2025 Best Online Emergency Management Degrees
Our ranking of the best online emergency management degree programs features accredited colleges with the highest number of program graduates, highlighting trusted institutions with strong virtual infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
- Bethel University (TN) ranks #1 overall for its online BS in Emergency Services Management for successfully graduating the most students last year.
- Bellevue University serves over 10,400 remote learners.
- Waldorf University earns the highest overall review score at 4.47 out of 5 based on our student surveys.
Visit our methodology. We also spoke with emergency management professional Brian Clark, who emphasized that success in this field is about real-world application and community-centered leadership.
2025 Best Online Emergency Management Degrees
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel University - TN | 65 | $10,830 | $70,497 | 67% | |
| Waldorf University | 58 | $9,900 | N/A | 95% | |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | 40 | $19,290 | N/A | 96% | |
| West Texas A&M University | 34 | $19,182 | N/A | 94% | |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | 32 | $8,670 | N/A | 91% | |
| Jacksonville State University | 24 | $10,440 | N/A | 96% | |
| University of Central Missouri | 21 | $8,550 | $46,768 | 98% | |
| Bellevue University | 19 | $13,470 | $73,896 | 75% | |
| Arkansas Tech University | 18 | $14,986 | $53,210 | 86% | |
| Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City | 16 | $7,231 | N/A | N/A | |
| Pikes Peak State College | 13 | $12,708 | N/A | N/A | |
| Barry University | 11 | $15,000 | N/A | 93% | |
| Idaho State University | 9 | $25,214 | N/A | 90% | |
| Columbia College - SC | 8 | $12,210 | N/A | 60% | |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | 7 | $18,240 | N/A | 100% |
2025 Best Online Emergency Management Degrees - Program Details
- Graduates: 65
- Annual Tuition: $10,830
- Median Salary: $62,271
- Recommendation: 67%
Why we like them: Bethel - TN earns its #1 position for graduating the most (65 students) with this degree last year. This highlights its scale and proven ability to support you through to completion.
- Graduates: 58
- Annual Tuition: $9,900
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 95%
Why we like them: Waldorf鈥檚 emergency management program integrates EMA independent study courses that allow you to earn a FEMA Independent Study certificate concurrently.
- Graduates: 40
- Annual Tuition: $19,290
- Median Salary: N/A
- Recommendation: 96%
Why we like them: Unlike typical emergency management programs, UNO enables you to specialize in areas such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Drones), Geospatial Science, Aviation Administration, Tribal Management and Emergency Services, and Planning and Preparing for Urban Hazards.
Digging Into Our List of The Best Online Emergency Management Degrees
With climate-related disasters, constant cybersecurity threats, and public health crises on the rise, emergency management is a stable career choice, as it's becoming one of the most vital fields in the public service sector. But with so many online programs available, how do you choose the best one that perfectly fits your career goals?
Our list shows 15 popular online bachelor鈥檚 degrees in emergency management based on the number of last year's program graduates. Why do we consider popularity an important metric to cover? We think that looking at successful graduates shows which programs you can trust to deliver the best results.
We also want to mention that nearly all schools on the list above boast online student bodies in the top quartile nationally. These are well-established, field-tested programs at online schools serving hundreds or even thousands of distance learners.
Below, we explore what the data reveals about these bachelor's programs.
Why Popularity Matters in Emergency Management Education
In emergency management, reputation, experience, and systems matter 鈥� just like they do in a crisis. Schools with high graduate numbers are often better equipped with mature online platforms, experienced faculty, and consistent support structures. They're also more likely to have large alumni networks and deep employer ties, giving you an edge when stepping into the workforce.
Take Bethel University鈥揟N, for example. As our top school for online graduate count in this field, it鈥檚 graduating more emergency management students than any other school on this list. That means the program isn鈥檛 just popular, it鈥檚 effective. Waldorf University is close behind, having graduated around 60 students last year with emergency management degrees online.
Large, well-established programs... tend to attract more institutional partnerships with FEMA, DHS, and regional emergency operations centers.
But popularity matters in this field for another reason: emergency management is inherently collaborative. Professionals often work across agencies, jurisdictions, and sectors to coordinate disaster response, public health, and infrastructure recovery. Being part of a widely attended program means you鈥檙e more likely to gain access to a large network of peers already working in the field, many of whom may become colleagues or collaborators in future emergency response efforts.
