2020 Most Affordable Online Master's in Emergency Management Programs
The skills of emergency management professionals are vital when communities experience crises and natural disasters. Students can earn a master's degree in emergency management online to prepare for crisis relief, emergency response, and disaster preparedness careers in government agencies and the private sector. The 24 schools we've listed make up the most affordable options for obtaining an online master's degree in emergency management, with all of their annual tuition rates priced at less than $12,000.
You can read more about our ranked schools below or browse our rankings of the most affordable online bachelor's in emergency management degrees. View our methodology or learn more about OnlineU.
| Rank | School | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | $4,986 | |
| Columbia Southern University | $5,670 | |
| American Public University System | $7,000 | |
| California State University-Long Beach | $7,984 | |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | $8,100 | |
| Arizona State University | $8,512 | |
| Millersville University of Pennsylvania | $9,026 | |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | $9,240 | |
| Sam Houston State University | $9,283 | |
| Excelsior College | $9,675 | |
| Park University | $9,860 | |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh | $9,900 | |
| Upper Iowa University | $9,990 | |
| University of Central Florida | $10,422 | |
| Saint Leo University Online | $10,620 | |
| Nova Southeastern University | $10,692 | |
| Eastern Kentucky University | $10,998 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | $11,286 | |
| University of Colorado Denver | $11,358 | |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | $11,445 | |
| Arkansas Tech University | $11,680 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $11,862 | |
| National University | $11,934 | |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | $12,000 |
Arkansas State University Jonesboro (AR)
Example Classes: Crisis Communications, Ethics and Legal Considerations in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Research Design and Methodology in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Theory Development in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management Online Master's Degrees
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Columbia Southern University Orange Beach (AL)
Example Classes: Advanced Fire Administration, Advanced Interactions of Hazardous Materials, Case Studies in Natural Catastrophes and Man-Made Disasters, Emergency Management Leadership and Decision Making, Interagency Disaster Management, Theory of Crime and Criminology Online Master's Degrees
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American Public University System Charles Town (WV)
Example Classes: Climate Change Adaptation, Economics of Disaster, Emergency Management Perspectives on Cybersecurity, Hazard Mitigation and Resilient Communities, Social Justice Issues in Emergency Management, Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Online Master's Degrees
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California State University-Long Beach Long Beach (CA)
Example Classes: Campus and Community Volunteer Emergency Response, Disaster Mental Health Issues in Emergency Management, Emergency Management Leadership Across the Megacommunity, Emergency Management Organizations: Constructs for Influencing Complex Systems, Information Literacy and Practical Writing Applications for Emergency Management Online Master's Degrees
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Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery (AL)
Example Classes: Agricultural Security, Comparative Government of the Middle East, Psychology of Terrorism and Fear, Weapons of Mass Destruction, World Religions and Terrorism Online Master's Degrees
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Arizona State University Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others)
Example Classes: Exercises and Planning for Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Hazards Governance, Information Technology in Emergency Management, Integrated Emergency Management, Program Evaluation for Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Public Private Partnerships for Emergency Management and Homeland Security Online Master's Degrees
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Millersville University of Pennsylvania Millersville (PA)
Example Classes: Emergency Mental Health & Trauma, Emergency Preparedness for Industry, Humanitarian Responses to International Disasters, Natural Hazards Primer, Social Dimensions of Disaster, Technical & Professional Writing for Emergency Management Online Master's Degrees
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University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks (AK) (and 1 other)
Example Classes: Community Planning in Emergency Management, Disaster Management Policy, Human Security, International Disaster Management, Vulnerability and Protection Online Master's Degrees
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Sam Houston State University Huntsville (TX)
Example Classes: Decision Making in Public Administration, Disaster Resilience, Global Disaster Politics Online Master's Degrees
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Excelsior College Albany (NY)
Example Classes: Overview: Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Risk Assessment in Homeland Security, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Online Master's Degrees
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Park University Parkville (MO)
Example Classes: Continuity of Operations in Public and Private Sectors, Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources in Disaster and Emergency Management, Disaster and Society, Disaster, Disease and Public Health, Global Comparative Emergency Management, Public Policy and Disaster Online Master's Degrees
