Key Takeaways:
- The #1 school on our list of affordable master’s in emergency online is the University of Nevada, followed by Trident International University.
- This degree can lead to roles in emergency management agencies, disaster response organizations, government agencies, and private sectors involved in risk assessment and disaster preparedness.
- You’ll gain skills in crisis management, disaster response planning, risk assessment, and leadership, which are valuable in various sectors beyond emergency management.
This article profiles the top online master’s degrees in emergency management.
Looking for an affordable master’s in emergency management online? With the demand for emergency management directors expected to grow by eight percent through 2026, more colleges are offering online degrees to meet this need.
To create this list, we only included regionally or nationally accredited schools that offer at least one master’s in emergency management or a closely related program. After evaluating over 220 schools, we ranked them based on affordability, using data from the NCES College Navigator. Here are the top 50 affordable online master’s in emergency management programs.
Online Master’s Emergency Management Programs Reviewed
#1 – University of Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Online Master’s in Emergency and Crisis Management
The most affordable master’s in emergency management online program on our list is offered by the University of Nevada. UNLV was one of the first institutions to create an emergency and crisis management degree program following the September 11th attacks.
The program is designed for individuals who are employed full-time and have difficulty attending traditional on-campus classes. All classes are delivered online. These courses cover topics like:
- evolution of terrorism
- the science of catastrophes
Classes are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. The online emergency management program mirrors the on-campus counterpart. U.S. News and World Report rank UNLV #230-#301 in best national universities.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,607
#2 – Trident University International
Cypress, California
Online Master’s in Homeland Security
Trident University International is one of the most affordable online master’s in emergency management or homeland security degree programs on our list. It is a master’s in homeland security at Trident University International.
This fully online master’s emergency management degree program provides a solid foundation in homeland security and prepares students to become thought leaders in the field. Four concentration options allow students to tailor their degree. These concentrations include:
- cybersecurity
- emergency and disaster management
- leadership
- logistics
Courses are delivered online and include 40 semester credits of core classes and electives. The admission process is standard and requires an earned bachelor’s with a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5. No GRE, MAT, or GMAT scores are required for admission. U.S. News and World Report recognizes Trident as an unranked national university.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,120
#3 – Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Online Master’s in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
Arkansas State University’s online emergency management degree is an interdisciplinary program. It prepares professionals for careers meeting the demands of disaster preparedness and emergency response. An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission.
The program consists of 36 credits and either a seminar topics course or a sixty-hour practicum. University professors lead all online classes. These classes include:
- crisis communications
- global perspectives
- health care issues and policies related to disaster preparedness and emergency management
- theory development in disaster preparedness
U.S. News and World Report ranks ASU #95 in best regional universities in the South and #38 in top public schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,422
#4 – Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, Arkansas
Online Master’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Arkansas Tech University’s master’s in emergency management online degree program is designed for working practitioners and those seeking a graduate degree. Admission requires an accredited bachelor’s degree with official transcripts, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and the completion of a letter of intent with research interests and career goals.
Courses are delivered online and taught by Arkansas Tech professors. These courses include:
- emergency technology in emergency management and homeland security
- foundation of leadership
- principles of emergency management
- research design and methods
U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution #102 in best regional universities in the South and #42 in top public schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,037
#5 – Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Online Master’s in Homeland Security
Angelo State University’s emergency management master’s degree online focuses on homeland security. Admission to the program does not require the GRE. Applicants must have an accredited bachelor’s with a GPA of 2.75 or better. The degree is offered entirely online with classes delivered in a sixteen-week format. Classes include:
- introduction to geographic information systems
- national security policy
- seminar in criminal justice ethics
- seminar in emergency planning
- studies in weapons of mass destruction hazards and responses
U.S. News and World Report ranks Angelo State #96-#127 in best regional universities in the West. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs, including homeland security, rank #51-#67 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,246
#6 – American Public University System
Charles Town, West Virginia