Large, well-established programs also tend to attract more institutional partnerships with FEMA, DHS, and regional emergency operations centers, giving you exposure to the kinds of systems you鈥檒l eventually help lead. In a field where communication and coordination are core competencies, graduating from a program with demonstrated reach and connectivity can help you enter the workforce already plugged into the right circles.
Why Recommendation Rates Should Help Guide Your EM Degree Decision
What students say after graduating is important to consider, especially in a field like emergency management where your ability to lead under pressure often depends on how well-prepared you are.
At OnlineU, we鈥檝e gathered over 75,000 student reviews across online programs, and the recommendation rates in this list say a lot. Schools like the University of Central Missouri (100%), West Texas A&M (95%), and Jacksonville State University (94%) boast well-established student trust. Graduates overwhelmingly say they鈥檇 recommend their school to others, which speaks to faculty support, curriculum quality, and real-life outcomes.
For emergency management students, high recommendation rates often signal that an online program delivers hands-on training, fosters responsive communication with instructors, and equips students with practical, career-ready skills.
In a discipline where your future job may involve leading disaster response teams or coordinating multi-agency efforts, you want a program that earns the respect of its own alumni. After all, who better to trust than those who鈥檝e already walked the path?
If budget is a central concern, you may want to explore our list of the most affordable online emergency management degrees ranked by manually collected tuition rates.
What Makes These Emergency Management Programs Stand Out
While these programs share a commitment to online flexibility and emergency response training, many carve out unique niches that we believe are worth mentioning:
The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers specializations like Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Tribal Management, options that few (if any) other programs match.
Barry University integrates FEMA鈥檚 National Emergency Management Basic Academy directly into the curriculum, allowing you to graduate with real-world credentials already in hand.
Bellevue University uses a cohort model with working emergency management professionals as faculty.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks' emergency management program lives within its business school, so it purposefully combines emergency response with leadership, cybersecurity, and healthcare coordination in a rare interdisciplinary model.
West Texas A&M gives credit for military or vocational training and has been fully online since 2002. That longevity in digital delivery is a signal of quality and consistency.
An Expert鈥檚 Perspective on Choosing the Best Online Emergency Management Degree
To better understand what makes an emergency management degree truly valuable and how students can turn their education into real-world impact, we spoke with Brian Clark, a nurse anesthesiologist and emergency preparedness educator with firsthand experience in crisis planning and healthcare coordination.
Clark shares why today鈥檚 EM students need more than just coursework to succeed, and how staying connected to real-world response teams can help shape your future in the field.
Why Emergency Management Demands Real-World Engagement
CRNA, Emergency Medical Services Instructor
"Emergency management is an effective career that one can wish to pursue in making a difference at the right time. It is not only disaster response, but about planning and coordination and the assistance of communities to remain safe before, during and after the emergency.
The degree provides you with a proper structure of how to interpret risks, team leadership and how to make decisions in a tight situation.
Its graduates work in private, education, healthcare and government. Ordinary [careers] are emergency planner, disaster response coordinator and crisis communication officer. A lot of these positions demand extra training such as the FEMA ICS training or the Certified Emergency Manager qualification. Such fields as climate disaster recovery, community resilience, and homeland security are particularly needed as the events become more complex and long-term.
Technology has transformed the sector. Emergency alerts, crisis communication, and GIS mapping have become essential tools. These digital systems are ahead of the game to online students and this is really how current teams are in operation."
EXPERT TIP
"The best recommendation I could give to any person entering this degree is to remain in touch with the real world; volunteer, intern or become a part-time worker in local emergency services. It makes it more applicable to your learning and allows you to create a network that counts when you are free to enter into the field."
What Is An Emergency Management Degree?
An online emergency management degree is ideal for undergraduate students who want to study prevention and response techniques related to man-made and natural disasters. These programs cover real-world scenarios such as floods, disease outbreaks, and terrorist attacks to teach students how to handle them properly, effectively, and safely.
Coursework covers everything from the psychological effects on communities to the legal and ethical responsibilities of emergency services agencies.
Disaster management degree graduates will be prepared to design, evaluate, and implement emergency plans; manage emergency response departments; and solve organizational and situational problems. Career opportunities vary based on the chosen concentration but may include firefighter, game warden, or emergency management director.
