Why This Matters

  • NEED FOR EMERGENCY MANAGERS TO INCREASE 5%

    Job growth for emergency management directors is expected to continue at an average pace through 2028. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. economy will add about 500 new director jobs in the next decade.

  • CHOOSE FROM 16 EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AREAS

    A degree in emergency management can take you down many different career paths. Individuals in this field can work in crisis management, policy development, inspection, emergency field coordination, and more.

  • EARN OVER $100,000 IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR

    The median annual salary for an emergency management director is $74,420, but depending on the industry, the earning potential is higher. Those in professional, scientific, and technical services earn $101,570 on average.

Our Research

The most common degree titles in the emergency management field are Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Master of Science. We reviewed a variety of programs to meet different educational and professional needs.

We focused on online programs for this list, although several programs are also offered on-campus, and some allow students to complete coursework in a mixture of in-person and online classes.

All schools on this list have regional accreditation, ensuring that they meet a high standard for quality education. Several programs are also accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Emergency Management Education (CAEME).

Once we narrowed our list of programs, we evaluated their reputation, cost, course strength, flexibility, and faculty, and then we gave each an Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 71 hours to write this article
  • 166 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 318 education programs we compared

The Top 61 Online Emergency Management Programs

Best Emergency Management Degree Programs
01
Intelligent Pick
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
01
Best Public University
Western Carolina University
01
Best for International Students
University of Florida
01
Best Bachelor's Degree
Ohio Christian University
01
Best for Experienced Students
West Texas A&M University
01
Most Flexible Internships
SUNY Canton
01
Best for Environmental Hazards
University of Central Missouri
01
Best in the South
Sam Houston State University
01
Best Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Jacksonville State University
01
Best Hybrid Program
Kansas Wesleyan University
01
Best Credit for Life Experiences
Immaculata University
01
Best Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Forsyth Technical Community College
01
Best Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus
01
Best Private College
Drury University
01
Best Bachelor's Tuition
Arkansas State University
01
Best Public Policy Focus
Arizona State University
01
Most Affordable
Auburn University
01
Best Graduate Certificate
Indiana University - Online
01
Best Masters Degree
Columbia Southern University
01
Best Public Research School
George Mason University
01
Best Catholic University
Saint Leo University
01
Best Online University
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best in the West
Utah Valley University
01
Fastest Completion TIme
Barry University
01
Leading Research Program
University of Nebraska
01
Best Disaster Resilience Focus
Eastern Kentucky University
01
Most Experienced Faculty
Angelo State University
01
Best in the Northeast
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
01
Best for Multiple Start Terms
Capella University
01
Best Externship
Arkansas Tech University
01
Best Value
Wayne Community College
01
Best for Military & Vets
American Military University
01
Best Alumni Network
Regent University
01
Best Community Focused Program
Auburn University at Montgomery
01
Best for Working Adults
Rosemont College
01
Best Concentration Options
Waldorf University
01
Variable Completion Time
Louisiana State University of Alexandria
01
Best Private Research School
Boston University
01
Best in the Southwest
Eastern New Mexico University
01
Optional Fast Track
Colorado Technical University
01
Best Cohort-Based Program
Bellevue University
01
Best for Adult Learners
Thomas Edison State University
01
Most Credits for Experience
Excelsior University
01
Best Specialty University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
01
Best Leadership Emphasis
Colorado State University
01
Best Christ-Centered Program
Anderson University
01
Best for Transfer Students
Bethel University
01
Most Transfer-Friendly
Franklin University
01
Best for Accelerated Classes
Indiana Tech
01
Self-Paced Program
Touro University Worldwide
01
Best Service-Based Learning
Mercer University
01
Best Jesuit University
Saint Louis University
01
Best in the Non-Continental U.S.
University of Alaska
01
Best Faith-Based Institution
Crown College
01
Most Flexible
University of New Haven
01
Best Christian University
Grand Canyon University
01
Experienced Faculty
Post University
01
Most Military Friendly School
Jackson State University
01
Most Innovative Curriculum
Adelphi University
01
Nationally Recognized
Purdue University Global

What You Should Know About This Degree

Being successful in emergency management requires the right blend of skills, education, and experience. Emergency management personnel are often required to work long hours in stressful situations. Their work may take them to dangerous or remote locations. They must demonstrate leadership, collaborate, make decisions, and communicate clearly in complex and high-pressure situations.

A degree in emergency management provides the theoretical framework for this career. However, real-life experience is also critical in developing the skills that emergency management personnel need and employers seek. Some programs require internships that give students hands-on experience. You can also work or volunteer as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, paramedic, or in a similar role, to put into practice the skills you learn in your degree program.

Depending on the job you want, on-the-job training may be more beneficial than a degree. Carefully consider your intended career path and whether a degree is essential to achieving your goals.

You can also obtain professional credentials to confirm your expertise in the field. The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) grants the Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) and Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certificates to emergency management professionals. To earn these credentials, you must pay fees, pass an examination, document experiential hours, and complete continuing education requirements for periodic recertification.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Emergency Management programs:

  • Does the program have in-person requirements? Even if all coursework can be completed online, some emergency management programs also have in-person experiential learning requirements. This will help you apply your theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Find out what, if any, experiential learning requirements the program has, and make sure you are able to fit them into your schedule.
  • Does this program offer the concentration I want? There are a number of focus areas within emergency management, including occupational safety, public health, and homeland security. If you are interested in concentrating in a particular area, make sure you select a program that offers that concentration option.

When researching programs, take a look at their admission requirements and deadlines. It will make your application process easier if you have all of your materials gathered and submitted well ahead of the application deadline. If you have questions about the admissions requirements or processes, contact the school’s admissions department for guidance.

Funding your education is another important consideration. Get information about institutional and private scholarships, financial aid, assistantships, and employer tuition assistance benefits if you are currently working.