Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
An online master’s degree in emergency management prepares students to take charge of public safety during crises.
Emergency management professionals direct communities during hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, terrorist attacks, and floods. They work in the private sector and in local, state, and federal governments. Emergency management professionals take on challenging roles supporting their communities.
The disastrous weather events and terror threats of the last decade have increased demand for emergency management professionals. After earning an emergency management degree online, graduates have plenty of job opportunities, and the field is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the number of emergency management directors in the United States to increase 8% by 2026.
The Best Online Emergency Management Master’s Programs
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online master's in emergency management program, offered by California State University, Long Beach, ranks as a top program. The master of science in emergency services administration emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The master's program recommends that applicants bring a background in emergency management or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.
California State University, Long Beach at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 39%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,176
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,680
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate39%
- Students Enrolled38,674
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
- Jonesboro, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The master's in emergency management degree at Arkansas State University, located in Jonesboro, uses a flexible distance learning format. The master of science in disaster preparedness and emergency management program emphasizes advanced practice skills, training graduates for leadership roles and an increased earning potential. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum incorporates theoretical and applied approaches. Learners focus the program with electives or a concentration. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in emergency management before applying to the program.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.
Arkansas State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 80%
Total Online Master's Programs: 19
Program Name: Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Graduate Tuition In State: $4,986
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $9,972
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$13,500
- In-State$4,986
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled13,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The master's in emergency management degree at Arizona State University, located in Scottsdale, uses a flexible distance learning format. The master of arts in emergency management and homeland security program strengthens specialized skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.
The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in emergency management. Learners specialize the program by choosing from a variety of electives. The master's program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in emergency management.
Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
Arizona State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 64%
Total Online Master's Programs: 48
Program Name: Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,384
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $6,384
- In-State$8,867
- Out-of-state$19,282
- In-State$6,384
- Out-of-state$6,384
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled45,073
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment98%
- AccreditationYes
Jacksonville State University
- Jacksonville, AL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Jacksonville State University, located in Jacksonville, Alabama, offers a flexible online master's in emergency management. The master of science or master of public administration in emergency management helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in emergency management. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in emergency management before applying to the program.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to participate in hands-on experiences and networking events to grow their professional connections.
Jacksonville State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 55%
Total Online Master's Programs: 14
Program Name: Master of Science or Master of Public Administration in Emergency Management
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,600
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,200
- In-State$9,720
- Out-of-state$19,440
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$19,200
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled9,021
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
Lander University
- Greenwood, SC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Located in Greenwood, South Carolina, Lander University enrolls master's students in its top-ranked online emergency management program. The master of science in emergency management strengthens specialized skills, preparing graduates for leadership roles with a higher earning potential. A master's degree can also lead candidates to new career paths.
The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in emergency management. Learners choose electives or a specialization to stand out in a competitive job market. The admission requirements include a background in emergency management or a related field.
Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional internships at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Lander University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 43%
Total Online Master's Programs: 3
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Management
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,856
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $16,844
- In-State$10,700
- Out-of-state$20,300
- In-State$8,856
- Out-of-state$16,844
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled3,226
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, Virginia, offers a flexible online master's in emergency management. The master of public administration in disaster management program helps graduates increase their salary potential and take on more professional responsibilities. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.
The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Learners take electives and other specialized courses to gain career-specific training. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in emergency management before applying to the program.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private
Admission Rate: 51%
Total Online Master's Programs: 67
Program Name: Master of Public Administration in Disaster Management
Graduate Tuition In State: $7,980
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $7,980
- In-State$15,417
- Out-of-state$15,417
- In-State$7,980
- Out-of-state$7,980
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate51%
- Students Enrolled85,586
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment92%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The online master's degree in emergency management at Arkansas Tech University, located in Russellville, offers high academic quality. The master of science in emergency management and homeland security program strengthens industry-specific skills, preparing graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree also helps candidates pursue new career paths.
The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to emergency management. Learners choose electives or a specialization to gain focused career training. The program encourages applicants to gain experience in emergency management before applying to the program.
Online enrollees gain hands-on experience during professional internships in their local area. The program encourages graduate students to expand their professional connections through internships and networking events.