Online Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management
American Public University System offers online emergency management programs. This includes the master’s in emergency and disaster management. The program is taught by credentialed and experienced instructors, many of whom are board-certified emergency managers. The program consists of 36 credits and takes two years to complete. Courses include:
- crisis action planning
- emergency and disaster theory
- interagency disaster management
- research design and methods
- a three-credit capstone project
Admission requirements include an earned bachelor’s from an accredited institution and official transcripts from all previous colleges. U.S. News and World Report recognizes APU as a top regional university in the South.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,050
#7 – Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Online Master’s in Homeland Security Studies
Sam Houston State University offers graduate programs in homeland security designed for those interested in an inexpensive master’s in emergency management online. The program is entirely online and offers courses in both homeland security and emergency preparedness. Some of the required classes include:
- critical infrastructure protection
- foundations of homeland security
- law and ethics in homeland security
- research methods in homeland security studies
- unconventional threats
Admission requirements include:
- three letters of recommendation
- official transcripts
- an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
U.S. News and World Report ranks Sam Houston as a top national university. Also, the online graduate criminal justice programs, which include homeland security, rank #1 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,666
#8 – Wilmington University
New Castle, Delaware
Online Master’s in Homeland Security
For those interested in affordable online emergency management master’s programs, Wilmington University offers a master’s in homeland security. The degree is customizable and can be completed 100% online. Specialization areas include:
- information assurance
- military leadership
- organizational leadership
- safety and security
Core courses, no matter which specialization you choose, include the following:
- contemporary issues in homeland security
- legal aspects and policy of homeland security
- research methods in criminal justice
- sociology of terrorism
Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Wilmington as a top national university. Also, several of the school’s online graduate programs rank in the top 250.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,060
#9 – Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Online Master’s in Homeland Security
Natchitoches, Louisiana
One of the top and most affordable online master’s in emergency management programs on our list is the master’s in homeland security from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. This fully online degree program is designed to prepare students with a deeper understanding of homeland security and the global implications of security issues.
Classes are delivered online and include:
- domestic terrorism prevention and analysis
- international terrorism
- network security and cyberterrorism
- research design and methods in homeland security
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required for admission. U.S. News and World Report ranks Northwestern State #107-#141 in best regional universities in the South.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,598
#10 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Master of Public Administration – Disaster Management
Liberty University’s online emergency management degree program is a master’s in public administration. It has a concentration disaster management concentration. The 36-credit hour program takes 1.5 years to complete. It can be done entirely online. Classes run eight weeks in length and are taught by university professors. These classes include:
- applied public policy research methods
- hazard mitigation
- introduction to disaster management
- understanding terrorism
- homeland security
Applicants must have an accredited bachelor’s with a 3.0 undergraduate GPA. GRE scores are not required. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Liberty #230-#301 in best national universities.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,360
#11 – University of Nebraska
Omaha, Nebraska
Online Master’s in Emergency Preparedness
The University of Nebraska offers emergency management master’s degree online programs designed for working students. The program is structured to prepare professionals in a world where emergency preparedness and response skills are needed to assist public health.
Courses are delivered online and taught by the same experienced professors who teach on campus. These classes include:
- applied research in public health
- emergency preparedness protection
- emergency preparedness response and recovery
- foundations of public health
- introduction to epidemiology
Admission requires an earned bachelor’s with a 3.0 GPA, three letters of recommendation, and GRE scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school among the #230-#301 in best national universities.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,552
#12 – Towson University
Towson, Maryland
Online Master’s in Integrated Homeland Security Management
Towson University’s online emergency management programs include the master’s in integrated homeland security management. It is offered completely online. This program prepares students with an in-depth understanding of homeland security issues that interconnect Americans.
Three areas of specialization allow students the opportunity to tailor their degrees. These specializations include:
- health preparedness
- information assurance
- security policy
Courses include:
- emergency communication and management
- homeland security policy in the U.S.
