Amy Boyington is an Ohio-based freelance writer with degrees in English and education. As a lifelong learner herself, Amy enjoys researching and writing about colleges, degrees, and careers to help others navigate their educational paths.
Amy Boyington
Amy Boyington is an Ohio-based freelance writer with degrees in English and education. As a lifelong learner herself, Amy enjoys researching and writing about colleges, degrees, and careers to help others navigate their educational paths.
Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.
Reviewed
Veronica Beagle
Veronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Red Ventures as both a copy editor and content manager.
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Emergencies can happen anytime, without warning, as evidenced by the Covid-19 pandemic that shook the world. When emergencies occur, it’s crucial to have leaders and quick thinkers who are prepared to assess, react and respond to them.
Earning a master’s in emergency management online can shape you into one of these leaders by preparing you for natural disasters, security threats and health crises affecting widespread populations. This degree can lead to careers in government, hospitals and disaster response organizations.
If you want to make a difference with the next step in your career, continue reading to learn about the best online master’s in emergency management programs in the country. We ranked schools based on affordability, student outcomes and other important factors.
Our Methodology
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Show Summary
- Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management Degree Options
- Should You Enroll in an Emergency Management Master’s Online Program?
- Accreditation for Online Master’s Degrees in Emergency Management
- How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Emergency Management Program for You
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning an Online Master’s in Emergency Management
Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Emergency Management Master’s Online Program?
Some emergency management master’s degrees have specific components, like capstones or orientation programs, that require in-person attendance. However, many have no in-person requirements. Therefore, this degree typically lends itself to online learning, allowing students to access resources and complete assignments at their convenience while sticking to deadlines.
Completing an emergency management master’s program online could also be cost-effective for distance learners. By studying remotely, students can save on travel and on-campus housing costs. Additionally, some schools offer the same tuition rate to all online learners regardless of where they live, rather than charging higher rates to out-of-state students.
Still, online learning isn’t suitable for everyone. Students considering pursuing a master’s in emergency management online should have strong time-management skills and feel comfortable interacting with peers and instructors virtually.
Accreditation for Online Master’s Degrees in Emergency Management
At the institutional level, the accreditation process evaluates colleges and universities based on their faculty, academics and student outcomes. Attending an institutionally accredited school is necessary to qualify for federal student aid aid, like grants and loans. Institutional accreditation status can also impact credit transfers, doctoral program eligibility and employment opportunities.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education approve the organizations that determine institutional accreditation. CHEA maintains a searchable database of accreditors and accredited schools.
How To Find the Right Online Master’s in Emergency Management Program for You
If you’ve settled on earning your master’s in emergency management virtually, here’s how to narrow down your online options.
Consider Your Future Goals
An emergency management master’s program should prepare you to enter the workforce through comprehensive coursework in various types of disaster response. Still, some programs might align with your specific career goals more than others.
For instance, if you are switching into an emergency management career or don’t have any prior experience in the field, a degree program with an internship component might help you gain concrete skills you’ll use on the job.
Moreover, if you’re looking to complete your degree as quickly as possible, some programs offer accelerated formats, allowing you to graduate in about one year. Accelerated delivery may be more intensive, but it can also help you enter the field or advance your career faster than a traditional two-year program.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
Tuition rates vary significantly among online master’s in emergency management programs, so knowing your expected cost commitment can help you budget for the future.
Tuition for the programs in our top 10 averages $819 per credit. Generally, a master’s degree in emergency management requires 30 to 36 credits, making the total cost of these programs between $24,570 and $29,484. You should also factor into your budget other necessary expenses, like textbooks and student fees.
Notably, private colleges and universities tend to charge higher tuition rates than public schools. Seven of our top 10 university picks are private schools.
Comparatively, data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that during the 2022–23 school year, graduate students paid an average of $11,554 in tuition and fees at public schools. Those at private, nonprofit schools paid $20,400 on average. For a typical two-year master’s degree, average tuition ranged from around $23,100 to nearly $41,000.
You can fill out the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for federal student aid, like grants and loans. Your school may also offer scholarships or assistantships to help you finance your degree.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Earning an Online Master’s in Emergency Management
How long does it take to get a master’s in emergency management?
A master’s in emergency management typically requires 30 to 36 credits and takes two years to complete. Some schools offer accelerated options or accept transfer credits to reduce the completion time to as little as one year.
Which degree level is the lowest required for an emergency manager?
An emergency manager usually needs at least a bachelor’s degree. However, a master’s degree may help job candidates stand out to employers. Several master’s degrees in emergency management also allow students to earn industry-recognized certifications simultaneously, further increasing their marketability in an emergency manager career.
Can you get a Ph.D. in emergency management?
Yes, some schools offer a Ph.D. in emergency management, online or on campus. This educational pathway could benefit learners interested in emergency management public policy or program administration.
