By Kelley Jacobs
October 2015
In this ranking, we highlight the top accredited online emergency management degree programs available in 2015.
The need for emergency management professionals has steadily increased since the attacks on September 11, 2001. The demand for these professionals has driven the need for quality, degree programs that are both affordable and accessible to professionals already working in the field as well as those looking to enter the field of emergency management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an employment growth of 22% between 2008 and 2018 in emergency management related positions. For a job applicant to be competitive in this area, a degree in emergency management is necessary.
More and more colleges and universities are online offering degrees in emergency management to meet the needs of working professionals looking to advance in the field. Graduates of these programs work a variety of positions such as Emergency Management Specialists, Homeland Security Officers, Emergency Dispatchers, and Hospital Emergency Preparedness Administrators. Quality online programs are essential for the working professional who needs a more flexible education experience. We have developed a ranking of the top 10 online emergency management degree programs as a guide to finding the best online program to meet the needs of those who would benefit from this format. Information for this ranking was obtained by the school websites and College Navigator.
Net Cost Per Year: Less than $10,000=3 Points
Between $10,000 and $15,000=2 Points
Greater than $15,000=1 Point
Student-Faculty Ratio: Less than 14:1=3 Points
Between 15:1 and 19:1=2 Points
Greater than 19:1=1 Point
Overall Graduation Rates: Greater than 50%=2 Points
Less than 50%=1 Point
Percent of Applicants Admitted to the School: Less than 50%=3 Points
50% to 80%=2 Points
Open Admission or Greater Than 80%=1 Point
Ranking the Top Online Emergency Management Degree Programs 2015
#10 – West Texas A&M University-Canyon, Texas
Emergency Management Administration Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science
School Profile
Tuition: $11,754
Points: 6
West Texas A&M University offers an online accredited Emergency Management Administration Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree. The program is available to both full-time and part-time students who have already earned their Associates Degree. Most students in the program attend part-time which allows them to continue working and apply their education to their current position. The program follows a public administration curriculum which prepares students for careers as firefighters, police officers, military personnel, and emergency-services professionals.
Accreditation:
West Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#9 – Upper Iowa University-Fayette, Iowa
Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management
School Profile
Tuition: $17,513
Points: 6
Upper Iowa University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management. The major takes 54 credit hours to earn which includes coursework in Management Principles, Urban Management, Psychology of Disaster and Disaster Response and Recovery. The online program offers six eight-week terms each year so students can begin studies without having to wait for the start of a semester. U.S. News and World Report included Upper Iowa University in its ranking of “Best Online Programs” for 2015.
Accreditation:
Upper Iowa University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#8 – State University of New York (SUNY) Canton-Canton, New York
Bachelor of Technology in Emergency and Disaster Management Online
School Profile
Tuition: $11,884
Points: 6
The State University of New York (SUNY) at Canton offers a fully accredited online Bachelor of Technology in Emergency and Disaster Management. Students complete virtual incident command and training activities to develop skills and strategies to prepare and respond to a variety of emergencies. Students learn about natural and technological hazards, develop assessments, and explore legal risk and liability. Students have the opportunity to complete an internship in the field to gain experience.
Accreditation:
SUNY Canton is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#7 – Jacksonville State University-Jacksonville, Alabama
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management with a Minor in Homeland Security or Public Safety Telecommunications
School Profile
Tuition: $13,304
Points: 6
Jacksonville State University offers an online Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency Management for students interested in a career in the public, private and non-profit sectors. JSU offers students the option to minor in Homeland Security or Public Safety Telecommunications. Students benefit from a low student to faculty ratio which allows for individualized attention. Prior to graduation, students complete a research and capstone course in disaster and emergency management.
Accreditation:
Jacksonville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#6 – Union Institute and University-Cincinnati, Ohio
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Emergency Services Management
School Profile
Tuition: $28,143
Points: 6
Union Institute and University offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Services Management with concentrations available in Criminal Justice Management or Leadership. Students learn to become leaders of emergency service organizations, analyze and respond to issues and evaluate legal, economic, ethical and human issues across the crisis and disaster spectrum. Prior to graduation, students complete a major research paper to demonstrate their knowledge in emergency services management.
Accreditation:
Union Institute and University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#5 – Arizona State University-Phoenix, Arizona
Public Service and Public Policy – Emergency Management and Homeland Security (BS)
School Profile
Tuition: $12,358
Points: 7
Arizona State University offers students an online Bachelors of Applied Science Degree in Public Service and Public Policy with a concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Courses can be completed entirely online. Students are able to complete virtual planning exercises related to disaster and emergency planning as part of the program. Courses are designed to be interactive and relevant to present day concerns about safety and security.
Accreditation:
Arizona State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#4 – Northern Arizona University-Flagstaff, Arizona
Bachelor of Applied Science in Emergency Management
School Profile
Tuition: $12,946
Points: 7
Northern Arizona University offers an online Emergency Management degree for those seeking a professional position in various phases of EMS including prevention, protection, mitigation and response. Those with previous educational, training or certification in EMS may be eligible for the 90/30 degree plan which reduces the number of courses needed at NAU to complete the degree.
Accreditation:
North Arizona University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#3 – Anderson University-Anderson, South Carolina
Bachelor of Emergency Management Services
School Profile
Tuition: $18,051
Points: 8
An online Bachelor of Emergency Services Management degree from Anderson University is available to both those with and without an Associate’s Degree. Degree options include both online and on campus. EMS courses include emergency, safety and disaster management, emergency services technology and crisis communication. Students have the opportunity to complete an internship to gain practical experience in the field.
Accreditation:
Anderson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#2 – University of Central Missouri-Warrensburg, Missouri
Bachelor of Science Degree in Crisis and Disaster Management
School Profile
Tuition: $13,606
Points: 8
The University of Central Missouri offers an online Bachelor of Science in Crisis and Disaster Management in a student centered, online environment. Students complete a structured field experience to gain hands on learning in the field. Curriculum is designed to focus on areas like preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery. Students are able to select from concentrations including Business Continuity, Emergency Management, Emergency Services Management, or Environmental Hazards in order to meet their professional goals and interests.
Accreditation:
University of Central Missouri is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission.
#1 – Western Carolina University-Cullowhee, North Carolina
Online Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management
School Profile
Tuition: $12,916
Points: 9
Western Carolina University is a public institution and a constituent campus of the University of North Carolina System. WCU offers a completely online Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management for students who have already completed their general education students and have obtained an Associate’s Degree. The program offers students the opportunity to complete a virtual emergency exercise, engage with other students in a virtual environment and learn from leading experts in the field.
Accreditation:
Western Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.