30 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Degrees Online

In this article, we profile the 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in homeland security and emergency management degree programs. Homeland security and counterterrorism have become part of our national dialogue since the attacks of September 11, 2001. Colleges and universities offer bachelor’s degree programs in homeland security and emergency management that cater to busy and working students. Bachelor’s in homeland security online programs are even offered at some of the nation’s most affordable schools. For the purpose of this list, we looked at over 70 accredited colleges and universities that offer online bachelor’s in homeland security and emergency management degrees, or closely related programs. To earn a spot on our list of 30 affordable programs, the school must be regionally or nationally accredited and offer the online degree we were looking for. Schools and programs that made our list were also affordable. In fact, the programs listed below cost less than $18,000/year. Undergraduate tuition costs were gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator). Below is our list of the 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in homeland security and emergency management degree programs.

#30 – Grand Canyon University

Online Bachelor’s in Public Safety and Emergency Management

Phoenix, Arizona

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $17,050 Grand Canyon University offers programs for those interested in an online bachelor’s in homeland security. The bachelor’s in emergency management online degree is designed for individuals currently working in the field of:

• emergency management
• fire protection
• areas of security and safety

Classes may be taken entirely online and are taught by Grand Canyon instructors. These courses include:

• disaster response and recovery
• emergency operations and techniques
• history and development of emergency management
• organizational behavior and management
• project management

The online program takes approximately 48 months to complete. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank GCU as a top 300 national university.

#29 – Post University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Waterbury, Connecticut

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $16,510 Post University offers the accredited online bachelor’s in emergency management and homeland security program. It focuses on four phases of emergency management:

• mitigation
• preparedness
• response
• recovery

By taking a series of online classes, you are prepared for entry-level jobs in the emergency management field. Courses are taught by experienced Post instructors and cover topics like:

• crisis decision making
• disaster planning and preparedness
• history of terrorism
• homeland security in the United States
• public health emergency preparedness and response
• risk and vulnerability assessment

Several concentrations are also offered so you can tailor their degree toward areas of interest, such as:

• criminal justice leadership
• cybersecurity
• policing

Post is an accredited institution that is also ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the North.

#28 – Herzing University

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Public Safety

Akron, Ohio

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $14,200 Herzing University’s bachelor’s in homeland security online degree program is designed to equip you for a career in:

• law enforcement
• homeland security
• public safety

The program can be completed entirely online by taking classes that fit busy schedules for working students. Some of the courses include:

• civil liability in public safety
• criminal law
• ethics in law enforcement
• introduction to homeland security
• public event planning and emergency management
• risk assessment

During the last year of study, a capstone in homeland security and internship are required. Herzing is an accredited proprietary institution. U.S. News and World Report lists the school as an unranked regional university in the Midwest. It ranks the online bachelor’s programs #94 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#27 – National University

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

La Jolla, California

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $13,016 The online bachelor’s in emergency management program at National University provides a well-rounded approach in:

• security issues
• best practices
• cultures of terrorism

The program is for students who want to work in national security or disaster management fields. Classes are delivered online and taught by National’s experienced professors. Courses include:

• crisis management
• disaster management
• domestic security management
• introduction to public administration
• leading diverse groups and teams
• legal issues of security

You must also complete a supervised senior project. National is the second-largest private, nonprofit institution of higher education in California. It is accredited and recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #131 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#26 – Florida Institute of Technology

Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security

Melbourne, Florida

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $12,240 Florida Institute of Technology offers an accredited online bachelor’s in homeland security degree. It can be completed 100% online. You earn a BA in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security. This program is designed to prepare you for careers in all areas of safety and security. Courses are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Courses cover topics like:

• criminal justice ethics
• emergency management
• homeland security
• introduction to terrorism
• planning for homeland security
• transportation and border security
• Florida Tech is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 151st best national university in the country. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #115 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#25 – Franklin University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Columbus, Ohio

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $11,881 Franklin University’s bachelor’s in emergency management online degree program is designed to prepare you for careers in emergency management and homeland security. In fact, you can select one of two specializations designed to help tailor your degree toward your area of interest. All courses are delivered online and include:

• ethics and leadership in public safety agencies
• evidence based practice and research methods in criminal justice professions
• government and nonprofit budgeting
• introduction to public administration
• training and development

Franklin is accredited and recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

#24 – Northern Arizona University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management

Flagstaff, Arizona

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $10,764 Northern Arizona University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in emergency management program. It  prepares you for graduate school or entry into a career in emergency management and safety. Coursework may be completed online. It’s ideal for working professionals who want to gain viable experience while earning a degree. Some of the required courses include:

• emergency management
• ethics in emergency management
• leadership and recovery
• mitigation and response in emergency management

Courses are taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Northern Arizona is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #47 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#23 – Colorado Technical University

Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $10,540 Colorado Technical University offers the bachelor’s in homeland security online program. The specialized criminal justice degree emphasizes additional knowledge in homeland security and emergency management. The degree may be earned completely online by taking classes taught by university professors. These classes include:

• ethics in criminal justice
• introduction to homeland security
• homeland security and management technologies and applications
• private sector role in homeland security
• research methodology and policy analysis

Colorado Tech is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, the most recent edition of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs #115 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#22 – Arizona State University

Online Bachelor’s in Public Service and Public Policy – Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Tempe, Arizona

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $10,370 Arizona State University offers a type of bachelor’s in emergency management online for working and busy students. The program consists of 40 classes, all of which may be taken online. Each class runs 7.5 weeks in length and is taught by ASU’s experienced faculty members. Some of the courses include:

• contemporary policy challenges
• emergency management and homeland security
• introduction to emergency management
• leadership and change
• public service and policy
• public service research methods

The university is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 115th best national university and the 110th best value institution. Also, the online bachelor’s degree programs rank #4 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#21 – California University of Pennsylvania

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland and International Security

California, Pennsylvania

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $10,339 California University of Pennsylvania offers an accredited online bachelor’s in homeland security. It can be completed 100% online. This nationally ranked program is for working students who want to pursue careers in homeland and international security. Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format. The program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. In fact, full-time students may earn their bachelor’s degree in just 16 months. Some of the required courses include:

• criminal procedure
• executive protection,
• introduction to criminal justice
• introduction to law enforcement
• leadership and ethics
• principles of homeland security

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank California University of Pennsylvania as a top regional university in the North. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #77 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#20 – Trident University International

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Cypress, California

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $9,000 Trident University International offers a bachelor’s in homeland security online program. It’s designed to develop a firm foundation in the field of homeland security. The program may be completed 100% online and offers three concentrations so you can tailor your degree toward your  areas of interest. These concentrations include:

• criminal justice administration
• cybersecurity
• leadership

A total of 120 credits are required. Classes are taught by experienced Trident faculty. Required courses include:

• catastrophic events and responses
• cyber and physical security vulnerabilities and methodologies
• ethics of homeland security

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report recognize Trident as an unranked national university.

#19 – Eastern Kentucky University

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Richmond, Kentucky

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $8,868 Eastern Kentucky University’s homeland security degree  program is 100% online and accepts up to 90 hours of transfer credit. Courses are taught by respected faculty who also instruct in the classroom. Each course runs eight weeks in length. A certain degree of personalization is available so that you can pick and choose which electives you want to take. Some of the required courses include:

• cybercrime and cyberterrorism
• definition, history, and types of terrorism
• history and types of weapons of mass destruction

A total of 120 credit hours are required to complete degree requirements. Eastern Kentucky University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 73rd best regional university in the South and the 27th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #115 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#18 – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

Daytona Beach, Florida

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $8,760 If you’re interested in a bachelor’s in emergency management online or an online homeland security degree, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers such a program. The program is offered on campus and online. It’s  designed to prepare you for master’s level work in homeland security or cybersecurity management. If you’re enrolled in the online bachelor’s in homeland security, courses are conveniently delivered and accessible at all hours. Degree requirements include courses in:

• critical infrastructure security and risk analysis
• emergent topics in homeland security
• foundations of information security
• fundamentals of emergency management
• homeland security law and policy
• professional skills in homeland security
• studies in intelligence

Embry-Riddle is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 12th best regional university in the South and the 40th best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #2 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#17 – State University of New York at Canton

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management

Canton, New York

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,881 State University of New York at Canton offers an accredited online bachelor’s in emergency management degree. It prepares for careers in emergency management and homeland security. All classes are delivered online and run seven weeks in length. Courses are taught by SUNY professors who have experience in the field. Some of the required courses include:

• community preparedness and defense
• disaster management and preparedness
• legal issues in emergency management
• leadership and change
• professional ethics
• risk and hazard impact studies

SUNY Canton is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 25th best regional college in the North and the 12th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #88 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#16 – West Texas A & M University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Administration

Canyon, Texas

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,699 West Texas A&M University offers the online bachelor’s in emergency management degree program. It’s designed to prepare you for advanced level of administration and management in the emergency services professions. The program is open to full-time and part-time students. Classes may be taken entirely online. No campus visits or residencies are required. Courses are taught by West Texas A&M professors and include:

• administrative law
• ethics and the justice and EMA systems
• municipal government
• principles of emergency management
• public finance administration
• public personnel administration,
• technology for public and emergency management

West Texas A&M is ranked and accredited. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 81st best regional university in the West and 30th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #9 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#15 – University of Wisconsin

Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Response Management

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,544 University of Wisconsin offers the online bachelor’s in emergency management program. It’s for individuals who want to pursue careers as emergency response managers and public safety personnel. You can tailor your degree by selecting one of two areas of emphasis

•  emergency management
• fire services leadership

Classes are delivered 100% online. Most courses run at a seven-week, accelerated pace. Courses include:

• administrative law and procedure
• applied research in emergency management
• conflict resolution for emergency services
• introduction to leadership
• public administration – politics of emergency management
• technology in emergency management

U.S. News and World Report ranks the university as the 73rd best regional school in the Midwest.

