An emergency management degree prepares students to deal with human-caused and natural disasters. The degree leads to a rewarding and lucrative career for those who are interested in directing teams that aid people, animals, and communities in emergencies.
These degree programs offer several emergency response specializations, including fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, and emergencies involving hazardous materials. Graduating students can choose to work in homeland security, law enforcement, firefighting, government, nonprofit, or private emergency relief.
There are lots of ways to prepare for a career in emergency management, but a degree can make it a lot easier. If you think this path could be right for you, read on to learn more about the types of emergency management degrees offered by the top colleges and institutions in the country.
What is an Emergency Management Degree?
Emergency management degrees teach students how to manage and handle emergencies related to natural and human disasters. Emergency management is divided into four phases: prevention, response, mitigation, and recovery.
The purpose of emergency management is to limit the negative impacts of disasters on communities. In this way, disaster response and recovery costs can be reduced.
There is a wide range of jobs available to graduates with an emergency management degree, including:
- Manager of hazardous materials
- Security officer
- Preparedness administrator
- Disaster coordinator
- 9-1-1 public safety answering point operator
- Operations center worker
Master’s degrees in emergency management prepare and help students create and implement emergency response plans, analyze emergency response procedures, and devise innovative ways to deal with disasters.
Which Schools Offer Emergency Management Degrees?
Here are some top colleges with emergency management degrees that you can check out if you plan on pursuing a career in this field. This list contains associate, bachelor, and master degree programs for different career paths.
Top 5 Emergency Management Associate Degree Programs
Here are the top five emergency management associate degree programs that you can check out:
- National Disaster & Emergency Management University – FEMA Emergency Management Degree
NDEMU (National Disaster & Emergency Management University) offers certificates and associate degrees in emergency management for professional development. The programs are designed for students who wish to develop foundational skills, acquire specialized knowledge, and progress in their careers.
The Online Emergency Management Certificate Program at NDEMU covers specific aspects of emergency management, while the Associate Degree Program provides a broader understanding of the field, preparing students for careers or further education.
- Degree: Associate Certificate in Emergency Management
- Fees: Free of cost
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Embry‑Riddle’s – AS in Emergency Management
Students at Embry-Riddle receive a comprehensive education in emergency management, which includes all national hazards, including Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA), recovery from disasters, and prevention.
As part of the Emergency Management degree students learn about the National Response Framework (NRF) and Incident Command System (ICS).
- Degree: Associate of Science in Emergency Management
- Fees: $7,585
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Waldorf’s University – AA in Emergency Management
The Waldorf A.A. in Emergency Management degree provides a solid foundation in Emergency Management. Students learn about the different phases of emergency management, and the role of terrorism in emergency management. They also learn about multi-agency responses to disasters in this program.
It’s designed for students who want to get into emergency management, as well as people in fire science, homeland security, and EMT administration interested in improving their emergency management skills.
- Degree: Associate of Arts in Emergency Management
- Fees: $9,750
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Drury University – AS in Emergency Management
Drury University’s Associate of Science in Emergency Management program prepares you to be an emergency management leader. You’ll learn emergency management basics and improve resilience within your community or organization. Moreover, you will be able to apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios.
This AS degree consists of many courses, including Introduction to Emergency Management, Preparedness for Natural Disasters, Hazard Identification, Introduction to Terrorism, Organizational Leadership Foundations, and Leadership Foundations.
- Degree: Associate of Science in Emergency Management
- Fees: $18,582
- Acceptance rate: 58.9%
- Lone Star College – AAS in Emergency Management
In Lone Start College’s Emergency Management program, students receive training in incident management systems, along with strategies for responding to natural and man-made disasters. They also learn how to coordinate inter-agency processes in case of an emergency.
A variety of topics are covered, including disaster response and crisis management, disaster preparation, emergency plans, hazard mitigation, disaster recovery, fire protection, and Homeland Security emergency contingency planning.
- Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management
- Fees: $3,330
- Acceptance rate: 100%
Top 5 Emergency Management Bachelor Degree Programs
Here are the top five emergency management bachelor’s degree programs that you can check out:
- American Public University – BA in Emergency and Disaster Management
The American Public University West Virginia, offers a bachelor’s degree in Emergency and Disaster Management. Almost all classes are online, and students can do part-time or full-time work.