An online degree in emergency management should only be taken at an accredited school. Accreditation ensures that the program and its teachers have been evaluated for quality by an independent education agency.
You may also want to explore the most affordable emergency management degrees, which are also online degrees.
How Long Does It Take To Get an Emergency Management Degree Online?
Online degrees in emergency management take most students four years to complete on full-time schedules. However, because they're online, students can study more flexibly, leading to longer completion times. Some programs may accept up to 90 transfer credits, shortening the time it takes to reach 120 credits allowing students to graduate sooner.
Common Courses
An emergency management degree online features a range of classes highlighting management techniques, problem-solving skills, and organizational know-how. While electives offer chances for students to gain specific knowledge of areas such as terrorism, climate change, and social psychology, the core of these programs focus on foundational areas in emergency management.
Below are some examples often found in the curricula of online emergency management bachelor's degrees:
Introduction to Emergency Management
This foundational course introduces students to the theories, principles, and applications of emergency management. They'll look at the history of the practice leading up to its current role in overseeing modern-day incidents. Students also learn about various legal, financial, ethical, and managerial issues that professional emergency directors encounter.
Emergency and Disaster Planning
Emergency and disaster planning refers to the processes that public safety agencies use to prepare for emergencies. This includes exploring the operations of the various agencies themselves, from local to federal levels. Students learn about mutual aid, emergency support functions, emergency management policies, risk analysis, and cooperation with outside agencies.
Social Media Applications in Emergency Management
Social media applications in emergency management is an increasingly important course because it covers the usage of digital platforms in informing communities about potentially life-threatening situations. Students learn about disaster notification practices through real-world simulations that combat misinformation.
Psychology of a Disaster
This course combines behavioral, psychological, and physiological responses to disasters, both manufactured and natural. Students look at human reactions through past clinical studies to understand the possible individual, family, and community mental health consequences of these emergencies. They'll learn the basics of mental health care, how to communicate risk, and how to examine reactions.
If you're curious to explore alternative degrees, where students can learn many of the same emergency response principles, check out our lists for the best homeland security bachelor's degrees and law enforcement programs.
What Careers Can You Pursue With an Emergency Management Degree?
Emergency management graduates are trained in leadership skills that help prepare them in how to respond to disasters. These skills are transferable, meaning that graduates can choose to work in private or public sectors. You may decide to find employment on the front lines mitigating the effects of hazardous spills and wildfires, or you could take on a supervisory role that analyzes risk and prevention.
Some graduates pursue advanced learning through a master's in emergency management, where they gain a more thorough understanding of disaster preparedness and public health and complete research projects. Although graduate degrees can be expensive, there are affordable master's in emergency management degrees with lower tuition rates.
Below you can explore some of the most common career choices for graduates in this field at the bachelor's level:
Emergency Management Directors
oversee the planning and response operations for crisis management organizations.
Police Officers
have a wide-ranging list of responsibilities outside of disaster management, which may vary based on where they're assigned.
Business Continuity Planners
The role of is much like emergency management directors, although they are responsible for protecting businesses during emergencies, such as cyberattacks and building fires.
Firefighters
are first responders during all sorts of crisis situations, even beyond threats of fires, including hazardous spills, vehicle accidents, water rescues, and mass shootings.
How Much Money Can I Make With an Emergency Management Degree?
The median annual salaries of emergency management graduates are typically between $50,000 and $80,000. Directors have the highest earnings because they have more responsibilities and require workforce experience before hiring. Although firefighters play a critical role in disaster response, they are among the lowest-paid careers in this field.
Steps to Apply for Online Degrees in Emergency Management
Undergraduate schools only require applicants to send over a short list of forms. Some programs may require the submission of personal essays or college entrance exams, although they are usually optional. In some cases, application forms may include questions that need thorough and thoughtful answers.
Students applying to college for an online emergency management degree must always submit the following documents:
-
Online application form
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High school transcripts
FAQs About Online Bachelor's Degrees in Emergency Management
Can You Get an Emergency Management Degree 100% Online?
Many emergency management degrees can be completed entirely online, including all coursework, lectures, class discussions, and final projects. However, it's essential to double check each online program to ensure it doesn't require students to visit campus. Students can rest assured that their online degree is respected as long as it comes from an accredited college or university.
What Degree Is Best for Emergency Management?
