Planning for an Online PhD Program in Emergency Management
Emergencies that destroyed communities show that adept leaders are always needed to take charge during crises to rebuild, restore, and revitalize. If you are an emergency manager with critical thinking skills, who can solve problems under immense pressure and communicate effectively, consider pursuing a doctorate in emergency management to become a confident and competent leader.
When emergencies, natural disasters, or security threats occur — impacting communities and economies — it makes progress and recovery challenging for leaders. Emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic that took more than 1 million lives and the more recent 2023 California floods and Maui fires that destroyed communities show that there’s always a need for emergency managers. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate.gov project, 2023 was a historic year for billion-dollar weather and climate crises, and human-caused climate change keeps influencing the rising costs of billion-dollar disasters. From severe snowstorms to raging wildfires, the U.S. has been plagued with detrimental disasters that have cost lives, destroyed homes, and left communities in debt.
Emergency management experts are critical to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Earning your doctorate in emergency management online could launch you into the next level of your career, whether that’s tackling future disasters or researching and formulating new prevention policies.
It’s a rare degree that can advance your career prospects. You’ve the option to earn it online and save time and money with the flexibility to keep working.
But choosing the right program can be tough — mainly when most emergency management programs only offer graduate degrees at the master’s level. To equip you with the right information, this guide walks you through the required coursework, financial aid at quality schools with reputable programs, and career outlook.
Program Profiles: Online PhDs in Emergency Management
Year after year, we are confronted with news of devastating natural disasters—from snowstorms and floods to megafires. Given this reality, it’s natural to assume that many educational institutions would offer online PhD programs in emergency management. However, the quest for the perfect doctoral program can be overwhelming, especially when seeking an accredited school that not only offers an online program but also provides financial aid and student services.
So, to help you get started on your search, we’ve featured three high-quality schools that offer top-notch programs that can earn you a doctorate in emergency management online.
Oklahoma State University (OSU)
OSU has a PhD in fire and emergency management administration that focuses on public policy, strategic administration, organizational management, leadership, and humanity’s role in disasters, among other topics.
The program includes 15 hours of core courses, 12 hours of research tools, 18 hours of electives and 15 hours dedicated to the dissertation.
Applicants must submit a current résumé, three letters of recommendation and a two-page essay that addresses any previous academic and professional experience and future goals.
You’ll also need to submit a thesis or other written examples that showcase your research abilities, as well as copies of any published work.
Students who have at least a 3.5 GPA won’t need to submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
Additionally, in-state students are charged $489 per credit, whereas out-of-state students pay $530 per credit. However, your tuition fees may be based on in-state rates, depending on the state in which you reside.
Columbia Southern University
The Doctor of Emergency Management program at Columbia Southern University equips students with the skills to analyze data, develop evidence-based research, incorporate theoretical frameworks, and provide expert recommendations that address intricate challenges in the field.
To earn your degree, you’ll be required to compose a dissertation and defend your research in front of a panel of university representatives. The good news is that you won’t have to do this in person—you can present your case online.
Graduates must complete a minimum of 61 credit hours. However, you can transfer up to 40 credits. Tuition costs $545 per credit hour.
The program delves into cutting-edge industry trends, relevant topics, and research. It places significant emphasis on both theoretical and practical emergency management leadership components. As a foundation, it fosters learner research and development, equipping graduates with the skills that shape them as industry experts and practitioners in this critical field.
Notably, this program is offered entirely online, including the dissertation component, making it accessible to anyone pursuing an advanced degree outside of a traditional classroom setting.
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
At the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), you can earn your PhD degree in either emergency health or emergency management.
The emergency management track focuses on topics related to disaster mitigation, catastrophe preparation and response, and strategic planning.
To graduate, you’ll need to complete a total of 48 credits, along with 18 credit hours dedicated to doctoral dissertation research. The curriculum encompasses:
- Public Policy Core Courses (18 credits)
- Public Policy Disciplinary Foundation Courses (9 credits)
- Emergency Health Core Courses (9 credits)
- Emergency Management Electives (12 credits)
Additionally, you’ll need to pass a comprehensive exam and a field exam.
This program is designed to provide graduate-level training and education to healthcare providers, researchers, educators, policymakers, and administrators.
Both full-time and part-time students are encouraged to apply. Additionally, courses are offered either in a hybrid or online format.
Full-time in-state students taking nine credits or more pay an annual tuition of $15,300, while the annual tuition for out-of-state students is $24,336 per year.
Admission Requirements: Emergency Management PhD
If you’re pursuing your PhD in emergency management, it’s likely you already hold a master’s degree in a related discipline. You may even have some work experience under your belt.
