Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
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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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 MethodologyFeatured Online Master’s in Emergency Management Programs
Choosing 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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