Most Affordable Online Emergency Management Degrees

A ranking of the best bachelor's in emergency management degrees. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
portrait of Staff Writers
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Updated January 9, 2023

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Emergency Management Majors

When natural disasters strike they force emergency services to respond quickly to the needs of people who have suddenly lost everything. Responding to these incidents requires expertise that not many people have. That’s why people with Emergency Management Degrees are needed! Thinking about studying online? Check out our ranking of the Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Emergency Management.

What Jobs Can I Get With A Degree in Emergency Management?

Emergency Management degrees open up a wide array of job opportunities. Emergency Management Specialists help to train emergency personnel and plan disaster relief policies. Emergency dispatch center workers handle emergency calls for ambulance, fire, and police requests. The Department of Homeland Security focuses on prevention and preparedness for national emergencies.

How Much Money Can I Earn in Emergency Management?

Students who choose to pursue this degree set themselves up for a very lucrative career. Emergency Management Directors earn a median wage of $34/hour, which translates to an annual salary of more than $72,000 according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also expects a growth of 8% in this job market over the next decade.

What Do You Study in an Emergency Management Program?

Emergency Management Programs give students a foundational education in responding to emergencies. These programs train students in the latest developments in the field, both in terms of theory and technology.This shows potential employers that graduates will be coming into the job market with the most relevant and up-to-date information possible.

What Are the Best 10 Bachelor's in Emergency Management?

College Choice considers several factors including institutional excellence, student satisfaction and return on investment to develop rankings. Institutional excellence looks at stats such as graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios and endowment sizes to judge each school’s ability to follow through on providing an excellent education for each student.

Student satisfaction measures how satisfied current and former students felt with the services and programs offered at each school. And finally return on investment looks at the financial benefits students are likely to receive from the school’s education, weighed against the costs of attendance.

In the end, we believe these 10 schools represent the best Bachelors in Emergency Management.

Rankings

#1 Most Affordable Online Emergency Management Degrees

Western Carolina University

  • Cullowhee, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The emergency and disaster management program at Western Carolina University is one of 65 total bachelor's programs. The emergency management degree prepares students for a variety of entry-level careers in diverse industries. A bachelor's degree also leads to higher education opportunities, including master's and doctoral programs.

The bachelor's program curriculum introduces core topics and methods. Undergraduates also complete general education requirements, which strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills. Declaring a minor or double majoring helps students explore other interests.

The school's student services help incoming degree candidates integrate into the larger campus community. For example, career counselors review job opportunities and connect students with employment opportunities.

Western Carolina University at a Glance:

Location: Cullowhee, North Carolina

Type of School: Public

Admission Rate: 69%

Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 8

Undergrad Tuition In State: $1,000

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $5,000

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,000
Out-of-state
$5,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,435
Out-of-state
$14,842
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
12,167
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Most Affordable Online Emergency Management Degrees

American Public University

  • Charles Town, WV
  • 4 years
  • Online

The bachelor's in emergency management degree at American Public University, a private institution, prioritizes flexibility. From its campus in Charles Town, West Virginia, the school offers flexible enrollment options, including online classes. Undergraduates benefit from rigorous academic standards and comprehensive institutional support services.

Majors complete the BA in emergency and disaster management program by taking general education and emergency management courses. General education requirements include classes in the social sciences, STEM fields, and the humanities. Upper-division emergency management classes explore theoretical and practical issues in the field, preparing graduates for entry-level roles or further education.

American Public University at a Glance:

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1

Total Bachelor's Programs: 46

Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 46

Undergrad Tuition In State: $6,804

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,804

Graduation Rate: 40%

Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $49,200

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,804
Out-of-state
$6,804
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,615
Out-of-state
$6,615
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
45,249
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#3 Most Affordable Online Emergency Management Degrees

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, NE
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Bellevue University offers 58 bachelor's degrees, including a BS in emergency management program that stands out for its quality. The emergency management degree prepares students for a variety of entry-level careers in diverse industries. Graduates can also apply to master's programs, which open up additional career opportunities.

The bachelor's curriculum includes introductory emergency management classes and upper-division courses. Undergraduates also gain research, writing, and communication skills through general education requirements. Students can gain interdisciplinary training by choosing a minor or second major.

Incoming degree candidates receive strong support from the school's student services. For example, career counselors review job opportunities and connect students with employment opportunities.

Bellevue University at a Glance:

Location: Bellevue, Nebraska

Type of School: Private

Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 54

Undergrad Tuition In State: $7,176

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $7,176

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$7,176
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,530
Out-of-state
$10,530
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
11,637
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
95% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#4 Most Affordable Online Emergency Management Degrees

West Texas A&M University

  • Canyon, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The emergency management program at West Texas A&M University, which offers 58 bachelor's programs, stands out for its excellent reputation. This degree builds broad knowledge and skills that prepare students for entry- and mid-level careers. After earning a bachelor's degree, graduates also continue their education by applying to master's or doctoral programs.

The bachelor's curriculum covers the major principles and methods in emergency management. Undergraduates also gain communication, writing, and critical thinking skills in general education courses. Students gain interdisciplinary skills by declaring a minor or second major.

Incoming degree candidates receive strong support from the school's student services. Financial aid counselors work with students to determine the best sources of educational funding, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

West Texas A&M University at a Glance:

Location: Canyon, Texas

Type of School: Public

Admission Rate: 69%

Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 10

Undergrad Tuition In State: $5,554

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $6,960

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,554
Out-of-state
$6,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,823
Out-of-state
$5,668
Retention Rate
68%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
9,970
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Most Affordable Online Emergency Management Degrees

Jacksonville State University

  • Jacksonville, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, Jacksonville State University offers a top-ranked bachelor's program in emergency management. From its campus in Jacksonville, Alabama, the school offers flexible enrollment options, including online classes. Undergraduates participate in rigorous academic programs and benefit from comprehensive support services.

The program incorporates general education and major courses to build in-demand knowledge and skills. Humanities, math, and natural science courses, which make up the general education curriculum, strengthen critical thinking and communication skills. The program covers theoretical and advanced topics, preparing graduates for the workforce or further education.

Jacksonville State University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 55%

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Total Bachelor's Programs: 39

Total Online Bachelor's Programs: 3

Undergrad Tuition In State: $9,720

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $19,440

Average Amount Aid Awarded: $8,257

Graduation Rate: 41%

Average Graduate Earnings After Six Years: $31,800

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,720
Out-of-state
$19,440
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,600
Out-of-state
$19,200
Retention Rate
76%
Acceptance Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
9,021
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
70% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

See our rankings methodology page.

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