Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management

The nature of disasters and large-scale catastrophic events requires professionals with a background and education in dealing with natural and man-made hazards. This degree prepares students for careers in emergency management and public safety careers. From the smallest incident to the largest catastrophe, our emergency and disaster management stresses the fact that “all disasters are local,” which is a foundational emergency management concept. In addition, we introduce our students to the all-hazards approach, emergency and disaster management phases, risk assessment, prevention and management, counter-terrorism, consequence management, mitigation, and recovery.

Emergency and disaster management faculty has credentials in antiterrorism, forensics, explosives ordnance disposal, pre-disaster mitigation, planning, response to natural disasters, rapid deployment, fire services at local, tribal, and state levels, as well as at the national level. Many faculty members are board-certified emergency managers (CEM) through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). In addition, many adjunct faculty serve in key positions at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, State Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Fire Academy, Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Our Emergency and Disaster Management program is accredited by the Foundation of Higher Education for Disaster and Emergency Management and Homeland Security. We are the first 100% online institution to receive this important distinction.

Take the next step and complete a no-fee application.

We want you to make an informed decision about the university that's right for you. For more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, visit www.apus.edu/disclosure.

• Related Programs

  • B.A. in Homeland Security
  • B.A. in Criminal Justice
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice
  • B.S. in Fire Science Management

• Why Choose AMU?

  Academic Quality meets Affordable Tuition

  American Military University (AMU) provides quality and affordable online education to U.S. Armed Forces, members of the public safety, service and national security communities, and working adults in a wide range of fields. AMU closely partners with industry organizations and is highly respected by public service, intelligence, homeland security and criminal justice communities for developing curriculum that is relevant to today’s job market. AMU is a member of the regionally accredited American Public University System. Here’s why more than 100,000 students make us their school of choice.

  • #1 most popular provider of education to the U.S. military*
  • Admission fees are waived for active duty, guard and reserve members 
  • No application or technology fees; and textbooks are provided at no cost to all undergraduate students earning academic credit 
  • Active duty tuition assistance covers up to 100% of undergraduate tuition and up to 75% of graduate tuition for as many as six courses per year**
  • Affordable tuition that is 20 percent less than the average four-year public university’s in-state rates according to the College Board’s 2010-2011 study
  • Save time and money by transferring previous education and training credits
  • Nationally recognized for quality online education and effective practices 
  • Experienced faculty; many who are executives in government 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.
  • 96% of AMU seniors say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their education
  • 97% of AMU seniors say they would recommend AMU to friends and colleagues

  To get started, complete our no-fee application now.

  *based upon 2011 DoD enrollment figures for U.S. servicemembers
  **refer to your service's policy on tuition assistance eligibility and availability

Video Spotlight

AMU Feature Video
Just what is online learning all about? Hear from our faculty and students about how AMU achieves academic excellence each day through online learning and take a tour of our virtual campus and classroom.

Student Spotlight

Daniel Zent, Graduate
Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management

Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Zent is part of a small community of experts within the U.S. Air Force – emergency managers. Zent is also among other Air Force emergency managers who have earned their certification through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM). His studies at American Military University have been key to both accomplishments.

“AMU fit the bill,” he says. It had the curriculum he desired and the flexible online format he needed. The University even offered a student chapter of the IAEM, one of only 23 chapters nationwide. “My emergency management courses at American Military University helped enhance my military experience. I now can better coordinate military disaster response plans with those of our civilian counterparts,” Zent says. “I feel that AMU is the ‘unofficial official’ standard for emergency managers.”

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…