Become someone who others look to when they are facing an emergency with one of the Best Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management.
With one of our top-ranked online bachelor’s in emergency management degrees, you’ll be one of the few people that truly know how to handle emergency situations. There can be no better feeling than helping others and promoting public safety during times of great distress, which is what you’ll learn in emergency management coursework.
What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management?
An online bachelor’s in emergency management degree program teaches students the different kinds of emergencies that can appear, sometimes out of the blue. The courses in this program will prepare you for making a plan for both the unexpected and the expected emergency situation, natural disasters, as well as teach you how best to direct others in times of crisis.
Examples of common courses include Introduction to Emergency Management Operations, Introduction to Emergency Planning Disaster Preparation and Planning, and Crisis Communication. Many of the online programs also require students to complete an internship experience.
How Much Can You Earn With an Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management?
Graduates of bachelor’s in emergency management programs have a wide selection of possible careers that they can pursue. Many graduates of this kind of program go on to become emergency management directors. Emergency management directors can expect to take home a little over $74,000 per year.
Some students who pursue this degree are already working in an emergency service field, such as a police officer, EMT, or firefighter. These individuals may decide to 3pursue this degree for a raise or career advancement.
What Is Required to Attend an Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Program?
Each online school may have unique admission requirements, and some programs within schools may also have additional requirements that are important to know. There are a few requirements that most schools will want to see from applicants, such as high school transcripts, GED results, and SAT or ACT scores. Many schools waive the ACT and SAT requirements for students who have attended college in the past.
Some emergency management programs are degree completion programs, which means they are designed for students who have already earned an associate degree or have taken 60 credit hours of college coursework.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Colleges?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses student satisfaction, admission rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the median debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
Let’s take a look at the 15 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management!
Waldorf University
20-Year ROI$747,925![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $20,544(in state) / $20,544(out of state)
- 120 credit hour program
- 60 credit hours in the emergency management major
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreOur number one ranked bachelor’s in emergency management is from Waldorf University because the program offers a broad, comprehensive understanding of this field at an affordable price. The BA in Emergency Management program allows students to choose between pursuing either a specialization in Fire Science or Homeland Security. The school also offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Emergency Management for professionals who have experience working in emergency management.
American Public University System
20-Year ROI$1,257,003![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,480(in state) / $6,480(out of state)
- International Fire Service Accreditation Congress accredited program
- 120 credit hour program
School Wide
Program Level
98%OSR ScoreThe Online Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management from APUS gives you everything you will need to be successful in your new profession. The courses are mostly taught by emergency management professionals who have experience in their respective fields, and many of which are board-certified emergency managers (CEM). The school allows students to transfer up to 77% of previously earned college credits toward the required 120 credit hours of this degree.
Bellevue University
20-Year ROI$1,077,529![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,152(in state) / $7,152(out of state)
- 127 credit hour program
- $425 per credit hour
School Wide
Program Level
85%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management from Bellevue University is designed for students who have already earned an associate degree or who have at least 60 credit hours of college under their belt. Students will take 40 credit hours of emergency management classes while pursuing their degree. To graduate from this program, students must complete a capstone project, in which students will make an implementable plan for a real-life emergency management situation.
Bethel University
20-Year ROI$769,780![Bethel University 219718]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,805(in state) / $9,805(out of state)
- 128 credit hour program
- Military and Veteran Tuition Reduction
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Emergency Service Management from Bethel University is a well designed and affordable program, especially for active military personnel and veterans. During this program, students take 15 courses in the emergency service management core curriculum. The degree completion option of this program is for professionals who have been working in the field for at least three years and have previously earned at least 30 credits.
Indiana Institute of Technology
20-Year ROI$842,763![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $25,940(in state) / $25,940(out of state)
- 120 credit hour program
- 54 credit hour of emergency management core
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreWith the BS in Emergency Response Management from IIT, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to handle any emergency situation that may come your way. The program teaches skills ranging from the planning of emergencies to emergency response and recovery operations. Each of the classes is held in five-week intervals, which allows students to dive into the subject and move on to the next without becoming bored.
