Top Online PhDs and Doctorates in Emergency Management for 2024
Explore the range of online PhD and doctoral degree programs in emergency management and get answers to frequently asked questions on how online doctoral programs work. Learn about specialization options and valuable resources for your academic studies and beyond in this guide.
Earning your emergency management doctorate can give you the advanced knowledge and skills needed to excel in roles at the highest levels of your profession in research, postsecondary academics, policymaking, and the administration of major emergency services agencies. An emergency management doctorate can also mean a substantial boost in pay, even into six figures. But finding the right online doctorate or PhD in emergency management for you – the one that focuses on areas you’re most interested in – requires a bit of investigating.
We’ll introduce you to the wide variety of quality, accredited online doctorate in emergency management and online PhD emergency management programs available today from top colleges and universities throughout the United States. You’ll also find valuable information and advice on the types of doctorates offered, tuition costs, how programs deliver online content, and more. Read on to learn how you can make your move in the emergency services profession by earning your emergency management doctorate from one of the top online programs in 2024.
Spotlight on PhD Programs in Emergency Management
A great way to get going on your degree search is with a closer look at a few of the top online doctorate in emergency management and online PhD in emergency management programs. We’ll start with two PhD program spotlights and follow that with two non-PhD doctoral program spotlights. We considered of several program elements, including curriculum quality and comprehensiveness, affordability, study convenience, and access to useful academic and career support services. These spotlights will give you an idea of the features to look for in the online emergency management doctoral program you choose.
OSU’s affordable online PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration prepares graduates for top-tier leadership positions emergency management, emergency medical services, homeland security, law enforcement, and related fields. The curriculum consists of core, research tools, elective, and emergency management administration track coursework, and concludes with a dissertation. Students are also required to take and pass written and oral comprehensive exams. Designed with working professionals in mind, all coursework is delivered entirely online with regular semester classes in the evenings (one night per week/per class) via live stream.
Admissions requirements include a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. GRE scores are also required but waived for applicants with a master’s GPA of 3.5 or higher. Both academic and professional experience in fire or emergency services is preferred but not required. Other application requirements include a current resume, three letters of recommendation, and a personal essay. The current per-credit tuition rate for this 69-credit program is $489 for in-state residents and $530 for out-of-state residents. Residents of Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, South Carolina, and Texas may qualify for the in-state tuition rate through the Academic Common Market program.
This degree program is also available in a campus-based format.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
Specialization Options:
- None (beyond the Emergency Management Administration track)
The Emergency Management pathway for UMBC’s PhD in Public Policy program is designed to provide graduate-level education and training for students seeking top positions in emergency management and emergency public health as administrators, educators, researchers, and policymakers. The curriculum consists of 48 credit hours of pre-dissertation core, disciplinary foundation, and emergency management track coursework followed by 18 credit hours of dissertation research. Students must pass comprehensive and field exams prior to embarking on dissertation work. Students with an emergency health services master’s degree will have fewer PhD course requirements. All courses are available in both fully-online and hybrid formats, and full- or part-time study is available. Students attend online via live stream, scheduled once a week at either 4:30 p.m. or 7:10 p.m.
Admission into the program requires a master’s degree in a public policy/emergency services related field. Student selections are based on a match between the program and the applicant’s academic record, interests, and recommendations from professors or others on the applicant’s potential for success in the program. GRE scores are not required. The estimated per-credit cost (tuition and fees) is $918 (in-state and Regional Graduate Student) and $1,450 (out-of-state).
Delivery:
- Fully-Online
- Hybrid
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization Options:
- None (beyond the Emergency Management pathway)
Spotlight on Doctorate Programs in Emergency Management
Emergency management is a surprisingly diverse field in terms of areas of practice, particularly in top-level leadership roles. The two non-PhD doctoral programs spotlighted below give you an idea of what is available. If you want to focus your studies in a particular area of the larger emergency management leadership field, you’ll likely find an online doctorate program that meets your needs.
The mission of JSU’s Doctor of Science (DSc) in Emergency Management is to equip senior emergency management leaders and future educators with an understanding of the requirements for the management and risk reduction of hazards and for effective response to and recovery from disasters. Students complete 42 hours of online coursework in administration and policy, research methods and statistics, and practice areas, plus three elective courses. This is followed by three doctoral candidate qualifying exams. Qualifying candidates then complete 18 credit hours in dissertation research, writing, and defense. Students are required to attend a weeklong seminar on JSU’s campus in Jacksonville once each academic year for the first three years of the program.
Admission into JSU’s Doctor of Science in Emergency Management program requires a master’s degree in emergency management or related field. Application submittals include a current resume, three completed graduate reference forms, a writing sample in the form of an academic paper, and a statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s research interests and career goals. GRE scores are required. Current program cost is $30,000 ($500/credit), making JSU’s DSc in Emergency Management among the most affordable.
Delivery:
- Online (with in-person week-long seminars)
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Specialization Options:
- None
Current physician assistants can expand their practices into a range of top leadership roles through the Doctor of Medical Science with Emergency Management and Global Health Concentration (DMSc) program from the Christian-affiliated University of Lynchburg. Graduates of this 37-credit non-dissertation program are prepared to take on professional careers conducting peer-reviewed research, serving as directors of PA education programs, working in legal and public policy settings, establishing their own private PA practices, and more. All students enroll full-time, with courses and doctoral project completed in 12 months. Most coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format, students are required to participate in a culminating seven to 10-day in-person experience. Clinical work performed at the student’s place of employment fulfills a portion of degree requirements.
Admission is open to PAs with a master’s or doctoral degree and certificate or degree from a PA program accredited by the ARC-PA with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The current tuition for this 37-credit program is $28,379 ($767/credit).
Delivery:
- Hybrid (with culminating in-person experience)
- Full-Time
Specialization Options:
- None (beyond the Emergency Management and Global Health concentration)
PhD vs Doctorate in Emergency Management: Which Should You Choose?
As you can see from the spotlighted programs above, both PhD and non-PhD doctorates are available in the emergency management field. An understanding of the general differences between these two doctorate types will help you decide which one is right for you. Here are the most common differences:
- PhDs prepare graduates for careers in postsecondary academics and advanced research. That’s true of most emergency management PhDs, as well. A PhD in emergency management may also prepare grads for careers in public policy advocacy. Non-PhD doctorates in emergency management are designed for students pursuing top-level careers in the administration of emergency and disaster response relief services.
- PhD programs almost always culminate in the writing and defense of a doctoral dissertation. This is certainly true of emergency management PhDs, including those spotlighted and listed in the program costs chart below. Dissertations are also required in some non-PhD programs cited here, but it is common for professional doctorates to culminate with the completion of a capstone project instead of a dissertation. Examples of online professional doctoral programs that culminate with a capstone project include the Doctor of Science in Public Safety with Emergency and Disaster Management Track at Middle Georgia State University and the DMSc with Emergency Management and Global Health Concentration program at the University of Lynchburg, spotlighted above.
It’s important to remember that these general differences are just that – general. What you’ll find as you dig deeper into the details of the various online doctorate in emergency management and online PhD emergency management programs is that the lines between the two doctorate types are often blurred in terms of purpose and features. So, be sure to ask yourself the following questions before committing to any specific program:
- What is my ultimate career destination? Is it in research, academics, or policymaking? Or do I want to work hands-on in the administration of emergency services agencies?
- Does the emergency management doctoral program I’m considering prepare me specifically for that destination?
FAQs: Earning a PhD or Doctorate in Emergency Management Online
There are lots of other questions you’ll have before deciding on whether to begin an online doctorate or PhD in emergency management program. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions by prospective online emergency management students.
Is the online doctorate or PhD in emergency management right for me?
If you’ve read this far, then you’re likely seriously considering going for an online doctorate or PhD in emergency management. And that means you’re probably currently employed in the emergency management business and know what the profession is all about. The only two questions that remain, then, are: 1) Will earning an emergency management doctorate help take me to where I want to be in my career? and 2) Is online the best degree format to get me there?
If your plan is to advance to a position in emergency management postsecondary education or academic research, then (as is true for almost all academic disciplines) a doctorate is an absolute must. If you’re seeking to advance into an administrative role with a government agency or private company or organization, then, in many cases, a master’s degree in emergency management or closely related field may suffice. However, if you’re looking toward employment with larger emergency services agencies, particularly on the state and national level, a doctoral degree in emergency management may be needed to set you apart in you job search.
The benefits of study convenience and flexibility built into online degree programs can help busy professionals balance work and studies. If “busy professional” describes you and you’re comfortable with – or even enjoy – working and studying online, then one of today’s best online doctorate or PhD in emergency management programs is a logical choice.
Are PhD/doctorate programs in emergency management fully or partially online?
Both, but it depends on the program. A number of online doctorates in emergency management and online PhD emergency management programs combine online classes with one or more on-campus or other in-person components. Examples include Walden University’s PhD in Criminal Justice with Emergency Management specialization (four short-term residencies) and Jacksonville State University’s Doctor of Science in Emergency Management (week-long on-campus seminar each year of the program). Other programs, like the PhD in Emergency and Protective Services at Capitol Technology University, are offered 100% online with no required campus visits. And still others, like the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s PhD in Public Policy with Emergency Management pathway, conveniently offers all classes in both fully-online and hybrid formats. Note that every program has its own take on online study, so it’s best to gain a complete understanding of how the format works for any emergency management doctoral program you’re considering before you enroll.
Can I get into an online emergency management PhD/Doctorate program?
That will depend on the program since specific admissions requirements vary. Generally, you’llfind that any online doctorate or PhD in emergency management program you consider will have admissions requirements similar to the following:
- Master’s degree: A master’s degree in emergency management or closely related discipline (criminal justice, homeland security, public safety, etc.), earned from an accredited college or university (or international equivalent) is typically required. Some programs (like the Doctor of Emergency Management at Columbia Southern University) will accept students with a master’s in a non-emergency management major who complete the school’s emergency management graduate-level course as a prerequisite. A minimum cumulative GPA on master’s coursework is also typically required. Minimums vary by program, but 3.0 is common.
- GRE scores: GRE scores are often required. Some programs state a specific minimum score while others do not. And some programs waive GRE scores for students who have met other admissions criteria, such as a higher master’s GPA.
- Professional experience: Experience working in emergency services, public safety, fire services, or a similar agency is required by most programs. Length and type of experience varies.
- Application submittals: Other common application materials include letters of recommendation, personal essays, writing samples, and current resumes. International students are also usually required to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Can I specialize when earning my PhD/doctorate in emergency management online?
Yes, but you won’t be looking for a specialization or concentration track within an online doctorate or PhD in emergency management program. Instead, you’ll be looking for emergency management specializations or concentrations within a doctoral program in its own specialized field. Confused? Let us explain. The answer is in the program titles. If you’ve looked at the spotlights above and the other programs mentioned in this guide, you’ll notice that emergency management is itself a specialization track for a program in any of several major disciplines. Examples include:
- Criminal Justice: Walden University’s PhD in Criminal Justice with Emergency Management specialization.
- Emergency Services Administration: Oklahoma State University’s PhD in Fire and Emergency Management Administration with Emergency Management Administration track.
- Homeland Security:St. John’s University’s Doctor of Professional Studies in Homeland Security.
- Public Health: The University of Lynchburg’s Doctor of Medical Science with Emergency Management and Global Health concentration and the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s DrPH in Public Health Practice with concentration in Emergency Preparedness.
- Public Policy: The University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s PhD in Public Policy with Emergency Management specialization track.
- Public Safety: Middle Georgia State University’s Doctor of Science in Public Safety with Emergency and Disaster Management Track.
What is a dissertation? Is it different from a capstone project?
Nearly all PhD and some non-PhD emergency management doctoral programs culminate with the writing and defense of a dissertation. Others conclude with the completion of a capstone project. It’s critical that you clearly understand the similarities and differences between these two culminating activities before you enroll. Here’s a brief look:
- Research is part of both the dissertation and capstone project. However, a dissertation addresses a topic or issue related to the emergency management field with research that addresses that topic. Capstone projects apply (and sometimes in the process, extend) already-existing research to solve a real-world problem that is the subject of the project.
- The resulting product in a dissertation is the written work which, in most cases, is followed by an in-person defense of the research and writing before the degree program’s dissertation committee. Depending on the specific degree program, the final product of a capstone project may be a written report (most common for emergency management doctorates) or a professional portfolio or product.
- In most cases, the dissertation process requires substantially more time and effort than a typical capstone project.
How much does an online PhD/Doctorate in emergency management cost?
A major concern for many college students – regardless of degree level, discipline, or delivery format – is cost. Before you commit to any emergency management doctoral program, be sure you have a detailed understanding of its total cost and a plan to pay for it. Costs for emergency management doctorates vary, sometimes substantially, depending on factors such as the specific major, program length, whether the program’s school is public or private, and program and school reputation.
We’ve put together the following chart with tuition rates for six current emergency management doctoral programs. Along with those listed in the program spotlights, these figures will give you a solid idea of what you can expect to pay for your emergency management doctoral education. Take a look and keep in mind there are scholarship opportunities and other financial aid resources to help defray your degree bill.
| Program Type (PhD/Doctorate) | School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD in Emergency and Protective Services | Capitol Technology University | 60 | $950 | $57,000 |
| Doctor of Emergency Management (DEM) | Columbia Southern University | 61 | $545 | $33,245 |
| Doctor of Science in Public Safety with Emergency and Disaster Management Track | Middle Georgia State University | 54 | $261 | $14,094 |
| Doctor of Professional Studies in Homeland Security | St. John’s University | 78 | $1,560 | $121,680 |
| DrPH in Public Health Practice with concentration in Emergency Preparedness | University of Nebraska Medical Center | 54-57 | $626.85 | $33,849.90 – $35,730.45 |
| PhD in Criminal Justice with Emergency Management Specialization | Walden University | 63 quarter credits (with master’s in criminal justice); 78 quarter credits (with master’s in other discipline) | $675 per quarter credit | $42,525 (with master’s in criminal justice); $52,650 (with master’s in other discipline) |
Additional Resources for Emergency Management Students and Professionals
You don’t have to go it alone as you pursue your emergency management doctorate. There are plenty of excellent resources available to help you throughout your studies and career, particularly when it comes to emergency services professional associations. We’ve listed several below along with some other great resources for emergency management students and professionals.
- Association of Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Professionals (AHEPP)
This is a nonprofit association of organizations, individuals, and students engaged in the professional practice of healthcare emergency preparedness. Members can participate in association events and access valuable AHEPP resources including its podcast and online career center. The AHEPP also sponsors the Healthcare Emergency Management Certification credential. - CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response
This Centers for Disease Control website acts as a clearinghouse of valuable information on government resources for the areas of emergency preparedness and response. Included are links to webpages with resources particularly helpful for emergency health professionals and planners and responders. - Complete Guide to Online Emergency Management DegreesLearn more with STEPs own comprehensive guide to online management degrees – from associate through doctorate – and the schools that offer them. You’ll find useful information on accreditation, program costs, online delivery formats, career opportunities for graduates, and more.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
As an emergency services professional, you likely already know a lot about FEMA, the federal agency that coordinates the response to disaster events that are too large for state and local emergency services to handle on their own. What you might not know is that the FEMA website offers a wealth of valuable information and data on all aspects of emergency management, including tools and resources specifically for emergency management practitioners. - International Association for Disaster Preparedness and Response (DERA)
DERA is a volunteer international non-government membership association of organizations and individuals engaged in a range of disaster preparedness and response activities and disciplines. Visitors to the DERA website have direct access to association newsletters and monographs, the ASPEP Journal archive, and more. - International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
The IAEM is a professional association representing over 6,000 emergency management and disaster preparedness professionals and students in more than 58 countries worldwide. Student member benefits include access to membership groups, scholarship opportunities, student awards, and job and internship opportunities. - National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
This preeminent professional organization of emergency management directors throughout the United States offers both individual and student (full-time only) memberships with benefits such as peer networking and association events. Members receive exclusive access to NEMA publications and reports, an online document library, EMPowerment E-Learning sessions, and other useful resources. - National Information Officers Association (NIOA)
The NIOA is a nonprofit professional association providing networking and continuing education opportunities to public information officers and others in related professional positions. Membership is available to active professionals whose primary responsibilities include disseminating public information, including employees of federal, state, and local government agencies, and other public safety and emergency services organizations. - U.S. First Responders Association (USFRA)
The USFRA is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to support and advance professional practice in the first responder community (emergency, EMS, fire, military police, and rescue services) through education, advocacy, community leadership, and more. Site visitors can access a wide range of resources such as videos, blogs, the community forum, group pages, and event announcements.