Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

TBS Staff Writers
By
Updated on October 10, 2023
Earning an emergency management degree online can lead to new career opportunities. Here, we list the best programs available.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

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

#1 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

California State University, Long Beach

  • Location-markerLong Beach, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,742
  • Out-of-state$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,176
  • Out-of-state$16,680
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate39%
  • Students Enrolled38,674
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment30%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

Arkansas State University-Main Campus

  • Location-markerJonesboro, AR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,540
  • Out-of-state$13,500
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$4,986
  • Out-of-state$9,972
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance Rate80%
  • Students Enrolled13,356
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment59%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

Arizona State University

  • Location-markerScottsdale, AZ
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,867
  • Out-of-state$19,282
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$6,384
  • Out-of-state$6,384
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate64%
  • Students Enrolled45,073
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment98%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

Jacksonville State University

  • Location-markerJacksonville, AL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,720
  • Out-of-state$19,440
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,600
  • Out-of-state$19,200
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance Rate55%
  • Students Enrolled9,021
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment70%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

Lander University

  • Location-markerGreenwood, SC
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$10,700
  • Out-of-state$20,300
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,856
  • Out-of-state$16,844
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate43%
  • Students Enrolled3,226
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment45%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

Liberty University

  • Location-markerLynchburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$15,417
  • Out-of-state$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,980
  • Out-of-state$7,980
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate51%
  • Students Enrolled85,586
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment92%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

Arkansas Tech University

  • Location-markerRussellville, AR
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,568
  • Out-of-state$11,136
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$5,256
  • Out-of-state$10,512
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance Rate95%
  • Students Enrolled11,829
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

Millersville University

  • Location-markerMillersville, PA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,570
  • Out-of-state$19,290
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$9,288
  • Out-of-state$13,932
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate79%
  • Students Enrolled7,783
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment25%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

Nova Southeastern University

  • Location-markerFort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$31,150
  • Out-of-state$31,150
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$19,665
  • Out-of-state$19,665
  • Retention Rate81%
  • Acceptance Rate80%
  • Students Enrolled20,576
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment45%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management

Eastern Kentucky University

  • Location-markerRichmond, KY
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$9,266
  • Out-of-state$19,338
Average Graduate Tuition
  • 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


The Best Schools

Online Master’s in Emergency Management Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Rankings Methodology

Featured Online Master’s in Emergency Management Programs

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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.

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 8%

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.

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 12%

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.

Projected Job Growth (2019-2029): 7%

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.

Header Image Credit: miodrag ignjatovic | Getty Images