In this ranking, we profile the top 30 most affordable online masters in emergency management programs.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), earning an online master’s in emergency and disaster management degree prepares you for careers in disaster recovery, emergency response services, and population safety. Thankfully, accredited institutions offer online options for earning a master’s in emergency management. We reviewed reputable colleges and universities that offer master’s in emergency and disaster management online degree programs. Our methodology is listed below.
Top 30 Most Affordable Online Masters in Emergency Management Programs Methodology
We reviewed 231 colleges and universities listed by the Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered master’s in emergency and disaster management online programs. We narrowed our original pool of schools by applying the following criteria: accreditation by a reputable governing body, online pathways to master’s degree, institution rankings with at least one major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and affordable graduate tuition and fees less than $22,000 per year. We then listed the top 30 master’s in emergency and disaster management online programs according to raw affordability.
Below are the results of our list of 30 most affordable master’s in emergency and disaster management online programs.
#30 – Pennsylvania State University World Campus
Online Masters in Homeland Security
University Park, Pennsylvania
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,772
Penn State University World Campus offers a master’s in emergency and disaster management online with an emphasis on public health preparedness. The degree is designed for working professionals seeking an online degree that prepares them to deal with national disasters and their aftermath. Many graduates have gone on to careers in public health, emergency management, and much more. Penn State has partnered with the Penn State Hershey College of Medicine’s Department of Public Health Sciences to deliver a high quality, rigorous, and flexible online graduate degree. Some of the courses may include critical infrastructure protection of health care delivery systems, public health evaluation of disasters and bioterrorism, and veterinary infectious disease diagnostic surveillance systems.
#29 – Thomas Jefferson University
Online Master’s in Disaster Medicine and Management
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,600
Administered through the Jefferson College of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University’s online master’s in emergency management features online courses combined with a 6.5-day on-campus immersion during the summer. The program is designed to be completed in just 1-3 years depending on student enrollment level and academic/professional background. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, students must show passing grades in college writing, college level math/statistics, anatomy and physiology, and introductory psychology. GRE or GMAT scores are not required to apply to the program. Core curriculum includes applied research methods and statistics, logistics management for disasters, organizational management and communication in disasters, principles of disaster exercises and drills, and psychological aspects of disasters.
#28 – Nova Southeastern University
Online Master’s in Disaster and Emergency Management
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $20,620
Nova Southeastern University offers an online master’s in emergency and disaster management through the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. The program consists of 36 credits, which typically take students just two years to complete with a schedule of two courses each semester (fall, spring, summer). The program welcomes students from all academic and professional backgrounds provided the applicants have at least a 3.0 GPA. Potential students are asked to submit two letters of recommendation and GMAT/GRE test scores (preferred not required). Required courses include applied research methods, bioterrorism and all-hazards preparedness, disaster planning and evaluation, and practicum.
#27 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Masters in Emergency Management
Manchester, New Hampshire
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,810
Ranked #92 in regional universities North and #1 in innovation by U.S. News and World Report, Southern New Hampshire University offers a master’s in emergency and disaster management online with a concentration in emergency management. Students learn the latest research and skills on how to effectively mitigate and respond to a variety of natural and man-made disasters. The curriculum features a multidisciplinary set of courses such as applied emergency management, critical issues in management, emergency management and preparedness, and resource planning and decision making. No GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission to this degree that can be completed in as little as 15 months.
#26 – University of New Haven
Online Masters in Emergency Management
West Haven, Connecticut
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,690
The University of New Haven’s online master’s in emergency management is 100% online and meets FEMA standards to ensure graduates are well prepared for the demands of emergency management occupations. Students learn the necessary skills, knowledge, and leadership principles through courses such as catastrophe readiness and response, holistic disaster recovery creating a more sustainable future, principles of emergency management, and principles and practices of hazard mitigation. Additionally, the institution is ranked #66 in regional universities North and #145 in social mobility by U.S. News and World Report. Students take just one course per term for maximum work/life balance and exit the program with their own custom emergency response plan.