- terrorism and political violence
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better, and three years of post-bachelor’s experience working in a related field. U.S. News and World Report ranks Towson #50 in the best regional universities in the North.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,028
#13 – Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, Alabama
Online Master’s in Emergency Management
The online emergency management master’s programs at Jacksonville State University prepare graduates for careers in:
- emergency management
- homeland security
- disaster preparedness
A total of 30 semester hours are required to complete the degree. Classes include:
- disaster recovery
- disaster response
- emergency preparedness
- foundations of emergency management
- research methods in emergency management
An earned bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required for admission to the master’s in emergency management program. U.S. News and World Report ranks Jacksonville State as a top regional university in the South.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,445
#14 – Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Online Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management
Saint Leo University’s affordable online emergency management programs include a master’s in emergency and disaster management. This fully online degree program offers flexible courses. They are taught by Saint Leo’s experienced professors. The program consists of 36 credits with classes in:
- ethical issues in criminal justice
- legal issues in criminal justice
- management of critical incident operations
- psychological aspects of critical incidents
- risk identification and assessment
Admission requires:
- a bachelor’s from an accredited college or university
- a satisfactory undergraduate GPA
U.S. News and World Report ranks Saint Leo #47 in best regional universities in the South and #14 in best value schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,218
#15 – Purdue University
West Lafayette, Indiana
Online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Purdue University offers online emergency management master’s programs including a master’s in homeland security and emergency management. This highly specialized degree prepares graduates for careers in homeland security. Courses are delivered online and taught by Purdue professors. They include:
- applied research in criminal justice
- crisis and emergency management fundamentals
- homeland security policies
- risk and capability assessment methods
A total of 55 credits satisfy the degree requirements. Purdue is ranked and accredited. Admission requirements include:
- a bachelor’s from an accredited college or university
- a satisfactory undergraduate GPA
In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks Purdue #56 in best national universities.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,530
#16 – Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Online Master’s in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
Eastern Kentucky University’s online emergency management degree is a flexible master’s with 100% online coursework. The program moves quickly, and students graduate within two years. Courses include:
- business continuity
- crisis management
- emergency action plans
- emergency response
- management practices
- training methods
Five concentration areas allow students to tailor their degree toward their interest or to meet career goals. To be admitted to the program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks EKU #76 in best regional universities in the South and #28 in top public schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,200
#17 – Salve Regina University
Newport, Rhode Island
Online Master’s in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security
Salve Regina University offers online emergency management master’s programs with a flexible curriculum and three concentrations. Emergency management graduates earn a master’s in the administration of justice and homeland security with a concentration in one of the following:
- cybersecurity and intelligence
- digital forensics
- leadership in justice
While the degree may be earned online. Evening courses are offered at some of the school’s different campuses. Twelve courses are required, including:
- constitutional issues
- criminal justice research methods
- public policy in the global environment
- terrorism and transnational crime
U.S. News and World Report ranks Salve Regina #28 among the best regional universities in the North and #42 in best value schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,730
#18 – University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Online Master of Public Health in Global Disaster Management
One of the top emergency management master’s degree online programs is both affordable and accredited. It is offered by the University of South Florida. The online master’s in public health has a concentration that emphasizes:
- global disaster management
- humanitarian relief
- homeland security
Courses are administered online and include:
- emergency and disaster management
- foundations of humanitarian assistance
- public health implications and concerns in homeland security
A strong undergraduate GPA and satisfactory GRE scores are required. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of South Florida #124 in best national universities and #71 in best value schools.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,428
#19 – Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Online Master’s in Leadership – Disaster Preparedness
One of the top affordable online emergency management programs on our list is offered by Grand Canyon University. The master’s is in leadership with an emphasis on disaster preparedness and executive fire leadership.
The program is designed to increase emergency awareness and safety readiness. Classes are taught by university professors and delivered online. These courses include:
- emergency planning and management
- law and legal issues
- organizational development and change
- understanding terrorism’s threat
Classes run for eight weeks, and the program consists of 38 credits. U.S. News and World Report ranks GCU #230-#301 among the best national universities. The school is accredited and one of the most affordable on our list.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,533
#20 – Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
Online Master’s in Security Management
Bellevue University offers an online emergency management degree program ideal for individuals interested in security management. This affordable, fully online degree program is designed to prepare students with knowledge in:
- criminal justice
- public safety
- security
- law enforcement
Classes are delivered online and include:
- emergency preparedness and management
- evaluation of security programs
- homeland security principles and practices
- principles and theories of security management
- terrorism
- homeland defense fundamentals
Admission requires:
- a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- a GPA of 2.5 or better
- letters of recommendation
U.S. News and World Report recognizes Bellevue as a top regional university in the Midwest.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,730
#21 – Marywood University
Scranton, Pennsylvania
Online Master’s in Public Administration
Marywood University offers one of the top online emergency management master’s programs for working adults. The 30-credit program is delivered entirely online and offers six areas of concentration including:
- general public administration
- nonprofit management
- homeland security and disaster management
- health services administration
- social work
- criminal justice
Admission requirements include the following:
- a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- 3.0 GPA in undergraduate studies
- essay
- transcripts
- 2-3 letters of support
The curriculum is a blend of theory and applied skills needed to succeed in leadership positions. U.S. News and World Report ranks Marywood University #43 in regional universities North for its 2019 cohort.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,486
#22 – University of Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
Online Master’s in Security and Disaster Management
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an inexpensive online master’s in emergency management. It is designed for current or aspiring emergency management and security professional to assume leadership positions within a variety of public, private, and nonprofit contexts and organizations. Admission requirements include:
- statement of goals
- three letters of support
- resume/cv
- transcripts
Students with a GPA lower than 2.75 must submit GRE or GMAT scores. A sample of core classes includes:
- community planning and emergency management
- disaster management policy
- legal aspects of homeland security and emergency management
- security and disaster management capstone
UAF is ranked #215 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,958
#23 – Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Online Master’s in Homeland Security
Mississippi College offers a top emergency management master’s degree online from an accredited Christian University. The program focuses on justice administration as well as homeland security.