Arkansas Tech University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 95%
Total Online Master's Programs: 9
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Graduate Tuition In State: $5,256
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,512
- In-State$5,568
- Out-of-state$11,136
- In-State$5,256
- Out-of-state$10,512
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled11,829
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Millersville University
- Millersville, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Graduate students seeking an online emergency management degree can enroll in the master's program at Millersville University, located in Millersville, Pennsylvania. The master of science in emergency management builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. With a master's degree, candidates also pursue new career opportunities.
The master's curriculum emphasizes the best practices in emergency management. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants without an emergency management background may need to complete prerequisite courses to enroll in the program.
Online enrollees can often complete professional internships at approved locations in their own community. Graduate students expand their professional connections by attending virtual networking events.
Millersville University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 79%
Total Online Master's Programs: 2
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Management
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,288
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,932
- In-State$9,570
- Out-of-state$19,290
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$13,932
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled7,783
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Graduate students seeking an online emergency management degree can enroll in the master's program at Nova Southeastern University, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The master of science in disaster and emergency management builds specialized skills for advanced practice, preparing graduates for leadership positions with increased salary potential. Earning a master's degree helps candidates move into a new career path or advance in their current field.
The master's curriculum covers theoretical and practical approaches to emergency management. Learners often choose a specialized concentration, which can help them stand out in a competitive job market. Applicants with a background in emergency management typically meet the admission requirements.
Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.
Nova Southeastern University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private
Admission Rate: 80%
Total Online Master's Programs: 46
Program Name: Master of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management
Graduate Tuition In State: $19,665
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $19,665
- In-State$31,150
- Out-of-state$31,150
- In-State$19,665
- Out-of-state$19,665
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled20,576
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
Eastern Kentucky University
- Richmond, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Eastern Kentucky University, located in Richmond, offers a flexible online master's in emergency management. The master of science in safety, security, and emergency management with a concentration in emergency management and disaster resilience emphasizes industry-relevant knowledge and skills, preparing graduates for decision-making responsibilities. After earning a master's degree, candidates also pursue careers in new industries.
The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. Learners individualize the program to prepare for focused careers. Applicants without a background in emergency management may need to complete prerequisite courses before enrolling in the master's program.
Online enrollees complete internship programs in their local area to gain hands-on experience. Internships and other networking events help graduate students expand their professional network.
Eastern Kentucky University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public
Admission Rate: 94%
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Program Name: Master of Science in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management: Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience
Graduate Tuition In State: $9,900
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $13,950
- In-State$9,266
- Out-of-state$19,338
- In-State$9,900
- Out-of-state$13,950
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled14,980
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Masters
Emergency Management
2022
Online Master’s in Emergency Management Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyChoosing an Online Master’s in Emergency Management Program
Students pursuing a master’s degree in emergency management online gain a broad understanding of emergency planning and analysis and typically concentrate in a specific area. Core courses include homeland security and criminal justice data analysis.
Common concentrations in master’s degree in emergency management online programs include homeland security, information systems, public safety or health, law enforcement and fire protection, and logistics. Concentrations reflect the job sector students plan to work in after graduation. For example, students planning to pursue government jobs often concentrate in homeland security. Students who excel in analysis and project management may become logisticians, who establish protocols for officials and the public to follow during catastrophic events.
Some online master’s degree in emergency management programs, such as Adelphi University’s MS in emergency management program, emphasize homeland security and leadership during disasters. Other programs, such as Jefferson’s online MS degree, focus on disaster medicine and management. When selecting a program, consider your educational and career ambitions.
Online Master’s in Emergency Management Careers
Some emergency management directors work for state or local governments; others work for private companies or nonprofit organizations. After earning an emergency management master’s degree online, graduates pursue specialized roles, such as social community manager or logistician. Careers in emergency management span industries, so graduates have a variety of employment options.
Emergency management directors lead emergency preparedness efforts and direct others during crises. They work with local and state officials, and during crises, they communicate ongoing plans to the public.
Computer and information systems managers provide computer–related assistance during emergencies, including launching and directing an information website at which the community can access logistical information. They also inform the public of where to find supplies and government assistance.
Logisticians manage processes during emergency situations. They coordinate supplies, shelter, and services necessary for a community in crisis. Logistician create plans based on population needs for a variety of emergency situations.
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