#25 – Millersville University
Online Masters in Emergency Management
Millersville, Pennsylvania
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,882
Millersville University’s online master’s in emergency and disaster management is designed for working professionals from all academic and professional backgrounds. Students can enroll full- or part-time depending on their goals and as their schedule allows and typically take two years to complete. It should be noted that the program could be completed in just one year. Of the 30 total credits, 24 are required along with 6 electives. Courses include emergency mental health and trauma, emergency management planning, emergency preparedness for industry, and technical and professional writing for emergency management. Ranked #94 in regional universities North by U.S. News and World Report, students can expect a quality education from an accredited institution.
#24 – Virginia Commonwealth University
Online Masters in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Richmond, Virginia
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,496
Virginia Commonwealth University offers one of the top ranked online emergency management programs through its L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. The 36-credit graduate degree is fully online, making it an excellent option for working professionals seeking rigor and flexibility as they learn how to mitigate and manage international and domestic terror threats and disasters from faculty with years of academic and professional experience. Some of the courses students take may include institutional challenges of security preparedness, law enforcement policy and judicial precedent, private sector issues in security and preparedness, and research methods for government and public affairs.
#23 – New England College
Online Masters in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Henniker, New Hampshire
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,560
New England College’s online master’s in emergency management prepares students for leadership positions within the homeland security and emergency preparedness sector through its comprehensive curriculum that delves into not only security and disaster threats, but how the political and policy processes impact the landscape. The 36-credit program features courses such as critical infrastructure and key vulnerabilities, homeland security and emergency preparedness, legal foundations for homeland security, and psychology and communication in crises. New England College ranks in multiple U.S. News and World Report categories including # 129 in regional universities North and #96 in social mobility for the publication’s 2020 rankings.
#22 – Lander University
Online Masters in Emergency Management
Greenwood, South Carolina
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,800
Lander University provides students with one of the top online emergency management programs focusing on the scientific management aspect of natural and man-made disasters. The program is designed for the busy working professional and can be finished in just one year with most students taking two years to complete. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply provided they submit a personal statement, evidence of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, and three letters of reference. No test scores are required to apply for admission. Landers is well-regarded amongst its peers and ranks #29 in regional universities South and #5 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#21 – University of Florida
Online Master’s in Fire and Emergency Services
Gainesville, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737
Through its College of Design, Construction & Planning, the University of Florida’s online master’s in emergency and disaster management prepares students for top positions across a broad spectrum of security and emergency response occupations. Students go on to work in homeland security, FEMA, state government, federal government, private industry, and more. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution in several meaningful categories including #34 in national universities and #7 in top public schools so students applying to the program can be confident they are receiving a top education from a nationally and internationally renowned institution with a network of several thousand alumni.
#20 – Arizona State University
Online Masters in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Tempe, Arizona
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,134
Arizona State University offers one of the top online emergency management programs in the country through its innovative curriculum and online learning management systems and platforms that provide students with rich and meaningful learning experiences. Students have the option to choose from one of several concentrations such as biosecurity and threat management, cyber security, emergency management, and homeland security. With number one rankings in emergency management innovation according to U.S. News and World Report, applicants can be confident they are earning a top graduate degree. Students will engage in challenging coursework such as applied data analysis in criminal justice, exercises and planning for emergency management and homeland security, and program evaluation for emergency management and homeland security.
#19 – University of Alaska
Online Master’s in Security and Disaster Management
Fairbanks, Alaska
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,544
The University of Alaska Fairbanks provides an online master’s in emergency management for current or aspiring emergency management and security personnel. Admission requirements are different depending on the applicant’s professional and academic background. Those without a bachelor’s degree in emergency management from UAF will be required to submit test results from the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Test. Those with a bachelor’s in emergency management from UAF and a GPA above 3.25 will not be required to submit test scores while those with a GPA below 2.75 will need to submit GRE or GMAT test scores. The 30-credit degree consists of classes such as community planning in emergency management and disaster management policy.