There are several core courses required for students to complete this program: Research Analysis, Writing, Integrated Emergency Management, Disaster and Emergency Incident Command, Natural Disasters, Consequence Management, Emergency Medical Service Special Operations, Public Policy, Psychology of Disasters, and Integrated Meteorology.
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management
- Fees: $42,000
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- University of Alaska Fairbanks – BS in Security and Emergency Management
The Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management (BSEM) degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks provides real-world experiences, successes, and lessons for those who are interested in pursuing a career in emergency. As part of the emergency management program, students prepare for a career that operates under different rules and demands critical decisions.
The specializations in security and emergency management include climate risk, cybersecurity, information technology, emergency management, emergency medical management, fire administration, and homeland security.
- Degree: Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management
- Fees: $8,821
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- University of Florida – BS in Fire and Emergency Management
University of Florida’s BS Emergency Management program lets students specialize in three different areas of emergency services. As part of the degree, students will build on their fire service experience and get academic training to lead fire departments in the public or private sector
Those who graduate from the program are ready to move up in fire, EMS, and emergency management. Moreover, graduates are capable of working for local, state, and national governments, industries, and other sectors.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management
- Fees: $6,380
- Acceptance rate: 23%
- Western Carolina University- BS in Emergency and Disaster Management
Western Carolina University offers an online Bachelor’s degree, a minor, and a certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management for students who wish to enroll from a distance or are working. There are several useful subjects included in the Emergency Management curriculum, including Risk Assessment & Mitigation and Social Dimensions of Disasters.
In the core courses, students will learn about Disaster Planning, Risk Assessment, and Vulnerability Analysis, along with the Political and Policy Basis of Emergency and Disaster Management.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management
- Fees: $13,640
- Acceptance rate: 86%
- Colombia College SC – BA in Emergency Management
As a major in disaster and emergency management at Columbia College, you will gain a strong foundation to work in disaster and emergency management. This program prepares students for leadership roles in public and private sector response and recovery capacities.
A student will explain how emergency management is affected by human, ethical, fiscal, and legal dimensions. During this course, students will evaluate disasters and emergency plans to determine their effectiveness and utility. In this course, students will demonstrate knowledge of disaster response, recovery, and mitigation measures.
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management
- Fees: $14,740
- Acceptance rate: 95%
Top 5 Emergency Management Master Degree Programs
Here are the top five emergency management master’s degree programs that you can check out:
- Eastern Kentucky University – MS in Safety, Security & Emergency Management
The EKU Online Masters in Safety, security, and Emergency Management program allows you to expand your leadership abilities while giving you the chance to earn a highly respected credential.
Whatever the setting, whether at work, at school, on the border, or out and about, society needs leaders who are calm, prepared, knowledgeable and courageous and this is exactly what the EKU aims to develop in its graduates.
- Degree: Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management
- Fees: $10,130
- Acceptance rate: 97%
- Oklahoma State University – MS in Fire and Emergency Management Administration
There are few programs in the country as well established as OSU’s Master of Science in Fire and Emergency Management Administration. In this program, students are prepared for careers in critical service fields of fire and rescue, emergency management, medical emergency services, homeland security, and law enforcement, among other professions.
A 33-credit program in Fire and Emergency Management provides students with opportunities to network with their peers and with leaders in the field.
- Degree: Master of Science in Fire and Emergency Management
- Fees: $13,188
- Acceptance rate: 70.6%
- Massachusetts Maritime Academy – MS in Emergency Management
Mass Maritime Academy’s Master of Science in Emergency Management (MSEM) program provides graduates with the skills, knowledge, and tools to effectively manage and lead emergencies by reducing the cost of life and property through proactive and reactive strategies.
A graduate of the program will be capable of preparing for, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating disasters and emergencies. In the program, a core set of courses is required covering a wide range of hazards, as well as courses covering special topics, such as public health and transportation.
