2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Emergency Management

Liberty University (LU) is a private, Christian university that offers an online Master of Public Administration in Disaster Management requiring 36 credit hours. Students studying full time are likely to complete the degree in just over one year.

LU uses Canvas and its learning management system (LMS) to deliver online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online and on a schedule that meets their needs. The core curriculum is designed to develop students' understanding of risk assessment and mitigation as they relate to both natural and human-made disasters. Required classes include Introduction to Disaster Management, Understanding Terrorism and Homeland Security, and Hazard Mitigation. Students are also required to finish a six-credit thesis project. Career options include emergency management specialist, emergency preparedness administrator, and homeland security officer.

Southern New Hampshire University Online (SNHU) is a private university that features a Master of Science in Management - Emergency Management requiring 36 credit hours. If studying full time, students can complete this program in just 15 months.

SNHU uses the Brightspace LMS to deliver the courses, which are taught entirely online. Students have 24/7 accessibility and may attend class at their own pace. The curriculum for this program teaches students not only how to evaluate strategies related to disasters but also how to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The coursework covers a range of possible disasters ranging from hazardous spills to organizational crises. Required courses include Applied Emergency Management, Emergency Planning and Preparedness, and Principles of Emergency Management. Graduates may earn career opportunities as emergency management specialists and emergency management directors.

University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a public university with a Master of Science in Management - Emergency Management requiring the completion of 36 credit hours. Generally, students graduate from a master's program in two years while studying at a full-time pace.

All online courses at UMGC are delivered through the Canvas LMS, which allows students to study 100% online — with optional hybrid courses — and at their own pace. This degree focuses on practical skills, such as risk assessment and strategic planning, as well as a wide range of other subjects: emerging technologies, climate adaptation, and private partnerships, to name a few. Among the major requirements are Organizational Theory and Behavior, Financial Decision Making for Managers, and Statistics for Managerial Decision Making. Additionally, students must complete a strategic management capstone course. Upon graduation, students are prepared to join response organizations, such as local fire departments and protection agencies, or even the Department of Homeland Security.

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public institution with a Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. This program requires 33 credit hours. Students may choose from these five concentrations: (1) Biosecurity and Threat Management, (2) Community Resilience, (3) Cybersecurity Policy and Management, (4) Emergency Management, or (5) Homeland Security. In general, master's degrees are completed in about two years for most students.

ASU uses Canvas to deliver online coursework to students studying emergency management. This software allows them to finish their degrees online and on a schedule that meets their needs. The core curriculum looks at hazard and disaster solutions using an interdisciplinary approach. Required classes include Hazards Governance, Integrated Emergency Management, and Homeland Security. Students are also required to complete an applied capstone project. Graduates may explore careers as security analysts, emergency management directors, and hazard mitigation specialists.

Purdue Global is a public institution with a Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management requiring 55 credits. On average, full-time students complete this degree in around one-and-a-half years.

Purdue students use Brightspace as their primary LMS, where they can complete courses remotely through a blended asynchronous and synchronous format. The curriculum for this program takes a broad look at homeland security — including the legal, social, and economic aspects. It also applies hands-on learning projects to bring students real-world value. Among the required classes are Comparative Criminal Justice Systems, Socially Responsible Leadership in Public Safety, and Crisis Intervention. Students are also required to complete a five-credit applied research project capstone. Typically, graduates of similar degrees pursue careers at federal agencies, private institutions, and criminal justice organizations.