technological Disasters, First Responder and Healthcare Coordination in High Impact Disasters, a practicum, and more. SLU offers the only emergency management undergraduate program by a Jesuit school in the nation.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $78,000
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 77%
School Website: Saint Louis University
2. Adelphi University
Adelphi University, New York, ranks as one of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Bachelor's Programs, as well as a Best Colleges for Veterans, and Best Value Schools. This is an online/blended BS in Emergency Services Administration degree. Admission requirements are uncomplicated, and the school offers a generous transfer credit policy. You may transfer up to 64 credits from a community college or 90 credit hours from 4-year university courses. The school also give credit for life experiences. Courses are 100% online and include Principles of Emergency Services, Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Organizational Behavior, etc. A capstone project is also required.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $86,400
Accreditation Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Overall School Graduation Rate: 70%
School Website: Adelphi University New York
3. Western Carolina University
U.S. News and World Report give high scores for Western Carolina University (WCU) programs in Top Public School, Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans, and Best Online Bachelor's Programs. This online BS in Emergency and Disaster Management combines theory with real-world experience. Courses include Social Dimensions of a Disaster, Disaster Response Operations and Management, Homeland Security, Crisis Communications, etc. You'll also complete a capstone project with a community or emergency agency. Application deadlines are February 1 and March 1, Early Action by November 15, and late admission after March 1 (case-by-case basis).
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $41,424 (NC Resident); $65,424 (Out of State)
Accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Overall School Graduation Rate: 62%
School Website: Western Carolina University
4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautics University Worldwide
This Dayton, Florida university has a BS in Emergency Services degree with two tracks: Aviation Emergency Management & Fire & Emergency Services. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) holds special accreditation from International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and Fire Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE). Depending on the track chosen, you could study Aircraft Accident Investigation, Disaster Planning and Control, Applications of Fire Research, etc. ERAU ranks #1 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs and #1 Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $37,490
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Overall School Graduation Rate: 61%
School Website: Embry-Riddle Aeronautics University Worldwide
5. The University of Findlay
If you have some college credit, this degree completion program may be a good choice. This small Ohio university ranks as one of U.S. News and World Report's Best Online Bachelor's Programs as well as a Best Value School. The university has an online BA in Business Management with a major (or strand) in Emergency Management. Once the 21 general education credits are completed, you'll study Emergency Management Finance, Emergency Management Law, All Hazards Emergency Planning, etc. This strand requires 42 semester hours for graduation.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 63
Estimated Program Cost: $35,910
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 61%
School Website: The University of Findlay
6. Anderson University
Located in South Carolina, Anderson University has an online BA Homeland Security and Emergency Services degree. U.S. News and World Report names Anderson University in its Most Innovative Schools and a Best Online Bachelor's Program rankings. Courses in this degree include Vulnerability & Risk Assessment, Terrorism, Social Dimensions of a Disaster, Incident Management & Planning for Emergencies, etc.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 121
Estimated Program Cost: $50,280
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Overall School Graduation Rate: 59%
School Website: Anderson University
7. University of Central Missouri
U.S. News and World Report give the University of Central Missouri (UCM) rankings in the top 100 in its Best Value Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, and Top Public Schools. UCM has an online BS in Crisis and Disaster Management degree. Classes include Crisis Management, Catastrophic Readiness, Disaster and Society, Safety and Health for Emergency Responders, etc., and 150 hours of service-learning in the field. If you have military or emergency professional training, you may be able to receive academic credit for that experience.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $35,040
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 49%
School Website: University of Central Missouri
8. University of Nebraska Omaha
A BS in Emergency Management and Disaster Science degree from the University of Nebraska Omaha develops skills needed to handle large-scale natural or man-made disasters. U.S. News and World Report rate this school as having one of its Best Online Bachelor's Programs. Core courses in Disaster Response and Recovery, Preparedness Planning and Risk Mitigation, Internship in Emergency Management, capstone project, etc. are required. A sampling of online Emergency Management concentrations includes: Fire Services Management, Information Technology and Communication, Public Administration and Management, etc.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $33,600 (NE Resident); $46,800 (Non Resident)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 48%
School Website: University of Nebraska Omaha
9. Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University's online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (DPEM) degree is offered through the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Major coursework includes studies in Principles in Disaster Management, Law and Ethics, Mass Communications, Framework of Healthcare Emergency Management, Community Response, Pandemic Planning, etc. U.S. News and World Report give Arkansas State high marks at #114 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs and in the top 40 of Top Public Schools. Admission to this program is limited.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $26,160
Overall School Graduation Rate: 48%
School Website: Arkansas State University
10. Pennsylvania College of Technology
Pennsylvania College of Technology ranks highly in U.S. News and World Report's Most Innovative Schools, Best Colleges for Veterans, not to mention, Best Online Bachelor's Programs. This is an online BS in Emergency Management Technology. Courses in this program include Incident Command System Operations, Emergencies, Disasters, and Catastrophes, Crisis Communication, Technological Elements of Emergency Management, etc., and 275 hours in-field experience.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $74,588
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Overall School Graduation Rate: 47%
School Website: Pennsylvania College of Technology
11. West Texas A&M University
West Texas A&M University's online Bachelor of Applied Science in Emergency Management Administration will be accepting applications for the 2020-2021 academic year beginning in January 2020. Courses for this degree include studies in leadership and management skills, risk assessment process and methodology, emergency management standards and best practices, current, and emerging technologies, etc. You must hold an Associate Degree with a minimum 2.0 GPA and be admitted to WTAMU before applying to the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice. A maximum of 42 transfer hours is accepted. The university ranks this school in it's Top Public School by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $31,740 (TX Resident); $37,276 (Non Resident)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Overall School Graduation Rate: 44%
School Website: West Texas A&M University
12. Arkansas Tech University
U.S. News and World Report rate Arkansas Tech University in its Best Online Bachelor's Programs and Top Public Schools rankings. The school's Department of Emergency Management offers a BS in Emergency Management degree online. With this program, you'll take classes in Principles of Disaster Relief and Recovery, Developing Emergency Management Skills, Disaster and Emergency Management Ethics, Information Technology and Emergency Management, a capstone project, and internship.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $27,840 (AR Resident); $55,680 (Non Resident)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 41%
School Website: Arkansas Tech University
13. Canton State University of New York
The BS in Technology with an Emergency Management major at Canton State University of New York introduces you to the four emergency management components: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Courses you'll study include Fundamentals, Communities Preparedness & Defense, Management Communications, etc. The program utilizes virtual training and command incidents in education. U.S. News and World Report rate this university in the top 100 in its Best Online Bachelor's Programs and Best Online Bachelor's Programs for Veterans.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $33,557 (NY Resident); $49,576 (Non Resident)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Overall School Graduation Rate: 40%
School Website: Canton State University of New York
14. University of Akron
The University of Akron offers a degree program that is unique in Ohio. This is the only BS Emergency Management and Homeland Security degree program in Ohio and is the only accredited program by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress. This is a blended program and offers both a 4-year degree or a degree completion option for those with at least 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university. Foundation topics crisis leadership, cyber disaster management, terrorism, etc.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $46,612 (OH Resident); $62,000 (Non Resident)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 39%
School Website: University of Akron
15. Kansas Wesleyan University
Kansas Wesleyan University is a private university located in Salina, KS. The Center of Public Policy and Safety has an online BA in Emergency Management. The degree focuses on theory and skills development with courses in Damage Assessment, Hazard Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness, etc. There are three concentrations available in Homeland Security, Business Continuity, or Non-Governmental Organizations. The department, in cooperation with Kansas State Polytechnic, recently began offering a minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $118,000
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 37%
School Website: Kansas Wesleyan University
16. Barry University
Barry University, in Miami, offers an online BS in Emergency Management through its School of Professional and Career Education (PACE). PACE allows up to 90 credit hours for previous college coursework, as well as credits for licensure, certification, or Experiential Learning Portfolio. Courses in this degree cover topics in Principles in Emergency Management, Business Continuity Crisis Management, Emergency Management of Homeland Security, Psychosocial Issues of Disaster Preparedness and Recovery, as well as a capstone project. Students must be aged 21 or older to apply for admission.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $29,460
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Overall School Graduation Rate: 36%
School Website: Barry University
17. Indiana Institute of Technology
The BS in Emergency Response Management program at Indiana Tech is a well-rounded degree which provides the skills for a variety of career paths. A sample of courses includes: Emergency Planning, Introduction to Homeland Security, Risk Management, Disaster Response Operations and Management, and a capstone project. Indiana Tech is a military-friendly school and participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and provides up to $5,000 per academic year for each Yellow Ribbon Program qualifying student.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $48,480