- Degree: Master of Science in Emergency Management
- Fees: $23,845
- Acceptance rate: 89%
- Metropolitan College of New York School – MPA in Emergency and Disaster Management
Metropolitan College of New York’s MPA in Emergency and Disaster Management prepares you to lead our community in times of crisis. It takes only one year to complete this accelerated program if you enroll full-time.
A key component of the program is the integration of classroom theory with practical, hands-on experience. This course examines emergency management from the standpoints of public health, terrorism, disaster management, economics, and government.
- Degree: MPA in Emergency and Disaster Management
- Fees: $24,784
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- University of New Haven – MS in Emergency Management
Master’s degrees in Emergency Management are offered by the University of New Haven to individuals interested in developing their leadership skills in the areas of disaster response, risk management, and crisis management.
As a result of this program, students gain knowledge and experience in both theoretical and practical areas, preparing them for careers in emergency management and public safety. The course aims to prepare students to anticipate, mitigate, and recover from disasters in the real world. Professionals who are working can take advantage of the flexible online and on-campus learning options.
- Degree: Master of Science in Emergency Management
- Fees: $21,420
- Acceptance rate: 81%
Top 5 Emergency Management Online Degree Programs
For those who are looking for emergency management degree online programs because they can’t attend on-campus ones due to their jobs and other commitments here are a few options to check out:
- South College – AS in Emergency Management
You can prepare for careers in emergency management, homeland security, or hazard mitigation by earning an Associate of Science (AS) in Emergency Management from South College’s main campus in Tennessee.
The Emergency Management AS program provides students with a solid foundation in the planning process and coordination of emergencies and disasters, evaluates preparedness strategies, identifies risks, monitors them, and mitigates them.
- Degree: Associate of Science in Emergency Management
- Fees: $15,838
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Anna Maria College Online – MPA in Fire and Emergency Services
Master of Public Administration with a Fire and Emergency Services Specialization offered by Anna Maria College is designed for firefighters, police officers, and other fire service employees who would like to move into managerial and high-level positions in the fire service.
Mid-career MPAs are available to experienced professionals who wish to complete their degree in 30 semester hours.
- Degree: Master of Public Administration in Fire and Emergency Services
- Fees: $24,185
- Acceptance rate: 69.6%
- SUNY Canton – BS in Emergency Management
The State University of New York at Canton offers online courses leading to a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management degree. With SUNY Canton’s online EM program, you have access to virtual disaster simulators and exercises with local, state, and federal agencies as one of the few online EM programs in the United States.
Students will gain experience in emergency planning, mitigation and response to hazards, as well as disaster response and recovery, through the integration of theory, doctrine, and practice.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
- Fees: $8,480
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Arkansas State University – BS in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Arkansas State University’s Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management program is well suited to students already working full-time and looking for career advancement. Since classes are all online, it’s easier for busy people to complete their Bachelor’s degree.
Working and older students can also obtain credit for learning that they have done in nontraditional settings, such as jobs, training programs, or while serving in the military. Throughout the major, students will be prepared for a wide variety of situations and topics related to emergencies, including responding to suicide bombings and radiological emergencies.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
- Fees: $33,840
- Acceptance rate: 70%
- Saint Louis University – BS in Emergency Management
A Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management online from Saint Louis University prepares students to administer aid and strengthen communities after disasters.
Throughout this career-centric curriculum, students will learn about mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery of emergencies. Teachers with knowledge of the field and professional experience will teach the course, including practitioners who still work within the emergency management field.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
- Fees: $30,840
- Acceptance rate: 85%
How to Get and What are the Emergency Management Degree Requirements?
The academic requirement for an emergency management degree in the USA is a high school diploma or equivalent for undergraduate programs. To qualify for a master’s degree you should have a bachelor’s degree in a related field in areas such as public administration, criminal justice, and environmental science among others. Key requirements include:
Admission Requirements:
- Transcripts from high school or undergraduate school
- Recommendation letters (for graduate school)
- A statement of purpose or personal essay
- Standardized test scores (some schools may require GRE/ACT/SAT)
Coursework:
- The areas of emergency preparedness and response.
- Risk assessment and disaster prevention.
- Crisis management and public security.
- The effect of environmental hazards on community resilience.
Internships or Practical Experience:
Most of the programs provide internships or fieldwork to provide practical experience in disaster management.
