The Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management Programs

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay prepares graduates for careers at the federal level with its master's in emergency management program. Upon graduation, students will have the skills to advance their careers as emergency preparedness and management specialists for agencies and organizations such as FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Sychronous, Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 25, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 30, 2019
GPA: 3.0

Boston University

Boston University mimics the on-campus experience for students who enroll in the online master's in health care emergency management program. Using Adobe Connect, students engage in real-time distance education via web conferencing and interact with peers and professors as they would if they attended classes on campus.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Medicine
Program Name: MS in Health Care Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: New England Commission of Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 12 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 31, 2019

Georgetown University

Georgetown University offers a flexible master's in emergency management program for both full- and part-time distance learners. Students can customize the program to align with their family and career obligations, having the time to complete their degree in as few as two years or up to five years overall.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Continuing Studies
Program Name: Master's in Emergency & Disaster Management
Accrediting Body: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-5 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: March 1, May 1, July 15; Spring: October 15, December 1; Summer: February 15, April 15

Penn State World Campus

Penn State offers one of the only public health preparedness programs with a curriculum in homeland security from a medical school. This program is highly renowned in the medical field and is designed for public health practitioners, hospital administrators and others who want to advance their careers and to increase their knowledge in emergency preparedness and planning.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
Available Concentrations: Public Health Preparedness
Accrediting Body: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 15; Spring: November 15; Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0

University of Florida

The University of Florida prepares graduates for disaster management careers through advanced coursework and training in the Master of Fire and Emergency Sciences program. Graduates emerge with skills in emergency planning, homeland security, disaster response and more to succeed as leaders when disaster strikes.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Design, Construction and Planning
Program Name: Master Of Fire And Emergency Sciences
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited university
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: September 15; Summer: March 1; Fall: June 1
GPA: 3.0

Liberty University

Liberty University is a leader in innovation and provides an exceptional online master's degree program in disaster management. The coursework is delivered completely online and prepares graduates to help mitigate hazards, to create safe communities and to respond to all types of disasters both locally and nationally.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Helms School of Government
Program Name: Master of Public Administration
Available Concentrations: Disaster Management
Accrediting Body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 1.5 years
Program start dates: February 11, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: January 30, 2019
GPA: 3.0

Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University offers a Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management program for working professionals in the public safety, homeland security and medical fields. Graduates emerge from this program with the skills to create preparedness plans and to respond to both natural and man-made disasters throughout the world.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Health Professions
Program Name: Master of Science in Disaster Medicine & Management
Accrediting Body: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 1-3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 30; Spring: November 30; Summer: March 30

Arizona State University

Arizona State University's master's in emergency management program is designed to develop the next generation of disaster management professionals. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles in numerous agencies related to emergency management, including public safety and homeland security.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Program Name: Master of Arts in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Available Concentrations: Biosecurity and Threat Management, Community Resilience, Emergency Management, Homeland Security
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: March 11, 2019

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Work Experience: evidence of current employment in an organization in this field or at least two years prior professional experience in this or a related field or a bachelor's degree in a related area is required

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University established the first homeland security and emergency management program in 2005. Students who want to attend a reputable university with experience transforming learners into professionals should consider VCU for a master's degree in emergency management.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs
Program Name: Master of Arts - Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Accrediting Body: Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: April 1, Spring: October 1
GPA: 2.7

National University

National University has more than 150,000 alumni worldwide in many different fields. Students in the master's degree program for emergency management can tap into this network and gain invaluable advice and employment opportunities for career advancement after graduation.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Professional Studies
Program Name: Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: WASC Senior College and University Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 54 credits

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5

University of Nebraska Medical Center

The University of Nebraska's online emergency management program is taught by world-class faculty members who have real-world experience in the field. They not only excel in their management professions but also in academics, preparing the future generation of disaster management professionals for successful careers of their own.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Public Health
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Preparedness
Accrediting Body: Council on Education for Public Health, Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: June 1, Spring: October 1
GPA: 3.0

University of Nevada - Las Vegas

Students who want to excel as crisis managers in their careers should enroll in UNLV's online master's in emergency and crisis management program. Students develop a well-rounded skill set and are prepared to address and resolve issues related to natural, man-made and technological disasters.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Greenspun College of Urban Affairs
Program Name: Master of Science - Emergency and Crisis Management
Accrediting Body: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 semesters
Program start dates: Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: May 15
GPA: 2.75

Adelphi University

Adelphi University's master's in emergency management program features an innovative, cutting-edge curriculum that provides training in all-hazards planning. With courses covering everything from emergency management law to securing the homeland, graduates develop the knowledge to excel as leaders in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Professional and Continuing Studies
Program Name: MS in Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 39 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: More than 2 years
Program start dates: February 4, 2019

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.7

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida takes an experiential approach to teaching graduate students and preparing them for leadership careers in disaster and emergency management. Students work individually and in teams to address complex issues in real-world practicals, giving them the skills to become more effective in similar situations in their careers.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Community Innovation and Education
Program Name: Master of Emergency Management and Crisis
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: January 15; Spring: November 1
GPA: 3.0

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University offers several specialty tracks available for students who want to hone their skills in a specific area of emergency management. Whether it's cybersecurity, public health or another specialty, students can tailor the courses to meet their goals for career advancement.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
Program Name: Master of Science in Disaster and Emergency Management
Available Concentrations: Maritime Safety and Security, Cyber Security, Criminal Justice, Public Health, Fire Administration.
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Summer: May 6, 2019; Fall: August 19, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: April 15, 2019; Fall: August 1, 2019
GPA: 3.0