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,670(in state) / $13,029(out of state)
- 100% job placement rate if willing to relocate
- Eight-semester program
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Technology in Emergency Management is designed for emergency managers and administrators who want to continue to grow and develop in their profession. The program utilizes technology that allows students to handle and apply learned knowledge to simulated emergencies, so students are prepared when they encounter them in real life. Students can participate in internships at local disaster management agencies and work on research projects throughout their program.
Kansas Wesleyan University
20-Year ROI$793,067![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,980(in state) / $28,980(out of state)
- Internship opportunities
- Small classes
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management is a one of a kind program that allows students to minor in either Unmanned Aircraft Systems or Criminal Justice. The school partners with Kansas State Polytechnic to provide the Unmanned Aircraft Systems classes. The school also has a partnership with Crisis City, a world-class training environment designed for training elite emergency management professionals.
Post University
20-Year ROI$812,667![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,258(in state) / $15,258(out of state)
- 120 credit hour program
- 33 credit hours of Emergency Management core curriculum
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScorePost University aims to teach the foundations of emergency management as well as the necessary leadership skills required to handle these situations during its Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. This degree will also prepare students looking to pursue a master’s degree in public administration. Students can choose between a concentration in Criminal Justice Leadership, Cybersecurity & Information Assurance, and Policing.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
20-Year ROI$1,325,236![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,000(in state) / $9,000(out of state)
- Fire Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) recognition
- Accredited by International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreThe 120 credit hour Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management program from ERAU is designed to train competent and creative emergency management graduates. The program allows students to choose between two specializations: Aviation Emergency Management and Fire and Emergency Services. The school also offers a 4+1 program for those that know they are going to pursue a master’s degree and want to cut a year off the process.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,467(in state) / $21,344(out of state)
- 120 credit hour program
- Experienced instructors who have worked in emergency management
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks gives its students control over what they learn with the ability to select between six concentrations in emergency management. The program requires its students to complete an internship in emergency management that will help them translate theory into practice. Students can complete this program in as little as six semesters if they start with at least 30 hours of prior emergency service credits.
Grand Canyon University
20-Year ROI$1,049,692![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,365(in state) / $16,365(out of state)
- 120 credit hour program
- Seven-week classes
School Wide
Program Level
68%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security from GCU gives its students an in-depth understanding of emergency management as well as training in leadership and business. The courses are taught through the school’s Christian worldview perspective, teaching its students to be servant-leaders in their community. Completing the homeland security major the school requires that its students take requires 36 credit hours of coursework.
Crown College
20-Year ROI$690,437![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $24,980(in state) / $24,980(out of state)
- 125-131 credit hour program
- Small class sizes
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreIt’s always better to be prepared for an emergency, and there is a shortage of individuals trained in emergency management, which is why Crown College created its BS in Disaster and Emergency Management. This degree emphasizes coursework in national disasters, such as a superstorm or earthquake. The accelerated master’s degree option is for individuals wishing to complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree while saving time and money.
Ohio Christian University
20-Year ROI$620,787![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,680(in state) / $10,680(out of state)
- 120 credit hour program
- 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Arts in Business with a concentration in Emergency Management from Ohio Christian University is designed for students looking for a program that emphasizes the management part of emergency management. The concentration consists of five courses that comprise 12 credit hours of study. The required capstone allows students to apply emergency management concepts to emergency and disaster problems.
Columbia College
20-Year ROI$685,352![]()
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $17,714(in state) / $17,714(out of state)
- 120 credit hour program
- $5,000 South Carolina State Firefighters’ Association Discount
School Wide
Program Level
64%OSR ScoreColumbia College offers both a BA in Disaster & Emergency Management and a BS in Fire Science with a concentration in Disaster & Emergency Management. The BA degree was designed for individuals already working in response organizations. The BS in Fire Science is for those looking to advance their career in fire services and for those looking to enter the fire science field.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
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Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,860(in state) / $20,790(out of state)
- 120 credit hour program
- Earn the degree in eight semesters
School Wide
Program Level
63%OSR ScorePCT has created a BS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security that goes beyond the classroom with 275 hours of required field experience. The school has strong partnerships with FEMA and PEMA, among other organizations, to help get you experience that makes you stand out from the crowd when applying to your first job. Students must take 13 courses in the emergency management core curriculum.
