Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management (Online)
Disasters, public health emergencies, cyber threats, severe weather events, and community crises require skilled professionals who can lead with confidence, compassion, and expertise. Ë®¹ûÅÉ's Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management emphasizes ethical leadership, service to others, collaboration, and social responsibility while providing students with practical skills that can be applied across government agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofit organizations, emergency services and private-sector organizations.
- Course Length:
-
7 Weeks
- Study Format:
-
Online
- Credit Hours:
- 120
- Tuition Discount Available
Career Outlook
Communities across the nation face increasing challenges from natural disasters, public health emergencies, cybersecurity threats, severe weather events, and infrastructure disruptions. As organizations work to strengthen preparedness and resilience, the demand for professionals with emergency management expertise continues to grow.
Growing Profession
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for emergency management directors is projected to grow through 2034, with approximately 1,000 job openings annually nationwide. Emergency management professionals are needed across local and state government agencies, healthcare systems, colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector businesses focused on continuity planning and risk management.
Diverse Career Opportunities
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security
- Public Health Preparedness
- Disaster Response and Recovery
- Risk and Vulnerability Assessment
- Crisis and Risk Communication
- Nonprofit Disaster Relief Organizations
- Public Safety Administration
- Emergency Planning and Grant Management
Compensation
The median annual salary for emergency management directors was $86,130 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Career Support at Alvernia
Alvernia's Office of Career Development supports students and alumni in job searches and career planning. Its services include individual career advising; résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviews; interview preparation and practice; access to career information as well as internship and job opportunities; career fairs and networking connections; and graduate school application support.
Program Overview
- Why Study Emergency Management at Alvernia?
- Learn the full spectrum of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Develop expertise in disaster planning, risk assessment, and community resilience.
- Gain hands-on experience through an internship and applied capstone project.
- Build leadership and decision-making skills for high-pressure environments.
- Apply GIS and data analytics tools to real-world emergency management challenges.
- Understand the critical intersection of public health, emergency services, and community support systems.
- Prepared for careers in government, healthcare, emergency services, nonprofit organizations, and private industry.
- Application Instructions
Through a rolling admission process, prospective students may apply to Alvernia at any time. Multiple start dates throughout the year allow accepted students to begin a program of study at an accommodating time. We continually review applications and accept students for each of the six term starts (August, October, January, March, May, and July).
Keeping on track is important throughout the process. We encourage you to work with an admission team member to submit all materials and meet all deadlines. Our dedicated team will work directly with you to identify the best options that work for you and your unique situation.
Once your application is complete, you will not have to wait long for a decision. We continually review applications and notify students as soon as a decision has been made.
To get started, visit our Adult Education Application page for a list of instructions and documents needed.
- Financing Your Education
There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
Smart Ways to Save at Alvernia
Your goals matter—and affordability shouldn’t stand in the way. Alvernia offers multiple ways to make tuition manageable, including payment plans, financial aid options and tuition reimbursement programs. We guide you every step of the way.
Bringing credits with you? Alvernia offers transfer-focused scholarship options and staff ready to help you map a clear path to graduation — whether you’re transferring into a day program or completing your degree at an accelerated pace.
Apply for admission, then complete the FAFSA (school code 003233). Pennsylvania residents should file by the May 1 state grant deadline. Once your FAFSA is received, accepted and you’re registered, we’ll prepare your aid offer
Many employers and organizations partner with Alvernia to offer tuition discounts for working adults. Check whether your workplace is eligible and see how a Preferred Partner benefit can lower your tuition on select programs.
If your employer reimburses you after the semester ends, Alvernia can help you postpone tuition payment for up to 30 days after the semester—at no additional charge—so you don’t have to pay everything upfront.
Recent News
Ë®¹ûÅÉ and Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences Renew Partnership to Expand Healthcare Education Pathways
Renewed agreement continues dual-enrollment pathways, degree opportunities and discounted bachelor’s completion options for RHSHS students
Ë®¹ûÅÉ’s O’Pake Institute launches O’Make Space to expand student innovation and entrepreneurship
Student-driven makerspace expands Spark Business Incubator services while creating hands-on learning opportunities
Alvernia honors community leaders, alumni at annual President’s Dinner
Honorees from Greater Reading, Schuylkill County and Lehigh Valley receive recognition for impact on respective communities and the university
