35 BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S DEGREES IN SECURITY
Updated December 8, 2022
Want to help your local community and gain access to an engaging, rewarding career at the same time? Consider enrolling in one of the 35 Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Security.
For those of us who aren't trained in emergency management or security, the safety of our country is probably the last thing on our minds. However, for individuals with a background in homeland security or emergency preparedness, safety is always a top priority. Homeland security is the discipline that deals with a country's specific response and efforts to minimize events like terrorism, natural disasters, and other large-scale threats to life and property.
Since the terrorist attacks of 2001, this field has grown rapidly, with thousands of new jobs created in emergency management every year. With the average job growth of nearly eight percent, the Security industry has become a great choice for potential careers. If you have a knack for leadership and a passion for improving public safety, a Bachelor's degree in Security might be the right choice for you.
Selection Criteria
We understand how busy you truly are as you work to keep our country safe. At the same time, you likely don't want to sacrifice the quality of your education by selecting a cut-rate program. Because of this, we have compiled for you a list of the Best Online Security Degrees. This list should help you narrow down your decision as you search for the ideal program.
To be eligible for our ranking, schools could be either private or public but had to offer an online version of a program in Security. Each program also had to be actively enrolling and graduating students successfully.
Ranking Factors
Once we put together a broad list of the programs available in Security, we then determine the most important characteristics of the top schools. The following traits are important to us as we form our final list:
- Accreditation
- Program Recognitions and Accolades
- Affordability
- Overall Accessibility
- Academic Rigor
This, of course, is not a comprehensive list. If you are interested in finding out more about how we make our final cut, consider taking a look at our methodology page.
35. Everglades University
Bachelor of Science in Disaster and Crisis Management
Everglades University provides online students with a Bachelors of Science in Disaster and Crisis Management. Overall, the degree consists of 123 credit hours and usually takes about 41 months to complete. Key required courses include those in Relationship Management, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Hazard Analysis and Risk Assessment. Everglades College is a relatively new university, founded only in 1990, and is ranked as one of the best Regional Colleges South by U.S. News and World Report. It has also received accolades from Money Magazine, The Washington Monthly, and other top-ranking affiliates, a testament to the schools' excellent academic programs and support services.
Average Tuition & Fees: $24,926
Score: 75.22
34. Campbell University
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security at Campbell University is a one-of-a-kind degree for the state of North Carolina. In this program, students learn how to decode vocabulary associated with homeland security and work to familiarize themselves with both domestic and international terrorist organizations and mitigation tactics. The degree is organized around several key areas of interest, including Border and Transportation Security, Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Key Areas, and Defending Against Catastrophic Threats. In addition to being offered at the university's Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg, and Raleigh locations, this program is also available entirely online.
Average Tuition & Fees: $25,483
Score: 76.22
33. Herzing University - Madison
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety
The hands-on online program in Homeland Security at Herzing University is organized around key content areas such as criminology, law enforcement, fire science, corrections, and more. Students learn how all of these disciplines intersect to create a broader understanding of homeland security, all while learning the skills and techniques necessary in these disciplines. The program prepares students for advancement opportunities in law enforcement by exposing them to classes such as Civil Liability in Public Safety, Criminal Investigation, Financial Crimes, and more. A final capstone project and a four-credit internship are also required.
Average Tuition & Fees: $23,303
Score: 77.31
32. University of Maryland University College
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
This program requires 120 total credits and includes coursework that has been designed by seasoned scholar-practitioners in a variety of homeland security roles. Students gain a broad global outlook as well as profound interpersonal and leadership skills while studying in this program. Classes introduce students to actual homeland security information, as well as issues such as international and domestic terrorism, strategic planning, intelligence operations, and more. Online students also have exclusive access to the Public Safety Administration Forum at the University of Maryland, a professional student organization that promotes the sharing of information and activities related to emergency management.
Average Tuition & Fees: $12,483
Score: 77.83
31. Immaculata University
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Planning and Management
This degree is designed for students who wish to help others by planning and/or directing crisis management activities or training. Students benefit from customized class schedules that encompass seven- or eight-week terms. The program is offered with the Philadelphia Police Academy and exposes students to both natural and human-made disaster response efforts. Immaculata has several opportunities for students seeking extracurricular involvement, such as the university chapter of the Order of the Sword and Shield National Honor Society. Students can even receive college credit for learning through life experiences, such as military training and professional programs.