#18 – Purdue University Global
Online Masters Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Indianapolis, Indiana
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,414
Purdue University Global provides working professionals with one of the leading online emergency management programs designed for those with full-time jobs that are not able to pursue graduate education in the traditional in-class setting. Through its innovative online delivery systems, students are able to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in top homeland security and emergency management positions across a wide spectrum of industries. Students are able to delve into the interdependent relationships and dynamics of security and emergency response as they relate to law, policy, politics, and interagency cooperation. Courses may include crisis and emergency management fundamentals and planning operations in crisis and emergency management.
#17 – CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Emergency Management Masters Degree Online
New York, New York
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,212
City University of New York – John Jay College of Criminal Justice is ranked #100 in regional universities North and #27 in top public schools and offers a master’s in emergency and disaster management online. The program divides courses into 8-weeks allowing students to take two courses during a traditional semester without ever having to take more than one course at a time. The 36-credit program features 12 core credits, 12 management analytics credits, and 12 credits of elective courses. Some classes may include analysis of building and fire codes, analytical methods in protection management, introduction to emergency management, and managing response to large scale incidents.
#16 – Grand Canyon University
Online Masters in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Phoenix, Arizona
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,760
Grand Canyon University’s online master’s in emergency and disaster management is one of the most unique offerings as it focuses on security threats and disasters from a leadership lens. As such, the degree prepares graduates for top positions leading individuals and organizations where the main function is to mitigate security threats and respond succinctly to natural and man made disasters. The 34-credit graduate degree includes courses such as emergency planning and management, law and legal issues, leadership and organizations, leadership in emergency management capstone course, and organizational development and change. Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and ranks #293 in national universities by U.S News and World Report.
#15 – Eastern Kentucky University
Online Master’s in Safety, Security and Emergency Management
Richmond, Kentucky
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,570
Eastern Kentucky University’s online master’s in emergency management prepares students to assume safety-related positions across a variety of public and private enterprises that face threats such as data breaches, fraud, terrorism, and even disgruntled employees. The program offers classes such as evolution of emergency management, infrastructure protection and risk analysis, and intergovernmental relations in disaster management. Additionally, all classes are delivered online with no residency requirements, which make it an excellent choice for working professionals seeking a graduate degree that can be completed in just two years. Eastern Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and is ranked #54 in regional universities South by U.S. News and World Report.
#14 – Anna Maria College
Online Masters in Emergency Management
Paxton, Massachusetts
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,530
Anna Maria College prepares its graduates to lead in times of crisis through one of the best online emergency management programs of its kind. The degree blends emergency management and public administration coursework for a dynamic degree that’s practitioner focused. Students at differing professional experience are welcome to apply and are placed into two distinct tracks – recent college graduate or mid-career. Mid-career students are required to earn 30 credits and have two courses waived versus the recent college graduate track. In addition, students can choose from five concentrations such as criminal justice, emergency management, fire and emergency services, general track, and homeland security.