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University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh (WI)
Example Classes: Crisis Management and Leadership, Fire and Emergency Services Administration, Multicultural and Diversity Strategy for the Fire Service, Municipal Management, Strategic Planning for Fire Departments, Supervisory Skills for Fire and Emergency Personnel Online Master's Degrees
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Upper Iowa University Fayette (IA)
Example Classes: Comparative Strategies of National Security, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and Public Policy, Emergency Management: Mitigation, Recovery, and Continuity, Leadership Issues with Critical Incidents, Psychology and Culture of Terrorism, Terrorism and Politics Online Master's Degrees
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University of Central Florida Orlando (FL) (and 7 others)
Example Classes: Cross-Sectoral Governance, Hazard Analysis and Disaster Planning, Leadership in Public Service, Managing Emergencies and Crises, Public Sector Communications Online Master's Degrees
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Saint Leo University Online St. Leo (FL)
Example Classes: Fire Service Organization Dynamics, Fire-Related Human Behavior, Leadership Application in Critical Incident Management, Legal & Regulatory Aspects in Critical Incident Management, Personal Administration for the Fire and Emergency Services, Policy & Politics in Critical Incident Management Online Master's Degrees
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Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale (FL)
Example Classes: Agroterrorism and Food System Disasters, Bioterrorism and All-Hazards Preparedness, Grant-writing for Emergency Preparedness, Maritime Security for the Cruise Line and Yachting Industries, Psychosocial Dimensions of Disaster, Security Management in a Global Society Online Master's Degrees
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Eastern Kentucky University Richmond (KY)
Example Classes: Auditing for Safety, Security & Emergency Management, Evolution of Emergency Management, Issues in Security Management, Managing the Nation’s Disasters, Natural Hazards and Threats to the Nation, Quantitative Analysis in Safety, Security & Emergency Management Online Master's Degrees
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Southern New Hampshire University Online Manchester (NH)
Example Classes: Applied Emergency Management, Disaster Response and Recovery, Emergency Planning and Preparedness, Human Behavior in Organizations Online Master's Degrees
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University of Colorado Denver Denver (CO)
Example Classes: Disaster/Climate Change Planning, Public Policies for Hazards and Disasters, Public Service in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Public Service Leadership and Ethics Online Master's Degrees
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CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York (NY)
Example Classes: Analysis of Building and Fire Codes, Geographic Information Systems for Public Safety and Emergency Management, Managing Response to Large-Scale Incidents, Risk Analysis and Loss Prevention, Safety and Security in the Built Environment, Theory and Design of Fire Protection Systems Online Master's Degrees
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Arkansas Tech University Russellville (AR)
Example Classes: Ethical, Legal, and Political Considerations in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Foundation of Leadership, Fundamentals of Homeland Security, Technology for Comprehensive Emergency Management Online Master's Degrees
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University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi (MD)
Example Classes: Comprehensive Crisis and Emergency Management, Crisis Communication for Emergency Managers, Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, Information Technology in Emergency Management, Resilience Planning and Preparedness for Disaster Response and Recovery Online Master's Degrees
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National University La Jolla (CA)
Example Classes: Communication and Security, Domestic Terrorism, Fundamentals of Recovery, Infrastructure Protection, Leading Complex Environments, Managing Information Security Online Master's Degrees
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University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha (NE)
Example Classes: Intergovernmental Management, Planning, Preparedness & Mitigation, Response, Recovery & Resilience Online Master's Degrees
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Can You Get a Master's in Emergency Management Online?
Yes, you can earn a master's in emergency management online or a master's degree with a concentration in emergency management. In fact, a 2020 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) survey found that these programs are increasingly being offered online. Over 64% of programs offer a majority of their curriculum through distance learning. This can be a flexible way to earn a degree while maintaining a busy schedule. The curriculum covers the hazards, risks, and theories of disaster to help you prepare for careers in crisis management.
- Average Credits: 36
- Average Duration: 1-2 years
Program Requirements
General admission requirements for this program usually include a bachelor's degree, official college transcripts, a 2.7 GPA or better, and a nonrefundable application fee of approximately $30. Program admission may also require certifications in Health Care Provider CPR, Basic Disaster Life Support, and/or Core Disaster Life Support. Some may even require the prior completion of FEMA introductory courses that are offered online for free.