Average Tuition & Fees: $29,386
Score: 79.24
30. California University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Homeland and International Security
This unique degree program is offered entirely online and is taught by a faculty of professional practitioners with extensive career experience. This nationally ranked program is regarded as one of the best in the country by Best Degree Programs.org, and exposes students to all aspects of the criminal justice system, from law enforcement to federal courts. The homeland security concentration can lead to advanced studies in law or graduate school, allowing students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in as little as 16 months of full-time study. The program is delivered asynchronously, the ideal format for students who are working and taking classes at the same time.
Average Tuition & Fees: $17,819
Score: 79.65
29. Upper Iowa University
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Disaster Management
This unique program, available only in an online format, is designed for students wishing to understand the physical and societal consequences of human-made, technological, and natural disasters. Requiring 54-semester credits of emergency and disaster management coursework, this program is designed with nontraditional students in mind. In fact, Upper Iowa University has been ranked highly, acknowledged for offering some of the Best Online Programs for Bachelor's degree-seeking students as well as veterans and active-duty military members by U.S. News and World Report. Students can graduate after taking only two or three classes per term, allowing them to focus and succeed while working a full-time job.
Average Tuition & Fees: $23,405
Score: 80.29
28. Concordia University - Portland
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Concordia University's fully-online Homeland Security and Emergency Management program is designed to allow students to earn their degrees in as few as 16 months. With the flexibility necessary to complete coursework at any time or location, this program is offered to students around the globe. The program's curriculum includes relevant coursework in topics like emergency preparedness, leadership, roots of terrorism, and the intelligence community. All courses are taught by practitioners with real-world experience in careers such as military leaders, federal agents, and police commanders. The expertly designed blend of coursework and practical experience that this program involves gives students the valuable skills that employers desire.
Average Tuition & Fees: $22,518
Score: 80.82
27. Northern Arizona University
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
At Northern Arizona University, the online Emergency Management degree allows students to gain experience in all aspects of emergency management. The curriculum covers topics related to the prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery from many manmade and natural disasters. The unique curriculum allows students to complete coursework when it is convenient for them, with some courses also offered in-person at multiple campuses throughout the state of Arizona. Students can gain course credit for past education, training, and certification experiences, allowing them to graduate quickly or spend time engaging in hands-on internships in their local communities.
Average Tuition & Fees: $14,678
Score: 81.12
26. Adelphi University
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration
The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Administration at Adelphi University prepares students for leadership roles in all areas of emergency services. Students learn from leading researchers and practitioners, many of whom have front-line experience in managing major disasters. The program is designed both for students who have little to no professional public safety or emergency management experience. Students learn in an entirely online setting that is both flexible and personalized. Students with prior learning or life experience may qualify for up to 60 hours of credit, allowing them to save both time and money as they progress on the pathway to earn the Certified Emergency Manager credential from the International Association of Emergency Managers.
Average Tuition & Fees: $28,095
Score: 81.96
25. American Public University
Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management
The Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management at American Public University is designed for students who are seeking all kinds of careers in emergency management and public safety. It introduces students to the all-hazards approach, giving them a unique understanding of risk assessment and prevention and management techniques. The program is taught by instructors who are highly credentialed and have impressive experience in national government or safety and security organizations. The degree requires 120 total credit hours, taking most students about four years of full-time study to complete. Tuition starts at just $270 per credit hour, with further discounts available for past or current military members.
Average Tuition & Fees: $11,470
Score: 83.33
24. Eastern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security at Eastern Kentucky is available fully online as well as on campus in Richmond. Requiring 120 credit hours of study, the program includes core coursework in topics such as hazardous materials and disaster preparedness and response. Courses are each eight weeks in length, operating in an accelerated format that is convenient for busy online learners. Online students pay the same tuition rate regardless of residency and can earn more money by transferring in up to 90 transfer hours from accredited institutions. This affordable program allows students to graduate into a supportive network of alumni who are employed in homeland security positions all over the country.