The degree is an interdisciplinary social science offering that teaches and trains students for top careers in anti-terrorism strategies and threat mitigation in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Emergency management graduates have gone on to careers, including:
- immigration and customs enforcement
- federal emergency management
- Department of Homeland Security
Courses include the following:
- cyber terrorism
- domestic terrorism
- grant writing for homeland security
- special issues in homeland security
U.S. News and World Report ranks Mississippi College #32 in regional universities in the South.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,796
#24 – Endicott College
Beverly, Massachusetts
Online Master’s in Homeland Security Studies
Endicott College offers one of the best online emergency management programs focusing on homeland security. The 36-credit program is designed for working professionals. It offers convenient distance education courses that provide multidisciplinary academic and occupational training.
The program prepares graduates for top leadership positions in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors. In addition to core curriculum emergency management planning related degree, students can choose a concentration in:
- cyber security
- emergency management
The entire degree can be finished in as little as 18 months. Core classes include:
- asymmetric threats to the American homeland
- critical infrastructure protection
- emergency management in homeland security
- graduate writing and research in homeland security
U.S. News and World Report ranks Endicott #25 in regional universities North.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,746
#25 – Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Online Master’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Arizona State University provides interested individuals with one of the top online emergency management master’s programs designed to teach and train current or future emergency management planning professionals to assume top leadership positions in the public, private, or nonprofit sectors.
The program consists of 33-credits and can be completed in just one year, making it an attractive option for people seeking a rigorous and efficient graduate degree from a top public institution.
Admission requirements include 3.0 minimum GPA, bachelor degree from a related program, two years of professional work experience, two letters of support, and a written statement. U.S. News and World Report ranks ASU #115 in national universities.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,608
#26 – Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
Online Master’s in Homeland Security
Thomas Edison State University is a public institution offering a master’s in emergency management online designed for working professionals seeking graduate-level education and training. The degree program prepares students to be effective in emergency management leadership and managers within the context of emergency response and security and safety.
The 36-credit program includes courses in administration and finance for:
- security professionals
- domestic and global intelligence for security management
- natural disasters and search planning
- research methods in public service
- terrorism and homeland security in the United States
U.S. News and World Report recognizes Thomas Edison State University in its 2019 cohort of best regional universities North.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,024
#27 – University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice
The University of Louisville provides individuals with an online emergency management degree with a focus in criminal justice. The degree pathway includes core classes in criminal justice areas as well as concentration areas including:
- emergency management
- homeland security
The degree consists of a minimum of 36 credits broken down into 15 core hours, 18 elective hours, and 3 hours for a final paper. The class format allows students to take one 6-week course at a time, resulting in degree completion in just two years. Courses may include:
- advanced comparative criminal justice systems
- constitutional issues in criminal justice
- personnel management in the criminal justice system
- race and gender issues in criminal justice
U.S. News and World Report ranks Louisville #171 in national universities.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,725
#28 – University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Online Master’s in Fire and Emergency Sciences
The University of Florida offers an emergency management master’s degree online through its M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management. The program is designed for individuals seeking career and academic training in areas such as:
- emergency planning
- homeland security
- disaster response
Graduates assume positions at a wide variety of top employers such as:
- Department of Homeland Security
- all levels of government
- FEMA
- several private organizations
Admission requirements include:
- statement of purpose
- transcripts
- bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- resume/cv, 3.0 GPA
- GRE test scores
U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Florida #35 in national universities.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,737
#29 – Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Online Master’s in Public Administration – Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Regent University offers an online master’s in emergency management leadership focusing on public administration within the context of counterterrorism and emergency response. All of the curricula is designed for career-focused individuals and infuses Christian theology.
Students can enroll at a part-time or full-time level, varying from semester to semester based on individual circumstances. The degree can be completed within 2-4 years, depending on enrollment level. Admission requirements include:
- bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- college transcripts
- admission questionnaire
Students may also submit test scores (GRE/LAST) and resume/cv as optional components. Regent is ranked #201 in national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,190
#30 – University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland
Online Master’s in Emergency Health Services
The University of Maryland Baltimore County offers a master’s in emergency management online mainly designed for current practitioners to acquire new skills and knowledge in preparation for leadership roles. The program includes two concentration tracks including:
- EMS system management administration policy and planning
- preventative medicine and epidemiology, and education
Admission requirements include:
- a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA, transcripts
- application
Students with a GPA less than 3.2 are required to submit GRE test scores as part of the application. Core classes for this emergency management leadership degree include:
- human resource development
- introduction to high-performance EMS
- issues analysis and proposal writing
- system design
- contracting
UMBC is ranked #65 in national universities.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,046
#31 – Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Virginia Commonwealth University offers one of the top online emergency management master’s programs with a broad interdisciplinary perspective. The program strives to teach and train future homeland security and emergency management practitioners to be aware of the political, social, ethical, economic, and sociological aspects of security and emergency mitigation.
Admission requirements for this emergency management related degree include:
transcript documenting the student’s bachelor’s degree completion
- three letters of reference
- current resume/cv
- 2.7 minimum GPA
- GRE/GMAT/LSAT/MAT scores
Courses may include the following:
- institutional challenges of security preparedness
- law enforcement policy and judicial precedent
- private sector issues in security and preparedness
- a survey of cyber security
VCU is ranked #157 among national universities by U.S. News and World Report.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,518
#32 – Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Online Master’s in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security
Colorado Technical University offers one of the top online emergency management programs focusing on safety and security. The program’s curriculum is designed with a criminal justice lens. It focuses on organizational and governmental policy within the realm of homeland security and the protection of the critical community and national infrastructure.
As part of the curricular design, students can design and implement a homeland security plan where they explore the intellectual underpinnings and practical application of technology, security, safety, policy, and threat mitigation theory. U.S. News and World Report ranks Colorado Technical University #34 in the best online graduate criminal justice programs.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,312
#33 – National University
La Jolla, California
Online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
National University offers an interdisciplinary emergency management master’s degree online for students seeking homeland security and emergency management careers within various public and private organizational contexts. The program is entirely online and requires the completion of 54 quarter credits.
Students possessing a bachelor’s degree in homeland security and emergency management may be exempt from up to two courses. Core classes include:
- communication and security
- fundamentals of recovery
- global lessons in security
- immigration issues in security
- leading in complex environments
Graduates of the emergency management degree have gone on to successful careers working in top jobs in both the private and public sectors. National University is recognized in U.S. News and World Report’s cohort of regional universities West.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,480
#34 – Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Illinois
Online Master’s in Public Safety and Homeland Security Management
Southern Illinois University offers one of the top online emergency management master’s programs for working public safety and fire professionals with a bachelor’s degree who desire graduate education and training to position themselves for career advancement and skill and knowledge acquisition.
The curriculum is delivered fully online, which enables students to keep their current obligations, including work and family. Students can earn the degree in as little as 16 months.
The program is 31 credits for those who have graduated from the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Office program and 39 for those who have not. Courses include:
- critical issues in homeland security management
- disaster preparedness and crisis management
- fiscal and financial management in fire service
- public policy and ethics in fire service
U.S. News and World report ranks SIU #226 in national universities.
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,162
#35 – Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, Pennsylvania
Online Master’s in Emergency Management
Millersville University offers an online emergency management degree delivered fully via distance learning. The program trains and teaches students to prevent, respond to, and manage man-made and natural disasters. Students earn gainful employment across various agencies and organizations in both the public and private sectors.
The emergency management curriculum provides a comprehensive education from a multidisciplinary perspective for multiple disciplines as part of the Center for Disaster Research and Education. Courses may include:
- emergency mental health