Online master's degree programs typically call for the completion of 15 core classes, 15 major-related courses, three electives, and three final semester credit hours. In addition, students may need to complete either an internship or practicum hours as well as a capstone course or thesis. Core course content helps students develop critical thinking skills, identify the social determinants of risk, communicate effectively when disaster strikes, and understand emergency management's integration with public policy.
Emergency Management Master's Courses
Emergency management personnel use skills gained in degree programs in the face of life-threatening emergencies, including communication, leadership, critical thinking, and data analytics. Degree curriculum supports the four phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Courses cover ethics, emerging technology, infrastructure attacks, biosecurity, and risk management. They are also designed to build skills, such as identifying vulnerabilities in an organization or community and applying theories and practices to minimize risks.
Course titles may differ, but learning outcomes are similar:
Economics of Disaster
This course is designed to teach students about the economic impact of local, national, and international disasters. Students often research and analyze the resulting indirect financial losses to private and public sectors.
Mass Casualty Incident Management
Students may enroll in this class to explore the consequences of large-scale emergencies and disasters. Topics may include public health, casualty, and mortuary services. Students typically study examples of real-world casualty incidents.
Social Justice Issues in Emergency Management
Students must be prepared for the various challenges that arise during a crisis. Coursework often covers the socioeconomics of disaster and its disproportionate impact on minorities, women, and individuals experiencing poverty.
Risk Communications
Faculty often cover the public announcements, press releases, and other notifications that may be necessary to inform and protect the public during a crisis. Students reflect on recent incidents to gain fresh perspectives, and they engage in classroom discussions about best practices
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and the New Terrorism
This class is intended for students who want to examine the threat of WMD to U.S. security and safety. Students strive to gain national and international historical perspectives of the destruction caused by these weapons and how they disrupt everyday life.
Funding an Online Emergency Management Master's Degree
Annual tuition from our rankings list above ranges from $4,986 to $12,000 for online programs. Although online tuition and fees are typically cheaper than on-campus programs, the Emergency Management degrees on our rankings list are often similar in cost to traditional, in-person programs. While other online programs may charge students in-state tuition regardless of residency, many programs on our list do not offer this benefit and charge based on a student's residency status. However, some schools may have reciprocity agreements with participating schools in other states, which could potentially lower tuition rates for online graduate students in this field.
Annual tuition from our rankings list of online emergency management master's programs ranges from $4,986 to $12,000.
Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines a student’s eligibility for federal grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans to help make college more affordable. Grants and scholarships are the best way to pay for college because they don't require repayment. Students studying emergency management may also turn to organizations offering private funding, such as the International Association of Emergency Managers Scholarship.
For college affordability tips, students can check out our resources about paying for a college degree.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Emergency Management?
Employment in the emergency and disaster relief field has more than doubled between 1990 and 2017 and is expected to continue growing through 2026. Graduates often work for the federal government in FEMA or the Department of Homeland Security to help communities prevent and recover from disasters. Some work in local government or private industries, including hospitals, schools, and corporations. Some workers report finding gratification in improving the lives of those experiencing desperate situations.
Graduates may choose from several occupations, but these typically only require a bachelor's degree. Emergency management directors help build community resilience and create disaster recovery plans while earning an annual median salary of $76,250. Another role to consider is an occupational health and safety specialist. They analyze work environments to prevent disease and injury, earning a median wage of $72,530 per year. Some graduates could choose to become business continuity planners who develop, maintain, and implement an organization's recovery strategies. They earn an annual median salary of $77,420. The job outlook for all of these occupations averages between 5-10%.
Is an Online Master's in Emergency Management Worth It?
The decision to earn an online emergency management master's degree is ultimately up to you, but it’s important to determine whether it will help you meet your career goals. While emergency management jobs may pay well, they can often be attained with only a bachelor's degree. Instead of a graduate program, employers may prefer a Certified Emergency Manager credential or completing an online
Work experience is highly valued for emergency management jobs because it helps develop decision-making abilities during real-life emergencies. In fact, hands-on experience is crucial in disaster recovery. According to John Fredenberg, the lead emergency management specialist for a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “You learn by doing, so you need to try as early and as often as you can to go to disasters. … In our field, lives literally hang in the balance.” Military, paramedic, and healthcare experience may provide such training in crisis management.
Are you unsure about pursuing a master's degree in emergency management? Explore related master's programs, including healthcare management, human services, and public health.