2023 Most Affordable Online Emergency Management Degrees

College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is a public institution offering an online Bachelor of Applied Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration, totaling 121 credit hours. It can take four years to complete this program full time. CSN’s acceptance rate is 100%, with an 18% graduation rate.

At CSN, online students complete coursework asynchronously on Canvas, meaning that they can study at their own pace. A bachelor’s in emergency management helps students develop the skills needed to work in crisis response. Sample courses are Principles of Emergency Services, Fire Prevention, and Fire Protection Systems. Potential careers for graduates are program coordinators, emergency management associates, and security officers.

Eastern New Mexico University - Main Campus (ENMU) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences - Emergency Management requiring 120 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to complete the program within four years. The university accepts 51% of applicants, and 44% of those enrolled graduate.

ENMU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the Canvas learning management system (LMS). This program’s curriculum is designed for current or aspiring emergency responders wanting to further their skills and knowledge. The program’s courses are Introduction to Emergency Management, Disaster Response, and Hazard Mitigation. A capstone course is required for graduation. Prospective careers for graduates of the program include control room operators, emergency medical technicians, and disaster recovery managers.

At Western Carolina University (WCU), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management totaling 120 credit hours. This program typically takes full-time students at least four years to complete. WCU’s acceptance rate is 48%, and it has a 64% graduation rate.

WCU's online students complete coursework, which is delivered asynchronously and synchronously, on Canvas. The program’s curriculum prepares students to assume leadership roles in emergency management, with courses like Introduction to Emergency and Disaster Management, Emergency Planning, and Resource Management. Prospective students are required to complete a seminar and an internship before graduation. Some potential career opportunities for graduates are environmental health and safety officers, safety directors, and safety coordinators.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is a public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Homeland Security and Emergency Management requiring 120 credit hours. Full-time students can potentially finish the program in four years if they keep up that pace. UAF accepts 67% of applicants, with 34% of students graduating.

UAF facilitates asynchronous and synchronous distance learning via Canvas. A bachelor’s in emergency management explores topics of disaster management, human behavior, and public safety. The program offers six concentrations for prospective students to choose from. Some core courses include Introductory Human Resources Management, Emergency Planning and Preparedness, and All-hazards Risk Analysis. Alumni may pursue careers like public information officers, program coordinators, and disaster recovery managers.

Columbia Southen University is a private, for-profit institution offering two online bachelor’s degrees in emergency management: (1) a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Medical Services Administration (120 credit hours) and (2) a Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration - Emergency Services Management (120 credit hours). Columbia Southern accepts all students who apply, and it has a 48% graduation rate.

Columbia Southern delivers coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. Both programs provide students with the necessary skills to become emergency responders, with courses that include Introduction to Emergency Management, Interagency Disaster Management, and Risk Management. Potential careers are emergency management specialists, health emergency managers, and program managers.