Online Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Are you interested in reducing the risk of disaster associated with natural hazards or human-caused incidents and building community resilience? If so, Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in emergency management and homeland security may be the right fit. In this program, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to prevent, plan for and recover from disasters. You’ll graduate prepared for a rewarding career in the private sector, nonprofits or government organizations.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Emergency Management and Homeland Security (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What you’ll learn in this emergency management and homeland security degree program

In our interdependent world, hazardous incidents can affect individuals, organizations and communities. In this program, you’ll explore an integrative approach to managing risk and building resilience in the face of natural and human-caused disasters. You’ll also gain perspective of the economic, social and public policy implications of disasters, terrorism and national security threats.

Additionally, you’ll learn how to assess vulnerabilities and manage risk associated with crisis situations, promote security and protect critical assets. Upon graduation, you’ll have an interdisciplinary skill set, including:

  • Collaborating across teams and organizations.
  • Communicating with the public and emergency services communities.
  • Conducting risk and vulnerability assessments.
  • Deploying human capital and technological systems for decision support.
  • Management and strategic planning.
  • Writing for multiple audiences.

What you can do with a bachelor's in emergency management and homeland security

You can pursue a variety of roles in disaster response and preparedness, ranging from an emergency preparedness specialist in a public health agency to an analyst in corporate global security operations. Other career paths include security policy, program planning, crisis operations, quality assurance, mission support and more.

If you hold a role as a first responder, nonprofit worker or government employee, earning a bachelor’s in homeland security and emergency management can also boost your upward mobility. This program may also be an ideal fit for veterans or active-duty service members transitioning to civilian work.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

Does this degree prepare me for disaster relief jobs?

Yes. With the abilities you’ll develop related to emergency operations, continuity management and cross-organizational communication, you’ll be equipped to work on teams responding to any disaster. This can include intentional human acts (e.g. terrorism), accidental human hazards (e.g. chemical releases from train derailments) or disasters from natural hazards (e.g. hurricanes or wildfires).

Additionally, this program places an emphasis on professional development and applied coursework to build skills. You’ll have the opportunity to complete certifications that support your career, such as credentials offered by the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA).

Will my diploma 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.”

Emergency management and homeland security courses

Your courses will cover a variety of topics ranging from new and emerging biological threats to cybersecurity and disaster risk reduction. As a culminating experience, you’ll complete a capstone project which allows you to develop solutions for planning and responding to disasters that you could encounter in your future roles. Courses may include:


Jobs in disaster relief, homeland security and more

Upon graduation, your knowledge and skills can suit you for career opportunities in local, state and federal government, as well as private companies and nonprofit organizations. You can pursue roles, such as emergency management director, disaster recovery planner, GIS analyst, logistics section lead, cybersecurity analyst and more. Career paths include, but aren’t limited to:

Compliance Manager


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $128,620

Emergency Manager


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $79,180

Firefighter/EMT


Growth: 3.6 %
Salary: $51,680

General Manager (GM)


Growth: 4.2 %
Salary: $98,100

Military Officer


Growth: %
Salary: $0

Police Sergeant/Detective


Growth: 3.1 %
Salary: $96,290

Politician


Growth: 3.4 %
Salary: $48,090

Regulatory Affairs Manager


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $128,620

Security Manager


Growth: 4.6 %
Salary: $99,030

Learn from leading faculty in emergency management and homeland security

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. 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 leading faculty in emergency management and homeland security

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. 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.

How to apply

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

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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