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 35%
School Website: Indiana Institute of Technology
18. University of Alaska Fairbanks
The eCampus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks has an online Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management. You can choose from five concentrations: Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Fire Administration, Cyber Security, or Emergency Medical Management. Core courses are Emergency Planning and Preparedness, Disaster Response Operations and Management, Principles of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, etc. The eCampus undergraduate degrees rank as a Best Online Bachelor's Program by U.S. News and World Report.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $37,400
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Overall School Graduation Rate: 32%
School Website: eCampus University of Alaska Fairbanks
19. Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Offered entirely online, the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) in Disaster Science and Emergency Management is provided by Louisiana State University-Alexandria. The program concentrates on psychology and behavior connected with emergencies. Courses in this degree include Technology and Emergency Management, Disasters in History, Public Health Emergency Preparedness, and a practicum. Other areas of focus are business, criminal justice, and psychology as it relates to disasters and emergencies. You must be a Louisiana resident to apply to this program.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $30,000
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Overall School Graduation Rate: 30%
School Website: Louisiana State University-Alexandria
20. Bethel University
Located in West Tennessee, Bethel University has an online BS in Emergency Services Management for students with at least 30 hours of previous college coursework. The major requires 45 credit hours in courses such as: Weapons of Mass Destruction, Terrorism in the Modern World, Natural Disaster Planning and Management, Leadership in Emergency Management Organizations, Natural Disaster Planning and Management, etc.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 98
Estimated Program Cost: $35,476
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Overall School Graduation Rate: 29%
School Website: Bethel University
21. Ohio Christian University
You can complete an online BA with an Emergency Management concentration from Ohio Christian University. This is an accelerated degree and requires 45 credit hours in general education courses followed by 12 hours in the concentration. This specialty track covers studies in Natural and Manmade Disasters, Trauma: Understanding and Intervention, Introduction to Disaster Response and Recovery, and Conflict.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 57
Estimated Program Cost: $23,712
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 25%
School Website: Ohio Christian University
22. Texas Southern University
Texas Southern University, located in Houston, is in the top 50 of U.S. News and World Report's Historically Black Colleges and Universities rankings. This is online BS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security degree is offered by TSU's Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. Studies in this program involve Principles & Practices of Hazard Mitigation, Terrorism and Homeland Security, Emergency Recovery, Response, Preparedness and Planning, an internship, etc. You may apply online using the Apply Texas application.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 121
Estimated Program Cost: $36,692
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
Overall School Graduation Rate: 21%
School Website: Texas Southern University
23. Post University
U.S. News and World Report rate this Post University program as one of the Best Online Bachelor's Programs. This is a BS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security degree. You'll study Vulnerability Assessment, Communication, and Social Media, Disaster Planning and Preparedness, Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction, Crisis Decision Making, as well as a capstone project. This program also offers concentrations in cybersecurity, criminal justice, and policing.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $55,520
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Overall School Graduation Rate: 20%
School Website: Post University
24. Union Institute & University
U.S. News and World Report recognize Union Institute & University in its Best Online Bachelor's Programs rankings. This is an online BS in Emergency Services Management. The program allows you to earn eight credit hours in 8 weeks and offers core courses in Homeland Security, Emergency Services Administration, Critical Incident Management and Response, etc. Union Institute & University recognizes professional experiences and will award up to 50 credit hours for such.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $65,400
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 11%
School Website: Union Institute & University
25. Purdue Global University
In 2018, Purdue University purchased Kaplan University to create Purdue Global University. This online division of Purdue University offers a BS in Fire and Emergency Management. Purdue Global is recognized as a Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) school. You'll study Emergency Management Response, Recovery Practices in Emergency Management, Community Risk Reduction for Fire and EMS, and an optional internship. U.S. News and World Report ranked this school in the Top 25 of Public Universities.
Program Length/Credit Hours: 180
Estimated Program Cost: $66,780
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: Unavailable
School Website: Purdue Global University
Union Institute & University
b>Program Length/Credit Hours: 120
Estimated Program Cost: $65,400
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Overall School Graduation Rate: 11%
School Website: