Top 15 Undergrad Online Emergency Management Degree Programs – 2024 Guide

Are you pursuing a career in emergency management? An online emergency management degree can aid you in getting there! All levels of education and experience lend themselves to this career. That includes a high school diploma to doctoral education. However, an associate or bachelor’s program online, in particular, can help you to reach your goals.

Online programs in emergency management are more flexible than on-campus programs. In addition, they allow for that school-life balance working professionals need. Check out the best online emergency management associate and bachelor programs here! Along with the career trajectory after graduating from these accredited degrees.

Article Navigation: Online Degrees in Emergency Management | Types of Emergency Management Associate’s Degrees Online | Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Online | Best Online Emergency Management Degrees – Associate’s Under $10K | Top 7 Colleges with Emergency Management Degrees Online – Bachelor’s Under $35K | Careers with Undergrad Online Degrees in Emergency Management | Begin an Online Degree in Emergency Management Today!

Online Degrees in Emergency Management

Overall, this is a type of criminal justice degree. A bachelor’s program generally takes four years to complete, while an associate’s only takes two. But of course, the two levels and amount of education contribute to specific career goals. Here are some basic examples:

• If you’re seeking entry-level positions, consider an associate's degree online.
• Those pursuing an online bachelor's degree might seek out more advanced positions and duties.

Some online emergency management degrees are available completely online. Online programs are available in many formats. There are 100% online, hybrid, and blended options. Beyond that, you may look for specific online degree attributes such as:

• Asynchronous classes
• Synchronous classes
• In-person requirements
• Internship or work-study

Accreditation is also an important aspect to consider when looking into programs. The best emergency management schools have received regional or national accreditation. Accrediting agencies (operating independently) assess colleges for high-quality education based on standards established by a third party. Attending an accredited online college is important to ensure eligibility for federal student aid. Also, degrees from accredited schools help students to pursue professional credentials, graduate school, and jobs. You can check your university’s accreditation status in the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

Types of Emergency Management Associate’s Degrees Online

While any undergrad online emergency management degree might suit your needs, you should note the difference between three types of associate’s degrees.

Associate of Arts

An Associate of Arts degree tends to lean into courses in the social sciences and humanities. An emergency management AA online is the most general of the three types of associate programs. In many cases, it’s also the most transferable. For example, you can transfer the general education credits earned here to a bachelor’s degree.

Classes involved with the emergency management associate of arts degree might cover topics such as:

• Criminal justice
• Emergency Response
• Emergency Preparedness
• Disaster Recovery
• Hazard Mitigation

Associate of Science

Students with an interest in STEM tend to opt for an Associate of Science degree. While some background in liberal arts is involved, the majority of their credits center on subjects like biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Some core courses schools may offer in an AS in emergency management online include:

• Fire prevention
• Occupational safety
• Recovery operations
• Infrastructure protection

Associate of Applied Science

The AAS differs from the AA and AS degrees. First, it tends to not be transferable towards a bachelor’s program. Also, AAS two-year programs specifically equip students to work directly following graduation. Some of them are thought of as “terminal degrees.” Basically, they’re the maximum level of education that’s possible for an associate’s degree. Some great examples of Associate of Applied Science emergency management courses include:

• EMT Basic Practical Labs
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology
• Urban Studies

Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Online

A bachelor’s degree online and disciplined work ethic can take you far in emergency management! There are close to 80 emergency management bachelor’s degree programs and minors offered across the country. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) tracks them in their directory.

As is the case with the associate’s degrees, there are different majors within this field. Among them are Criminal Justice, Medical Services, and Administration.

Bachelor of Arts

For starters, a BA is often less specialized than the BS. Much like the associate of arts, it places more of an emphasis on courses in the humanities. These courses permit students to study a broader range of topics.  Examples of classes offered as part of a BA in Emergency Management online include the following:

• Emergency planning
• Managerial issues
• Risk communications
• Psychology
• Research and design

Bachelor of Science

A BS in emergency management focuses on a technical and scientific perspective of the field. There are plenty of courses to explore, like those in assessments, mitigation, and communications. But there are also much more focused classes, such as:

• Resource management
• Environmental health
• Hazardous materials
• Business, ethics, and law

A Bachelor of Science is perfect for students pursuing careers that involve decision-making, critical thinking, and assessment. Some examples of where this online degree might take you include:

• Public information officer
• Safety specialist
  Emergency services manager

Bachelor of Applied Science

Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degrees provide the most direct hands-on experiences. This kind of degree benefits those who want a special emphasis on job-related skills. This is in contrast to the BA or BS degrees which typically have a more theoretical focus.

Students pursuing this degree often plan to enter the workforce directly upon graduation. The potential issue with this is that if those students decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree later on, few of their degree credits count toward the requirements. However, given the education requirements for this field, an AAS online can be enough.

Through an online BAS in emergency management, you’ll explore courses in areas such as:

• Protecting agencies and companies from external threats
• Technology and leadership management
• Safety operations
• Leading in government and non-government settings
• Administrative law

Best Online Emergency Management Degrees – Associate’s Under $10K

1.  Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state): $5,069
   Tuition (out-of-state): $17,357

   This emergency management associate’s degree lays a foundation of technical and professional knowledge. Students become familiar with the delivery of emergency services in local and state government agencies. The AAS offers hands-on lab exercises around the various aspects of:

   – Emergency preparedness
   – Protection
   – Enforcement

   The curriculum covers technical and administrative skills. It also explores various principles, codes, materials, and emergency agency operations. Students who benefit the most from this affordable online AAS might pursue:

   – Ambulance services
   – Fire/rescue agencies
   – Fire marshal offices
   – Industrial firms
   – Emergency management offices

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management

    

2. Wayne Community College

   Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state): $5,124
   Tuition (out-of-state): $17,064

   If you’re a critical thinker and problem-solver, consider this online emergency management degree! You’ll expand upon those skills, as well as those in communication. Graduates with this AAS generally pursue careers in public service agencies. Overall the curriculum emphasizes scenario-based problem-solving, the application of practical principles, and more. Some courses you can expect with this flexible degree include case studies of:

   – Law
   – Fire
   – Emergency services
   – Enforcement procedures

   Find Out More:
   Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Management

    

3. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state): $5,252
   Tuition (out-of-state): $17,540

   Next up, this emergency management curriculum focuses on technical and professional knowledge. It’s very beneficial to careers in local and state government agencies. Like other emergency management degrees online, you’ll gain foundational tech skills and leadership knowledge.

   In fact, students will confront multiple aspects of emergency preparedness, protection, and enforcement. Specifically through virtual labs and hands-on exercises. They will gain administrative skills ranging across:

   – Investigative principles
   – Codes
   – Standards
   – Finance

   If you’re looking for a broad range of career options upon graduating, this online AAS can lead to careers such as:

   – Fire marshal offices
   – Ambulance and medical services
   – Industrial firms
   – Government agencies

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management

    

4. Forsyth Technical Community College

   Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state): $5,272
   Tuition (out-of-state): $17,752

   If you want a wide range of subjects covered by your associate’s degree, then consider this online AAS! Emergency management studies include technical and management aspects of the field. You can also expect courses along the lines of:

   – Emergency planning
   – Fire protections
   – Law enforcement
   – Emergency medical services

   In addition, you’ll explore aspects of the codes and principles applicable to leadership roles. Careers benefited by this emergency management degree include:

   – Law enforcement agencies
   – Fire marshal offices
   – Government offices
   – Industrial firms

   Find Out More:
   Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Management

    

5. Fayetteville Technical Community College

   Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Management Technology
   Tuition (in-state): $5,658
   Tuition (out-of-state): $18,714

   The next associate degree in emergency management provides essential leadership studies. You’ll gain a foundation of technical knowledge applicable to law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, and emergency planning. Again, this is a great online degree with hands-on learning. You’ll take on virtual labs, participate in discussion groups, and more. This is also a good choice for students interested in the financial aspects of emergency management. There are emergency management courses centered on topics such as:

   – Quantitative literacy
   – Intro to computers
   – Local government finance

   Find Out More:
   Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Management Technology

    

6. Nash Community College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state): $5,820
   Tuition (out-of-state): $19,260

   The NCC emergency management online degree is ideal for those working in public services full-time. The degree can be completed quickly, with 8-week classes and a flexible schedule. Students may expect to study topics in sociology, response and recovery, and more. Courses also cover areas such as:

   – Government finance
   – Inspections and codes
   – Research and reporting
   – Incident management

   This is also a unique online AAS in emergency management that provides academic preparedness. One required course is College Transfer Success. Students will explore and implement a professional and academic plan for their future. For a successful career and clear path forward, consider this emergency management degree online.

   Find Out More:
   Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management

    

7. St. Petersburg College

   Degree: Associate of Science in Emergency Administration & Management
   Tuition (in-state): $7,605
   Tuition (out-of-state): $24,114

   Is your emergency management career geared towards administration and communication? Then consider this online Associate of Science! You’ll explore courses in report writing, crisis advisory, and public education. The recommended academic pathway covers two broad topics:

   – Homeland security
   – Emergency administration and management

   St. Petersburg College has one of the nation’s leading online programs in emergency management! It benefits both current and future emergency professionals. You can advance your careers through skills in problem-solving, assessment, planning and execution, and more.

   Find Out More:
   St. Petersburg College

    

8. Lakeland Community College

   Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management Planning & Administration
   Tuition (in-state): $9,735
   Tuition (out-of-state): $20,771

   The last associate degree in emergency management on our list is an “all hazards” program. It equips students with skills akin to leadership. You’ll specifically gain knowledge in minimizing public vulnerability to any kind of disaster. Online students may take pre-approved courses at a different college and transfer to Lakeland later on for the AAS. The certificate option is another option for students.

   Internationally accredited through the IFSAC, Lakeland is the only community college in Ohio to have received this accreditation. FEMA, the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the Lake County Department of Emergency Services, and the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross have all endorsed the program.

   Find Out More:
   Lakeland Community College

    

Top 7 Colleges with Emergency Management Degrees Online – Bachelor’s Under $35K

1. State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota

   Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety & Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state): $12,894
   Tuition (out-of-state): $49,736

   The BAS in Public Safety & Emergency Management is a great next step for those with an associate’s degree. Specifically an associate’s in medical services, fire science, law enforcement, or paralegal. The bachelor program will develop workforce skills based on the needs of government and private companies.

   Students will study topics such as:

   – General security
   – Crisis and disaster issues
   – Public safety
   – Cybersecurity

   Students expand their skills in areas from evaluation and assessment to leadership and coordination. Overall, the Public Safety Administration and Homeland Security tracks are separate. Also, this emergency management degree online is conducive to graduate studies.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Applied Science in Public Safety & Emergency Management

    

2. Utah Valley University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration
   Tuition (in-state): $22,904
   Tuition (out-of-state): $65,184

   The next online bachelor’s degree provides a solid foundation in three distinct areas:

   – Homeland security
   – Emergency service
   – Criminal justice

   There are plenty of fields to choose from with the knowledge imparted by this flexible program. That includes hospital management, emergency response, fire and rescue, federal emergency management, and the DoD. This degree can also lead to careers in fraud investigation, parole, and law enforcement.

   The online structure allows students to work on their professional development alongside their coursework. They may earn this bachelor’s in emergency management online degree in two to three years. There is also an option to take summer classes.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration

    

3. Columbia Southern University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services Administration / EMS Education
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $28,335

   This online BS is an excellent path for those pursuing EMS leadership careers. The curriculum covers aspects of law, politics, and regulation that helps graduates succeed long-term. Studies include topics such as:

   – Environmental safety
   – Risk management
   – Planning and development

   You’ll graduate knowing the guidelines and systems in place to implement emergency health services. Also, there is a distinct emphasis on leadership principles from personnel management to budgeting. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into this 120 credit degree.  Other great ways to save on this program include military benefits, learning partners discounts, and text books are included.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services Administration / EMS Education

    

4. Louisiana State University-Alexandria

   Degree: Bachelor of General Studies / Disaster Science & Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $32,000

   This next emergency and disaster management online degree addresses that disaster science is a rapidly developing academic discipline. It is expected to continue to grow well into the future due to global warming and other disasters. Students can expect to strengthen their skills in areas such as:

   – Disaster planning
   – Interpersonal communication

   Graduates enter the field with the knowledge and skills to aid the following through a broad range of emergency situations:

   – Businesses
   – Governments
   – Nonprofits

   That means guidance through floods, tornadoes, hazardous material spills, terrorist attacks, and epidemics. The programs will also aid them in the response and recovery to these disasters. This degree in emergency management comes fully online, and as a hybrid degree.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of General Studies / Disaster Science & Emergency Management

    

5. Arkansas State University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $33,120

   This Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness is 100% online. You’ll learn to identify risk factors, conduct assessments, and study social, cultural and economic factors relevant to emergency management. Another great feature of this degree is that it helps build the skills needed to guide teams and communities. Courses focus on connections between disasters and mental health, specifically. In this way, the program enforces the importance of respecting varied populations during emergencies.

   This emergency management online degree can lead to jobs working with FEMA, hospital systems, and Red Cross. You’ll also gain industry-relevant skills such as:

   – Organization
   – Planning
   – Critical thinking
   – Risk assessment

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

    

6. Idaho State University

   Degree: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $33,880

   The next disaster management degree benefits current and future emergency specialists. Specifically, it covers aspects of global threats, project management, and administration. Furthermore, you’ll expand may of the skills essential to this career, such as:

   – Leadership
   – Technology
   – Administrative oversight
   – Risk management
   – Protective measures

   Studies will lay out the principles applicable to management in any kind of threat. The program is perfect for those seeking leadership positions within five years after graduation. Historically, the online program can lead to a plethora of great careers:

   – Pandemic preparedness specialist
   – Cybersecurity specialist
   – Intelligence analyst
   – Public information officer
   – Damage assessment specialist

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

    

7. American Public University System

   Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management & Disaster Management
   Tuition (in-state & out-of-state): $34,500

   A foundational emergency management concept is that all disasters are local. APU’s emergency and disaster management program stresses this. Expert faculty teach a curriculum that covers:

   – Crisis management
   – EDM phases
   – Risk assessment
   – Counterterrorism
   – Consequence management
   – Mitigation
   – Recovery

   Graduates may pursue key positions in government agencies or national safety and security. Many are board-certified emergency managers. This disaster preparedness degree provides an in-depth knowledge associated with public protection. The fact that it is accredited by the IFSAC also places it amongst the most reputable disaster management degrees online.

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

    

Careers with Undergrad Online Degrees in Emergency Management

The duties of leaders in emergency management are essential to public safety. It’s a big job and requires a fair amount of training and education. Some main responsibilities in the field might include:

• Preparation of plans and procedures
• Response to natural disasters
• Assessment and evaluation

There is work for emergency managers in local or state governments. Hospitals, colleges, and private companies also employ emergency managers.

According to the BLS, the median pay for emergency management directors in 2022 was $79,180 per year. Their typical entry-level education is a bachelor’s degree in emergency management. The job outlook was 3%, making it a more competitive field. Over the next decade, around 900 openings for emergency management directors are projected each year.

The common mission of disaster relief is to ensure that help arrives in response to a disaster. Commonly it is divided into the four phases of Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation.

FEMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers are two of the top federal agencies involved in disaster relief coordination. In 2017, According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, those agencies employed 34,070 and 17,730 workers, respectively. Employment rates in this industry more than doubled between 1990 and 2017.

Begin an Online Degree in Emergency Management Today!

Many who work in emergency management find the career rewarding. The job is seldom monotonous, as no two days of work are exactly alike. Emergency managers also have a direct impact on helping people.

GetEducated is your best resource for finding and comparing online degrees in emergency management! We can help you locate the virtual program that best fits your needs with our wide range of programs and pertinent information on accreditation, tuition costs, and program details. Let us help you take the first steps to beginning your career.