Few careers are as important as emergency management. Disasters and emergencies, due to natural and man-made causes, are becoming more complex. Your city, county, state, country, and world need experts who can deliver food and shelter, help people escape danger, and monitor the distribution of emergency services. With one of the cheapest emergency management associate’s degree online programs, you can help people when they need it the most.
Whether you provide assistance after a flood, hurricane, tornado, or terrorist attack, you’ll be vital to people’s survival and wellbeing. With an online emergency management associate’s degree, you’ll be prepared for a fulfilling career in an essential service.
We have identified 30 programs from 26 accredited institutions. While they can be costly, these associate’s degree online programs often have affordable prices.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $13,300
Least Expensive (In-State): Coastline College (California) – $2,920
Least Expensive (Nationwide): Georgia State University – $5,900
The 17 Cheapest Online Emergency Management Associate’s Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Coastline College | (CA) | $2,920.00 $25,780.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute | (NC) | $5,069.00 $17,357.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Wayne Community College | (NC) | $5,208.00 $17,688.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Forsyth Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,272.00 $17,752.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | (NC) | $5,312.00 $17,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Lenoir Community College | (NC) | $5,383.00 $18,247.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Cochise County Community College District | (AZ) | $5,580.00 $15,000.00 $5,580.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
8 | Fayetteville Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,658.00 $18,714.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Georgia State University | (GA) | $5,900.00 | All Students |
10 | Nash Community College | (NC) | $6,767.00 $19,631.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | St. Petersburg College | (FL) | $7,605.00 $24,114.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Central Texas College | (TX) | $7,800.00 $15,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Lamar Institute of Technology | (TX) | $8,160.00 $33,360.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Wake Technical Community College | (NC) | $9,344.00 $30,328.00 $9,344.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
15 | Barton Community College | (KS) | $9,920.00 | All Students |
16 | Trident Technical College | (SC) | $12,270.00 $21,498.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Utah Valley University | (UT) | $12,540.00 $15,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Arkansas State University | (AR) | $16,560.00 | All Students | |
Georgia Military College | (GA) | $16,560.00 | All Students | |
Idaho State University | (ID) | $16,712.00 | All Students | |
Georgia Military College | (GA) | $17,480.00 | All Students | |
Community College of Allegheny County | (PA) | $18,185.00 $25,745.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Drury University | (MO) | $20,908.00 | All Students | |
New England College | (NH) | $22,500.00 | All Students | |
Bucks County Community College | (PA) | $23,633.00 $34,483.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Campbell University | (NC) | $28,140.00 $15,740.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Hawaii Pacific University | (HI) | $65,760.00 $15,720.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Methodology for the Rankings of the Cheapest Online Emergency Management Associate’s Degrees
These rankings of online emergency management associate programs are based on our spring 2024 review of emergency management degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same emergency management degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire emergency management degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable online emergency management associate degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online emergency management degree or homeland security program. We do not include emergency management degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the online emergency management program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Emergency Management Associate Degree Programs?
Wondering if a career in emergency management and response would be right for you? Here are some of the best reasons to consider an associate’s degree homeland security program or an emergency management associate’s degree online:
- Help people in their worst situations: With this education, you’ll be prepared to help people in their most troubling times of need. You’ll help victims of earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and violence to recover and start the road to recovery.
- Stable careers with strong incomes: Many of these careers bring excellent salaries. For instance, emergency management directors have a median salary above $83,000, with the top 10% earning over $151,000.
- Advancement opportunities available: Leaders in emergency management and homeland security are in high demand. While more education and experience may be needed, there is certainly room for advancement in this field.
- Challenging, invigorating work: A career in emergency management or homeland security is never dull. The days can be long and the work is sometimes challenging, but you’ll have the motivation of doing some of the most engaging and important work you can imagine.
Emergency Management: Associate Degree Program Cost
This database has 30 programs from 26 colleges and universities. While it’s far from the largest database on our website, there are plenty of options, including associate degrees in homeland security, emergency management, and emergency preparedness.
The average price for degrees in this database is $13,300. Most students will need two years of full-time study to complete the degree, so you can expect roughly $6,650 per year.
Many of these programs come from community colleges, which generally provide the most affordable tuition, especially for in-state students. For example, the cheapest emergency management associate’s degree online comes from Coastline College (California), a community college based in California. This school offers an affordable homeland security degree for less than $3,000. However, this low price is only available to in-state residents; non-California residents pay nearly $26,000 for the two-year homeland security degree.
The most affordable option for all students, regardless of location, is the Associate of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management from Georgia State University. This online homeland security program has an estimated cost of $5,900, which is available to all students regardless of residency.