#13 – University of South Florida
Online Master’s in Public Health
Tampa, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428
Through its College of Public Health, The University of South Florida’s master’s in emergency and disaster management online prepares students for careers in emergency management, humanitarian relief, and homeland security. With increased threats of armed violence and natural disasters, individuals capable of leading personnel and organizations are needed more than ever. Courses include current challenges in the humanitarian field, foundations of humanitarian assistance, from emergency to development and prevention, and overview of US and international disaster management. As a well-established institution, the University of South Florida ranks #104 in national universities, #11 in top performers in social mobility, and #44 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#12 – Columbia International University
Online Master’s in Disaster Relief and Emergency Management
Columbia, South Carolina
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,960
Offering on the of the top online emergency management programs, Columbia International University’s program gives graduates the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in emergency management that can be completed entirely online in just 18 months. Graduates have gone on to careers with several U.S. government agencies such as FEMA and Homeland Security as well as faith-based humanitarian organizations. Applicants need to submit official transcripts, church leader reference, 800-word application essay, and a GPA of at least 2.5. In addition to being a faith-based institution, Columbia International University ranks #38 in regional universities South and #12 in best value schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#11 – University of Central Florida
Online Master’s in Emergency and Crisis Management
Orlando, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,872
The University of Central Florida online master’s in emergency and disaster management is administered through the College of Community Innovation and Education and prepares its graduates for top emergency management positions in both the public and private sectors. Students typically graduate in just two years and leave the program with a comprehensive education that covers the ethical, financial, and political contexts of emergency and disaster management. Additionally, students learn how to management mitigate disasters and threats both domestic and abroad. The program carries with it the sound academic reputation and social network that being a UCF graduate affords. The institution is ranked #166 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
#10 – University of Maryland Global Campus
Emergency Management Masters Degree Online
Adelphi, Maryland
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,514
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a master’s in emergency and disaster management online featuring 36 credits with no residency requirement. The degree is designed for mid-career professionals seeking the additional skills and knowledge gained through a graduate degree in addition to the qualifications needed to increase their career trajectory. Courses include comprehensive crisis and emergency management, financial decision-making for managers, hazard risk and vulnerability assessment, and resilience planning and preparedness for disaster response and recovery. Courses are taught by faculty with practical experience working for organizations such as U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Military, Army Corp of Engineers, and the Department of Homeland Security.
#9 – Saint Leo University
Online Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management
Saint Leo, Florida
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,498
Saint Leo University offers one of the most flexible online emergency management programs that allow students to follow either a two-year traditional pathway or an accelerated program. Students engage with content that covers an interdisciplinary range of topics in disaster and emergency management such as politics and policy, financial management, risk assessment, psychological and sociological impacts, and more. Courses include applied project in critical incident management, leadership application in critical incident management, management of critical incident operations, and risk assessment and identification. The program is backed by an institution that ranks #25 in regional universities South and #5 in best value schools by U.S. News and World Report.
#8 – Liberty University
Online Master’s in Public Administration – Disaster Management
Lynchburg, Virginia
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,333
Liberty University’s online master’s in emergency management is a public administration degree that prepares students for leadership positions in public and private organizations. Students learn to prevent, mitigate, and manage disasters and terror threats through curriculum that blends homeland security and public administration best practices. Featured courses include hazard mitigation, politics and policy of public sector budgeting, and understanding terrorism and homeland security. Admission requirements include an accredited bachelor’s degree, college transcripts, and application. No test scores are required to apply. The degree is delivered entirely online and is specifically designed for working professionals who require rigor and flexibility in their coursework.
#7 – Auburn University
Online Masters Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Montgomery, Alabama
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,912
Ranked #104 in national universities and #44 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report, Auburn University offers an online master’s in emergency and disaster management through its College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Students take courses such as comparative government of the Middle East, crime intelligence and analysis, psychology of terrorism and fear, technology of homeland security, and U.S. constitution and issues in homeland security. The online masters homeland security courses are taught by professors with both academic and professional credentials. In addition to doctorate degrees, faculty have experience working for the U.S. military, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and more.
#6 – University of Nebraska
Online Master’s in Emergency Preparedness
Lincoln, Nebraska
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,588
The University of Nebraska offers one of the top-ranked online emergency management programs of its kind. The degree is housed within the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health, which is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health and the Higher Learning Commission. Students exit the program with the same degree as on-campus students and have a wide range of career options such as emergency operations director, FEMA personnel, law enforcement, Red Cross disaster relief, and more. And because University of Nebraska is ranked #64 in top public schools by U.S. News and World Report, students can expect a rigorous degree that combines flexibility and excellent student services support that comes from a leading state institution.
