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.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/16/2024
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
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 a homeland security and emergency management 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 can you do with a bachelor's in homeland security and emergency management?
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. Additionally, this program may be an ideal fit for veterans or active-duty service members transitioning to civilian work.
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.”
Featured homeland security and emergency management 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:
PAF 201: Economics and Public Policy (SOBE OR SB)
PAF 261: Hazards and Risk Management
PAF 301: Applied Statistics (QTRS OR CS)
PAF 311: Leadership and Change (SOBE OR SB)
PAF 360: Emergency Management I
PAF 400: Senior Capstone Project
PAF 460: Public Service Ethics
PAF 461: Homeland Security
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
Emergency Manager
Firefighter/EMT
General Manager (GM)
Military Officer
Police Sergeant/Detective
Politician
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Security Manager
Learn from leading faculty in emergency management and homeland security
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 leading faculty in emergency management and homeland security
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.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
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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