This means you won’t have to jump through hoops to get admitted into a reputable program. Here’s a look at a few common admission requirements you’ll need to meet:
- A master’s degree from an accredited institution (preferably within fire or emergency services)
- Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other entrance exams
- Although not a requirement, most programs prefer professional experience within the field.
- A current résumé
- Three letters of recommendation
- An essay explaining past academic and professional experience, long-term goals, and research interests.
- A copy of your thesis or other written research samples
- Copies of any published work
Benefits of A Doctorate in Emergency Management Online
Earning your PhD is about harnessing knowledge that could influence or ultimately impact the field of emergency management, thus touching people’s lives.
Furthering your education will expand your expertise, validate your credibility, amplify your qualifications, and hone your research skills. It will also provide you with networking opportunities.
Additionally, enrolling in an online program is more convenient and affordable. You can also learn more within a short timeframe. And with a PhD, you can move up the career ladder and pursue better-paying jobs or pivot to a whole new career.
In fact, most higher-level positions can earn you upwards of $75,000 a year. Depending on the type of job, your location, and your experience, you could even earn more than $100,000 a year.
Flexibility and Convenience
Enrolling in an online PhD program in emergency management offers the advantage of flexibility. You can tailor your own schedule, allowing you to maintain your current job.
Moreover, the convenience of completing coursework from home can significantly ease the task of balancing other life responsibilities.
Real-World Application
A doctorate degree program can help you develop strong leadership and research skills. These skills can be used to analyze complex situations, evaluate data, propose evidence-based solutions, manage and lead large-scale teams, and efficiently allocate resources.
Additionally, comprehensive exams sharpen your ability to process information, think critically and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
Credentialing
Pursuing your PhD can also open doors to various roles within both public and private sectors, such as an emergency management director, a management analyst, or a postsecondary teacher. It signifies a commitment and an in-depth understanding of core principles, strategies, and practices. It also adds credibility to your professional record and positions you for a top-tier leadership role.
You’ll also have an opportunity to conduct original research, publish scholarly articles, and present your findings at conferences — which means you can contribute valuable insights to the field.
Curriculum Guide: Online PhD in Emergency Management
Most online doctorate programs in emergency management require you to complete more than 60 credit hours to graduate. That includes 15 to 18 credit hours of core courses and another 15 hours of dissertation. Some schools, such as OSU, require 18 hours of elective courses that align with a student’s academic and research interests.
Generally, an online PhD program in emergency management can take three to five years of full-time study to complete. However, an on-campus program may take longer to complete, depending on whether you’re a full-time or part-time student.
Explore Common Courses
A natural disaster can significantly harm society, affecting infrastructure, the environment, the economy, and mental well-being. Programs often teach how disasters impact communities by covering essential topics such as emergency preparation, response, and recovery.
Here are five common courses in online PhD programs in emergency management.
Advanced Emergency Management
This comprehensive course delves into critical topics related to border protection and immigration law. Participants will gain insights into the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, cyberattacks and warfare. Notably, the course sheds light on the strategic use of drones in modernized technological warfare.
Moreover, you’ll learn about the pivotal role emergency managers play during challenging scenarios such as brownouts, extreme temperature emergencies, and climatic impacts. Their responsibilities encompass resource allocation, coordination, and community engagement. By understanding these dynamics, students will learn how community stakeholders contribute essential resources to support emergency responders during a crisis.
Civil Infrastructure Systems
Civil infrastructure systems form the backbone of modern societies, supporting human activities and enabling economic growth. Effectively managing these systems is crucial to ensuring their longevity, resilience, and functionality. This course explores analytical methods for assessing infrastructure performance and reliability, as well as risks. It includes learning about diverse types of infrastructure, including paved roads, airports, bridges, drains and sewer systems, water supply systems and power supply facilities.
Students will learn to use software tools to make educated decisions regarding infrastructure management.
Psychosocial Aspects of Emergency Management
Explore the psychological and social consequences in the aftermath of a disaster. In this course, you’ll understand how an emergency impacts individuals, families, communities, and societies. You’ll discover the various coping mechanisms at both the individual and collective level, and you’ll learn to analyze specific factors in a disaster response.
You’ll also learn to evaluate the effectiveness of various psychosocial interventions and emergency management strategies. That includes learning about psychological first aid, trauma-focused therapy, and how to help build community resilience in the wake of a disaster.
Risk Assessment, Preparedness, and Hazard Mitigation
In the realm of emergency management and comprehensive planning, risk assessment and mitigation play pivotal roles. Within this course, students delve into the methodologies and techniques necessary for evaluating risks faced by organizations and governments. Specifically, they focus on safeguarding human lives and capital assets.