Certifications:
Additional qualifications that some schools may suggest are FEMA’s Independent Study Program, for instance.
What’s the Difference Between Disaster Management and Emergency Management Degree?
Many people need to understand that disaster management and emergency management degrees are similar but not the same.
A disaster management degree is primarily concerned with natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, and then goes on to address the recovery and mitigation processes.
An emergency management degree focuses on a broader area of emergencies, which includes natural disasters, terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, and pandemics. Similar to disaster management, it offers information on how to handle these disasters and what should be done during the recovery session.
Emergency degree holders are bound to find employment in private and government sectors that are involved in public and national security, such as homeland security.
Disaster management is often more concerned with the big picture and the long-term disaster prevention and control while emergency management is more concerned with the short-term and rapidly evolving emergencies at individual, community, national, or organizational levels.
| Aspect | Disaster Management | Emergency Management |
| Scope | Focused on natural disasters | Includes both natural and man-made events |
| Approach | Long-term strategies (risk reduction) | Immediate response and recovery |
| Careers | Humanitarian organizations, the UN, and NGOs | FEMA, Homeland Security, hospitals |
Who Needs an Emergency Management Degree?
The emergency management degree is designed to produce graduates who will be able to practice in the area of disaster and emergency management. The program is most appropriate for individuals who are willing to work in the sphere of public safety, disaster response, or crisis management. This degree can be helpful to individuals already in careers such as firefighting, law enforcement, healthcare, or military.
Moreover, it is helpful if you want to work for governmental bodies, non-profit organizations, or commercial businesses involved in business contingency, disaster planning or mitigation, or risk analysis.
The first reason for choosing emergency management as a career is the need to assist people. People with a passion for assisting others might find the job of emergency management very suitable for them.
There are several methods that emergency management professionals can assist people. They have to strive to make sure that disasters do not happen and also they are on standby when disasters do happen. In an emergency, they may:
- Assist patients in need with medical staff
- Provide supplies such as water and medication
- Assist people in danger
- Prepare and initiate a response to a disaster
- Oversee and manage the mitigation and recovery efforts
Emergency Management Degree Jobs and Salary
Obtaining a degree in emergency and disaster management may offer students a wide range of employment opportunities. In the next few years, there is expected to be an increase in job opportunities in various aspects of emergency management. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a 4% increase in jobs for emergency management directors over the next decade.
When it comes to salary the PayScale reports a bachelor’s degree in emergency management earns an average salary of $68,010.
Here are some career paths to choose after obtaining an emergency management degree:
- Crises Response Specialist:
Crisis intervention specialists respond to victims’ needs during and after emergencies and crisis events. After trauma, they often help people get healthcare, medicine, emotional support, and counseling.
The emergency management degree salary for this role is $59,770 per year
- Public information officer
A public information officer is an individual who communicates the priorities of an agency to the public. The presence of these professionals is particularly important in emergency or disaster situations, where government agencies are responsible for providing the public with information about current events, relief operations, and safety protocols.
The salary for this emergency management role is $79,202 per year.
- Emergency Services Manager
There are a variety of companies, nonprofit organizations, as well as government agencies whose emergency services managers provide essential services. The primary responsibility of emergency responders is to know what threats their community faces and to develop emergency plans in the event of an emergency.
It is common for emergency managers to coordinate resources with law enforcement officers, government officials, medical personnel, and social workers during an emergency.
The salary for this emergency management role is $95,101 per year.
- Disaster Recovery Manager
A disaster recovery manager is responsible for ensuring business continuity in the event of a disaster. To determine the vulnerability of a company’s information systems and equipment, disaster recovery managers carry out routine risk assessments. In the event of a data loss or security breach, these specialists may create and keep backup systems in place so operations continue.
The salary for this emergency management role is $100,372 per year.
Conclusion
Emergency management is a very rewarding career for those who wish to help people in case of emergencies like natural disasters, terrorism, and other threats the country might face continuously.
Job prospects in this field appear to be very promising over the next decade, which is understandable since emergencies will always arise. You cannot stop the weather, even if you were able to stop every act of terrorism. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods will inevitably occur, and there will always be a need for people who respond to these situations.