The most expensive online homeland security associate’s degree comes from Hawaii Pacific University. The Associate of Science in Homeland Security costs $65,760 for all students; that’s nearly $33,000 per year for the associate’s degree.
As you can see, there is a large difference between the cheapest and most expensive emergency management programs. If you need the most affordable price, start by looking at associate programs from community colleges within your state.
Is One Type More Affordable?
While each program has its own cost, it appears that AAS degrees may be more affordable than AA and AS programs.
The cheapest programs in this database, both homeland security degrees from Coastline College (California), are Associate of Arts programs. (Technically they can be considered one program with a criminal justice option.) The next eight on the list are AAS programs. 20 programs are below the database average; 15 of these are Associate of Applied Science degrees.
Only one AAS program is above the average price and it’s the cheapest program above the average cost. The nine most expensive programs are either AA or AS degrees. Again, it’s not a hard rule, but it seems AAS programs are, in general, a more affordable option.
Who Offers the Cheapest Emergency Management Associate’s Degree Online?
There are numerous affordable degrees from leading institutions. Here are some of the three most affordable associate programs in emergency management and homeland security, plus the most affordable for all students, regardless of residency:
#1. Coastline College (California)
Degree: Associate of Arts in Emergency Management in Homeland Security (optional Criminal Justice concentration)
Cost: $2,920 (In-state, California)
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges
This is the cheapest homeland security associate’s degree online, at least for California residents. With an in-state price of $2,920, students pay less than $1,500 annually for the program.
Within this online homeland security program, students can select a specialization in criminal justice, or they can complete the basic homeland security degree, each in addition to general education courses. Either option leads to excellent careers in homeland security while positioning the student for further learning.
Coastline College is a leader in affordable online learning. The school has more than 70 online degrees and certificate programs providing outstanding flexibility. Online students can access a range of services including 24/7 tutoring, virtual counselors, and an online library.
#2. Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management
Cost: $5,069 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
This affordable program is one of the top degrees in emergency management. Online students complete coursework in incident management, government finance, emergency planning, terrorism response, and other critical subjects. Once complete, graduates can work in ambulance services, fire and rescue, law enforcement, and education.
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has a variety of online degrees that lead to excellent careers in numerous professions. Many of the programs are designed for college transfer, while others lead to direct job placement.
#3. Wayne Community College
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Management
Cost: $5,208 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Wayne Community College in North Carolina has an affordable associate degree in emergency management online. This online degree develops technical and leadership skills that apply to emergency management and disaster preparedness. Students are trained to deliver emergency services while managing hazardous materials and working with emergency operators.
This associate’s degree in emergency management online is completely remote, allowing students to earn a degree with greater flexibility and convenience with online learning.
Special Note: Georgia State University (Cheapest Nationwide for Out-of-State Students)
Degree: Associate of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Cost: $5,900 (All students)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
With an estimated price of $5,900, which is available to online students from all corners of the country, this is a great option regardless of where you live. Students will gain a world-class education in homeland security and emergency management, making them well-rounded professionals who can contribute to a wide range of safety and security occupations.
With affordable prices on top-quality degrees and certificates, Georgia State University has become a leader in online education. Programs provide the same outcomes and are taught by the same faculty that deliver in-person classes.
Associate Degree in Emergency Management: Program Types
When selecting from the cheapest homeland security associate’s degrees online, you’ll need to choose the type and concentration to fit your skills, interests, and career goals.
Associate of Arts (AA)
An associate of arts degree is one of the most common types of college degrees. Consisting of classic subjects like math, science, English, and history, these are the broadest and most widely applicable programs, although they generally don’t dive as deeply into a specific subject.
Associate of Science (AS)
This type of program is more focused on the hard science and research surrounding emergency management and homeland security. Coursework often dives into provable, research-driven facts and methods for enhancing emergency response.
Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
This type of degree prepares students for specific jobs. The Associate of Applied Science in Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management from Arkansas State University, for instance, develops specific skills and can include an emphasis on an emergency medical technician career.
Job-Ready or Transfer?
When choosing an AA, AS, or AAS degree, you’ll want to think about job-ready and transfer degrees.
Essentially, you can choose a job-ready degree that is specifically meant for immediate job placement. The goal for these programs is to train the student and develop their skills so that they can immediately pursue careers in disaster recovery and public safety.
Transfer degrees, while certainly useful in the workforce, are specifically designed for transfer into a bachelor’s degree, such as in emergency planning, emergency services management, or emergency management technology. The coursework is made to seamlessly transfer into a larger college or university.