#14 – Jacksonville State University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management

Jacksonville, Alabama

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,500 Jacksonville State University’s homeland security degree online program consists of 120 semester hours with 30 required hours in the major. The program is entirely online and many be supported with a minor in homeland security or public safety telecommunications. The curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to work as a leader in the field of emergency management. Some of the course requirements include:

• disaster mitigation and preparedness
• disaster response and recovery
• emergency management capstone
• introduction to disaster management
• populations at risk
• research in disaster and emergency management

U.S. News and World Report ranks Jacksonville State 89th among the best regional universities in the South and 34th among top public schools. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank in the top 300.

#13 – University of Hawaii

Online Bachelor’s in Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management

Kapolei, Hawaii

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,440 University of Hawaii offers the bachelor’s in homeland security online degree program. It provides you with a broad range of administrative skills and knowledge. These are aligned with the needs and challenges of emergency management. The program may be completed entirely online.  Classes are taught by University of Hawaii professors. These courses include:

• disaster recovery and business continuation
• disaster recovery and hazard mitigation
• emergency management and disaster preparedness
• social dimensions of disaster
• terrorism and emergency management

Several internship opportunities are also available for students seeking experience with government agencies like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. University of Hawaii is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 25th best regional college in the West and the 7th top public school.

#12 – Bellevue University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management

Bellevue, Nebraska

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,365 Bellevue University offers an emergency management degree appropriate for those interested in a homeland security degree online program. This fully accredited and online bachelor’s in emergency management consists of 127 credits. 40 credits are specific to the major. Courses are taught online by experienced Bellevue professors. They cover topics like:

• emergency communications
• emergency planning
• foundations of professional success
• introduction to emergency management
• legal issues in emergency management
• natural disasters
• terrorism

Bellevue is a top ranked private institution, recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, Bellevue’s online bachelor’s programs rank #153 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#11 – University of Central Missouri

Online Bachelor’s in Crisis and Disaster Management

Warrensburg, Missouri

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,322 University of Central Missouri offers an accredited bachelor’s in emergency management online degree program. It prepares you for professional positions in crisis and disaster management. The program offers several emphasis areas for you to tailor your degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. These areas of interest include:

• business continuity
• emergency management
• emergency services management
• environmental hazards
• a general track

All courses are delivered online and taught by university instructors. Courses include:

• community mitigation and disaster management
• disaster management and technology
• integrated emergency management
• technology application studies

U.S. News and World Report ranks the university as the 87th best regional school in the Midwest and the 21st top public university.

#10 – Angelo State University

Online Bachelor’s in Security Studies

San Angelo, Texas

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $7,047 Angelo State University offers the online bachelor’s in homeland security. It offers studies in border and homeland security. It brings awareness of current issues and challenges facing the wider realm of homeland security. Courses may be taken 100% online and are taught by Angelo State professors. These courses include:

• border security
• cultural competence
• intelligence
• security studies and analysis
• professionalism and ethics in criminal justice agencies
• studies in homeland security

Angelo State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the West. The school offers one of the most affordable online bachelor’s in homeland security programs on our list.

#9 – Idaho State University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management

Pocatello, Idaho

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,956 Idaho State University offers an emergency management program. It’s ideal for those seeking bachelor’s in homeland security online programs. The emergency management program offers online classes designed to accommodate busy schedules. The curriculum serves as preparation for careers in emergency management and homeland security. The program is accredited, and curriculum follows nationally recognized FEMA Higher Education guidelines. Some of the courses offered include:

• hazards mitigation
• leading in organizations
• public administration and emergency management
• social dimensions of disaster
• terrorism in emergency management

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Idaho State as a top national university. Also, if you’re interested in pursuing a graduate level degree, several programs at Idaho State are nationally ranked.

