Ranking The Top 20 Online Emergency Management Degree Programs 2018
Many schools are beginning to offer Online Emergency Management Degree Programs for the convenience of people already working in the field who wish to step into an administrative role. The universities listed below are regionally accredited, and many are ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report and offer reasonable undergraduate tuition.
#20 – Adelphi University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Services Administration
Garden City, New York
Undergraduate Tuition: $35,740
Adelphi University, a top-ranked private institution, offers an accredited online emergency management bachelor’s degree program designed by leaders in the field of emergency services. This program is for students looking to advance their career in the public safety field. All courses are delivered online and taught by Adelphi’s esteemed professors. These courses include conflict management, emergency service leadership, emergency services management and administration, introduction to financial concepts for emergency services, and legal aspects of emergency services. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA to graduate. Adelphi is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 151st best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs, including the bachelor’s in emergency management online degree, are ranked #126 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#19 – Upper Iowa University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Disaster Management
Fayette, Iowa
Undergraduate Tuition: $28,890
Upper Iowa University, a private and accredited institution, offers online emergency management degree programs for those interested in earning a bachelor’s in emergency disaster management. This degree program consists of 120 semester credits, with 54 semester credits in the emergency management major. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to be eligible for graduation. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Curriculum is designed to prepare students to understand and mitigate physical and human consequences of natural, civil, and human-caused hazards. The university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #110 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#18 – Ohio Christian University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management
Circleville, Ohio
Undergraduate Tuition: $19,540
The online bachelor’s in emergency management program at Ohio Christian University is ideally constructed for working students. Through flexibly designed courses and online instruction, students receive the same quality education of their on-campus peers. The program trains individuals to serve all stages of human suffering from immediate relief through community rebuilding. Classes include conflict and analysis, introduction to disaster response and recovery, natural and man-made disasters, and trauma – understanding and intervention. Ohio Christian University provides intense leadership development while emphasizing Christ-like service. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the Midwest according to its performance across widely accepted indicators of excellence.
#17 – Grand Canyon University
Online Bachelor’s in Public Safety and Emergency Management
Phoenix, Arizona
Undergraduate Tuition: $17,050
Grand Canyon University offers an accredited online emergency management bachelor’s program that is ideally designed for working students. The program places an emphasis on public safety outcomes and leadership in the emergency management field. Most courses run seven weeks in length and are offered completely online. These courses include disaster response and recovery, emergency operations and techniques, history and development of emergency management, mitigation planning, organizational behavior and management, and servant leadership. Depending on the student’s pace, the program may be completed in 48 months. Grand Canyon is ranked by major publications like U.S News and World Report as a top national university. Also, for those interested in pursuing graduate school, the university offers several online programs.
#16 – Everglades University
Online Bachelor’s in Crisis and Disaster Management
Boca Raton, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $18,320
The online bachelor’s in emergency management degree program from Everglades University is designed to prepare individuals for careers in crisis and disaster management. Classes are delivered online and provide students with access to course content at all hours of the day or night, making it convenient for working individuals. Some of the courses offered include community disaster mitigation and recovery, crisis and disaster psychology, disaster and society, disaster and health management, emergency management and public policy, hazard analysis and risk management, and terrorism and homeland security. Everglades is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 36th best regional college in the South and the 13th best college for veterans.
#15 – National University
Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
La Jolla, California
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,016
National University’s online emergency management degree program is ideally designed for working students with an interest in homeland security and emergency management. The degree may be completed entirely online and requires a series of classes, including crisis management, disaster management, domestic security management, introduction to public administration, leading diverse groups and teams, and legal issues of security. A supervised senior project must also be completed prior to graduation. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank National University as a top regional institution in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs, including the bachelor’s in homeland security and emergency management, are ranked #119 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – Franklin University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,881
The online bachelor’s in emergency management at Franklin University emphasizes preparedness and homeland security. The program is designed for working individuals and is transfer-friendly. Also, students may personalize their major by choosing a customized plan. There are two specializations offered: emergency management and disaster response and homeland security. Classes are 100% online and include ethics and leadership in public safety agencies, evidence based practice and research methods in the criminal justice professions, government and nonprofit budgeting, and introduction to emergency management and homeland security. Franklin is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top school.
#13 – Ashford University
Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
San Diego, California
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,032
Ashford University’s online emergency management bachelor’s program is a completely online degree that is designed to prepare individuals with a broad view of emergency preparedness and security. Courses run five weeks in length, and students enroll in one online class at a time. Some of the courses offered include emergency planning, emergency response to terrorism, introduction to homeland security and emergency management, psychology of disaster, and research and analysis in homeland security. Ashford offers accredited programs and a school recognition from U.S. News and World Report. In the most recent edition of Best Colleges, U.S. News ranked Ashford a top regional university in the West.
