An Emergency Management position puts you in a place where you can really make a difference when things go awry in your area. A good emergency manager can literally be the difference between life or death, and also the difference between an area receiving federal funding for relief or not. An emergency management degree is also a path to leadership at fire departments, urgent care centers, and other emergency services.
What Can An Emergency Management Degree Do For You?
If you already work in emergency services then a degree may be what you need to clear the path to your next promotion. If you are a leader and are ready for the responsibility and reward of being in charge then it may be time to increase your education and credentials.
Top 5 Emergency Management Degree Programs
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John Jay College of Criminal Justice | New York City, New York |
| 2 | Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, North Carolina |
| 3 | Western Illinois University | Macomb, Illinois |
| 4 | Everglades University | Boca Raton, Florida |
| 5 | University of Nebraska | Lincoln, Nebraska |
What Is The Job Growth Potential?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the growth rate is expected to be at 4% for emergency management jobs across the board. This means that you can expect to find an average job demand as you seek a career after graduation.
15 Best Colleges For Your Emergency Management Degree
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
John Jay College of Criminal Justice is in New York and states that the theme of justice runs through each of its courses. The college has made a name for itself over the years as one of the premium criminal justice institutions in the Nation. The yearly tuition for a bachelor’s in emergency management is low to medium, the student reviews are positive, and graduates have gone on to earn high positions in their field in the New York area and across the nation.
School Overview
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University is a great school that offers both affordability and quality right in North Carolina. The college has been rated high for being technologically advance for online learning opportunities so students who attend school in the area have plenty of options if they are working full time concurrently.
School Overview
Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University has a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management program that focuses on leadership with job placement and internship programs for qualified students. The college is ranked high in Mid-Western college rankings and they offer a four-year graduation guarantee program and tuition guarantee program that is well praised by industrious students who want their tuition prices locked in at the start and want a set graduation year when they start.
School Overview
Everglades University
Everglades University offers its emergency management degree online and on-campus to offer maximum flexibility to those who want to earn their degree as adults with responsibilities. The campus is in Boca Raton Florida and the atmosphere is relaxed and professional. If you are seeking an emergency management degree in the south, and want a specialty in crisis management then consider Everglades U.
School Overview
University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska offers a BA that is entirely online for emergency management. The focus is on emergency services (ambulance, fire) and management and they have flexible programs for adults and new students alike. If you live centrally and are looking for a school to propel you to the next stage of your career consider the University of Nebraska today.
School Overview
University of Findlay
The University of Findlay offers a graduate program for students already in Emergency Management to receive a Master’s Certification and further their career in leading local facilities. The program is geared towards professionals who are currently working so the one-year program can occur on campus, online, or a combination of both depending on the employer’s needs.
School Overview
University At Albany
University at Albany also known as SUNY Albany offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity that they declare on their site will prepare graduates for jobs with the top centers across the globe including FEMA, Nuclear Detection, Border Patrol, Secret Service, and more. They offer 3 different concentrations in Emergency Preparedness to choose from.
School Overview
University of Alaska
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a minor in Emergency Management. Students learn specific situations that the state of Alaska may face when it comes to natural disasters and emergencies, as well as leadership skills to excel in their position. They offer flexible learning programs for those who cannot travel into Fairbanks for classes and offer even more flexibility for those in the military.
School Overview
University of North Texas
The University of North Texas offers a BS in Emergency Administration and Planning that focuses on disaster planning and creative problem-solving. Students who are entering pre-career must also serve an internship during their education. Those who already work in the field do not have this requirement. If you want to be a leader in the field and learn about the resources and ways of thinking it takes to lead during trying times then consider UNT.
School Overview
Adelphi
Adelphi offers a BS in Emergency Services and a MA in Emergency Management. If you are considering taking your career to the very top and want to attend one institution for it all then Adelphi may be right for you. The online options are just as available as the on-campus options in New York and the school is accommodating to adult learners who are balancing a career.
School Overview
Waldorf University
Waldorf University is located in Iowa and offers a BA in Emergency Management as well as several AA options in Emergency Management. They offer Fire Science, and Homeland Security concentrations. Their programs are flexible to learners who are already juggling life and their course options are online.
School Overview
University of Florida
The University of Florida offers a BS in Fire and Emergency Services with specializations in Fire Management, Emergency Medical Services Management, and Emergency Management. The program prepares students to lead in their chosen field and encourages fieldwork throughout the class so each leader is well informed about their specialization.
School Overview
Northwest Missouri State University
At Northwest Missouri State University the students are prepared for leadership and emergency management work from day one through field experience and internships. They offer several major and minor programs in Emergency Management so each student will receive the education they need to succeed in their particular career.
School Overview
Mercer
Mercer University in Georgia offers a BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Their program is designed with busy adults already in their careers in mind with an 8-week rotation and online setup. Leaders of tomorrow are created while they work and keep our communities safe today.
School Overview
Ohio Christian University
Ohio Christian University has a campus in Circleville but offers most of their class options fully online as well with an extremely flexible five-week rotation. If you work full time but want to grow in your career and prepare yourself more fully to help those around you during an emergency then their BA in Emergency and Disaster Management may be the perfect fit.
School Overview
Our Ranking Methodology
This list was ranked using data from the college’s websites, and real student reviews. If you feel like your school was not accurately depicted on the list please contact us so we can correct it and continue to provide useful knowledge to anyone considering getting their degree in emergency management to further their career and help their community.
For more programs check out our online Emergency Management degree page.