Students will also explore various strategies needed to assess social vulnerabilities during a disaster and address the requirements of at-risk populations. Studies extend to devising methods for minimizing vulnerabilities and boosting resilience through both structural and nonstructural mitigation approaches.
Environment and Human Health
This course delves into the intricate interplay between the environment and human health. Human actions significantly affect the environment, which, in turn, has repercussions on human well-being. Students will investigate case studies that exemplify this distinctive relationship and delve into the ways climate change has influenced humanity. This exploration encompasses an examination of the connections between air and water quality, as well as how these factors can contribute to both infectious and chronic diseases.
Do I Need to Complete a Dissertation or a Comprehensive Exam?
Most, if not all, online PhD programs in emergency management require students to complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of a dissertation or research project.
Some programs will also require students to present findings before a committee through videoconference.
Additionally, you’ll need to take a written and oral comprehensive exam to graduate.
Popular Interdisciplinary Specializations
During your search, you may discover that doctoral-level emergency management programs are not as plentiful as you originally anticipated. Nevertheless, several programs do provide specialized tracks in areas such as homeland security, cybersecurity, fire science, and public health.
For instance, Walden University offers a PhD in criminal justice with a specialization in emergency management. So, you don’t necessarily need a background in emergency management to earn a degree.
University at Albany’s Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security offers a PhD in information science.
FAQ: Doctorate in Emergency Management Online
What is the difference between a PhD in emergency management, a Doctor of Emergency Management, and a Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)?
A PhD program in emergency management can prepare you for a research position or leadership role.
Similarly, a Doctor of Emergency Management program focuses on leadership, data analysis and evidence-based research.
However, a DPA is a broader degree that encompasses public administration, policy, and governance. While research is part of a DPA program, it may not be as extensive. With a DPA degree, you could work in government agencies, nonprofits, and private sectors.
Can I complete this doctoral program 100% online?
The short answer is: Yes! Some programs may require a few campus visits, but most can be completed entirely online, either on a full-time or part-time basis.
As you now know, some programs even allow students to complete their dissertations and present their research findings through a video conference.
Typically, you’ll need to complete between 55 to 65 credits to graduate.
How can I choose an accredited program?
Accreditation ensures you’re receiving a top-notch education from a school or program that meets certain standards.
You’ll find universities typically list institutional accreditation on the school’s website. For instance, you may see references to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Some sites also list program-specific accreditation. Look for accreditation from the Emergency Management Accreditation Program (EMAP) or the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
Program accreditation ensures that the coursework covers hazard mitigation, prevention, operation planning and procedures, incident management, and administration and finance, among other topics.
Financial Aid for Your Emergency Management PhD
Online PhD programs in emergency management typically cost between $500 to $700 per credit.
This is why you need to manage expenses and explore financial aid options such as government or private loans, grants, or scholarships. Most schools also offer payment plans or work-study opportunities.
Before applying, visit the school’s financial aid page for available scholarships or other monetary support. Consider submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You might also ask for tuition assistance from your employer — most will offer this option if it benefits the organization you work for.
Online Program Tuitions and Costs
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | 60 | $500 | $30,000 |
| University of Delaware | 47 | $1,028 | $48,316 |
| Walden University | 68 | $675 | $45,900 |
Doctoral Graduate Career Report: Emergency Management
Disasters are unpredictable, which is why there will always be a need for emergency management experts within every sector — whether that’s in fire and rescue services, public works, environmental agencies, or healthcare.
In fact, an average of 900 openings are expected each year for emergency management directors, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. So, not only are you likely to nab a job, but you could make a median annual wage of $79,180.
Higher education opens up opportunities for better pay. Disaster recovery directors, for instance, make an average salary of $118,703 per year.
Here’s a look at five potential career opportunities you could pursue:
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Disaster Program Manager
- Public Safety Telecommunicator
- Emergency Planner
- Emergency Health and Safety Educator
Salary and Growth Outlook
Although most jobs only require a bachelor’s or master’s degree, earning your PhD could provide you with an opportunity to move up in the ranks. And if you’re passionate about learning, considering a career in research would be a good option.
The table below shows the median annual wage for certain positions in emergency management. However, actual salaries may vary based on location, employer, industry, education, and experience.
| Career | Median Annual Pay | Job Growth |
|---|---|---|
| General and Operations Managers | $122,860 | .3% |
| Wildland Fire Ecologist | $115,858 | N/A |
| Information/Cyber Security Analyst | $112,000 | 32% |
| Researcher or Academic Faculty | $98,720 | 33% |
| Emergency Management Director | $79,180 | 3% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022; GlassDoor.com