#12 – Colorado Technical University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,540
Colorado Technical University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in emergency management program that allows students to earn a degree in criminal justice with a specialization in homeland security and emergency management. This 182-credit online program features courses taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Some of the courses include ethics in criminal justice, introduction to criminal justice, introduction to homeland security, local emergency management and civil preparedness, planning for homeland security and emergency management, and strategic planning and budgeting for homeland security and emergency management. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs have earned a #81 ranking out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#11 – Colorado State University
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Services Administration
Greenwood Village, Colorado
Undergraduate Tuition: $8,400
Colorado State University offers an accredited online emergency management degree program for those interested in learning more about fire and emergency services. This 120-credit program may be completed entirely online and in just two years. Classes are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus, so online students receive the same curriculum and course content as their on-campus peers. These courses include essentials of emergency management, fire and emergency services budgeting, fire protection through modeling building codes, policy and public administration, training management program, and trends in fire science technologies. Colorado State is a top-ranked and accredited university. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #81 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management
Canton, New York
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,881
SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers an accredited online emergency management degree designed for working individuals who want to earn a bachelor’s in emergency management. This program is 100% online and offers courses that run in seven-week sessions. Students gain experience in the emergency management industry through classroom exercises, projects, and access to internships at the state, local, and federal agency level. Some of the courses required for graduation includes communities – preparedness and defense, disaster management and preparedness, legal issues in emergency management, public budgeting and fiscal management, and risk and hazard impact studies. The school is ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks SUNY as the 25th top regional college in the North and the 12th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #76 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#9 – West Texas A & M University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Administration
Canyon, Texas
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,699
One of the most affordable online bachelor’s in emergency management programs on our list is found at West Texas A&M University. Applicants must possess an associate degree of any major to be eligible for admission. Once admitted, students take a series of online classes that include administrative law, ethics and the justice and emergency management administration, municipal government, principles of emergency management, public administration, and technology for public and emergency management. The university is accredited and offers quality programs. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 81st top regional university in the West and 30th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #6 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#8 – Jacksonville State University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management
Jacksonville, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,500
Jacksonville State University’s online emergency management bachelor’s degree program is designed to prepare students to handle minor emergencies to major disasters. This accredited bachelor’s in emergency management online degree is also designed to equip students with skills that prepare them for ongoing education, such as the master’s in emergency management, which is also offered by the university. All classes are delivered online and taught by experienced JSU faculty. Some of the courses required include disaster mitigation and preparedness, disaster response and recovery, emergency management capstone course, populations at risk, and research in disasters and emergency management. Jacksonville State is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 89th best regional university in the South and 34th top public school. The online bachelor’s programs have also received recognition.
#7 – Bellevue University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management
Bellevue, Nebraska
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,365
Bellevue University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in emergency management degree that may be completed entirely online. Ideal for working students, the online program offers flexible classes at convenient times. Students gain access to course content at all hours of the day. This means that you may work, tend to family obligations, or meet daytime responsibilities without impacting your education. Some of the classes offered in the emergency management program include emergency communications, emergency planning, foundations for professional success, introduction to emergency management, legal issues in emergency management, and the national incident management system. Students applying for professional licensing or certification should verify the school’s offerings meet the requirements with the professional organization. Bellevue is ranked and accredited. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #92 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#6 – University of Central Missouri
Online Bachelor’s in Crisis and Disaster Management
Warrensburg, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,322
The University of Central Missouri offers an online emergency management degree designed with the working student in mind. This completely online degree offers several areas of concentration and allows students to choose one area to focus their education. These specialty areas include business continuity, emergency management, emergency services management, and environmental hazards. The bachelor’s in emergency management online program requires a total of 120 credit hours to satisfy the degree. Certificate options in the above specialty areas are also available. The University of Central Missouri is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 87th best regional university in the Midwest and the 21st top public school.
#5 – American Military University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency and Disaster Management
Charles Town, West Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,880
One of the most affordable bachelor’s in emergency management online programs on our list is offered by American Military University of the American Public University System. This accredited bachelor’s degree can be completed entirely online and consists of 122 credits. Monthly start dates make classes convenient and easy to transition into from busy work and family life. Courses are taught by the university’s faculty members who bring experience and knowledge of the industry. These courses include consequence management, emergency and disaster incident command, emergency planning, introduction to emergency management, psychology of disaster, and research design and methods. The university is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs have received a #92 ranking out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#4 – Western Carolina University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency and Disaster Management
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,737
Western Carolina University offers an accredited online emergency management degree program that is ideally designed for working students. Taught by faculty with a wide range of experience and skillset, the curriculum applies standards of public safety and security management commonly used in the field. Some of the core courses include emergency and disaster management, policy basis of emergency and disaster management, and risk assessment and vulnerability analysis. The degree may also serve as preparation for those interested in pursuing an online master’s in health sciences with an emergency medical care concentration or health management concentration. Western Carolina is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 38th best regional university in the South and the 13th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #76 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#3 – Thomas Edison State University
Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Trenton, New Jersey
Undergraduate Tuition: $6,350
The completely online emergency management bachelor’s degree program at Thomas Edison State University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive view of homeland security and emergency management issues and policies that align with the National Preparedness System. This 120-credit program complements the master’s in homeland security and master’s in management degrees also offered at Thomas Edison. Classes are delivered online and include counterterrorism – constitutional and legislative issues, homeland security – preparedness and prevention, international relations, organizational behavior, and protecting the homeland – response and recovery. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.
#2 – Utah Valley University
Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Service Administration
Orem, Utah
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,530
Utah Valley University’s bachelor’s in emergency management online program provides a solid foundation in homeland security and emergency service. Courses are delivered online and designed to meet the scheduling needs of working students. These courses include health and safety program management, introduction to emergency services and ability testing, introduction to homeland security, psychology of emergency services, and principles of disaster and emergency management. Utah Valley is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation, and the school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
#1 – University of Florida
Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Services
Gainesville, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $3,876
University of Florida offers the most affordable online emergency management bachelor’s program on our list. Three specialization options make it convenient for students to tailor their degree toward an area of interest like emergency management, emergency medical services, or fire. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. Some of the courses offered in the program, depending on the specialization choice, include community risk reduction for emergency services, disaster policy in emergency management, fire and emergency services administration, management of EMS, and quality management and research in emergency services. University of Florida is a top ranked national university. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school #42 among national universities and #93 among best value schools. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #20 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
Thank you for considering our ranking of top online emergency management degree programs. We encourage you to use this as a starting point for your own research. As always, we recommend contacting universities directly to verify their accreditation status.
EMDP Staff
January 2018
This concludes our ranking of the 20 best online emergency management bachelor’s programs for 2018.