#5 – American Public University System
Online Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management
Charles Town, West Virginia
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,600
Offering one of the most popular online emergency management programs, American Public University prepares students for successful careers in emergency and disaster management prevention through its innovative and relevant curriculum taught by professors with real world experience and academic training. The 36-credit graduate degree is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress and can be completed in just two years when attending full-time (six credits per term). The curriculum features 15 semester core credits including crisis action planning, emergency and disaster planning management, emergency and disaster theory, interagency disaster management, and research and design methods. Students from all academic and professional backgrounds are welcome to apply.
#4 – Arkansas Tech University
Online Masters Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Russellville, Arkansas
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,485
Students seeking an online master’s in emergency and disaster management will want to explore Arkansas Tech University’s practitioner based program that prepares students for successful careers within the industry. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. Application requirements include a bachelor’s degree, 2.5 minimum GPA, resume, and letter of intent. No GRE or GMAT scores are required to apply. The 36-credit degree features courses such as contemporary issues in emergency management, design and management of preparedness and mitigation systems, intelligence in emergency management and homeland security, and introduction to international emergency management. Arkansas Tech has an outstanding academic track record as evidenced by its ranking as the 75th top regional Southern university according to U.S. News and World Report.
#3 – Arkansas State University
Online Master’s in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,210
Through its College of Nursing and Health Professions, Arkansas State University’s online master’s in emergency management prepares its graduates to meet the demands of disaster preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery through innovative and practitioner based course work. Students with a bachelor’s degree from any discipline are welcome to apply. The program is delivered entirely online with students able to choose an on-site practicum or a seminar course. Classes include crisis communications, global perspectives, health care issues and policies, and research design and methodology in disaster preparedness and emergency management. Ranked #293 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report, students can be confident in receiving an outstanding education.
#2 – University of Nevada
Online Master’s in Emergency and Crisis Management
Las Vegas, Nevada
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $5,934
The University of Nevada Las Vegas offers working professionals a master’s in emergency and disaster management online designed to give graduates the knowledge and skills needed to excel in high demand emergency crisis careers across a wide variety of industries and organizations. Students are not required to have a bachelor’s degree in emergency management to apply. Application requirements include a 2.75 overall GPA, transcripts, resume, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and personal statement. GRE test scores may be required. The 36-credit program features courses such as crisis and emergency management, evolution of terrorism, exercise design and response plan, and response and recovery.
#1 – Columbia Southern University
Online Master’s in Emergency Services Management
Orange Beach, Alabama
Website
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $3,735
Columbia Southern University has a master’s in emergency and disaster management online for individuals seeking a graduate degree as preparation for a career in emergency services. The program specifically prepares students to be leaders on the ground during a crisis situation requiring dynamic communication and response. Students will receive an in-depth look at the entire disaster cycle as well as the various stakeholders impacted by natural or man-made disasters. The 36-credit program features coursework such as advanced fire administration, case studies in natural catastrophes and man made disasters, legal aspects of emergency services management, and theory of crime and criminology.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with an online masters in emergency and disaster management degree?
There are several career options for individuals with a master’s in emergency management. Because the emergency management sector is so broad and involves dozens of careers, graduates have multiple career paths they can choose.
Those with a master’s in emergency management generally end up with director level positions where they are responsible for leading the response during and after emergencies as well as mitigating threats. Additionally, emergency management directors often coordinate with multiple agencies such as elected officials, public safety officers, and government agencies to coordinate efforts.
Professional development is a large part of the occupation, as directors must stay current with disaster and threat research and best practices. Best practices are then used to develop local and regional disaster and threat plans and procedures so agencies and personnel are prepared to effectively mitigate and respond to issues.
Graduates also have several career options in homeland security. Homeland security is a diverse and dynamic career field that has several different occupations with one mission – to protect the people and infrastructure of the United States. Agencies within homeland security involve immigration services, customs and border protection, federal law enforcement, information analysis, transportation and security, and much more. In addition, graduates may qualify for a variety of positions in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Secret Service.
How much money can I earn with a masters in emergency management online degree?