University of Alaska Fairbanks

The University of Alaska Fairbanks designed its master's in emergency management program with an emphasis in leadership. This program is for current and aspiring emergency management professionals who want to learn the skills needed to lead and manage at the highest levels in their chosen field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Management
Program Name: Master of Security and Disaster Management
Accrediting Body: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: October 15; Summer: May 1; Fall: June1
GPA: 2.75

University of Maryland - Baltimore County

UMBC understands that some students need longer than two or three years to complete their master's degrees in emergency management. With five years to complete this program, students can continue to work while earning their degrees when it suits their schedules.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Program Name: Master of Emergency Health Services
Available Concentrations: Administration, Planning, and Policy, Preventive Medicine and Epidemiology
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: March 1, 2019
GPA: 3.0

Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers a master's in emergency management program in a cohort-based format, making it ideal for those who enjoy collaboration and building relationships with their peers. The cohort also leads to career opportunities after college, giving students a way to network with one another as they work toward their degree.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Continuing and Professional Education
Program Name: Master of Science in Security Management
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online, In-class

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5

Eastern Kentucky University

Students who want to work as security specialists and protect their company's network should consider Eastern Kentucky University. The master's in emergency management and disaster resilience program prepares graduates for leadership positions at organizations, protecting them from digital attacks and managing each crisis as they happen.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
Program Name: Master of Science in Safety, Security & Emergency Management
Available Concentrations: Emergency Management & Disaster Resilience, Corporate Security Operations, Occupational Safety
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 1; Spring: October 1; Summer: April 1
GPA: 2.5

California State University - Long Beach

The California State University Long Beach (CSULB) Master of Science Emergency Services Administration master's program prepares graduates for organizational leadership and senior-level positions across the emergency services sector. The high quality, wide ranging courses engage students in theory and research informing the management of disaster risk. Program coursework culminates in projects or theses that directly strengthen students' organizations and communities.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management within the College of Health and Human Services
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration
Accrediting Body: National Recreation and Park Association Council on Accreditation

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 32 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: June 1, 2019
GPA: 3.0

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a leading military-friendly college and enrolls thousands of active-duty service members, veterans and their family members. Those who serve or have served in the military and want to advance their careers in emergency management should consider SLU's program for its affordable military tuition and other financial benefits.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Education & Social Services
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 2 years

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers an interdisciplinary master's in emergency management degree program for students who want to combine disaster management with other interests related to the field. Upon graduation, students will have the skills to fulfill leadership roles in many areas of emergency management, such as homeland security officers and hospital emergency preparedness administrators.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Nursing and Health Professions
Program Name: Master of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: Council for the Accreditation of Emergency Management Education

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Field Education Requirements: 240 hours

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Millersville University

Millersville University is constantly redeveloping and updating its master's in emergency management program to meet the need for professionals in the field. Students are introduced to new courses that are relevant to their future positions in disaster management, developing their skills to handle any challenge that's presented to them.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Center for Disaster Research and Education
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.8

Arkansas Tech University

Students who want to earn their master's degree in emergency management without spending years in school should consider Arkansas Tech University. Full-time students who commit to a fall/spring schedule can complete the entire program and earn their master's degree in only four semesters.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Applied Sciences & Engineering
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Accrediting Body: Foundation on Higher Education in Disaster/Emergency Management and Homeland Security

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-campus

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 4 semesters
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: March 1; Spring: October 1
GPA: 3.0

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU makes it more convenient for professionals to enter the online Master of Science in Emergency Management program. Students don't have to submit their GRE or GMAT scores, so they can start right away and get on the fast-track to their master's degree.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Management
Available Concentrations: Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: New England Association of Schools and Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 15 months
Program start dates: Term 3: March 11, 2019; Term 4: May 27, 2019; Term 5: August 12, 2019

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: March 9, 2019
GPA: 2.75

Lander University

Lander University's Master of Science in Emergency Management program trains students for both natural and man-made disasters. The curriculum covers best practices and advanced topics in everything from preparedness to first response, giving students the skills to advance their careers in various areas of the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Graduate Studies
Program Name: M.S. in Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 31 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.75

Jacksonville State University

JSU caters to distance learners, providing them with numerous resources, tools and materials to succeed in their careers as emergency management professionals. With comprehensive library services available to online students, including one-on-one faculty support, distance learners have everything needed to earn their master's degree at their own pace.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Human Services and Social Sciences
Program Name: Masters in Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University provides a generous credit transfer policy for students who want to earn their degree in emergency management without taking classes that they don't need. In fact, students can transfer up to 12 credits, or one-third of the overall credits needed, into this program and graduate in less time.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Colangelo College of Business
Program Name: Master of Science in Leadership
Available Concentrations: Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 34 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 17 months

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.8

American Military University

Low tuition costs, flexible scheduling and generous transfer policies make American Public University System's master's in emergency management program a great value for distance learners. This program is delivered in a convenient online format and prepares graduates for career advancement thanks to a supportive faculty and a career-driven curriculum.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Graduate Studies
Program Name: Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 7 years
Program start dates: February 4, 2019

Capella University

Capella University's master's in emergency management program features a virtual lab with simulated media, helping students develop their skills through real-world training. Students practice crisis-management situations in a fail-safe environment to increase their critical-thinking and decision-making skills to succeed in their professions.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Public Service Leadership
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Management
Available Concentrations: Continuity Management, Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR), Higher Education, Project Management
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degree
Credit Requirements: 48 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: February 4, 2019

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.3