This is not a hard rule, but most Associate of Science and Associate of Arts degrees are designed for transfer into a bachelor’s degree, while an Associate of Applied Science degree is made for immediate job placement in the emergency management field. So, generally speaking, if you want to complete a bachelor’s degree in emergency and disaster management, look for AS or AA programs; if you want to enter the workforce, look for AAS emergency management degrees.
Concentrations
Throughout these programs, you can also select a variety of specializations:
- Emergency preparedness
- Emergency services
- Homeland security
- Management technology
Accreditation for Online Emergency Management Degree Programs
These emergency and disaster management programs come with affordable prices, but, regardless of price, prospective students must ensure your money, time, and mental energy are well spent. How can you be certain you’ll receive a high-quality online education in disaster management and homeland security? You can start by reviewing the programs for accreditation.
Accreditation is a quality-control process for the academic system. Independent bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation review schools and programs for academic quality, instructor expertise, and graduate success, among many other factors.
Attending an accredited school is critical, especially if you hope to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program after your disaster management degree online.
Admission Requirements for an Associate Emergency Management Degree Program
Associate degrees are typically designed as entry points to collegiate learning or a professional setting. As such, they often have simple, lenient admission standards that will allow most students to enroll in an emergency management associate’s degree online.
The fundamental requirement for an associate’s degree in emergency and disaster management is a high school diploma or GED. Some schools also require placement testing for prospective students, although this is primarily used for class selection rather than admission. Basically, schools use test scores to determine which classes you should take, rather than whether they will grant your admission to the online degree.
To complete your application, you’ll need to submit transcripts and test scores. Prospective students may need a letter of recommendation or a statement of purpose, although these are less common for an associate program in disaster management.
Each school is different, so consult the program’s website for specific admissions information for their emergency and disaster management programs.
Licensing, Training, and Experience Requirements for Emergency Management
While an associate degree in emergency management or homeland security can lead to immediate job placement in disaster management, you may need a license, additional training, or years of experience for certain positions.
Police officers, for example, need to attend academy training, which is an intense, structured, in-person training program that develops skills including self-defense, marksmanship, legal knowledge, and evidence handling.
Dispatchers need specific on-the-job training. Requirements typically include 40 hours of training and regular continuing education, although standards vary by state.
To become a homeland security or emergency management director, you’ll need roughly five years of experience. Most emergency leaders pursue careers as dispatchers, firefighters, or police officers before leading emergency planning efforts.
Whether you study emergency management or homeland security, you’ll have numerous professional and academic options after an associate’s degree online. However, you can expect at least some combination of training, licensing, professional testing, and experience before landing the most common positions in disaster management.
Emergency Management Salary and Career Information
Occupation | Minimum Education | Expected Growth (2022-2032) | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Management Director | Bachelor’s | 3% | $83,960 |
| Police and Detective | Varies (High School to Bachelor’s) | 3% | $69,160 |
| Firefighter | Postsecondary Certification | 4% | $57,120 |
| Dispatcher | High School | 3% | $48,890 |
| All Occupations | N/A | 3% | $46,310 |
If you work in emergency management and emergency preparedness, you can reasonably expect a strong salary and stable job security. Most of the professions, including dispatchers, emergency management directors, firefighters, and police officers, will see the same general growth as the national job market. These experts are needed in all corners of the country, so no matter where you live, you can likely find employment.
Salary can be strong as well. The median salary for dispatchers is $48,890, roughly $2,500 more than the national median. However, the top 10% in this profession earn over $75,000, so there is room for growth.
Police officers have even stronger numbers. They have a median salary of $69,160, with the top 10% earning more than $117,000. This is a hard profession, but many police officers receive good pay for their dangerous yet critical service.
With an associate’s degree in emergency management online, you’ll be ready for a world-class career in criminal justice, law enforcement, and disaster response.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Emergency Management Program?
Choosing an emergency management or homeland security program does not have to be difficult. With research, patience, and a plan, you can find an online emergency management degree that fits your needs.
Start by thinking about the best degrees for your future. These degrees contain differences in subject and coursework; think about your academic and career aspirations and target programs that align with these goals. For example, do you want to focus on emergency preparedness, disaster management, emergency response, emergency administration, disaster science, or disaster recovery?
Once you have targeted a few programs, research the cost. While an online associate degree can be more affordable (because travel, food, and housing costs are often reduced), you need to know all tuition, fees, and costs connected with the degree.
Review the emergency management degrees for coursework and delivery method, and make sure the program comes from an accredited school.
Our website and rankings contain all of this helpful information to make your search for emergency management programs simple and stress-free! With information and resources from GetEducated.com, you can make the best choice for your future in disaster response.