#8 – American Public University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency and Disaster Management

Charles Town, West Virginia

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $6,880 American Public University offers an emergency management program. It’s designed for those interested in pursuing a homeland security degree online. Regardless of residency, you receive affordable in-state tuition. Classes are delivered entirely online and are taught by the same APU professors who instruct on campus. These courses include :

• consequence management
• emergency and disaster incident command
• emergency planning
• introduction to emergency management
• managerial issues in hazardous materials
• natural disaster management
• social media application to emergency and disaster management

APU is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as an unranked regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #94 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#7 – Western Carolina University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency and Disaster Management

Cullowhee, North Carolina

Undergraduate Tuition: $6,737 One of the most affordable bachelor’s in emergency management online degree programs on our list is offered by Western Carolina University. It’s a fully accredited, online program. It prepares you to advance professionally and academically by taking a series of courses through part-time study. Classes are taught by university professors and include:

• disaster response operations and management
• emergency planning
• homeland security
• political and policy basis of emergency and disaster management
• principles of hazard mitigation
• risk assessment and vulnerability analysis
• social dimensions of a disaster

Western Carolina is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 38th best regional university in the South and the 13th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #47 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#6 – Thomas Edison State University

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Trenton, New Jersey

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $6,350 Thomas Edison State University offers a bachelor’s in emergency management online degree program. It’s  designed to equip working and busy students with a broad view of homeland security and emergency management issues. This 120-credit program is offered completely online. It complements the master’s in homeland security also offered by Thomas Edison State University. Courses are delivered online and include:

• counterterrorism – constitutional and legislative issues
• homeland security – preparedness and prevention
• protecting the homeland – response and recovery
• research methods in the social sciences.

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Thomas Edison as a top regional university in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #264-#346 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#5 – University of Alaska

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management

Fairbanks, Alaska

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $5,976 University of Alaska offers an accredited online bachelor’s in emergency management degree. It prepares you  for a career in which you’ll  make an impact in your community. You’ll help shape the growing emergency services field. Courses are delivered entirely online and designed to accommodate the busy schedules of students. Some of the online courses include:

• disaster response operations and management
• leadership in dangerous contexts
• organizational theory and behavior
• principles of emergency management and homeland security

Five concentrations enable you to tailor your degree toward areas of interest such as:

• cyber security
• emergency management
• emergency medical management
• fire administration
• homeland security

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the university as a top national institution and public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #192 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.

#4 – Vincennes University

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Public Safety

Vincennes, Indiana

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $5,575 Vincennes University offers the bachelor’s in homeland security and public safety. It’s one of the most affordable bachelor’s in homeland security online programs on our list. The program also offers a unique concentration that’s not often seen in homeland security or emergency management programs. The concentration is for individuals interested in cyber and information technology security. It allows students to take additional classes in this ever-growing field of study. All classes are delivered online and include:

• emergency medical technician
• ethics for the homeland security and public safety professional
• fire cause and determination
• principles of emergency management
• responding to terrorism incidents

Vincennes University is accredited and recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional college in the Midwest.

#3 – Utah Valley University

Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Service Administration

Orem, Utah

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $5,530 One of the most affordable  programs on our list is the online bachelor’s in emergency service administration from Utah Valley University. This web-based bachelor’s degree emphasizes highly specialized areas of:

• homeland security
• criminal justice
• emergency management

Courses are delivered online, and students attend classes at times that fit their schedule. These courses include:

• customer service and marketing for emergency services
• health and safety program management
• introduction to emergency services
• introduction to homeland security
• managing emergency medical services

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report recognize the institution as a top regional university in the West. Several of the school’s graduate programs have earned top rankings.

#2 – University of Florida

Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Services

Gainesville, Florida

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $3,876 One of the most affordable homeland security degree online programs on our list is the fire and emergency services bachelor’s from University of Florida. This completely online degree offers three specialization areas. It’s for students interested in fire and emergency medical services. The concentrations allow students to customize their degree to suit career goals in:

• emergency management
• emergency medical services management (EMS)
• fire safety

Courses are delivered online and taught by University of Florida professors. Some of the core courses offered, regardless of the specialization, include:

• disaster planning and control
• financial management
• leadership and ethics
• principles of fire and emergency services management
• strategic planning for fire emergency services

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the institution as the 42nd best national university and the 93rd best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #12 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.

#1 – St. Petersburg College

Online Bachelor’s in Public Safety Administration

Clearwater, Florida

Website Undergraduate Tuition: $3,385 St. Petersburg College’s online bachelor’s in homeland security degree program is a public safety degree. It’s designed to prepare you for careers in today’s public safety organizations. If you already hold an associate’s degree or certificate, the program is ideal. Courses are delivered online and taught by St. Petersburg faculty members. There are four specialization areas so you can tailor your degree to fit with your interests and  career goals. These specializations include:

• criminal justice
• cross-discipline
• emergency management and homeland security
• fire science

Some of the courses offered include:

• administrative law
• community relations theory and practice
• foundations of public safety and administration
• managing conflict in public organizations
• strategic and operational planning

U.S. News and World Report ranked the institution as a top regional college in the South. It is the #1 most affordable online bachelor’s in homeland security and emergency management program on our list.

Related Resources:

• 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Emergency Management Degrees
• 30 Best Online Bachelor’s in Fire and Emergency Services
• Ultimate Guide to Criminal Justice Degrees and Careers
• What Is the Best Schooling for EMT Jobs?

This concludes our list of the 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in homeland security and emergency management.