Are Online Emergency Management Degrees Legit?

Want to complete a degree in emergency management? This type of degree can lead to various career possibilities, but it's important that your degree comes from a reputable school. Perhaps you're thinking about studying online, and you need to know: are online degrees legit?

Many schools offer legitimate online degrees in emergency management. Pursuing an online degree from one of these schools can provide benefits such as increased flexibility and affordability.

Do Employers Respect Online Emergency Management Degrees?

As technology has advanced, it's become increasingly common for students in every industry to pursue online degrees. What's more, many schools award the same degrees to both in-person and online students, leaving little to distinguish between the two types of degrees on paper.

If you're hoping for a job in emergency management, your online degree will be as good as any in-person degree as long as it comes from an accredited college. Most employers recognize that online degree-holders are every bit as skilled as their campus-educated peers.

If you're concerned about missing hands-on training opportunities with your online degree, consider pursuing an internship in emergency management. This will not only help you improve your skills but will make you a more marketable candidate once you begin your job search.

What To Look for in an Online Emergency Management Degree Program

Regardless of whether you pursue online or campus-based education, it's important to choose a good school. Keep the following factors in mind during your school search:

Accreditation

For your degree to be recognized, it must be granted by an accredited school. There are various accreditation agencies in the U.S., including the Higher Learning Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Reputation

While it's not necessary to pick the most prestigious school, you'll want to attend a well-known school with a good reputation. Pay specific attention to finding a school known for its academic excellence.

Graduation Rates

Higher graduation rates are generally associated with better academic programs and resources. Consider an online school's average graduation rate when determining which program is best for you.

Differences Between Online and Traditional Emergency Management Degrees

Online emergency management programs are largely self-directed. Students complete most or all of their coursework online, and most programs allow them to complete assignments whenever they want as long as they meet the necessary deadlines.

Traditional programs mostly consist of campus-based coursework, though students may have the option to complete some courses online or in a hybrid format. Courses usually have set class periods each day; students attend these classes on campus and complete homework assignments on their own time.

Online programs are more flexible and usually have more accelerated course schedules. Traditional programs offer greater structure and more opportunities for students to interact with other students and teachers.

Benefits of Earning Your Emergency Management Degree at an Online School

For students who need flexibility, online degree programs have many advantages. You can study anywhere you have an internet connection and at any time of the day or night that works for you.

This flexibility makes online programs more accessible than traditional programs for busy students, such as parents and working professionals, who have a lot of responsibilities outside of school.

Finally, studying online can be easier on your pocketbook and give you a greater variety of schools to choose from. Many online schools waive out-of-state tuition costs for online learners. Additionally, those studying online are usually subject to fewer fees and don't have to pay for room and board or transportation to and from school.

Featured Online Emergency Management Degree Programs

Let's talk about some top schools that offer online emergency management degrees and the types of programs they offer.

1. Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville State University is a public school with a nationally-ranked emergency management program. The school is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Several emergency management degrees can be completed online, as follows:

• Bachelor of Science in emergency management (three concentrations available)
• Master of Science in emergency management
• Doctor of Science in emergency management

2. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private school in Nebraska known for providing flexible online degrees tailored to busy nontraditional students. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students can complete the following online emergency management degrees:

• Bachelor of Science in emergency management
• Master of Science in emergency management

3. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is a public school that offers a variety of its degree programs in a flexible online format. Its institutional accreditation comes from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

The school offers the following emergency management degrees online:

• Bachelor of Arts in emergency management
• Bachelor of Science in emergency management
• Master of Emergency and Crisis Management

4. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a high-quality public school known for its affordable tuition rates and wealth of online degree programs. The school is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Two online emergency management degrees are available:

• Bachelor of Science in disaster preparedness/emergency management
• Master of Science in disaster preparedness/emergency management

5. Millersville University

Millersville is a top public university located in Pennsylvania. It offers many of its degree programs online and is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The following emergency management degrees can be completed online:

• Bachelor of Science in emergency management (degree completion program)
• Master of Science in emergency management