Determining the best emergency management concentration is subjective and depends on the student's aspirations. Some bachelor's programs offer several concentrations 鈥� like homeland security and fire science 鈥� while others have sought additional accreditation from first responder organizations.
Which Degree Level Is the Lowest Required for an Emergency Manager?
According to , 59% of emergency management director roles require a bachelor's degree. Not only are undergraduate degrees required, but emergency managers must have several years of prior work experience to be considered for employment. This can come from entry-level positions at emergency response organizations, police departments, fire departments, and public health agencies.
Are Emergency Management Majors in Demand?
Emergency management roles are growing at 2-4%, which is considered average compared to all other U.S. occupations. This includes firefighters, police officers, emergency management directors, and business continuity planners.
Is a Degree in Emergency Management Worth It?
Emergency management degrees allow students to pursue invaluable training and knowledge critical to disaster response operations. Below are several pros and cons of pursuing this major through an online delivery format:
Benefits
-
Students can work while they study. Aspiring emergency management directors can prepare for their careers by choosing from flexible programs that allow enough free time to gain work experience in the field.
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Career options are available in very different environments. Graduates can work on the front lines of disasters or work their way up to off-site management roles.
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Emergency management salaries are generally high. According to , the median rate for all occupations in 2022 was ~$59,500, while police officers and business continuity planners currently earn between $65,800 and $76,000.
Drawbacks
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Some emergency work can be dangerous. In 2021, the reported 19,200 injuries and 135 on-duty fatalities.
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Coursework may be too generalized for specific careers. Emergency management is a broad field, and students may miss out on specialized training if they don't choose a concentration.
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Government salaries tend to be less than the private sector. This can be concerning for emergency management students who often work for federal or regional agencies.
Student Reviews of Online Emergency Management Programs
Purdue University Global afforded me the opportunity to use my work and life experience for credits. I was about to earn over 60 credit hours and cut my completion time down. The courses were taught by industry professionals that provided a realistic view for those that may be new to the industry. I would definitely recommend anyone to look at Purdue University Global as an option.
Review Date: 2/4/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Save your money and really research colleges before you go to them. The school is run by students with the exception of most of the professors. So getting answers never happens. They waited two days before my last class to email me .....my advisor,to let me know that she had reviewed my transcripts and I actually need two more biblical classes and may not be able to graduate because of it. Now I had Already purchased my cap and gown and official transcripts as She led me to the websites and had me... Read More
Review Date: 2/14/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I have completed my degree at UMUC and think that this an overall excellent school. When starting here I had completed about 40 credits and the next 80 plus were completed online at UMUC. The Learning Experience Online (LEO) classroom has come a long way since I started 4 years ago. The professors are very good and challenge the students. The only criticism I would have is the financial department. Once set there shouldn't be any problems, but there are many times when contacting them regarding financial... Read More
Review Date: 11/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The program and instructors are, for the most, part excellent. The field of emergency management is so broad it is difficult for the university to prepare you for all job in the field. Research Emergency Management closely before choosing this major, you should have some understanding of what professions you are interested in and what specifics are required of those professionals. If you come into the program with this understanding your are much more likely to find a job after you graduate.
Review Date: 2/11/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My undergraduate degree was at American Public Univerisity, I would highly recommend for a B.A. degree! Good, and fair classes and instructors! I am a working parent of three boys, I am trying to do the best I can to advance my career! I am currently working on a Master's to move my career forward.
Review Date: 10/7/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Non-profit schools are the ticket. A great education at an affordable price at a state supported regionally accredited institution, what a deal. The annual tuition rate is wrong on this site however. 1 credit hour is only $134.00 so you can do the math.
The Emergency Management program has 9 required classes (27 credit hours) in the program. You do have to take 30 credit hours of upper level classes at WCU so you may have to take a couple extra because EDM 250 is a lower level class and doesn't count... Read More
The remaining 87 credit hours of general education and electives classes can be taken at a community college and transferred in at an even lower cost. So you can really get the degree and only spend around $4400 for it at WCU, of course that doesn't count the community college cost. This is what I have done and its worked great.
Review Date: 1/10/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
College is an incredible experience to learn, grow, and step out of your comfort zone. NDSU for me, offered an opportunity to join athletic groups, be a part of an amazing academic culture, and gave ample opportunities to try new and exciting adventures.
Review Date: 8/19/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes