Best institutions to study Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management
A program focusing on the application of the incident command system model to formulating and implementing effective response to natural and man-made disasters.
152 U.S. institutions graduated 2,762 Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 43.0302, a specialization of Homeland Security (CIP 43.03), and leads most directly to the Emergency Management Directors occupation (BLS SOC 11-9161).
About Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management programs
A program focusing on the application of the incident command system model to formulating and implementing effective response to natural and man-made disasters. Includes instruction in contingency planning, hazard and risk assessment, joint operations, law and ethics, emergency response and recovery, event mitigation, emergency rescue and medical operations, incident command, terrorism and national security issues, law enforcement, relief administration, volunteer and citizen coordination, public relations and applications to specific types of incidents.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management program, part of the Homeland Security field, focuses on preparing students to effectively respond to both natural and man-made disasters. This program is designed for individuals interested in emergency management, public safety, and disaster response, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle crises in various settings.
Students in this program will gain knowledge in incident command systems, contingency planning, emergency response, and recovery. Coursework includes topics such as disaster operations, risk assessment, and public relations, fostering essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and active listening.
Credentials awarded
What Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree1,237 graduates / yr · 68 institutions45%
- Master's degree801 graduates / yr · 40 institutions29%
- Associate's degree270 graduates / yr · 39 institutions9.8%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year256 graduates / yr · 36 institutions9.3%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate133 graduates / yr · 32 institutions4.8%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years29 graduates / yr · 12 institutions1.0%
- Post-master's certificate28 graduates / yr · 5 institutions1.0%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship8 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.3%
Graduates over time
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 692 |
| 2013 | 1,093 |
| 2014 | 1,374 |
| 2015 | 1,593 |
| 2016 | 2,008 |
| 2017 | 2,293 |
| 2018 | 2,245 |
| 2019 | 2,258 |
| 2020 | 2,430 |
| 2021 | 2,691 |
| 2022 | 2,639 |
| 2023 | 2,580 |
| 2024 | 2,499 |
| 2025 | 2,762 |
Top 50 institutions for Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 279 | 57% | $10,199 | $62,340 |
| 2 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicAssociate'sBachelor's | 199 | 45% | — | — |
| 3 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 196 | 43% | $21,535 | $68,503 |
| 4 | Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, ALPrivate for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 159 | 33% | $15,554 | $62,313 |
| 5 | Florida International University Miami, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 119 | 74% | — | — |
| 6 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 114 | 0% | — | $38,140 |
| 7 | Waldorf University Forest City, IAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sAssociate's | 77 | 21% | $22,328 | $66,446 |
| 8 | University at Albany Albany, NYPublicBachelor'sMaster'sMaster's | 73 | 61% | — | $38,472 |
| 9 | Post University Waterbury, CTPrivate for-profitBachelor's | 65 | 25% | $14,659 | $53,772 |
| 10 | Arkansas Tech University Russellville, ARPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 62 | 49% | — | $43,090 |
| 11 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FLPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 60 | 78% | — | — |
| 12 | Lone Star College System The Woodlands, TXPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 54 | 21% | — | — |
| 13 | University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AKPublicBachelor'sMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 50 | 38% | — | — |
| 14 | University of North Texas Denton, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 47 | 61% | — | $44,969 |
| 15 | Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, ALPublicMaster'sBachelor'sPost-degree cert. | 46 | 55% | — | — |
| 16 | University of Southern California Los Angeles, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 44 | 92% | $26,873 | — |
| 17 | Arkansas State University Jonesboro, ARPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 41 | 55% | — | — |
| 18 | Millersville University of Pennsylvania Millersville, PAPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 37 | 58% | — | — |
| 19 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NYPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 34 | 56% | — | — |
| 20 | Georgetown University Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 32 | 95% | $22,242 | — |
| 21 | Rowan University Glassboro, NJPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 31 | 67% | — | $43,002 |
| 22 | Wayne Community College Goldsboro, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 31 | 49% | — | — |
| 23 | West Texas A & M University Canyon, TXPublicBachelor's | 31 | 55% | — | — |
| 24 | University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MOPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor's | 30 | 54% | — | — |
| 25 | Pierce College District Lakewood, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearBachelor'sAssociate's | 24 | 31% | — | — |
| 26 | Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KYPublicPost-degree cert. | 23 | 50% | — | $38,307 |
| 27 | New England College Henniker, NHPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sBachelor'sAssociate's | 23 | 35% | $30,086 | — |
| 28 | Fayetteville Technical Community College Fayetteville, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 22 | 24% | — | — |
| 29 | Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LAPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sMaster's | 21 | 86% | $33,106 | — |
| 30 | Metropolitan College of New York New York, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 21 | 40% | $26,609 | — |
| 31 | Rio Salado College Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 20 | 9% | — | — |
| 32 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert.Bachelor'sMaster's | 17 | 68% | — | $38,140 |
| 33 | University of San Diego San Diego, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 17 | 84% | $26,035 | — |
| 34 | Barton County Community College Great Bend, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 17 | 33% | — | — |
| 35 | University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NEPublicBachelor's | 17 | 47% | — | $42,058 |
| 36 | Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, NVPublicBachelor's | 17 | 32% | — | — |
| 37 | Northeastern State University Tahlequah, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 16 | 35% | — | — |
| 38 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide Daytona Beach, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 16 | 21% | $21,266 | $48,676 |
| 39 | Western Kentucky University Bowling Green, KYPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 15 | 56% | — | — |
| 40 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TXPublicMaster's | 15 | 51% | — | — |
| 41 | University of New Haven West Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 14 | 63% | $32,614 | — |
| 42 | St Petersburg College St. Petersburg, FLPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 14 | 38% | — | — |
| 43 | Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsMaster's | 13 | 80% | $24,886 | — |
| 44 | Bethel University McKenzie, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 13 | 35% | $21,324 | $78,275 |
| 45 | Pikes Peak State College Colorado Springs, COPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 12 | 21% | — | — |
| 46 | Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute Hudson, NCPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 12 | 45% | — | — |
| 47 | Rowan - Cabarrus Community College Salisbury, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 12 | 35% | — | — |
| 48 | Lenoir Community College Kinston, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 11 | 36% | — | — |
| 49 | Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, OKPublicBachelor's | 11 | 15% | — | — |
| 50 | Lander University Greenwood, SCPublicMaster's | 11 | 50% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Homeland Security field (CIP 43.03) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 44 states & territories
Where Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management graduates come from. Each state links to all Homeland Security programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 11-9161, Emergency Management Directors, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management program can pursue careers as Emergency Management Directors and other related roles. With an expected growth rate of 3.0% and approximately 1,000 annual job openings, the median wage for these positions is around $86,130, typically requiring a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 43.0302
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Emergency Management Directorsprimary SOC 11-9161 | $93,330 | +3.0% About as fast as average | ~1,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Managers, All Other SOC 11-9199 | $141,900 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~106,700 | Bachelor's degree |
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives SOC 33-1012 | $106,040 | +2.9% About as fast as average | ~10,900 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Consult with officials of local and area governments, schools, hospitals, and other institutions to determine their needs and capabilities in the event of a natural disaster or other emergency.
- Develop and maintain liaisons with municipalities, county departments, and similar entities to facilitate plan development, response effort coordination, and exchanges of personnel and equipment.
- Coordinate disaster response or crisis management activities, such as ordering evacuations, opening public shelters, and implementing special needs plans and programs.
- Prepare emergency situation status reports that describe response and recovery efforts, needs, and preliminary damage assessments.
- Maintain and update all resource materials associated with emergency preparedness plans.
- Prepare plans that outline operating procedures to be used in response to disasters or emergencies, such as hurricanes, nuclear accidents, and terrorist attacks, and in recovery from these events.
Tools and technology used
Other Homeland Security specializations
The 4 other 6-digit CIP codes under Homeland Security (CIP 43.03).
Common questions
What degrees are offered in this program?+
The program offers Bachelor's, Master's, and Associate's degrees, as well as shorter awards.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and emergency preparedness.
What types of jobs can I get after graduation?+
You can work as an Emergency Management Director, among other roles in public safety.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with 1,000 annual openings expected.
What is the CIP code for Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management?+
Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management is CIP 43.0302 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Homeland Security (CIP 43.03). NCES defines it as: A program focusing on the application of the incident command system model to formulating and implementing effective response to natural and man-made disasters. Includes instruction in contingency planning, hazard and risk assessment, joint operations, law and ethics, emergency response and recovery, event mitigation, emergency rescue and medical operations, incident command, terrorism and national security issues, law enforcement, relief administration, volunteer and citizen coordination, public relations and applications to specific types of incidents.
How many institutions offer Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management programs?+
152 U.S. institutions reported Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 44 states & territories, awarding 2,762 credentials in the year. That is 42.0% of all Homeland Security graduates.
How much do Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Emergency Management Directors occupation, which Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management most directly leads to, pays a median of $93,330 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Homeland Security field report median earnings of $44,969 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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