emergency management phd programs online

Online Doctorate in Emergency Management

Online Emergency Management Degree: An Overview

How long does it take to earn a doctorate in emergency management online, how much does an online doctorate in emergency management cost, online doctorate in emergency management admissions requirements, choosing an accredited online emergency management doctoral degree program, online coursework, research project, professional associations in emergency management.

• National Emergency Management Association : Founded in 1974, NEMA represents emergency management directors in all 50 states, eight U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. Since 2003, the association has offered a standardized training course for incoming emergency management directors. NEMA also offers webinar courses in addition to annual training in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Full-time students may join NEMA at a discounted rate of $50 per year.
• International Association of Emergency Managers : IAEM represents more than 6,000 members who work in emergency management. The association offers credentials for associate and certified emergency managers as well as an online job and internship board. IAEM has also hosted an annual conference since 1952.
• Disaster Recovery Institute International : DRI International represents more than 15,000 certified professionals in more than 100 countries. The organization offers 14 certifications in areas like health care continuity, public sector continuity and risk management. Training and workshop opportunities are also available.

Example courses

• Disaster management principles and practice
• Application of emergency management theory
• Hazards risk management and community resilience
• Emergency management operations and planning
• Methods for disaster research

Job Outlook and Salaries for Graduates

What can you do with a doctorate in emergency management.

• Director of business continuity and emergency management : These professionals create emergency contingency plans for organizations that must offer 24/7 services, such as health care facilities, public utilities and postsecondary institutions. They typically meet with various colleagues and department heads to establish a prioritized continuity plan based on public need. Because this is an executive-level position that may involve life-or-death situations, many employers prefer to hire directors with a postgraduate degree and extensive work experience.
• Disaster recovery coordinator : Disaster recovery coordinators create and implement comprehensive plans for disaster situations, including service-level support and backup plans. They also oversee infrastructural operations when disasters occur.

Licensure and certification

How much are salaries for emergency management graduates.

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Online Doctoral Degree Doctor of Emergency Management

The Doctor of Emergency Management (DEM) prepares students with the knowledge and skills needed for careers in contemporary emergency management roles, emphasizing theoretical and practical leadership components. As students become practitioners in the field, they learn to analyze data, design evidence-based research, integrate theoretical frameworks, and make professional recommendations to solve some of the most complex challenges in the emergency management field.

Doctoral Dissertation

Doctoral students are required to complete a dissertation and defend their research before a committee and University representatives, which may take place at a distance through audio/visual means. No degree shall be awarded without majority of committee approval. Information regarding this capstone doctoral requirement is published in the Dissertation Handbook.

Graduates will successfully complete a minimum of 61 semester hours and dissertation research courses as outlined below.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Degree at a Glance

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Program Summary

Program description, learning outcomes.

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

Concentration

Concentration outcomes, ready to get started.

For more information regarding courses outside the recommended course of study, view the full course listing . ( * Indicates recommended course of study. )

Major Requirements

credit hours

12 credit hours

To fulfill the General Concentration for this degree, student may choose any 5000-6000 level course not used to satisfy program requirements. Student can review all available courses at our full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing general concentration course options.

General Education

The following courses indicated by * are recommended to satisfy General Education Requirements .

To fulfill open electives, students may choose any course not used to satisfy program requirements, taking into consideration the degree program upper-level requirements. Students can review all available courses at our  full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing open elective options.

Program Electives

Dissertation requirements.

To satisfy the requirements of the Doctor of Emergency Management, students must complete a minimum of 15 hours of dissertation/research hours. Doctor of Emergency Management students should communicate regularly with their dissertation chair regarding the completion of these hours.

Tuition Rates

Our goal is to provide the strongest online academic programs at an affordable rate. On average, our tuition is less than half the cost of our competitors.

* Rates are per credit hour. Most courses are three (3) credit hours. Tuition and fees are payable in U.S. funds. Tuition rates are subject to change. CSU’s tuition rate for associate, bachelor’s and master’s courses is $250 per credit hour for all active-duty military members using tuition assistance except those who are using a Learning Partner discount. The lower rate is offered to keep the tuition rate at the DoD cap of $250. † CSU Learning Partners receive a tuition discount that is applied to the full tuition rate.

Tuition reports include tuition and required fees per academic year for full time beginning students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Winter 2021-2022, Student Financial Aid component.

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2024 Best Online PhD in Emergency Management Programs

Are you thinking about earning an online PhD in Emergency Management?

A doctorate in emergency management can help prepare you to pursue leadership roles in organizations that respond to public emergencies and crises.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

There are many options available for pursuing your PhD. Online degree programs in emergency management are often the most flexible format, as some allow you to earn your degree anytime, anywhere. Plus, a growing number of universities offer accelerated online degree programs in emergency management .

Universities Offering Online PhD in Emergency Management Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Colorado Technical University

At Colorado Technical University, you can earn a Doctorate of Management with a concentration in Homeland Security, which is a specialized type of emergency management. This is an online degree program with a residency component.

There are multiple start dates throughout the year, and the degree may be completed in three years.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

George Washington University

George Washington University offers an online Ph.D. in Engineering Management program that includes the study of natural disaster logistics and related topics. Crisis, emergency, and risk management are among the top research areas of the department.

In this program, you may also have the opportunity to study other topics, such as environmental and energy management.

George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Jacksonville State University

At Jacksonville State University, you can earn a Doctorate of Science in Emergency Management. This degree program requires 42 hours of coursework and a minimum of 18 hours of dissertation credit. Coursework is entirely online, but students must attend a weeklong seminar on campus once each year.

Jacksonville State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University offers an online PhD in Business Administration with a specialization in Homeland Security Leadership and Policy.

This degree program teaches emergency management as it pertains to preventing and responding to terrorist attacks. As part of this program, you will be expected to study topics such as terrorism, strategy, intelligence, and critical infrastructure security issues.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

North Dakota State University

North Dakota State University’s doctoral program in emergency management is an on-campus program. It aims to prepare graduates to conduct scientific research on the best methods of emergency management with the goal of creating new knowledge.

Graduates of this program are expected to know how to analyze public policy as it relates to emergency management.

North Dakota State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University has one of the oldest Fire and Emergency Management Administration programs in the nation. OSU offers doctorates in this field both online and on-campus.

The degree program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in fire and rescue, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and homeland security.

Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

St Johns University

St. John’s University offers a Doctorate of Professional Studies in Homeland Security that is available online and on-campus.

This degree program can help you learn to conduct research more effectively and to think critically about real-world security problems. It requires 78 credit hours to complete.

St. John’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Maryland – Baltimore County

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County offers a Ph.D. in Public Policy with a concentration in Emergency Services. The program requires 48 credit hours of coursework and 18 hours of dissertation research.

Courses can be taken online or in-person with a full-time or part-time schedule.

UMBC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Nebraska Medical Center

The Emergency Preparedness concentration in the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s online Doctor of Public Health program focuses on preventing disease or injury and improving health. The curriculum explores essential strategies for preparing communities for disasters and operating in leading roles during disaster response.

Graduates often pursue work as health department directors or health policy advisors.

The UNMC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Walden University

Walden University offers an online Ph.D. in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Emergency Management. The program includes a fast-track option in which you can complete your degree quickly by taking more courses each term.

This specialization can allow you opportunities to earn certificates from the FEMA Emergency Management Institute.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Online PhD in Emergency Management Programs

The field of emergency management is about helping people in times of emergency. The four phases of emergency management are mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. An online doctorate in emergency management provides in-depth instruction about each of these four phases.

Earning an online emergency management PhD can help qualify you to pursue management or leadership positions in an organization that provides emergency management services.

These organizations can include state or local government agencies and private organizations, such as hospitals, colleges and universities, and private companies.

Emergency management directors who work for private businesses are sometimes called business continuity managers. It is their job to ensure that the business experiences minimal losses and can continue operating as normally as possible in the event of an emergency.

Some professionals who work in emergency management may specialize in dealing with specific types of emergencies, such as fires, earthquakes, or threats to homeland security. Most careers in emergency management involve looking for ways to prevent emergencies from happening in the first place.

Responsibilities of emergency management professionals can include creating plans for how to keep people safe in the event of an emergency and assisting those who have experienced injuries or property damage.

Emergency Management Careers & Salaries

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , emergency management directors make a median annual salary of $74,590. The following careers are related to the field of emergency management.

Many different types of businesses, organizations, and government agencies need workers who are knowledgeable about preventing, planning for, and responding to emergencies. Earning emergency management doctorates online can help prepare students to meet this need.

Holding a PhD typically qualifies you for higher earnings. PhD graduates can also pursue research or postsecondary teaching positions.

Emergency Management Doctorate Curriculum

Here are some examples of courses you might take while earning a doctoral degree in emergency management.

• Disaster Management Principles and Practice : This course provides an overview of disaster management.
• Application of Emergency Management Theory : This course discusses how to relate theoretical knowledge of emergency management to real-world situations.
• Hazards Risk Management and Community Resilience : This course covers how to keep communities safe and prepared as well as how to equip communities to recover from possible disasters.
• Emergency Management Operations and Planning : This course covers how to form strategic plans for preventing and responding to emergencies.
• Methods for Disaster Research : This course discusses how to conduct research on the most effective methods of emergency management.
• Emergency Management Systems : This course explores how to create and implement systems for handling emergencies within government agencies or other organizations.
• Emergency Management Policy and Administration : This course discusses legal aspects of emergency management.
• Contemporary Issues in Emergency Management : This course discusses how current events and social issues might affect emergency management.
• Risk Management : This course covers how to minimize risks so that emergencies are unlikely to happen.
• Psychology of Emergency Management : This course explores how people usually behave and are affected mentally and emotionally in crisis situations.

In addition to taking courses, earning a PhD typically requires the completion of a dissertation.

Admissions Requirements

Here are some common admission requirements for doctoral degree programs in emergency management.

• Master’s degree in emergency management or a related field
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal essay

If you are asked to submit a resumé, previous work experience related to emergency management will probably be advantageous.

Many degree programs have minimum GPA requirements. Some may require that you provide GRE scores. Every degree program has its own application and admissions requirements, so you may want to look into a school’s particular requirements before applying.

Accreditation

Regional accreditation can be an important factor to consider when choosing a doctoral program.

An accredited degree often holds more credibility with employers. Credits from an accredited institution are also more likely to transfer to another school or program. In order to receive the status of regional accreditation, colleges are regularly evaluated to ensure that they are providing a quality education.

These evaluations are done by outside organizations, such as the seven regional accrediting organizations that have been approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) .

Financial Aid and Scholarships

You may be wondering if you can still qualify for student financial aid while completing an online PhD in Emergency Management.

Financial aid and scholarships are often available for doctoral students who qualify, even if they are completing their degrees online. As an online doctoral student, you may be able to qualify for federal aid, state aid, employer programs, or scholarships.

You can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for federal financial aid.

Professional Emergency Management Organizations

The following are some professional organizations for those working in the field of emergency management.

• National Emergency Management Association
• International Association of Emergency Managers
• Disaster Recovery Institute International
• International Disaster Emergency Service
• The International Association for Preparedness and Response

As you grow your career in emergency management, you may find it helpful to join a professional organization. Joining one can provide networking opportunities and a supportive community that you can learn from.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Emergency Management?

The most common job title for professionals in the field of emergency management is emergency management director. Emergency management directors develop plans for how their organization will respond to certain emergencies and think of ways to prevent these situations from arising when possible.

There are many different types of public and private organizations that hire emergency management workers. Some professionals in the field work for organizations that provide relief to victims of natural disasters, and others work in homeland security for the government.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for emergency management directors is $74,590. Doctoral graduates, though, may qualify for higher starting average salaries. PhD graduates may also go on to pursue a research position or a teaching position at a university.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Emergency Management Online?

Earning a Ph.D. can potentially be a big time commitment. How long it takes you to complete your degree can depend on your program as well as how you pace yourself.

Full-time students typically need 3 to 5 years to complete a PhD. Part-time students may take longer overall, but going to school part-time requires less of a time commitment each semester.

An online degree program, whether it’s an online masters in emergency management or one at the doctoral level, often offers flexible scheduling, which can enable you to choose a course load that is right for you.

What Does an Emergency Management Director Do?

Emergency management directors can have many responsibilities. Common duties include looking for possible hazards, recommending preventative measures, and creating and reviewing plans for how to respond to emergencies.

For example, an emergency management director at a hospital might figure out the most efficient way to evacuate the building in the event of a fire. Emergency management directors also typically have administrative responsibilities. For instance, they might need to assess property damages in the aftermath of an emergency.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top industries that hire emergency management directors are professional, scientific, and technical services, colleges and professional schools, hospitals, and state and local governments.

Is a PhD in Emergency Management Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Emergency Management is worth it for many students. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for emergency management directors is projected to grow at a rate of 4% over the next decade.

In the field of emergency management, there is a consistent need for people who are very knowledgeable about how to respond to emergencies.

If you already have education and work experience in emergency management, earning your doctoral degree can help you develop and increase your knowledge and improve your general critical thinking skills in this field.

Getting Your PhD in Emergency Management Online

The field of emergency management can be very rewarding as you work to assist people and provide safety. Earning your doctoral degree might expand your career options or qualify you for higher pay.

If you are considering earning a doctoral degree in emergency management, there are many different program options available. For instance, there are many online degree programs that provide both convenience and flexible scheduling.

You can start the next step in your educational journey today by exploring emergency management doctoral programs from accredited universities.

15 Best Emergency Management Doctorates Online 2019

An emergency management degree is one of the smartest career choices in the 21st century, for a lot of reasons: pay, job market demand, and opportunities for advancement are just a few. Modern emergency response is incredibly complex, led by a mix of local, regional, and national government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private companies, faith-based charities – the list goes on and on (just look at FEMA’s list of emergency management organizations ). Administration for emergency response, whether for natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or infrastructure failures, requires specialized knowledge in addition to advanced leadership skills – which is exactly what you get from an Emergency Management PhD.

Why Get an Online Emergency Management Degree?

Most people even considering an emergency management doctorate are already busy working professionals in the field, which means they can’t easily leave their jobs to go back to school – after all, we need all the emergency response professionals we can get. That has made online emergency management degree programs more and more common, as universities have worked to meet the demand. Online emergency management doctorates are not quite as common as online master’s degrees, but as the emergency relief system has become more complex, a doctorate has become standard for the higher reaches of administration and executive positions.

Emergency management is a unique field because it encompasses so many disciplines: engineering, environmental science, political science, business, and even technology and research. Because of the nature of the job, emergency management PhD programs are usually interdisciplinary in nature, and can be offered by several different departments or schools. Emergency management also overlaps with degrees like the Doctor of Business Administration ,  engineering doctorate degrees , and, of course, Homeland Security .

Ranking the Best Emergency Management Doctorate Online Programs

For the benefit of emergency response professionals who are interested in earning their doctoral degrees, Online PhD has ranked the top 15 Online Emergency Management Doctorate Programs. To rank the best online PhD in emergency management, we researched all of the fully online Emergency Management PhD programs available from US colleges and universities, then ranked them according to three factors:

• Cost: Current IPEDS data
• Reputation: Current Niche grade
• Return on Investment: Current College Scorecard alumni salary data

All of the online Emergency Management PhD programs ranked by Online PhD (except for one) are regionally accredited; some have even earned NSA and Department of Homeland Security recognition .

1. George Mason University – Fairfax, VA

George Mason University began in 1949 as an extension campus for the University of Virginia, part of the post-WWII effort to meet the higher education demands of returning veterans. As the Washington, DC, metropolitan area spread, however, Fairfax became one of the main suburbs of the capital, and a small branch campus was not enough. Today, GMU is not only an independent, top-tier public research university – it has far outgrown the flagship in Charlottesville in student body size, and has developed a high level of political influence thanks to its relationships with alumni working in the Beltway.

GMU’s online Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security provides working professionals with a way to increase their credentials and earn advancement in their career. Designed specifically for the needs of current professionals in law enforcement, fire and rescue, civil service, and private consultation, the online certificate can be applied to an MPA in Public Administration, or added on to a PhD program for a doctorate-level Emergency Management degree. Though it is not a full Emergency Management PhD, it gets students closer to their terminal degree with a low cost and extremely high reputation.

Degree: Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Homeland Security Cost: $$ $$$

2. University of Maryland, Baltimore County – Baltimore, MD

Although the University of Maryland, Baltimore County is not the flagship of the UM system (that’s UM College Park, the state’s land-grant university), UMBC is the original University of Maryland campus and one of the oldest public universities in the nation. Originally founded in 1807 as a medical school, UMBC was the first University of Maryland, and through more than two centuries has held fast to its commitment to top-tier professional education in medicine, law, and the social sciences. In that capacity, UMBC has long been central to the well-being of Maryland’s people, educating a high proportion of the state’s civic leaders, doctors, nurses, and other professionals throughout the years.

UMBC’s PhD in Public Policy degree program offers a concentration in Emergency Services that can provide working professionals with the tools they need to advance in the field. Designed for both part-time and full-time students, the Public Policy PhD also provides a path for students who do not already have a master’s degree. The UMBC emergency management PhD is not a fully online program; rather, this low-residency plan requires weekly classes scheduled in the evening, supplemented with online coursework, for the convenience of working professionals. UMBC is Maryland’s top location for an emergency management degree, with a long-standing influence in the state’s public sector.

Degree: PhD in Public Policy-Emergency Services Cost: $$ $$$

3. Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, OK

Founded in 1890 (when Oklahoma was still two frontier territories), Oklahoma State University is the Sooner State’s land-grant public research university, long ranked a best regional university and best value for the Midwest. For the entirety of Oklahoma’s existence, OSU has played a central role in STEM research and education, as well as professional studies in fields ranging from agriculture and engineering to business and human sciences. That foundation makes OSU one of the best places in the Midwest to study fields related to public policy and public administration, while the School of Global Studies and Partnerships makes OSU the state’s hub for international careers.

The OSU online International Disaster and Emergency Management (IDEM) Graduate Certificate makes a convenient way for working professionals in the field to earn higher credentials, or make the first steps toward an emergency management PhD. Students take 6 credits in International Studies, 6 credits in Fire and Emergency Management, and 6 elective courses, creating a strong understanding of how disasters can be handles on a global level. Oklahoma State has earned a strong reputation throughout the US as an online educator, and its expertise in disaster and emergency management show in the IDEM certificate.

Degree: International Disaster and Emergency Management (IDEM) Graduate Certificate Cost: $ $$$$

4. Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis – Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis is one of the most unusual public research universities in the nation, born out of necessity and an exceptional sense of cooperation from Indiana’s two top institutions. In 1969, when Indiana University and Purdue University made the decision to combine their urban outreach campuses in the state capital, they did more than pool their resources: they made a unique university that was more than the sum of its parts, and that quickly became central to research and education in the Midwest. Following the mission of its original parts, IUPUI continues to specialize in adult education, and remains dedicated to accessibility and quality, including its nationally-ranked online degree programs.

The IUPUI online PhD Minor in Homeland Security and Emergency Management gives students working on a PhD in another field to add a fully online doctoral minor. The Emergency Management minor adds four courses in emergency management, risk analysis, security, and related concepts. Students must already be enrolled in a doctoral program at IUPUI to add on the online Emergency Management degree. With the key courses in the emergency management minor, graduate students can make their related PhD into an Emergency Management PhD, and be prepared for a new career, or for advancement in their current career.

Degree: PhD Minor in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Cost: $$ $$$

5. George Washington University – Washington, DC

Named for the first president – who envisioned a national university in the nation’s capital as the ultimate symbol of the United States’ coming of age – George Washington University has been at the center of higher education in the District of Columbia since 1821, when it was chartered by an act of Congress. Today, GWU is one of the most politically connected and politically influential universities in the nation, thanks to a long line of public officials GWU counts among its alumni, and because of the many partnerships the university has established with government agencies, private industry, and NGO nonprofits. A working professional who wants to have a high-powered career in any field related to the government can expect results from George Washington University.

Among its many strengths, GWU is particularly known for its School of Engineering & Applied Science, and the GWU online PhD in Engineering Management is one of the top programs of its kind in the world. Students can choose to focus their research and practice in Crisis, Emergency, and Risk Managements, one of the predominant research areas for the program. For future leaders in the field, the PhD program focuses on areas like logistics, financial engineering, and decision-making. While the program is not fully online, students can apply to enroll online or at one of GWU’s satellite locations throughout Virginia. With GWU’s connections throughout the Beltway, graduates come out of the program with incredible career potential.

Degree: PhD in Engineering Management – Crisis, Emergency, and Risk Management focus Cost: $$$$$

6. University of Illinois at Chicago – Chicago, IL

The University of Illinois at Chicago began in 1946, intended only to give returning WWII veterans a local campus where they could take the first two years of general education courses; then, presumably, they would transfer to the UI main campus. What Illinois officials didn’t expect was how in-demand higher education would become, not only making the temporary two-year campus permanent, but giving the state reason to open a comprehensive, independent university within just 20 years. Today, UI Chicago is not just a center of professional studies and research for Illinois and the Midwest; it is regularly ranked as one of the top public research universities in the US. UIC’s many exceptional online programs have only added to its reputation.

UIC’s Emergency Management and Continuity Planning Graduate Certificate gives professionals in a variety of disciplines the knowledge of emergency planning and leadership they need to advance or change careers. Five online, graduate-level courses give students give students a strong grounding in communication, information systems, risk management, vulnerability analysis, and other crucial aspects of emergency management. This collaborative program between the School of Public Health and the College of Business is fully online and taught by experienced practitioners, upholding UIC’s nationally-respected reputation.

Degree: Emergency Management and Continuity Planning Graduate Certificate Cost: $$ $$$

7. University of Delaware – Newark, DE

Founded in 1743, the University of Delaware is one of the oldest schools in the US, though it did not become a college until 1833. Delaware’s largest university, UD is a public research institution with land, sea, space, and urban grants, playing a critical role in higher education for the second-smallest state in the union. Because it is the only university of its stature in the state, UD is central to STEM research and education, as well as preparing Delaware’s professionals in areas ranging from education and business to public service. The comprehensive School of Public Policy and Administration is responsible for educating leaders in Delaware’s government, ranked one of the top public policy schools in the nation.

The University of Delaware online PhD in Disaster Science & Management degree program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the complex work of responding to natural disasters. The PhD builds on knowledge from environmental science, management skills, policy, technology, and even health systems to help students get the full picture of a disaster management career. The 42-credit online emergency management degree also requires a dissertation, and students must spend one out of the full three years in residency, which may be done through a combination of fall and spring semesters.

Degree: PhD in Disaster Science and Management Cost: $$$$ $

8. New Jersey City University – Jersey City, NJ

New Jersey City University began, like many regional public universities, as the state’s normal school, training teachers for the public school system in a hands-on, 2-year program. However, as Jersey City grew into one of the largest industrial and metropolitan areas of New Jersey, the little teacher-training school grew into a full, comprehensive public university, giving New Jersey’s students and working adults an affordable, convenient location to earn higher degrees in all kinds of fields. Today, NJCU is crucial the the state’s professional leadership, with graduates entering all levels of law enforcement, government service, industry, and other sectors.

The NJCU online Doctor of Science in Civil Security Leadership, Management, and Policy provides working professionals, and future security experts, a generalist program that can be applied to numerous career paths. There are three main areas of focus: National Security, Corporate Security, and Cybersecurity. As a practitioner’s doctorate degree, the DSci program is designed not for academic research, but for practical application, giving working professionals expertise and skills they can use immediately in their current careers. Students will attend a two week summer residency, as well as four shorter weekend visits; all other coursework is available in a fully online format.

Degree: DSc in Civil Security Cost: $$ $$$

9. Jacksonville State University – Jacksonville, AL

Jacksonville State’s online DSc in Emergency Management degree program was actually the university’s first doctoral degree, offered beginning in 2011, and today it has grown into a model for the field. Students work through a highly-developed curriculum that covers all areas of disaster management, from research and analysis, to administration and policy, to actual practice. All coursework is available fully online (in fact, only online – there is no on-campus program), though students must attend a 1-week intensive session each year. Exams can be completed on-site or off-site, and a dissertation is required to complete the program.

Degree: DSc in Emergency Management Cost: $ $$$$

10. Colorado Technical University – Colorado Springs, CO

Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University began as a small vocational school focused on training former military personnel for civilian careers, but it didn’t take long for the school to far outgrow that original mission. By 1995, CTU had reached university status, and had earned regional accreditation, a rare feat for a for-profit tech school. It was also around that time that CTU leapt into online education, becoming one of the first and foremost names in online higher education. Besides accreditation, CTU is recognized as a National Center of Educational Excellence by the NSA and Department of Homeland Security.

CTU’s Doctor of Management-Global Leadership degree program builds on the university’s excellence in global security, international affairs, and diplomacy. Designed for working professionals in international fields, the Global Leadership program focuses on the complex work of collaboration between international organizations, including governments, NGOs, and private industry. While it’s not precisely an online Emergency Management degree, partnered with a certificate or degree in emergency management, the Doctor of Management can provide the credentials for advancement in all sorts of international relief organizations.

Degree: Doctor of Management-Global Leadership Cost: $$ $$$

11. School Removed

12. northern kentucky university – highland heights, ky.

Northern Kentucky University began in 1948 as an extension campus for the flagship University of Kentucky (in Lexington), working to meet the demand created by returning WWII veterans using their GI Bill benefits to go back to school. In just two decades, the campus had become an independent institution, and today Northern Kentucky stands as a highly respected regional university. Primarily dedicated to undergraduate education, in recent years NKU has earned a wider reputation as an online educator, and expanded its graduate options for working professionals and nontraditional students.

The NKU online Emergency Management Certificate program provides working professionals in some aspect of emergency management the chance to enhance their education and career with a convenient, 18-credit graduate certificate. Students can earn the certificate at their own pace, either in a hybrid or fully-online format, bringing together lectures, small groups, and service learning for a well-rounded educational experience. The certificate may also be transferred to MPA or doctoral programs in emergency management.

Degree: Emergency Management Certificate Cost: $$ $$$

13. Walden University – Minneapolis, MN

Before it was one of the premiere online higher education institutions, Walden University was a boldly successful experiment in distance education. Starting in 1970, Walden was founded by educational reformers looking for a way to help teachers earn their doctoral degree from a distance, without having to leave their careers. From that original concept, Walden has grown into a regionally-accredited, nationally-recognized online university, giving working professionals in all sorts of industries and disciplines the opportunity to earn their higher degrees from a distance. A private, public-benefit corporation, Walden focuses on the needs of students, keeping practical, market-ready skills at its core.

The Walden University online PhD in Public Policy and Administration degree program offers many specializations, including Emergency Management. Walden’s online Emergency Management PhD program prepares professionals for the complexities of modern emergency management, with the many organizations and agencies involved in responding to disasters and emergency situations. The Walden PhD focuses on leadership for contemporary disaster management, bringing together an interdisciplinary approach to the field. All coursework is online, though there are four on-campus residencies over the course of the program, no more than 16 days.

Degree: PhD in Public Policy and Administration Cost: $$$ $$

14. Northcentral University – San Diego, CA

Northcentral University was one of the first institutions founded from the beginning as a fully online university, starting in 1996 when online education was just beginning to look like a viable alternative to traditional college. Northcentral made its name on practical, career-oriented programs, focusing on skills that students can apply directly to their current jobs, and use to advance or change careers. Getting into online education early, Northcentral is unique among fully online universities by being not only regionally accredited, but accredited for some specific programs as well. With a long-standing reputation, Northcentral is the first choice for many working professionals.

Northcentral’s online PhD in Psychology, Trauma, and Disaster Relief degree program takes a different approach to disaster management than most universities. Rather than a management or environmental science degree, Northcentral’s PhD-PSY takes on disasters from a psychological perspective. Students learn specialized approaches to helping patients recover from trauma of all sorts, from natural disasters and terrorist attacks to bullying and abuse. Students who intend to practice must already be licensed practitioners; the online PhD in Psychology does not qualify for licensure. All coursework is fully online, and students can complete the PhD in four years.

Degree: PhD in Psychology, Trauma and Disaster Relief Cost: $$ $$$

15. Bircham International University

Bircham International University was founded in 1992 as a nontraditional approach to adult education, creating a decentralized, international network of fully online degree programs in a variety of in-demand fields. From the beginning, BIU was intended as a totally alternative approach to education; while the university is fully online, and not accredited in the countries it serves, Bircham’s degrees have been recognized as following international standards for best practices. As a largely independent course of study, Bircham’s programs are best for self-motivated students who have a specific educational need.

BIU’s online PhD in Security & Emergency Management degree program is intended for working professionals in the security and emergency response field who need a higher degree to enhance their career. The fully-online emergency management degree uses independent research and reading, allowing students to direct their curriculum toward their own specific needs. The basic degree requires 21 credits beyond a master’s degree, though students can also supplement with business and management courses for further specialization.

Degree: PhD in Security & Emergency Management Cost: $$ $$$

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Best Online Doctorate in Emergency Management Programs

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Updated November 30, 2023

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An online doctorate in emergency management will prepare you for executive and academic positions in the growing field of emergency management. Due to the rise of terrorism and the growing frequency of natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and floods, emergency management has grown into a thriving profession over the past decade. Transformed by 9/11, the field continues to develop, and the need for high-level, administrative professionals grows steadily. To meet this need, several universities offer online doctoral programs in emergency management.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for executives in emergency management will remain steady. Several of the occupations a Ph.D. in emergency management prepares you for continue to add jobs at rates well above the national average. Medical and health service managers , for example, command salaries near $104,000 a year and run public health agencies in an industry growing by 28% through 2032. College professors in emergency management also outpace the national growth-rate average.

Featured Online PhD Programs

The best online doctorate in emergency management degree programs.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 Best Online Doctorate in Emergency Management Programs

Jacksonville State University

• Jacksonville, AL
• Online + Campus

The doctor of science in emergency management program at Jacksonville State University offers an online option. The public university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors and career advisors.

The doctoral program incorporates advanced emergency management coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. Graduates with a doctorate pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.

Online doctoral students at the accredited institution pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and loans. Prospective applicants can contact the program for more about financial aid and admission requirements.

Jacksonville State University at a Glance:

Online Student Enrollment: 6,329

Online Master's Programs: 14

Online Doctoral Programs: 2

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

Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,600

#2 Best Online Doctorate in Emergency Management Programs

Capella University

• Minneapolis, MN

The doctor of emergency management program at Capella University uses an online learning format. With its flexible format, the private university helps degree-seekers complete a doctorate. Doctoral students engage in advanced research and benefit from support services.

The doctoral program incorporates advanced emergency management coursework. Doctoral candidates move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. As the terminal degree in emergency management, the doctoral program trains graduates for roles in academia, research, and industry.

Online doctoral students can pay for their degree with scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid. Contact the emergency management program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.

Capella University at a Glance:

Online Master's Programs: 76

Online Doctoral Programs: 60

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,767

#3 Best Online Doctorate in Emergency Management Programs

Walden University

The Ph.D. in criminal justice program at Walden University appeals to doctoral students seeking an online route to their degree. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.

The online emergency management program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. With a doctorate in emergency management, professionals work in academia, research, and leadership roles.

Doctoral students qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs at the accredited institution. Reach out to the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admissions requirements, and start dates.

Walden University at a Glance:

Online Master's Programs: 39

Online Doctoral Programs: 20

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Graduate Tuition Rate: $12,039

Online Doctorate in Emergency Management Degree Programs Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools  cannot buy better rankings  at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The  Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System  (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's  National Center for Education Statistics  (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the  College Navigator .

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from  AcademicInfluence.com , subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About our ranking factors.

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

• Collapse All

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%, online enrollment - 10%.

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through  contact page .

We thank you for your readership and trust.

Choosing an Online Emergency Management Program

50 Best Online Colleges & Universities Emergencies take many forms and the field of emergency management trains students to plan for and respond natural disasters, health outbreaks, and manmade attacks. The field takes an interdisciplinary approach, with courses in subjects diverse as law enforcement, disaster relief, national security, and public health. Emergency management doctoral degree online programs also offer classes dedicated to administrative skills, including communication, public speaking, leadership, and critical thinking. Together, these subjects create an exciting program designed to create leaders ready to handle a variety of situations.

Doctorate emergency management online programs differ widely, so do your homework. Many schools offer them as part of criminal justice or homeland security programs, while others grow out of MBAs. Make sure you understand the requirements of each program that interests you. Many Ph.D. programs require a thesis or dissertation, while others call for a practicum experience. Furthermore, some programs offer concentrations in areas like public health, counter terrorism, or fire science, while others simply blend these subjects into the degree itself. The diversity of these programs means that you can find a program that suits your career interests.

What Else Can I Expect From an Online Doctorate in Emergency Management Program?

Because emergency management doctoral programs take interdisciplinary approaches, they tend to vary widely. Some programs concentrate on one area, such as administrative skills, while others focus heavily on disaster preparedness. Most, however, include classes like those on the list below.

Curriculum for an Online Doctoral Degree in Emergency Management

• Emergency Management Systems: This course explores the infrastructure of emergency management, including communications and agencies. Because it focuses on theory and incident command, it provides great training for jobs in emergency management.
• Contemporary Issues in Emergency Management: The latest trends and challenges in emergency management form the basis for this class. It looks at the use of social media and other communications, risk-based planning, and jurisdictional issues, making it particularly useful to administrators and other leaders in any emergency management area.
• Risk Management: This course focuses on how to mitigate the risk of natural and manmade threats, with particular emphasis on threat identification. The topic helps anyone going into emergency management but especially those in risk assessment.
• Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector: This course examines the administrative side of emergency management, including determining who is responsible for paying for disasters and ensuring administrators have access to appropriate resources. The course serves as exceptional training for anyone on the leadership side of a government agency.
• Dissertation Research: Doctoral education almost always includes a dissertation, and this class prepares you for the research. It features help at uncovering resources, identifying sources, and organization.

Careers with a Doctorate in Emergency Management

Online doctorate in emergency management programs position you to step into a wide range of fields. You might take a position as a college professor, lecturing to classes on homeland security, or work in public health, traveling the world to prevent disease outbreaks. You could work for FEMA or take a job with a private corporation, keeping their operations safe from natural and manmade disasters.

• Median Annual Salary: $79,180
• Projected Growth Rate: 3%
• Median Annual Salary: $80,840
• Projected Growth Rate: 8%
• Median Annual Salary: $104,830
• Projected Growth Rate: 28%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Featured Image Credit: Juan Sebastian Cuellar Rodriguez | EyeEm | Getty Images

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Public Health Practice, DrPH (Emergency Preparedness)

Doctor of Public Health Degree in Public Health Practice with a Concentration in Emergency Preparedness

The online Doctor of Public Health Program (DrPH) in Public Health Practice with a concentration in Emergency Preparedness provides high-level problem solving and critical thinking knowledge and skills that can be used in preparing for and responding to emergencies.

Total Credits

Cost Per Credit

Accreditation

Students in the DrPH program gain skills to:

• Formulate solutions to challenges from complex disasters.
• Evaluate need and implement an Area Command or a Multiagency Coordination Center (MAC).
• Organize and manage a command structure to support an expanding event.
• Construct an exercise program for an agency or organization.
• Conduct a tabletop exercise, functional exercise and full-scale exercise.

Courses focus on the concepts inherent to leadership and the management of complex events in Emergency Preparedness through the phases of prevention, protection, response and recovery, to prepare students for high level leadership positions both in public health and healthcare. Additional courses such as Exercise Development and Managing Complex Incidents provide essential strategies to prepare their organization/community for a disaster, as well as how to operate in a leading role during a disaster response.

DrPH students also work with leaders in public health practice during practicum experiences providing the opportunity to apply academic knowledge in a practice setting and complete a practice-based dissertation consistent with an advanced practice designed to influence programs, policies or systems addressing public health.

The DrPH in Public Health Practice degree prepares students to work as a leader or administrator in a variety of practice-based settings with the public, private or academic sectors. DrPH graduates advance programs, policies and systems to improve population health in the United States and globally.

The DrPH in Public Health Practice differs substantially from a PhD, focusing on preventing disease or injury and improving the health within a specific community. Graduates are expected to occupy leadership positions having a major influence on achieving important broad-reaching public health objectives in communities. A PhD degree focuses on the skills needed to make research-based contributions to the field of public health contributing to generalizable knowledge.

Additional Program Information

For up-to-date application, course and licensure information, visit the campus program page.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center trains more health professionals than any other institution in the state. UNMC’s scientists and clinicians are at the leading edge of discovering new medical breakthroughs, transforming lives across the state and around the world.

UNMC has come together with its primary clinical partner, Nebraska Medicine, on a set of core values, which include focusing on the educational learner, research scope and prominence, clinical excellence, community engagement. Diversity, equity and inclusion, economic development, as well as organizational culture and leadership.

Career Outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of emergency management directors is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029. The importance of preparing for and minimizing the risk from emergencies will sustain demand and employment opportunities for emergency management directors. These workers will be needed to help businesses and organizations continue to provide essential services during and after emergencies.

Examples of careers with a DrPH include:

• Health department director
• Health policy advisor
• Public health program director
• Community health manager

Finance Your Education

The University of Nebraska offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in the region, particularly for our online programs. Explore the array of funding options to finance your education in a way that makes sense for you.

Online tuition rates are calculated by credit hour and college offering the course and, because the University of Nebraska is a public institution supported by Nebraska taxpayers, Nebraska residents may receive a lower tuition rate than out-of-state students.

If you are a college student considering transferring courses, an adult returning to college or a high school student with college credit, Transfer Nebraska is for you.

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2024 Best Online PhD in Emergency Management [Doctoral Programs]

If you want to pursue a senior role in an exciting field that requires complex administrative, operational, and communications management, then you may want to consider getting an online PhD in Emergency Management.

Disaster readiness and response involve many logistical challenges, operational complexities, and organizational leadership demands. Earning a PhD is a strategic way to develop a wider field of competencies and qualify for more senior or leadership positions.

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A Ph.D. can also give you additional research credibility, helping you position yourself for jobs in public policy or academia.

Online Emergency Management PhD Programs

Emergency management happens at all levels: federal, state, regional, and local. It also involves a whole cycle of administrative work, including risk assessment, planning and preparedness, and response and recovery efforts.

Leading and managing the teams, organizations, and organizational networks that perform this work is a big task in itself. The emergency management field has a need for highly-trained individuals who are committed to developing the breadth and depth of skill needed for success.

Emergency management PhD programs will likely cover:

• Trends in emergency management issues and practices
• Dynamics of crisis management and public relations
• Large-scale emergency and disaster relief operations
• Organizational leadership and public administration skills
• Preparation for your comprehensive exams
• Quantitative and qualitative research skills

Different online programs will offer you different course concentration options, so you can look for programs that best align with your learning goals and your areas of professional interest.

Emergency Management Careers & Salaries

A PhD can help you qualify for a number of job opportunities in any number of public and private organizations. Federal organizations involved in emergency management include FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security.

Emergency management professionals also work in local and regional government agencies or in large school systems, medical facilities, and similar settings.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , many occupations depend on professionals with training and expertise in a range of management, public administration, and public planning skills, just some of the things you can do with an emergency management degree .

Large private organizations and businesses also have a need for emergency planning and response expertise. They may hire qualified emergency managers or contract with private consulting firms that provide these services.

A PhD program in emergency management can boost your credentials in the field. It may also help you develop your skills in management, organizational planning, and public administration.

How to Choose an Online PhD in Emergency Management Program

When it comes to choosing the emergency management doctoral program that’s right for you, there are many factors you may consider:

• Format . What kind of full-time or part-time study options are offered?
• Curriculum . Do the course offerings align with my learning needs and my career interests?
• Accreditation . Are the school and program fully accredited?
• Student resources . Is there support for my success in passing my comprehensive exams and for designing and completing my research dissertation?

If you’re trying to streamline your learning process, you might consider looking for more accelerated learning options, including options with no dissertation requirement.

Emergency Management Doctoral Curriculum

Courses will vary by program, but emergency management PhD programs typically help students explore advanced topics in the field while developing senior management competencies.

• Principles of Emergency Management : You’ll review and do case study analysis related to key aspects of the disaster cycle, including prevention and mitigation, risk analysis, and response and recovery.
• Policy and Leadership Principles : This course examines key issues in emergency response leadership, ethics, and communications in light of common social and political challenges.
• Emergency Communications : You’ll explore strategic frameworks for managing communications operations during different stages of the disaster cycle and in relation to various political, social, and public relations dynamics.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation Planning : You’ll learn advanced approaches to disaster-related risk assessment and mitigation planning.
• Emergency Response Design Practicum : Through case studies and hypothetical scenarios, you’ll engage in applying and critiquing a range of emergency management theories and principles.
• Management Systems : You’ll be exposed to up-to-date frameworks for designing and managing large emergency response organizations and networks.
• Survey of Emergency Management Trends : This course provides a wide-angle view of the history and development of emergency management trends and topics over the past century.
• The Politics of Emergency Management and Response : This course gives insights into understanding and managing political forces and public perceptions in the context of external communications and public relations strategies.
• Leadership Ethics : This course explores essential legal and ethical topics in the context of crisis response decision-making and communications challenges.
• Disaster Management Research Methods : This course provides training in quantitative and qualitative research methods in the context of dissertation requirements.

In addition to providing training in advanced topics, most doctoral programs are designed to help students apply what they know and get critical feedback, pass comprehensive exams, and develop reliable research methods.

PhD Admissions

Admissions requirements for emergency management doctoral programs will vary by school. Having a masters is required for admissions to some online emergency management doctorate programs, but not all. Just as there are online doctorate programs, there are also online masters in emergency management programs that you may want to consider.

Some programs are designed to let you earn a masters on your way to completing the PhD requirements.

Common admissions requirements include:

• Masters in emergency management or a related field
• Satisfactory GPA
• GRE or GMAT scores (if required)
• Letters of recommendation

Some schools may have specific requirements related to professional qualifications, work experience, or prior coursework. Not sure you want to go the long mile to completing a doctorate degree? You can consider looking for doctoral programs that don’t require a traditional dissertation or for ones that allow you to get a masters degree along the way.

Accreditation

It’s strategic to limit your online study prospects to schools and programs that are fully accredited. Regional accreditation means that a school meets recognized standards for academic quality and student services.

Regionally accredited schools should have highly qualified faculty and up-to-date curriculum based on current professional standards. Accreditation can also be a precondition for some forms of financial aid.

Organizations such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) have more information on accreditation and resources for finding accredited schools.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

It can take many years to finish a doctoral program, and many students rely on financial aid to help them finish learning on time.

Common forms of financial aid include state and federal grants, need-based or merit-based scholarships, work study programs, and student loans. Financial aid packages may combine several types of aid, and their terms can vary, so it’s beneficial to review all offers carefully.

With the right circumstances, you might also be eligible to apply for employer-sponsored tuition assistance, research assistant jobs, or even a research fellowship. If you anticipate applying for need-based financial aid, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be a good first step.

Emergency Management Professional Organizations

If you’re interested in joining a professional organization, here are a few common ones in the emergency management field:

• International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
• National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
• The International Association for Disaster Preparedness and Response (DERA)

Your membership may help you find professional development opportunities and follow career trends. Joining an organization can also make it easier to build a professional network.

Is Emergency Management a Good Career?

Yes, emergency management is a good career for many professionals. High-level training and the right work experience in this field can help you qualify for management or policy roles in federal and local organizations.

Getting a doctoral degree in emergency management can help you develop the skills and confidence you need to pursue senior management or leadership roles. Emergency management directors make a median annual salary of $76,250 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The top 10% earn more than $142,870.

You can also find additional opportunities outside of government agencies, nonprofits, and NGOs. Many large organizations and multi-national corporations rely on emergency planning and disaster response professionals to manage readiness planning, risk assessments, and response coordination efforts.

What Can You Do with a PhD in Emergency Management?

Professionals trained in emergency management might work for government agencies or nonprofit organizations.

This can include job roles related to operational management, logistics, risk assessment and mitigation policies, disaster and emergency response, or response planning and readiness.

While many of these jobs are in the public sector, you might also pursue jobs in large private organizations and in consulting firms offering emergency management services.

Common careers in emergency management and related fields include emergency management director, management analyst, medical and health services manager, and operations research analyst. Completing all the requirements of a PhD program can help you qualify for jobs in academia too.

Which Careers Benefit from Emergency Management PhD Online Programs?

If you already work in the emergency management field, getting an advanced degree in disaster management or emergency preparedness may help you qualify for promotions. A PhD often leads to higher starting salaries.

In addition to making a pathway for promotion in the field, a PhD in Emergency Management can also open doors to new opportunities in research, policy development, and academia.

If you are pursuing a career with FEMA or another large organization, getting doctorate-level training and additional specialization in the field may help you qualify for senior management and leadership roles.

What Does an Emergency Management Director Do?

The job of an emergency management director involves detailed planning and assessment work as well as challenging communication and coordination efforts.

A key responsibility of emergency management directors is maintaining up-to-date emergency or disaster response plans. These plans guide the strategic deployment and coordination of a whole range of response resources and assets based on diverse disaster scenarios.

The director is also responsible for ensuring that relevant community groups receive response preparedness information, updates, and training, as needed. An emergency management director must also communicate effectively with other public agencies or nonprofit organizations as well as with emergency responders.

Among many other roles, directors must manage their own operations, staff, and budgets. They may also initiate, help design, and evaluate disaster and emergency response drills and exercises.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Emergency Management Online?

Getting a PhD in Emergency Management online generally takes 3 to 5 years, but this timeframe can vary by program.

Completing a PhD program typically includes designing, researching, and writing a dissertation as well as passing comprehensive exams. Some students may need more time to complete these requirements.

Professional doctorate programs—such as a Doctor of Emergency Management (DEM) or a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)—may not require a dissertation. A professional doctorate program may make it easier to finish sooner, but a PhD program can better prepare you for research roles and postsecondary teaching jobs.

Should I Earn an Online Doctorate in Emergency Management?

Getting a PhD is not for everyone, but if you have a passion for emergency management work and policy, then a PhD may help you advance in the field and eventually qualify for senior roles.

A PhD program can also equip you with research credentials. You can leverage these qualifications to pursue opportunities in academia or policy research and development. Advancing your education tends to result in increased job opportunities and increased salaries over the long term.

While a doctorate in emergency management can help prepare you to pursue senior job roles or a career in academia, these top jobs may prove to be highly competitive too.

Is a PhD in Emergency Management Worth It?

Yes, an emergency management PhD program is worth it for many professionals. Climate change and increasing population density in urban centers indicates that the future may hold even greater need for emergency management professionals.

A PhD in Emergency Management can help you explore and apply best practices in organizational leadership and public administration. With the right education, work experience, and specialization, you may be a stronger candidate for meaningful management and leadership roles in organizations like FEMA or Homeland Security.

Professionals in the field also work for NGOs, multi-national corporations, and large organizations that deliver or manage emergency management services and resources.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for emergency management directors are forecast for 4% job growth over the next ten years. Jobs for social and community service managers are slated for 17% job growth.

Universities Offering Online PhD in Emergency Management Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Capitol Technology University offers an online PhD in Emergency and Protective Services program.

To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree, 5 years of work experience, and 2 letters of recommendation. The program usually takes 3 years to complete and has a heavy focus on independent studies. To graduate, students must either complete a thesis or be published in 3 academic journals.

Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Colorado Technical University offers an online Doctor of Management in Homeland Security program.

To graduate, students must complete 100 credits, including a residency and dissertation. Applicants interested in the program must connect with an admissions advisor and submit an online application with official transcripts from any post-secondary institutions they’ve attended.

Colorado Technical University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

George Washington University offers an Emergency Management and Public Health Graduate Certificate.

Students must complete 18 credit hours by taking 4 required courses and 2 electives. Those interested in the certificate must complete an online application. They must also submit transcripts, a 250 to 500 word statement of purpose about why they wish to attend the program, and a resume.

George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Jacksonville State University offers a Doctor of Science in Emergency Management. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours, with 18 hours dedicated to a dissertation.

After all courses are completed, students must pass 3 qualifying exams. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, official transcripts, GRE scores, and 3 graduate reference forms.

Jacksonville State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University offers an online program for a Doctor of Psychology with a specialization in Trauma and Disaster Relief. The program requires 20 courses to be completed and can usually be finished in 48 months. To be eligible for the program, applicants must submit an online application. Classes begin within 30 days after the admissions process is completed.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

New Jersey City University offers a Doctor of Science in Civil Security with a specialization in Leadership, Management, and Policy.

To graduate, students must complete 30 credit hours, with 18 dedicated to a dissertation. Applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, 4 years of work experience, and 2 letters of recommendation.

New Jersey City University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Oklahoma State University offers a PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours, with 15 hours dedicated to a dissertation.

Students need to pass both an oral and written exam as well. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and need to submit GRE scores, 3 letters of recommendation, and an essay about previous personal and professional experience.

Oklahoma State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

St. John’s University offers an online program for a Doctor of Professional Studies in Homeland Security.

Students must acquire 78 credit hours, including 6 credit hours from an internship, complete a dissertation, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to graduate. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, and 3 letters of reference.

St. John’s University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Maryland—Baltimore offers an online program for a PhD in Public Policy with a concentration in Emergency Services.

To graduate, students must complete 48 credit hours and an additional 18 hours of dissertation research. Applicants must submit GRE scores, 3 letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a current resume. The University of Maryland – Baltimore is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Walden University offers an online program for a PhD in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Emergency Management.

Students must complete 88 credit hours, including four residencies, within 8 years of starting the program. An online application must be submitted along with official transcripts and a resume. The school also offers enrollment specialists to help those applying.

Walden is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

Earning Your PhD in Emergency Management Online

If you have strong communication skills and a passion for improving public services, you may consider earning a PhD in Emergency Management.

If you’re ready to commit to your own professional learning, then you may want to consider earning a PhD in Emergency Management online. Online emergency management degree programs tend to offer various schedule and format options.

If you’re ready to increase your expertise and credentials in this rewarding field, you can start searching for the accredited emergency management PhD online program that has the features and options you most care about.

Online Ph.D. Programs in Emergency Management

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

Degree Options & Potential Careers

Excellent communicators and critical thinkers who want to help others in emergency and crisis situations can explore doctorate programs in emergency management. These programs prepare graduates for successful careers after graduation.

Due to the specialization of this field, graduates enjoy the opportunity to work in careers that allow them to capitalize on the skills and knowledge they learn throughout their rigorous curriculum and pursue careers that enable them to use these skills each day.

Should I Earn an Online Doctorate in Emergency Management?

What can i do with an online ph.d. in emergency management.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs in emergency management can work in hospitals, government agencies, clinics, primary care practices, and colleges or universities. At the doctoral level, students enjoy the widest variety of careers in the industry. Often, professionals with such a high-level education focus on research and scholarly work, constantly building upon their expertise in emergency management. Professionals can work in management and higher education, sharing their skills with others to develop them professionally.

Many graduates go on to work as program directors, overseeing all operations of a program in emergency management to ensure quality care and attention. Professionals need to multitask, pay close attention to detail, communicate effectively, and think critically.

Career Profiles

Director of business continuity & emergency management.

Directors of business continuity and emergency management  focus on noticing potential threats to businesses and formulate efficient plans to reduce risk factors and prevent disaster. They also work with other departments within their company to understand the essential processes in place, developing contingency plans for them.

Emergency Preparedness Manager

Responsible for arranging crisis management plans and disaster response efforts,  emergency preparedness managers  ensure their company holds a plan for emergency situations and procedures, including earthquakes, tornados, floods, and hurricanes. Professionals also review what to do in hostage situations and other dangerous events.

Operations Manager

In charge of managing the daily operations within a company,  operations managers  carry out important decisions regarding compensation, hiring, promotions, disciplinary action, and termination of employees. They also oversee operational costs and formulate plans to ensure efficiency for their company.

University professors  focus on a particular area of expertise to prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive after graduation. They create curricula, deliver seminars and lessons, assign coursework, administer exams, and publish research findings to constantly learn more about their field.

Emergency Room Director

Emergency room directors  provide administrative efforts and management to emergency and trauma departments in hospitals. They ensure all patients entering the emergency room receive thorough, quality, and appropriate care while also managing employees in the department to ensure efficiency and productivity.

Emergency Management Ph.D. Program Overview

Before choosing an online doctoral program in emergency management, learners should review a variety of important factors to ensure they choose the school that best fits their needs. First, prospective students should explore the application requirements and criteria for admission to determine eligibility. Then, they can review the coursework they might experience within a particular program. Finally, learners should determine the type of accreditation featured at their chosen institution to ensure it aligns with their goals.

Application Requirements and Admission Criteria

Applicants to online doctorate in emergency management programs experience different admissions requirements depending on the college or university. At every institution, applicants must submit a completed admissions application for consideration. Along with the application, learners should hold a master’s degree and provide previous transcripts. Most doctoral programs require students to meet minimum GPA requirements.

Many colleges and universities feature supplemental admissions requirements, including personal essays, resumes, and letters of recommendation. Personal essays should follow subject and formatting requirements outlined on the college or university admissions page. Letters of recommendation should remain professional in nature, not personal. Most programs outline their admissions requirements on their program website so students can easily find all necessary prerequisites.

The curriculum for online emergency management varies depending on the college or university but typically features similar structures across the board. Students focus their studies on general education requirements, integrative seminars, administration and policy courses, practice areas in the field, research methods and statistics, electives, and a dissertation. General education requirements in emergency management typically focus on sciences, ensuring students hold the background they need to further develop their competencies.

Administration and policy requirements cover disaster management principles and practice, systems thinking and applications in emergency management, and interdisciplinary context and emergency management policy. Practice area courses review emergency management and program management, while research methods and statistics courses include research design, qualitative research, and cost-benefit analysis.

Electives allow students to tailor their curriculum to their particular areas of interest, exploring topics like risk communication and IT applications for emergency management. Dissertations require students to culminate the skills and knowledge they learn throughout their program into one cohesive essay.

Program Outcomes

Students pursuing their online doctorate in emergency management develop the knowledge and skills they need to pursue careers in private and public sectors, such as healthcare, human services, and local and state government. The framework of the program focuses on providing students with the competencies needed to respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations to help victims reestablish their daily lives. Students focus on disaster health management, relationship management, and emergency preparedness and response.

The curriculum emphasizes skills in planning, response, relief, global awareness, critical thinking, management, recovery, and particular areas of public emergency and disaster situations. Throughout the curriculum, students learn how to relate concepts to in-the-field experiences.

Accreditation for Online Ph.D. in Emergency Management Programs

Before choosing a program, students should pay special attention to what type of accreditation each college or university features. Nationally accredited institutions often focus on technical and career education and do not dive into liberal arts-based coursework. These institutions highlight low tuition costs but tend to get excluded from tuition reimbursement plans and can hinder credit transfers.

Regionally accredited institutions often charge higher tuition rates but often count for tuition reimbursement plans. Regional accreditation primarily focuses on liberal arts-based coursework and boasts easy-to-transfer, widely accepted credits, making regional accreditation more prestigious than national accreditation.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

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The doctoral program in disaster science and management approaches disasters and emergencies from an interdisciplinary point of view. The program emphasizes theories, research methodologies, and policies related to emergency preparedness, mitigation, management, and response.

Many of our doctoral students engage in projects and research with the world-renowned Disaster Research Center .

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Click the image to view/download the full program brochure pdf.

The program requires 42 credits of graduate-level coursework beyond the masters degree including:

• 6 credits of quantitative and qualitative methods classes
• 3 credits of seminar (DISA 680)
• 9 credits of dissertation

Ph.D. students complete a Ph.D. qualifier exam and defend their dissertation proposal.

Students are expected to choose a thematic area such as one of the following:

• Organizations, management, and leadership focus on management and leadership in all phases of a disaster. Includes knowledge of institutional structures and tools to support decision making.
• Built and natural environment, and society focus on the interfaces among the three infrastructures (built, natural and social) with an emphasis on the opportunities to control, influence, accommodate, and understand changes and needs during and after catastrophic events.
• Vulnerability and resilience focus on how systems are impacted by and respond to catastrophic events. Includes how systems can be modified or adapted to reduce vulnerability and improve resilience.
• Policy and planning focus on response to disasters including continuity of operations.
• Simulation and modeling focus on decision support tools and the modeling of impacts to support disaster planning, mitigation, response, and recovery.
• Health systems leadership: public health disaster planning and response focus on the role of health professionals and systems in planning for and responding to disasters.

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• Electives available to graduate students studying Disaster Science & Management
• Career options available after graduation​

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CollegeRank.net

Best College Rankings

5 Best Online Ph.D.s in Emergency Management

A Ph.D. in Emergency Management is a smart choice for several reasons—there’s a growing need for these professionals, career advancement is promising, and the pay is rewarding.

An emergency management doctoral program explores approaches to disasters from various points of view to offer practical, well-researched solutions, which are vital in the 21 st century.

At the time of this writing, we are experiencing a public health emergency, the 2019-2020 Coronavirus Pandemic. We are relying on professionals in emergency management to advise us on the best ways to react to this worldwide virus. However, a health crisis is just one example of emergency management. You may not even be aware of other examples of crises, but that’s another reason why we need professionals in the field of emergency management. They learn research methodologies and evaluate current policies regarding emergency preparedness and response.

A doctoral emergency management program is most applicable for students interested in research and policy design in the field.

Related (Campus):

• Best Doctorate in Emergency Management
• Top Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Degrees

Related (Online):

• Best Online Emergency Management Bachelor’s Degrees
• Top Online Master’s in Emergency Management

What Are the Best Ph.Ds. in Emergency Management Degrees?

At CollegeRank , we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Oklahoma State University

Stillwater, Oklahoma

Average Net Price

Can a university be nationally ranked as a “happy college?” Yes! Oklahoma State University, a public-grant research university in Stillwater, Oklahoma, has been ranked several times as a happiest university campus by national outlets.

From all 50 states and more than 100 countries, nearly 25,000 OSU students comprise the population. OSU offers 200 undergraduate majors, 79 master’s programs, and 45 doctoral programs.

One of the oldest and most prestigious programs in the nation, OSU’s Ph.D. in Fire and Emergency Management prepares leaders in fire and emergency medical services, homeland security occupations, educators, and research scholars. Students can either pursue a fire service administration or an emergency management track. Applicants to this program need a master’s degree (preferably in the emergency field services field) with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and GRE scores that are no older than five years.

Students pursuing this academic program must complete 12 hours of common core courses, 12 hours of research courses, three hours from an International core, nine hours of elective courses, and 15 hours of dissertation research.

Nine additional credit hours are required in the track the student chooses. While most of the courses are presented in the virtual classroom where both on-site and online students participate simultaneously, students are required to complete a minimum of the nine-track hours on campus.

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, Maryland

Here’s a cool fact about our # 2 ranking: Sergey Brin, the co-founder and president of technology at Google, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Maryland in 1993.

The University of Maryland in Baltimore is the state’s only public health, law, and human services university, enrolling over 6,700 students. UMB consists of six nationally ranked schools and offers 62 doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s programs. The campus spans over 71 acres in 62 buildings in downtown Baltimore.

UMBC’s Ph.D. in Public Policy with a concentration in Emergency Services allows you to choose one of two pathways: Emergency Health or Emergency Management. This program is for emergency service professionals who want to further their education as health care providers, administrators, researchers, or educators. You will take 48 credit hours of coursework in public policy, emergency health, and research. You will then complete 18 credit hours of doctoral dissertation research.

This program is specifically for students without a relevant master’s degree. If you have a master’s in emergency health services, you will have fewer course requirements. UMBC admits students both full and part-time students. If you are interested in applying for this program, submit your academic records, GRE scores, recommendations, and statement of goals.

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, Alabama

Jacksonville State University knows how stressful the question, “What’s next?” can be for some students. While some know exactly what they want to do with their lives, others don’t. That’s why JSU helps you every step of the way in making academic and career decisions.

Located in the Appalachian foothills in Jacksonville, Alabama, JSU helps more than 7,700 students answer the question, “What’s next?” with 95 academic programs, Division I sports, and clubs and organizations.

The Ph.D. in Emergency Management at JSU requires 60 credit hours, which includes 42 hours in administration and policy, research methods and statistics, and 18 hours of dissertation research. The courses in this program are delivered online, but students are required to attend a week-long conference on JSU’s campus once each year. After the 42 hours of courses, doctoral students must pass three qualifying exams before they pursue their dissertation research.

If you want to pursue this degree, you need a master’s degree, all academic transcripts (unless you earned a degree from JSU), GRE scores, a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae, and three reference letters. JSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

New Jersey City University

Jersey City, New Jersey

“Enter to Learn, Exit to Serve,” is New Jersey City University’s motto, and this academic institution in Jersey City, New Jersey, lives up to its words. Just minutes from New York City, NJCU is one of the most diverse universities in the nation, offering 47 undergraduate programs and 30 master’s programs to its nearly 8,000 vibrant students.

NJCU offers a variation of a Ph.D. in emergency management, and a Doctor of Science in Civil Security – Leadership, Management, and Policy. This D.Sc. is unique in that it is one of the first of its kind to be offered anywhere in the world. The three-year program immerses students in the civil security field, focusing on three areas: national, corporate, and information assurance/cybersecurity.

The D.Sc. degree entails 48 credit hours; 30 are core courses, and 18 are applied research for the dissertation. Graduates of this doctoral program will be qualified to work in executive-level security positions in government, business, or education.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree and have at least four years of experience in security in national, corporate, or information assurance/cybersecurity.

George Washington University

Washington, D.C., United States

GWU has more than 26,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and 130 countries. GWU not only provides top-notch academics, but they ensure that each student experiences hands-on learning with more than 12,000 internship opportunities. GWU alumni include space explorers, actors and actresses, Olympic gold medalists, U.S. ambassadors, and more.

GWU offers a Ph.D. in engineering management that focuses on natural disaster logistics, crisis, emergency, and risk management, among other topics. According to GWU’s website, this degree is for “the technical manager who seeks to pursue advanced education and research methods to keep an organization operating efficiently and working ahead of its competitors.”

Students with an MS degree must take 54 credit hours in this program, and those with a BS degree must take at least 78 credit hours. The curriculum consists of coursework and at least 24 credit hours of dissertation research. Doctoral students will take four exams during the course of this program: the preliminary/qualifying exam, the written exam, the focus area exam, and the final examination/doctoral defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

A PhD in emergency management is worth it for various reasons. On the one hand, it’s a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest education you can get in the field. That expertise allows you to do a better and more thorough job overseeing emergency response. On the other hand, having a PhD enables you to pursue more career paths and varied careers, too. You can also earn more money with a PhD than you can with a master’s degree.

On average, a doctoral degree costs more than $150,000, according to the Education Data Initiative. PhDs tend to be among the least expensive doctorates, though, with a price tag of just under $107,000. Your emergency management PhD might be far less than this or much more, depending on factors like the length of the program, the school you attend, and whether you study in person or online.

Emergency management is unique because it spans many disciplines, including medicine, engineering, and environmental science. Technology, research, and social services are additional areas of study. As such, Ph.D.s in emergency management are typically interdisciplinary. These programs are offered by different departments, too. For example, our No. 4 rating is a Ph.D. in Engineering Management that focuses on natural disaster crisis and management. In an emergency management Ph.D. program, you will learn about administrative issues for emergency responses. This might include medical pandemics, natural disasters, infrastructure failures, or even terrorist attacks. Most of the time, the program offers concentrations that align with your interests. You might be able to concentrate on public safety, disaster relief, or homeland security, to name a few. A doctoral program in emergency management consists of coursework, dissertation research, and the dissertation defense.

An emergency management Ph.D. is typically around 59 to 64 credit hours. This takes three to five years to complete if you work toward your degree full-time. You should expect to take six or seven years to complete a degree like this if you are a part-time student.

Many people with a PhD in emergency management work as emergency management directors. This job is available in many settings, including local, state, and government agencies. As the title indicates, an emergency management director is responsible for coordinating the response to emergency situations to ensure responding agencies have what they need to do their jobs effectively. Other popular career options for PhD-trained emergency managers include the following: • Crisis Recovery Manager • Disaster Program Manager • Environmental Manager • Operations Manager • Hazard Mitigation Consultant Many other jobs are available if you have a PhD specialty. For example, some emergency management programs focus specifically on natural disaster response, fire emergencies, or healthcare emergencies, to name a few.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that emergency management directors earn a mean annual salary of $88,890. The lowest 10 percent of earners in this field make around $46,000, while the top ten percent of earners make in excess of $147,870. The salary you earn depends largely on your experience. The industry you work in is also a significant factor: working for the federal government pays an average annual salary of nearly $169,000. Other top-paying industries for emergency management (and their average salaries) include the following: • Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services ($157,880) • Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing ($142,930) • Scientific Research and Development Services ($140,250) • Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution ($138,570)

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•       Online PHD Programs       Earning an Online Doctorate in Emergency Management

Earning an Online Doctorate in Emergency Management

Graduates of online doctorate in emergency management programs enjoy in-demand, high-level careers in research, teaching, and administration. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs for emergency management directors to grow 8% between 2016-2026. This guide covers important information about earning an online doctorate in emergency management, including scholarships, program milestones, professional organizations, and potential jobs and salaries for graduates.

Why Get a Doctorate in Emergency Management Online?

Pursue deeper knowledge and specialization.

Students who pursue a doctorate in emergency management online gain advanced skills and knowledge. Thanks to deep study of concentrated topics, graduates gain the knowledge needed to inhabit advanced roles and take part in elevated discussions and research.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Because a doctorate is the terminal degree in the field, graduates can compete for high-level roles with strong salary potentials, such as administrator, manager, researcher, and tenured professor.

Online Learning Technology

Distance learners become well-versed in online technologies over the course of their degrees. Whether using the learning platform to turn in assignments, participate in discussions, or complete exams, this familiarity with digital technologies gives graduates a competitive edge in the job market.

Prerequisites for Doctorate in Emergency Management Online Programs

Before earning a doctorate in emergency management online, prospective students must meet certain prerequisites. These requirements allow admissions committees to glean a candidate's readiness for doctoral study.

• Degree From an Accredited University Some programs require an accredited bachelor's degree, while others require a master's degree for admission. Students should check with the admissions department of each prospective school to verify the degree requirements.
• GRE Test Scores Many programs require minimum GRE scores. Required scores vary by institution. Some programs may waive this requirement if the applicant possesses a particularly strong GPA or professional experience.
• GPA Less competitive institutions usually require a minimum 2.25-2.5 GPA. More competitive programs may require at least a 3.0 GPA. Students with a lower GPA can often offset it with strong GRE scores.
• Work Experience Some online doctorate in emergency management schools require or prefer 2-5 years of professional experience for admission. Some may require managerial experience in particular.
• Statement of Purpose Schools use statements of purpose to glean a candidate's drive and motivation. Students should use the statement of purpose as an opportunity to highlight their goals, interests, and reasons for pursuing an online doctorate in emergency management.

How Much Can I Make With a Doctorate in Emergency Management Degree?

Emergency management salaries vary by factors like job title, location, and experience, but these professionals typically enjoy comfortable earnings. The BLS reports that the bottom 10% of earners in this career make $40,460 annually, while those in the top 10% make $141,130. A doctoral degree prepares candidates for top-paying positions in this field.

Potential Careers

Paying for a doctorate in emergency management program.

While earning an online doctorate in emergency management requires a significant financial investment, students enjoy many opportunities to help them pay for the degree. Schools that offer accelerated paths often cost less overall because students spend fewer years enrolled. Students should also look for programs that offer in-state tuition rates to online learners regardless of residency. Additionally, learners can pursue financial aid opportunities, such as grants, loans, and scholarships.

Scholarships

Many scholarships exist specifically for students enrolled in online doctorate in emergency management colleges. We highlight several scholarship opportunities below, but students can research additional opportunities through schools, governments, and organizations.

International Association of Emergency Managers Scholarship

• Amount Awarded: Varies
• Deadline: June
• Eligibility and Requirements: Students earning an emergency management graduate degree qualify for this scholarship. Applicants must submit transcripts, faculty forms, letters of reference, course descriptions, and two essays.

Joel P. Aggergaard Memorial Scholarship

• Amount Awarded: $2,000
• Deadline: August
• Eligibility and Requirements: Graduate students working toward a degree in emergency management can apply for this award. Applicants must live or attend school in the state of Washington, demonstrate community involvement and relevant emergency management activities, and provide a 500-word response to a prompt.

Addison E. Slayton, Jr. Scholarship

• Deadline: February
• Eligibility and Requirements: This award exists for residents of Virginia pursuing an emergency management program at an accredited institution. Applicants must submit a 500-word essay and provide two letters of reference, a resume, transcripts, proof of enrollment, and a statement of financial need.

Indiana Homeland Security Foundation Program

• Amount Awarded: Up to $2,000
• Deadline: July
• Eligibility and Requirements: Indiana residents attending an accredited Indiana program in emergency management can apply to this award. Applicants must demonstrate a GPA of 2.8 or higher and a history of volunteering at an organization focused on emergency management or a related subject.

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes Scholarship

• Amount Awarded: $1,500
• Deadline: April
• Eligibility and Requirements: This scholarship exists for master's and doctoral emergency management students performing research on an approved topic. Candidates must attend an accredited school and plan to focus their research on financial management and budgeting.

What to Expect From a Doctorate in Emergency Management Online Program

Degree seekers pursuing an online doctorate in emergency management should plan to spend 3-5 years completing academic, research, and writing requirements before graduating. Part-time students may need up to seven years to graduate. Online students use distance learning platforms, such as Blackboard, to turn in assignments, complete readings, discuss topics, watch lectures, and take examinations. Most programs offer introductory training sessions to familiarize learners with these platforms.

Major Milestones

Students experience several milestones when earning an online doctorate in emergency management. We highlight several key milestones below.

Capstone Coursework

Capstone coursework prepares students to synthesize what they learned throughout the degree for a culminating project.

Internships/Apprenticeships/Job Shadowing

Some programs require students to participate in an internship or apprenticeship to gain practical experience. These experiences usually last a semester.

Comprehensive Examination

Students often take comprehensive examinations after completing coursework to ensure they possess the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their dissertations.

Dissertation

Students research a unique topic, question, or issue and write a dissertation. In addition to consulting primary and secondary sources, learners may create case studies and/or conduct interviews. Students must then successfully defend their dissertations before a faculty committee.

Intent to Graduate/Completion Confirmation

After successfully defending their dissertations, degree seekers must signal to the registrar's office their intent to graduate. They must also pay any outstanding fees or fines and order their caps and gowns.

Postdoctoral Research

Some learners decide to pursue a postdoctoral research position. These positions usually last 1-2 years and allow students to take part in paid teaching and research roles.

Online doctorate in emergency management programs give learners research, teaching, leadership, and crisis management skills. Courses vary by program, but the following list outlines common courses found in these programs.

Emergency Management Program Management

This course examines topics related to overseeing public-facing programs. Topics include creating communication channels, engaging citizens in planning, and working with the media.

Health Systems in Emergency Management

Students in this class learn about common topics in medicine, public health, psychology, and behavioral health as they relate to emergencies. Learners study common problems related to disasters and how to integrate health responses into emergency management.

Managing and Leading During Times of Crisis

This class provides students with the skills to effectively manage and lead during crises. Students study leadership theories, management best practices, and communication.

Professional Organizations and Resources

Professional organizations provide many benefits to online doctorate in emergency management students and graduates. Members enjoy access to continuing education programs, certifications, webinars, and networking opportunities.

• National Emergency Management Association: Members of NEMA gain access to forums, committees, document libraries, job postings, and publications.
• International Association of Emergency Managers: IEMA provides members with certifications, scholarships, networking and professional development opportunities, job boards, and legislative advocacy representation.
• The International Association for Preparedness and Response: Established in 1962, this organization provides members with access to publications, disaster operations resources, online archives, and quarterly newsletters.
• Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals: Members of AHEPP gain access to a national conference, job boards, branding toolkits, an e-magazine, resource centers, a product library, and webinars.
• New York State Emergency Management Association: NYSEMA provides an annual New York conference, regional industry news, job postings, legislative and policy details, and opportunities to join committees.

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• Emergency Management & Public Administration

Emergency Management (Doctor of Science)

The Doctor of Science degree requires a total of 60 semester credit hours. Required coursework includes 42 hours in administration and policy, practice areas, and research methods and statistics, plus a minimum of 18 hours of dissertation credit. In addition, applicants must hold a master’s degree in emergency management or a related field from a regionally accredited school. While courses are delivered online, students are required to participate in a week-long seminar on campus once each academic year, for the first three years of their program.  All Emergency Management programs are only offered online. International students must remain in their home country to be eligible for admission to these programs.

The application and admissions schedule* for the 2024 fall semester cohort of students is as follows:

• January 31, 2024  Deadline for submission of all application materials
• February 14 -  29, 2024  Admissions Committee Review
• March 15, 2024  Applicants notified of decision

Admission materials include a completed application, a Statement of Purpose (minimum three pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman 12 font) setting forth career goals and research interests, a resume, three graduate reference forms, official transcripts, and official test scores for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Also, please include a Writing Sample consisting of a paper written in an academic setting, with a minimum length of five pages. If you do not have such a sample available, then an example of technical or professional writing, from within the past five years.

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Laura Olson /Dr. Shih-Kai Huang Co-Directors, Doctor of Science Program in Emergency Management [email protected]

*Applicants should consult the  Graduate Catalog  for future dates related to application and admission.

Integrative Seminar 2023

Cohorts 2021, 2022 and 2023 August 7-11, 2023

Potential Careers

Emergency Management is a fantastically diverse career-field with a favorably projected future job growth. There are a variety of opportunities in public service at all levels of government and in a variety of sectors, including education, healthcare and private business.

• Emergency Management Director (FEMA, State, local, non-profit, private sector)
• Emergency Management Specialist
• Disaster Program Manager
• Emergency Planner
• Information/Cyber Security Analyst

Median Annual Salary

Degree information.

Program Overview

View Requirements

D. Sc. Student Handbook 

Additional Facts

Departmental information.

• Emergency Management Faculty
• Emergency Management Website

Online Program Contact

Dr. Laura Olson [email protected]   256-782-5925

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Online Management Master's Degree

Emergency management, management: emergency management, degree at a glance.

• Transfer up to 12 credits
• All courses available online
• Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

• $534 per credit (in-state)
• $659 per credit (out-of-state)
• $480 per credit (military)
• Other fees may apply

Next Session Starts

Combine advanced leadership skills with leading-edge operational tactics in this program..

The online master’s in management concentration in emergency management at University of Maryland Global Campus will prepare you to plan and respond to natural and human-made disasters and emergencies in the United States. In this concentration, you’ll study the use of advanced technologies, emerging cyber and asymmetric threats, digital communication systems, global pandemic response and recovery, climate adaptation, continuity of operations, public and private partnerships, laws and policies, and ethical considerations in emergency management decision-making and planning. You’ll develop the practical skills needed for security risk assessments, strategic planning and prevention, staff coordination, deterrence, mitigation, protection, response, and operational recovery and design strategies and processes to secure individuals and critical infrastructure from natural and human-made threats.

• Requirements

Total Credits Required: 36

Initial requirement.

• Orientation to Graduate Studies at UMGC (0 Credits, UCSP 615) (to be taken within the first 6 credits of study)

The UCSP 615 requirement may be waived if you previously earned a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution. For more information, contact your academic advisor.

Core Courses

• Organizational Theory and Behavior (6 Credits, MGMT 630)
• Financial Decision Making for Managers (3 Credits, MGMT 640)
• Statistics for Managerial Decision Making (3 Credits, MGMT 650)

Concentration Courses

• Comprehensive Crisis and Emergency Management (3 Credits, EMAN 600)
• Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (3 Credits, EMAN 610)
• Information Technology in Emergency Management (3 Credits, EMAN 620)
• Concepts in Homeland Security (3 Credits, HSMN 610)
• Resilience Planning and Preparedness for Disaster Response and Recovery (3 Credits, HSMN 630)
• Crisis Communication for Emergency Managers (3 Credits, EMAN 630)
• Seminar in Emergency Management Leadership (3 Credits, EMAN 670)

Capstone Course

• Strategic Management Capstone (3 Credits, MGMT 670)
• Organizational Theory (3 Credits, MGMT 610) and Organizational Behavior (3 Credits, MGMT 615) may be taken instead of Organizational Theory and Behavior (6 Credits, MGMT 630).
• Financial Decision Making for Managers (3 Credits, MGMT 640) should not be attempted simultaneously with Statistics for Managerial Decision Making (3 Credits, MGMT 650).
• Comprehensive Crisis and Emergency Management (3 Credits, EMAN 600) must be taken as one of the first two concentration courses.
• Seminar in Emergency Management Leadership (3 Credits, EMAN 670) must be taken in your last semester.
• You must complete 24 credits of program coursework, including all core courses, before enrolling in Strategic Management Capstone (3 Credits, MGMT 670).

General Master's Degree Requirements

• You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times.
• All degree requirements must be fulfilled within five consecutive years.
• Any transfer credits must have been earned within the above five-year time frame to be applied toward a graduate degree.
• Please review the  overall master’s degree requirements  for additional considerations.

This is our recommended course sequence to progress through this program. This sequence incorporates course prerequisites and program requirements but does not list course alternatives that may be available. We recommend you take a maximum of 6 credits per term. You cannot take a prerequisite with its subsequent course during the same session. Your plan will be unique and dependent on multiple factors, including the number of credits you transfer to this program.

Contact an advisor  if you have any questions about this plan, course alternatives, or your course load limit.

Accelerated Pathway

If you completed your undergraduate degree at UMGC with coursework in emergency management, an accelerated pathway between UMGC's graduate and undergraduate degree programs in this field may allow you to reduce your total coursework for this program by up to 6 credits .

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the  2024–2025 academic year . For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Master’s Degree Requirements

Program highlights.

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Balance Your Goals & Responsibilities at UMGC

UMGC's online coursework and comprehensive student support allowed Linnhe M. (MS, Management: Emergency Management) to achieve her academic and career goals while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Find out how Linnhe was able to find success.

Industry Snapshot

This program is designed to help prepare you for work in hazard risk assessment, prevention, response, and strategy development to protect people, communities, and the built environment from natural or human-induced threats.

You might be interested in similar programs

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Industry Certification

This program is designed to help prepare you for the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM (R)) certification exam.

What is an online master's degree in management with a concentration in emergency management?

An online master's degree in management with a concentration in emergency management is an online graduate degree that can provide you with advanced skills to protect people and infrastructure from natural and human-made threats. UMGC’s online master's degree in management with a concentration in emergency management is a 36-credit program that covers topics like resilience planning, preparedness, hazard risk and vulnerability assessments, crisis communication, and leadership. Graduates may be well-prepared for careers in hazard risk assessment, prevention, response, or strategy development.

How long does it take to get an online master's degree in management with a concentration in emergency management?

UMGC's online master's degree in management with a concentration in emergency management is a 36-credit program with courses offered year-round. Depending on how many credits you complete each term and the number of credits you may be able to transfer , you can expect to graduate in as little as two years . Plus, if you completed your undergraduate degree at UMGC with coursework in emergency management, you may be able to take advantage of an  accelerated pathway that could reduce your coursework for this program by up to 6 credits, saving you time and money.

How much does an online master's degree in management with a concentration in emergency management cost?

UMGC is committed to keeping our tuition and fees as affordable as possible. The online master's degree in management with a concentration in emergency management follows the standard graduate program tuition rates, which appear at the top of this webpage. We also offer scholarships , an interest-free monthly payment plan , and no-cost digital materials in place of most textbooks to help make your education more affordable.

What background do I need to get an online master's degree in management with a concentration in emergency management?

You don't need to have majored in a specific area to be successful in the online master's degree in management with a concentration in emergency management program at UMGC. However, we do recommend you have a recent background in finance or accounting, as well as statistics. Strong writing skills are also encouraged.

Linnhe M., Millersville, PA MS in Emergency Management

Our helpful admissions advisors can help you choose an academic program to fit your career goals, estimate your transfer credits, and develop a plan for your education costs that fits your budget. If you’re a current UMGC student, please visit the Help Center .

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BS in Fire Administration – Emergency Medical Services Optimizing Emergency Response

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total

Prepare to Facilitate Successful Emergency Medical and Fire Service Departments with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Administration

Do you want to make a tangible difference in the lives of others? Are you looking to advance your career into leadership positions in public service? A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Fire Administration – Emergency Medical Services (EMS) can help you prepare to save lives in many ways.

Fire services have evolved beyond just firefighting. This field now includes community education and outreach for fire prevention, fire investigation, fire inspections, response to hazardous material incidents, disaster response and recovery, and emergency medical services. There is a need for individuals with higher education in the administration of these services.

By offering a specialization in emergency medical services, we acknowledge the increasingly diverse and technical nature of fire services and seek to broaden your education to facilitate these essential services. If you are a current or aspiring EMS professional who is looking to expand your technical knowledge or advance to positions of greater responsibility, our Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration – Emergency Medical Services may be right for you.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Fire Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services?

Liberty University’s 100% online Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration – Emergency Medical Services is designed to support current and future firefighters, emergency medical technicians, emergency managers, and professionals in similar occupations seeking new skills or career advancement. You can learn how to make a real difference and even save the lives of others in your community.

Our courses are all taught from a biblical worldview. With faculty members who are firmly grounded in Scripture and Christian ethics, we provide a unique learning environment where you can both expand your knowledge and deepen your faith. In a field that has such frequent and poignant interactions with the public, a deep understanding of biblical principles is essential.

The 100% online format of our undergraduate fire science degree allows you to further your education while maintaining your personal commitments. With 8 different start dates per year and no set login times, you can take the next step in your education without putting your life on hold.

What Will You Study in Our Emergency Medical Services and Fire Administration Online Degree?

Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration – Emergency Medical Services online degree program is designed to help you develop the skills needed to become an asset to a public service department. The program covers a breadth of areas in government, business, and public administration. Furthermore, the curriculum also includes courses focused on fire administration and emergency management. In these courses, you will study:

• Administration of fire and emergency service organizations
• Behavioral dimensions of disaster
• Fire prevention and protection
• Human resources management in fire service organizations
• Incident command system/emergency planning and incident management
• Leadership in fire service organizations
• Legal and political issues in fire administration

The specialization in emergency medical services covers specific key areas that can help a department succeed. These areas include community risk reduction, EMS quality management, risk management and safety, foundations of EMS systems, legal, political, and regulatory environment of emergency medical services.

This comprehensive curriculum can help prepare you for various roles within a fire and emergency medical services department. Strong and well-educated leaders can make a significant and tangible difference in the lives of those in their communities. Partner with Liberty University and set yourself up for success in your future career.

Potential Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Fire Administration – Emergency Medical Services is designed to expand the qualifications and knowledge of those in or seeking the following careers:

• Emergency dispatcher
• Emergency medical technician (EMT)
• Emergency room technician
• Emergency services manager

Additional training, education, and licensure may be necessary for some occupations

Featured Courses

• EMER 315 – EMS Risk Management and Safety*
• EMER 335 – Management of Emergency Medical Services
• EMER 355 – Legal, Political, and Regulatory Environment of EMS*
• EMER 375 – EMS Quality Management*

*Course guide coming soon

Degree Information

• Our online fire administration degree falls under the Helms School of Government .
• View the Undergraduate Government Course Guides (login required).

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

• Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education,  electronic textbooks are provided for all undergraduate courses at no cost to you. As a full-time student, this could save you an estimated $800-2,000 per year on textbooks!

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

• Admission Information

Admission Requirements

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Students may be allowed to enroll in up to 12 credit hours with Liberty with the submission of an unofficial high school transcript and our High School Self-Certification Form .
• Unofficial transcripts can be used for acceptance purposes with the submission of a Transcript Request Form .

Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

*Official high school transcript requirement may be waived with college transcripts from an accredited college/university showing at least 12 earned credit hours with an acceptable GPA.

Note: A 2.0 or above cumulative GPA is required for admission in good standing.

Transcript Policies

High school transcript policy.

Applicants may submit an unofficial high school transcript with a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of a final official high school transcript in order to enroll in up to 12 credit hours at Liberty University.

• Applicants may submit a college transcript showing 12 or more credits from an accredited institution and a High School Self-Certification Form in lieu of high school transcripts.

Students must submit official high school transcripts, or official college transcripts showing at least 12 credit hours earned with an acceptable grade point average (GPA) from an accredited institution, in order to register for additional courses.

The official high school transcript, GED requirement, and unofficial high school transcript with a High School Self-Certification Form can be waived if the applicant has earned an associate degree or higher.

Final transcripts must reflect all coursework and final grades received for grades 9-12, a graduation date, and an overall GPA. (Mailed transcripts must be in a sealed and unopened envelope.)

Unofficial College Transcript Policy

Unofficial transcripts combined with a Transcript Request Form can be used for admission. Official transcripts are required within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first, and will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Before sending unofficial college transcripts, please make sure they include the following:

• Your previous school’s name or logo printed on the document
• Cumulative GPA
• A list of completed courses and earned credit broken down by semester
• Degree and date conferred (if applicable)

Official College Transcript Policy

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

If the student uses unofficial transcripts with a Transcript Request Form to gain acceptance, all official transcripts must be received within 60 days of the admissions decision or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first. Failure to send all official transcripts within the 60-day period will prevent enrollment into future terms until all official transcripts have been received.

Military Transfers

If you have military-only transfer credits (completed basic training and enlistment), you must request an official military transcript. Please go to the Military Transfer Credit webpage to request your military transcript.

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, you may be required to have your international transcripts reviewed. Information regarding the transcript evaluation process for international students can be found by visiting NACES .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9595 Fax

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected] Email for Documents

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Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $250 per credit hour for undergraduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $565 per course) *
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
• Potential college credit for military training

*Not applicable to certificates.

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SPHHS to Launch Online Master of Health Administration Degree Program in Fall 2025

The University of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences has recently been approved by the UMass Board of Trustees and the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education to offer a new Master of Health Administration program that will be available to students in fall 2025.

In their April 2024 meeting, the trustees approved a Master of Health Administration (MHA), an online degree program in the Department of Health Promotion and Policy. The part-time, online MHA program will be one of the few of its kind offered by a Massachusetts public university.

The curriculum is comprised of 40 credits including core courses in public health (health policy and management), management, strategic management, leadership, graduate seminars and a capstone experience that involves a service-learning case study with the student’s current or prospective place of employment.

Lawrence Pellegrini , director of the Online MPH in Public Health Practice Program and senior lecturer in health policy and management, says the program is designed to be completed in three years for individuals who want to further their education part-time while continuing to work.

“The degree is designed for working professionals looking to acquire needed skillsets to gain leadership positions within the healthcare field,” Pellegrini says.  “The program is fully online and asynchronous which offers a great deal of flexibility for students to complete the degree while balancing other responsibilities.” 

The program differs from a business school master’s program in health care administration or master’s in business administration because it is within the SPHHS and is public health focused. 

“We’re a school of public health,” Pellegrini says. “A lot of the values that we're going to be installing in the context of our program are going to be very much public health-oriented, so there would be a lot of population-based approaches to healthcare innovation.”

Graduates would be prepared for roles as healthcare administrators across industry sectors in businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, non-profit groups, community wellness programs, residential healthcare facilities, hospitals and clinical settings.

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