Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management Under $15K

Emergency management is an exciting and rewarding field with plenty of leadership roles. Especially if you already have a bachelor’s degree! In fact, if you have interest, an online master’s in emergency management is an excellent way to get there. This article will discuss the 11 best master’s and doctoral online degrees in emergency management.

According to FEMA, emergency management is:

“[T]he managerial function is charged with creating the framework within which communities reduce vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters.”

Learn about the all-hazards approach to preparedness. Explore the ins and outs of protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, and more! An online emergency management master’s degree offers the skills to become an asset in any type of disaster.

Article Navigation: Online Emergency Management Degrees – An Overview | Cheapest Online Master’s in Emergency Management Degrees Under $15K | Best Online Emergency Management Degrees – Doctoral | What Can You Do with an Online Emergency Management Degree? | The Best Online Emergency Management Degrees are Ready for You!

Online Emergency Management Degrees – An Overview

An emergency management online degree is great if you can’t attend a traditional university. Overall, an online master’s emergency management degree is flexible. It’s a convenient way to earn the education needed to pursue this successful career.

Education Requirements for Emergency Management

The education requirements for emergency management careers vary depending on the employer and the position. Some employers may require a bachelor’s degree in emergency management. Some allow a degree in a related field, such as:

• Public Administration
• Business Administration
• Psychology

Others may require a master’s degree. Some positions may also require International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) certification. As disaster preparedness and response become urgent priorities at the local, state, federal, and global levels, there is more demand for experienced and trained specialists. An emergency management master’s degree or doctorate is a worthwhile academic program to pursue.

Factors to Consider in an Online Degree Program

When looking for an online degree program, keep these things in mind! That way, you can choose the best online master’s in emergency management for your needs.

• Accreditation: First, make sure a reputable accrediting body accredits the program. Accreditation ensures that employers and other institutions will recognize the degree.
• Curriculum: Second, ensure the program offers a solid curriculum covering all aspects of emergency management. Most programs have disaster preparedness, response and recovery, and risk management courses. Some even include homeland security.
• Faculty Experts: Third, ensure the program has experienced faculty experts. They should be able to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed for career success.
• Tuition Cost: Fourth, check the tuition cost and financial aid options.

Online Emergency Management Degree Accreditation

Emergency management online degrees need to hold accreditation. That way, your credentials are recognizable to employers and professional associations. This will help you throughout your career.  Those we’ve listed below are some of the best emergency management online degrees based on factors such as:

• Accreditation
• Curriculum
• Faculty
• Cost

There are two types of accreditation students should look for:

1. Institutional
2. Programmatic

Institutional accreditation agencies look at the whole institution to ensure it offers quality education and has strong governance and policies. The agencies that accredit institutions need to be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Programmatic accreditors look at the specific academic programs in a subject. This ensures a program offers quality, industry-relevant, and appropriate curricula. For online emergency management degree programs, those accrediting bodies include:

• Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP)
• Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI)
• International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC)

Related Article: Online College Accreditation: Everything You Need to Know

Cheapest Online Master’s in Emergency Management Degrees Under $15K

1. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

   Degree: Master of Public Administration / Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state): $10,746.12
   Tuition (out-of-state): $37,946.28

   This first Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Emergency Management is a fully online program. It incorporates eight core classes, four classes in the concentration, and one elective course. Within the focus, students choose three of their courses from the following options:

   – Sustainability and Hazard Resilience
   – Crisis Leadership and Sustainability
   – Social Equity in Emergency Management
   – Technological Applications in Emergency Management
   – Disaster Recovery and Sustainability
   – Special Topics in Emergency Management (1-3) Hours

   There are three admission dates for this emergency management master’s degree online. The university practices a holistic admission process that requires:

   – A 3.0 GPA on undergraduate courses with no GRE, or a sufficient GRE score with a GPA below 3.0
   – Personal statement
   – Three letters of recommendation

   The strong leadership focus and training in mitigating risks and responding to disasters make this a thorough program for those seeking a career in emergency management.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Public Administration / Emergency Management

    

2. Columbia Southern University

   Degree: Master of Science in Emergency Services Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $10,935

   Columbia Southern University’s online MS in Emergency Management is a 36-credit program. Notably, it allows up to 24 transfer credits! The online program provides students with training in management and communications needed to handle disasters and emergencies. In addition, it focuses on applying best practices to real-world situations and the concepts around the disaster cycle. Courses in this program include:

   – Interagency Disaster Management
   – Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters
   – Advanced Seminar of Weapons of Mass Destruction
   – Legal Aspects of Emergency Services Management

   The program is approved by the Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM). Textbooks are included in the cost of tuition, and the school offers military and veteran benefits and payment plans.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Emergency Services Management

    

3. University of Central Florida

   Degree: Master of Emergency & Crisis Management
   Tuition (in-state): $11,783.52
   Tuition (out-of-state): $25,013.52

   This emergency management master’s online program has three start dates per year. The curriculum has 36 credits of classes designed to train leaders with the skills they need for effective crisis management. Students can complete the program in two years entirely online, and the curriculum includes FEMA’s Professional Development Series. Application requires a resume, transcripts with a 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, and a statement of interest, but no GRE is required.

   Core courses in the program include:

   – Public Sector Communications
   – Foundations of Emergency Management and Homeland Security
   – Hazard Analysis and Disaster Planning
   – Advanced Concepts and Applications in Emergency and Crisis Management

   In addition, students choose two electives from topics such as energy policy, grant and contract management, environmental planning, and cybersecurity, among many others.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Emergency & Crisis Management

    

4. Arkansas State University

   Degree: Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $12,897

   ASU’s online emergency management master’s program may take as little as one year to complete. Admission requires only a 2.75 GPA with a bachelor’s degree in any subject, and there are four state dates per year. The 36-credit program has courses including:

   – Health Care Issues And Policies Related To Disaster Preparedness And Emergency Management
   – Global Perspectives in Disaster Preparedness in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
   – Crisis Communication In Disaster Preparedness And Emergency Management

   Students can also choose their electives from classes that include:

   – Epidemiology Of Disasters
   – Radiological Emergencies
   – Pandemic Planning
   – Vulnerable Populations In Disasters

   Students in this master’s in disaster management online finish their studies with a practicum or seminar and a final project or internship.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management

    

5. National University

   Degree: Master of Education / School Safety, Security & Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $13,260

   The next master’s emergency management online program focuses on school safety. This is a rising concern for parents and communities across the country. For students who want to get started immediately, the flexible course schedules allow you to start the program any time of year. It even has convenient 8-week classes. The program accepts up to 13 transfer credits, and the recommended completion time for the 30-credit program is 18 months. Through this online program, you’ll be prepared for leadership positions in K12 schools, and students learn about threat assessment, safety technologies, and restorative justice. The program ends with a capstone.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Education / School Safety, Security & Emergency Management

    

6. American Public University System

   Degree: Master of Arts in Emergency & Disaster Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $13,300

   APUS’ online Master’s in Disaster Management program offers a convenient and flexible program of 8- or 16-week classes and monthly start dates. There is no fee to apply or have your transfer credits evaluated. Not to mention, you can transfer up to 15 credits towards this 36-credit degree. The program offers core courses including:

   – Interagency Disaster Management
   – Emergency Management Perspectives on Cybersecurity
   – Hazard Mitigation and Resilient Communities

   Part of the major includes four elective courses drawn from an extensive list of topics. This includes economics, mass casualty, social justice, weapons of mass destruction, global security, quarantine, and cargo security management. The program ends with a capstone. The MA in emergency management from APUS prepares graduates to become leaders in this field.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Arts in Emergency & Disaster Management

    

7. Arkansas Tech University

   Degree: Master of Science in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
   Tuition (in-state): $13,329
   Tuition (out-of-state): $23,553

   The online Master’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security certainly benefits specialists advancing their credentials. But it’s also perfect for those wanting to begin a career in this field. The program offers unconditional admission for those who fully meet the requirements, including:

   – Having a 3.0 GPA
   – A statement of their goals

   Conditional admission is for those who have a GPA of 2.5. Students can transfer up to 9 credits toward the 36-credit degree. Core courses include:

   – Principles of Homeland Security,
   – Ethical, Legal, and Political Considerations
   – Technology for Comprehensive Emergency Management

   Students can choose from thesis, practicum, or comprehensive exam options to complete the degree.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Emergency Management & Homeland Security

    

8. Jacksonville State University

   Degree: Master of Science in Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $14,100

   Students in Jacksonville State University’s Master of Emergency Management program take 21 credits of core courses and nine credits of electives. Overall, this is a 30-credit degree. There are three state dates per year for this program. This was one of the first accredited emergency management master’s programs in the US, actually. They offer scholarships and financial aid for emergency management students. JSU also has many online resources available, including tutoring, library access, and student services. Required courses include:

   – Foundations of Emergency Management
   – Research Methods in Emergency Management
   – Disaster Recovery
   – Hazard Mitigation

   The many elective options include topics such as healthcare leadership, terrorism, radiologic hazards, legal aspects, media for emergency management, biosecurity, and many more. There is a capstone project to complete the program.

   Find Out More:
   Master of Science in Emergency Management

    

Best Online Emergency Management Degrees – Doctoral

1. National University

   Degree: Doctor of Education / School Safety, Security & Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $31,200

   National University’s Doctor of Education in School Safety, Security & Emergency Management is one of the most affordable and best online emergency management degrees for people seeking the highest credential in this field. It’s also flexible, with courses starting every Monday and 4-week classes. The program has 48 credits, which include a culminating doctoral dissertation. Required courses in the program include:

   – Leadership for Improvement
   – Advanced Qualitative Methodology and Designs
   – Risk Analysis: Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
   – Violence Prevention and Response
   – All-Hazards Response and Recovery

   Admission requires a graduate degree from an accredited school or international equivalent. The estimated completion time for the program is 33 months. Subsequently, students will have the knowledge to apply advanced theoretic concepts to real-world issues in school safety.

   Find Out More:
   Doctor of Education / School Safety, Security & Emergency Management

    

2. Jacksonville State University

   Degree: Doctor of Science in Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $32,325

   The curriculum of the online Doctor of Science in Emergency Management program is rigorous. It covers administration and policy, practice areas, and research techniques and statistics. A dissertation is also a requirement for students. Courses include:

   – Disaster Management Principles and Practice
   – Systems Thinking and Applications in Emergency Management
   – Hazards Risk Management and Community Resilience
   – Emergency Management Program Management
   – Research Design

   After completing the online Doctor of Science in Emergency Management program, students can find work with state and local emergency management agencies. Other popular career paths include federal government, private businesses, nonprofits, or hospitals.

   Find Out More:
   Doctor of Science in Emergency Management

    

3. Walden University

   Degree: PhD in Criminal Justice / Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $42,525

   Walden University’s online PhD in Criminal Justice / Emergency Management offers tracks for students with:

   – An emergency and disaster management master’s degree
   – Or those with a master’s in a different subject

   They also offer a fast-track option to take more classes at once and start your dissertation early. This way, you would complete the program in as little as 2.75 years. Core and focus courses include:

   – Policy and Analysis in Criminal Justice Systems
   – Leadership: Putting Theory into Practice in Criminal Justice Administration
   – Critical Issues in Emergency Management
   – Risk Assessment, Preparedness, and Hazard Mitigation

   While completing a dissertation, students must be continuously enrolled in the dissertation course, and students must complete the whole program within eight years. In addition to the doctoral dissertation, students must complete four residencies during their program. The program helps prepare students to apply for the FEMA certificates.

   Find Out More:
   PhD in Criminal Justice / Emergency Management

    

What Can You Do with an Online Emergency Management Degree?

You can do quite a lot with an emergency management degree. Emergency management is a growing field and partners with businesses, government, nonprofits, education, and healthcare. All communities need qualified leaders who can help them prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from events. Getting an online master’s in emergency management is a great way to add advanced competencies to almost any career in leadership. You can even take this course to switch careers to serve in emergency management positions.

Related Article: How to Become an Emergency Management Director

There are many jobs in local, state, and federal government agencies as emergency managers. However, corporations and transportation companies constantly need risk and mitigation professionals. Some graduates of emergency management master's degree online programs will end up working in areas such as:

• Cybersecurity
• Disaster preparedness
• Crisis management
• Anti-terrorism
• Public safety specialties

K-12 schools and colleges also employ security and safety officers. Many non-profits work to help vulnerable communities mitigate risks and recover from disasters. Basically, there are many fulfilling and well-compensated positions in the emergency management field for students who want to become part of the team.

The Best Online Emergency Management Degrees are Ready for You!

As you can see, there are several online master’s in emergency management programs available. Choosing the right one depends on your career goals, schedule, and budget.

We hope this article has helped you narrow down your choices and find the best emergency management master’s programs to choose from. Once you’ve decided on the perfect program for you, it’s time to get started on your application and GetEducated the right way.