Frequently Asked Questions
Emergency management is the professional discipline of planning for and responding to disasters and crises. It covers the full lifecycle of an emergency, from the preparation that happens long before a crisis strikes to the recovery work that follows.
In practice, that means identifying risks before they become emergencies and building the plans and systems that guide response. Emergency managers work across every sector: government agencies, hospitals, utilities, consulting firms, nonprofits and private-sector businesses all need professionals in this field.
The discipline has grown significantly in recent decades. The increasing frequency of natural disasters, combined with the expanding threat of cyberattacks and public health crises, has broadened what emergency management covers and who needs it.
- Emergency management takes an all-hazards approach, applicable across any type of disaster or disruption in any sector
- Homeland security focuses more narrowly on protecting the nation from internal and external threats, including critical infrastructure and national security
The fields overlap, but emergency management is a broader discipline. If you want a credential that applies across industries and sectors, the MS in Emergency Management is the more versatile choice.
We compare these two degrees in-depth in our article, “Choosing Between a Master’s in Homeland Security vs. a Master’s in Emergency Management.”
You don’t need a specific background in emergency management or emergency services administration to apply to our programs. You do need to be ready to tell us why you’re interested in these fields and what you’re hoping to do with your degree or certificate.
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
- No GRE required
- If you have completed public safety training, you may qualify for up to 60 life experience credits toward your degree
Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
- No GRE required
- No prior emergency management experience required
Master of Science in Emergency Management
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
- No GRE required
- You’ll need to submit a personal statement describing your interest in the field and where you want to go with it
Yes. All three programs are designed for working professionals. Courses are delivered online with no set class times, so you complete lectures and assignments on your own schedule as long as you meet deadlines. Most students spend roughly 8 to 10 hours on coursework per week.
No. All three programs are fully online with no required campus visits. You complete all coursework remotely, on your own schedule. However, you are welcome to attend graduation in person.
The three programs are independent credentials, but they share Adelphi’s expert instructors and flexible online format.
- The bachelor’s is an undergraduate degree focused on emergency services administration.
- The certificate and the master’s are both graduate-level programs open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any field.
- The connection between the certificate and the master’s is direct: the certificate covers the first five courses of the MS and all 15 credits apply toward the full degree. If you finish the certificate and decide to continue, you’re well on your way to your master’s.
All three programs are priced at $475 per credit hour, which is among the most affordable rates in the Northeast. Total tuition depends on which program you enroll in and how many credits you transfer in.
Visit our tuition page for program-specific totals. You can also contact an enrollment specialist at 516.619.2209 or online@adelphi.edu to discuss how you can finance your degree.
Online students have access to the full range of Adelphi support services, from enrollment questions to academic tutoring. Here's who to contact and how to reach them.
General support
For questions about tuition, financial aid or the application process, Adelphi's enrollment specialists are available at 516.619.2209 or online@adelphi.edu.
Military and veterans benefits
Active, reserve and veteran military students and their families using Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits or other veterans affairs program benefits can contact Adelphi’s Veteran Support Services team at veteransupport@adelphi.edu.
Technical support
The Office of Information Technology Help Desk can help resolve technical questions and issues. Reach the Help Desk at helpdesk@adelphi.edu or 516.877.3340. IT manuals, tutorials and videos are also available online.
Library access Online students can visit the Adelphi Libraries virtually to contact a librarian or access the collection directly, including more than 80,000 free e-books.
Academic support
The Center for Academic Support and Enrichment is dedicated to nurturing students’ academic success. You can schedule time with an academic tutor whenever you need or attend a group session, all online.
The emergency management programs draw on Adelphi's connections to agencies, first responder organizations and private-sector emergency management teams across New York and nationally.
Many faculty members are active practitioners in the field, giving you direct access to people currently working in FEMA, state and local emergency management offices, public safety agencies, hospitals and corporate continuity roles.
Students and alumni have access to Adelphi's Center for Career and Professional Development for résumé reviews, interview prep and job search support. They also have access to Handshake, which puts you in front of 1 million+ employers, including every Fortune 500 company.
Yes. Adelphi is ranked in the top 20 percent of colleges for veteran and military benefits, and is a recognized Top Yellow Ribbon School by U.S. Veterans Magazine.
Several benefits apply to the online MS in Emergency Management:
- GI Bill (Chapter 33/Post-9/11): Eligible students can receive up to 100 percent of tuition coverage based on credits enrolled each semester
- Yellow Ribbon Program: Eligible Chapter 33 recipients may receive additional funding beyond the standard benefit, with the VA and Adelphi each contributing up to $4,000 for a potential total of $8,000
- Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP): Allows soon-to-enlist or currently enlisted military personnel to take courses while continuing their service
To get started, submit your Certificate of Eligibility to the One-Stop Student Services Center at onestop@adelphi.edu. Include your full name and Adelphi student ID.
For questions about eligibility or obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility, contact the veterans support team at veteransupport@adelphi.edu.
Learn more about military financial aid benefits or explore our broader veteran and military resources for Adelphi students.
You can start your application online at any time.
If you have questions before you apply, an enrollment specialist can walk you through the process. Call 516.619.2209 or email online@adelphi.edu.
My question isn’t answered here. How can I get personalized guidance?
An enrollment specialist can walk you through program details, admissions requirements and financial aid options. Call 516.619.2209 to start the conversation or email online@adelphi.edu to set up a time to talk.
To learn more about Adelphi University’s online emergency management programs and download a brochure, fill out the fields to request information or call us at 516.619.2209 to talk with one of our enrollment specialists.