Online Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

The Master of Arts in emergency management and homeland security degree is interdisciplinary in nature and prepares professionals to effectively lead the management of complex risk and resilience challenges in areas ranging from cybersecurity to natural hazards. This emergency management master's degree offers five concentration areas to allow you to fit the program to your professional development goals.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 11

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 33

Degree questions, answered.

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What is emergency management and homeland security?

Emergency management and homeland security are closely linked professional fields that both address a complex set of challenges related to hazard risk reduction and resilience capacity promotion. Hazards can be natural (e.g. floods), technological (e.g. cyber attacks) or intentional human acts (e.g. terrorism). How communities, nations and the international system deal with hazards and vulnerability is the core work of emergency management and homeland security professionals.

The underlying nature of these challenges means proactive, strategic approaches that cross disciplinary boundaries are needed for effective risk reduction and resilience promotion. A degree in emergency management and homeland security improves your professional readiness to coordinate emergency response, reduce hazard risk, promote public safety and strengthen community resilience.

What emergency management and homeland security experience will I earn in this online master’s degree?

 

The master's in homeland security and emergency management program is interdisciplinary because hazards and disaster challenges require interdisciplinary solutions. This means the program offers insights and expertise from several distinct professional fields to aid in your understanding of both complex problems and innovative solutions. You’ll gain a broad understanding of issues and skills related to policy analysis and program evaluation, resilience and sustainability, risk and vulnerability assessment, information technology used in decision support, and related areas.

In our master’s in homeland security and emergency management, you’ll take a set of program core courses and then select a concentration. The concentration helps you develop specialized skills in a specific area of the field that directly relates to your career goals and professional development interests. The five available concentrations are:

The emergency management master’s degree also offers significant international learning opportunities through the University of New South Wales in Australia as part of the PLuS alliance program and other international learning opportunities.

What industries require emergency management and homeland security skills?

 

Emergency management and homeland security abilities are useful in many types of public organizations. Master’s in homeland security and emergency management graduates often go on to work for government agencies at the local, state and federal level. You might also apply for jobs with public safety, health or security groups, including in the nonprofit sector. The emergency management master’s degree can also prepare you for roles in private security and technology companies.

Does my homeland security and emergency management degree say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Emergency management and homeland security courses

Emergency management and homeland security courses provide a broad overview of the field in addition to the in-depth specialist knowledge gained in your chosen concentration. You’ll also build experience in public policy analysis, management and leadership. The emergency management master’s degree culminates with an applied project.


Core

Hazards Governance


Core

Program Evaluation for Emergency Management and Homeland Security


Core

GIS for Hazards Analysis


Core

Applied Data Analysis in Criminal Justice


Core

Homeland Security


Core

Integrated Emergency Management


Capstone

Applied Project


What can I do with a degree in emergency management and homeland security?

An emergency management and homeland security degree can promote career growth. After graduating from our emergency management master’s program, you’ll be well-equipped for a variety of related jobs at government agencies and public health organizations. Graduates also can work in emergency management roles in the private sector. Jobs you may pursue include:

Emergency management director

Hazard mitigation specialist

Risk management specialist

Security analyst

Transportation security manager

Learn from leaders in public safety and emergency management

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Learn from leaders in public safety and emergency management

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent faculty highlights include:

  • Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Emergency management and homeland security admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Application requirements

Nationally recognized public service programs

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our public service programs, from public policy, to social work, to criminal justice, to emergency management, are designed to help prepare our diverse student body to make a difference in the community.

#1


best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#2


in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings.

Top 5


Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report.

Top 10


best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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