Emergency and Disaster Management Online Degrees & Certificates
Whether responding to hurricanes, terrorist attacks, or hazmat spills, officials need to know how to establish command and control, coordinate communication, evacuate citizens, and perform clean-up. American Public University offers both online degree programs and professional development certificates in emergency and disaster management. Our students and alumni hold positions cross a diverse set of industries and are leaders in the field, including:
- Fire Fighting
- Emergency Medical Service (EMS)
- Emergency / Disaster Preparedness
- Local, State, and Federal Government Emergency Management
- Disaster Relief
- NGOs
Our programs enable you to start your career in emergency and disaster management or advance your existing career. Get started today by requesting a brochure.
Available Programs
Why Choose APU?
- In 2009, American Public University System, the parent of APU, was the recipient of the Sloan Consortium’s award for quality online education.
- In 2008, the National Survey of Student Engagement found that 97% of seniors at American Public University System would choose us again.
Affordable Excellence
American Public University offers one of the most affordable options available for pursuing your education online. APU was founded on the concept that everyone with a desire for learning should be able to afford a quality education. Other schools charge two or three times as much in tuition and fees, but do not deliver the same quality as APU.At APU, you can earn a master’s degree for about $10,000 (total program tuition, not per year), which is less expensive than you’ll find most state schools. Our undergraduates pay only $750 per course (or approximately $31,000 for a bachelor’s degree). Other online schools charge nearly twice the tuition per credit, and each course they offer is 3-4 credits. Fees? APU minimizes fees that can add significantly to the cost of your degree, setting it apart from other schools that charge technology, application, or admissions fees. APU adds to student savings by providing all books at no cost to degree-seeking undergraduate students.
Additionally, APU accepts federal student aid and military tuition assistance.
We invite you to join a vibrant community of 70,000 students who have chosen APU to reach their education goals.
To learn more about our various programs and affordable tuition, simply take 60 seconds to complete the online Request for Information form.
Modern & Relevant Programs
APU offers the relevant programs and courses for today's job market via over 76 relevant degrees. Just a few of the ways we stay current on industry needs: the majority of our faculty are currently working in the fields they are teaching in; we partner with industry organizations such as the FBI National Academy Associates and build programs and certificates tailored to their needs; and we rely on Industry Advisory Councils made up of corporate members who review our curriculum to ensure its relevance to the skills needed in their industries.Experienced & Professional Faculty
Our faculty combines relevant theory with real-world experience. They come with degrees from many of the top institutions around the world, and many are executives in government, business and nonprofit organizations, including the United Nations, State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.Affordable & Respected
American Public University provides high-quality, affordable distance education to students around the globe. We do not have resident or non-resident students, so tuition is not based on a student's geographical location or home of record.Transfer Credit for Prior Coursework
You can transfer previous education and training for credit, allowing you to progress faster toward your goal. We will accept up to 45 semester hours towards an associate degree, 90 semester hours towards a bachelor's degree and 15 semester hours towards a master's degree.
Accreditation
American Public University is a member of American Public University System. American Public University System is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association (30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60602; 800.621.7440) and nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission, Distance Education and Training Council (1601 18th St., NW, Washington, DC 20009; 202.234.5100)
Request Information
Join more than 70,000 students pursuing a degree at American Public University System. Learn more about the online by completing the online Request for Information form.
Video Spotlight
Meet some of the many students studying at American Public University in this 30-second video.
Student Spotlight
Wayne Odachowski, Graduate
Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management
The emergency and disaster management field demands highly-educated, professional individuals who are at the cutting edge of their skill set. Wayne, equipped with a Master's degree in Emergency and Disaster Management from American Public University, took his career to the next level and launched his own company, Infinity Restoration.
Wayne feels that the knowledge he has gained at APU established his superior credibility and has allowed him to understand the motivations of his customers to ultimately gain contracts in the wake of a large-scale event or disaster. Without the flexibility of his courses that enabled him to stay a devoted father of five children, Wayne believes that he wouldn't be where he is today. "If there wasn't an opportunity for online education, I probably would not have gotten a Master's degree."
Faculty Spotlight
Christopher M. Reynolds
Program Director
Ed.D.: Argosy University

Chris is a Shift Commander/Division Chief with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue (Tampa, Fl) one of the busiest engine and rescue companies in the Tampa Bay area. He holds a Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Argosy University (Sarasota). Additionally, he has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy State University (Alabama) and a Bachelors in Public Safety from Eckerd College (Florida). Read more…