Because a master’s degree in emergency management prepares students for a variety of careers, the pay can vary greatly. According to our research analyzing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median (average) pay for emergency management directors is $74,420 as of May 2018. The lowest ten percent earn $40,460 while the highest ten percent earn an annual salary of $141,130. For context, the average pay for all occupations is $38,640.
Emergency manager pay varies by industry. Those working within the professional, scientific, and technical services sector earn an average salary of $101,570. The lowest paying sector includes state government (excluding hospitals and education), which pays $61,680.
Geographic location plays a salient role in the number of job openings and level of pay. Because many emergency management directors work for the federal government, the District of Columbia pays the highest average salary of $119,820. California, Washington, and Maryland come in second through fourth and all pay an average salary above $104,000 annually.
In terms of highest employment level of this occupation, California, New York, and Texas are the top three states. When drilling down to the metropolitan areas with the highest employment concentrations, New York/New Jersey, Washington DC/Arlington, and Chicago/Naperville rank one through three respectively.
How long does it take to earn a master’s in emergency and disaster management online degree?
Earning a master’s degree in emergency management online is a large undertaking that takes patience and perseverance. Because nearly all students who take on-line courses work full-time, the degree needs to be flexible and efficient. Most institutions design online emergency management programs with working students in mind.
According to our research, the average degree can be completed in approximately two years. Many institutions utilize a traditional semester calendar lasting 16 weeks then create online courses that are eight weeks long. This scheduling practice allows students to take two courses per semester without having to enroll in concurrent courses. This means students can attend full-time (six credits per term) but only take one class at a time.
Some programs offer an accelerated program typically reserved for seasoned, mid-career emergency management professionals. Accelerated programs can range from 12-18 months and provide students with enrollment options where the course loads are higher, but still manageable, for those working full- or part-time. Because students in these types of programs have work experience, they can accelerate through coursework at a faster pace. Additionally, programs that have generous transfer credit policies can decrease the time it takes to graduate due to earning credit towards graduation from courses taken as part of other programs or at other institutions.
What are the admissions requirements for masters in emergency management online programs?
Admission requirements for online graduate degrees in emergency management vary by program and institution. Generally, programs fall into two categories: programs that allow current and aspiring emergency management professionals, and programs that only allow students with work experience and an academic background in emergency management.
Programs that allow both current and aspiring emergency management professionals will require applicants to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from either a nationally or regionally accredited institution. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, students will have to complete a personal statement reflecting their career goals and how a master’s degree in emergency management would help students reach their goals. Students are also required to submit official transcripts.
Top-tier programs that allow students from all professional and academic backgrounds will have more strenuous admission standards and will require students to have a regionally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.75 GPA. In addition, applicants must submit standardized test scores, which typically consist of the GMAT, GRE or MAT.
Programs requiring work experience in the emergency management field typically seek applicants with at least 3-5 years in the occupation. Other standards include a bachelor’s degree in emergency management or a related field and a GPA of at least 2.5. Students may also be required to have successfully passed courses in anatomy and physiology, statistics, and psychology, which is more common for medically based programs.
What is the job outlook for a person with an online masters in emergency management degree?
The job outlook for graduates with an online master’s in emergency and disaster management seeking emergency management director positions is projected to increase by 5% from 2018 to 2028 according to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. For context, the overall job outlook for all occupations is expected to be 5% during the same time period. Emergency management director positions are rare and make up 9,900 total jobs. The 5% increase means the projected employment should increase to a total of 10,400 jobs, or a 500-job increase.
Many individuals with a master’s in emergency management and disaster response end up working in protective service occupations such as correctional officers, law enforcement, border patrol, and homeland security. While no means an exhaustive list, these types of protective services occupations are expected to increase by just 3% to a total of 95,200 jobs during the decade of 2018-2028.
Factors contributing to the increase in occupations include individuals retiring from the system as well as new occupations being created through increased personnel budgets. While occupational growth is expected, the accretion is small. Much of this can be attributed to state and local budgets that often face shortfalls and tightening, which can tamper growth.
BCO Staff January 2020
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