Average Tuition & Fees: $12,255
Score: 85.13
23. Colorado Technical University
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Homeland Security and Emergency Management
At Colorado Technical University, the goal of all programs is to develop in students the career-related knowledge and skill sets they will need to be successful in the workplace. As a result, classes are offered via the CTU Fast Track system. This means that students can earn college credit for what they already know, and move through modules as they gain the required knowledge - instead of progressing by credit hour alone. Courses are offered on a flexible schedule. The program is rated among the Best Online Bachelor's Programs by U.S. News and World Report for four years in a row, with multiple scholarships and grants available for students who qualify.
Average Tuition & Fees: $19,856
Score: 85.33
22. National University
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Located in La Jolla, California, National University was founded in 1971 on the philosophy that programs should be flexible and career-oriented. As a result, the university currently offers a range of accredited programs that are designed for nontraditional distance learners. The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management provides students with an extensive overview of all of the topics they will need to be successful in this field, including the cultures and patterns of terrorism, emergency preparedness, and national security issues. Students at National can study in an accelerated format, taking classes in one-month terms to allow them to start at different times throughout the year and focus on just one topic at a time.
Average Tuition & Fees: $22,377
Score: 86.36
21. Saint Leo University
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with Homeland Security
A Catholic liberal arts college, Saint Leo currently enrolls students from all over the world via its diverse online campus. The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice offers several concentrations, including one in Homeland Security. With 120 total credit hours required, this program includes hands-on courses in topics like Legal Issues in Counter-Terrorism, The Modern Middle East, and more. Students who do not have professional experience have the option of completing a field placement with high-profile organizations like the U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Customs. Many of these positions lead to police standard certificates. Online students may also join the nationally-recognized Alpha Phi Sigma criminal justice honor society.
Average Tuition & Fees: $21,296
Score: 87.62
20. Drury University
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
Drury University offers a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management that is designed to prepare current and future emergency leaders who wish to work in any sector, including the public, private, or voluntary dimensions. The curriculum addresses the critical knowledge and vital skills needed for professional practice, as well as the fundamentals of emergency management. Core classes include topics like Hazard Identification, Social Aspects of Disaster, Grant Writing, and Disaster Response and Recovery. An internship is also required, allowing students to work with a local emergency management organization to further hone and develop their skills in disaster response.
Average Tuition & Fees: $22,181
Score: 87.81
19. Florida Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at the Florida Institute of Technology features a concentration in Homeland Security that combines valuable liberal arts training with integral homeland security classes. The program is available entirely online and exposes students to the foundational knowledge they will need in topics like law enforcement and corrections. Students will learn how to assess risks and hazards and then begin to develop response plans for all kinds of public safety threats. Students go on to highly successful careers with public agencies at local, state, and federal levels, as well as for rewarding positions with private-sector organizations.
Average Tuition & Fees: $12,240
Score: 89.29
18. Keiser University - Ft. Lauderdale
Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
Keiser University was designed for adult learners looking for programs that were career-focused and affordable. Today, the university provides high-quality education to over 20,000 students both online and at its whopping 18 Florida-based campuses. The Homeland Security degree provides students with the skills they need to work in homeland security at any level, encompassing topics like critical infrastructures and emergency management planning. Field placements are available for students in many areas, with graduates forming emergency plans for various agencies as final capstone projects. A core framework of general education coursework is also required.
Average Tuition & Fees: $26,328
Score: 89.49
17. Liberty University
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Homeland Security
Liberty University is designed specifically for adult distance learners, offering dozens of hands-on, career-focused programs to over 100,000 students per year. The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is offered with a concentration in Homeland Security. This program is designed for students with experience in criminal justice and allows students with prior or current employment in emergency response to receiving life experience credit hours. Military members, past or present, as well as members of law enforcement, may also receive credit for their time in the field. Degree completion requires 120 total credit hours.
Average Tuition & Fees: $24,794
Score: 90.14
16. Mercer University
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Mercer University's Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is designed for students seeking an expanded understanding of public safety, as well as those looking to improve their communication and leadership skills. Courses are accelerated, with each class lasting only eight weeks. Each student is required to engage in service-learning experiences as well as 120 hours of study in crucial core topics like Digital Forensics and Applied Research Methods. Each student must also complete field experience and a senior seminar, with graduates going on to work in border patrol and other law enforcement agencies such as the CIA.
Average Tuition & Fees: $20,692
Score: 91.03
15. Thomas Edison State University
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
A public school located in Trenton, New Jersey, Thomas Edison offers an online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This program requires 120 credit hours of study, over half of which are in the core area of study with plenty of room for electives. Core topics of study include Terrorism, Research Methods, and Response and Recovery. A final capstone is required that allows students to integrate their knowledge of the best methods of mitigation, prevention, and response to emergencies. Thomas Edison is unique in that students pay one annual tuition fee - instead of paying per credit hour- and can register for up to 36 credits in a twelve-months, saving both money and extra hassle.
Average Tuition & Fees: $7,519 (in-state)/ $9,967 (out-of-state)
Score: 91.07
14. Angelo State University
Bachelor of Border Security
Angelo State University's Bachelor of Border Security is offered entirely online and is unique in that it exposes students specifically to the current issues in border security. WIthin the larger context of homeland security, students learn how to enhance their problem solving and communication skills while also gaining a foundational knowledge of the legal issues related to emergency management. Students will take classes like Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Planning as well as Intelligence and Democracy. A capstone seminar course is also required, as are 24 hours of upper-division coursework in the homeland security field. This affordable degree is a great option for students who do not have prior experience in homeland security and are interested in an applicable, career-oriented plan of study.
Average Tuition & Fees: $10,943
Score: 91.50
13. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide
Bachelor of Science in Safety Management
The Bachelor of Science in Safety Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University helps students develop their technical understanding and hands-on skills in Safety Management, while at the same time developing in them a practical approach to problem-solving. This specific blend of approaches allows students to address a range of industry-related safety challenges. The program is designated as a Graduate Safety Practitioner program, an alternative pathway to the Certified Safety Professional accreditation. The degree combines state-of-the-art safety research with a strong core of relevant coursework. Multiple specializations are available to students, including those in Aviation Safety Management, Construction Safety Management, Emergency Management, and Occupational Safety Management.
Average Tuition & Fees: $19,002
Score: 91.80
12. Anderson University
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with Homeland Security
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Anderson University is offered with a career-oriented concentration in Homeland Security. This program is offered at a university that is regularly ranked as one of the best and most affordable private institutions in the country. The university has a profound commitment to liberal arts education, with each course offered in eight-week blocks. Students can complete their studies at an accelerated pace while taking classes on topics like Strategic Planning for Homeland Safety and Incident Management. A senior seminar and final research project are required, with each student taking, on average, about eight semesters to complete a degree. No prior experience in criminal justice is needed for this program.
Average Tuition & Fees: $20,574
Score: 91.89
11. Arizona State University
Bachelor of Science in Public Service & Public Policy with Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Arizona State University's Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy teaches students how to address complex issues related to both natural and manmade disasters. Each class lasts only seven and a half weeks for a total of 40 classes. The program includes extensive research, as Arizona State is one of the top universities for advancing research and discovery. ASU is home to a very diverse student body and is first in the country for innovation. It is ranked as one of the Best Colleges in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, a testament to the school's extensive student support system and impressive academic quality, and its online degree programs are no exception.
Average Tuition & Fees: $13,007
Score: 92.50
10. Mercy College
Bachelor of Science in Corporate and Homeland Security
Mercy College, located in Dobbs Ferry, New York, offers a unique online program in Corporate and Homeland Security that is designed for students who wish to expand their understanding of both domestic and international terrorism. Offered through the college's school of business, the 120 credit-hour program prepares students for managerial positions in both the public and private sectors. The program includes extensive hands-on experience in topics like Criminal Justice and Emergency Management. Students graduate and are equipped to work in all kinds of dynamic team environments as a result of the programs' relevant internship opportunities and real-world coursework.
Average Tuition & Fees: $16,060
Score: 92.51
9. Jacksonville State University
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management at Jacksonville State University is designed for students seeking lifelong careers in emergency management, whether at the voluntary public, or private level. The program requires 120 credits, with additional minor options available in topics like Homeland Security, Public Safety Telecommunications, and more. Core courses cover topics like Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness, Disaster Response and recovery, and Research in Disaster and Emergency Management. The program is both flexible and affordable, offering online students a seriously discounted tuition rate of just $377 per credit hour. In addition, extensive financial aid is available, including federal and state grants and a federal work-study program.
Average Tuition & Fees: $12,474
Score: 94.98
8. West Texas A&M University
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management Administration
The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management Administration at West Texas A&M University prepares students for advanced levels of management within a range of emergency services professions. The degree is designed with both full- and part-time students in mind, with a primary focus on students who are currently working in emergency management. Students will learn how to address all aspects of emergency management, from specific types of disaster mitigation to the policy and legal dimensions of the discipline. Students will gain strong leadership and decision making skills, as well as hone their interpersonal communication abilities, as they progress through this diverse degree program.
Average Tuition & Fees: $12,022
Score: 95.91
7. Bellevue University
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
At Bellevue University, the Emergency Management degree will provide students with comprehensive skills and understanding of the cycles of emergency disaster management. Attention will be given to all facets of emergency management, from Mitigation to Preparedness and Response and Recovery. Classes are taught by faculty with real-world experience. Students move through their classes with a cohort of like-minded peers to gain access to a diverse support system. Together, the cohort will be exposed to a range of topics and ideas in the realm of emergency management as they complete their degrees. With tuition starting at just $415 per credit hour for either in-class or online programs, this degree is an affordable option that cannot be surpassed.
Average Tuition & Fees: $6,349
Score: 96.10
6. University of Central Missouri
Bachelor of Science in Crisis and Disaster Management
The diverse Bachelor of Science in Crisis and Disaster Management at the University of Central Missouri is designed for students who want to make a difference in public safety, emergency medical services, or fire safety. The program is ranked as one of the best in the college for online emergency management bachelor's degrees by the Emergency Management Degree Program Guide. Classes are taught, and students are supported by an outstanding group of professionals. Course development is influenced by the Crisis and Disaster Management Advisory Board, a group of individuals from a broad background of public and private sector organizations.
Average Tuition & Fees: $13,567
Score: 96.21
5. Colorado State University
Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Services Administration
At Colorado State University, students learn how to think critically and develop strategic leadership skills. The program focuses on four key content areas, including personnel administration, financial management, program evaluation, and emergency management. Students will work with peers to solve problems and apply their knowledge to all kinds of emergency service situations. Courses are offered at a flexible pace, allowing students to complete assignments and engage in lectures at the times that fit their busy lives. Nine additional minors are available, including those in Business Administration and Global and Environmental Sustainability to help students further customize their valuable degrees.
Average Tuition & Fees: $16,232
Score: 96.27
4. American Military University
Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management
If you're seeking a customized, practical education that will prepare you for any available career in emergency management, American Military University's Bachelor of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management is the way to go. This degree covers topics such as Risk Assessment, Prevention and Management Techniques and The Multiple Phases of Emergency and Disaster Management. Classes are taught by highly experienced credentialed instructors, many of whom still hold key positions in government or national safety and security organizations. Tuition starts at just $270 per credit hour, with further discounts available for military members.
Average Tuition & Fees: $11,470
Score: 97.33
3. Western Carolina University
Bachelor of Science in Emergency and Disaster Management
Western Carolina University is one of only 12 four-year institutions around the country to offer an Emergency and Disaster Management program, and it is ranked second in the nation for its quality and value by the Emergency Management Degree Program Guide. This program prepares students through an interdisciplinary curriculum and is taught by faculty with extensive expertise. WCU requires courses such as Introduction to Emergency and Disaster Management, Risk Assessment and Vulnerability Analysis, and more. All students complete final capstone projects, allowing them to gain work experience with local emergency management organizations of their choosing while earning academic credit and valuable professional connections.
Average Tuition & Fees: $13,646
Score: 98.10
2. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
The Emergency Management degree at SUNY Canton is unique, allowing students to gain experience in the discipline by engaging in cutting-edge technology and exercises. Most classes last only seven weeks, with regular functional and tabletop exercises with local, federal, and state agencies. Students are exposed to the most up-to-date GIS (Graphical Information System) and Virtual Emergency Operations Center technologies, which are used by 25 states and all federal agencies. Activities are hands-on, with virtual disaster simulations and extensive hazard modeling. The online courses at SUNY Canton remove any geographical barriers for students who are trying to earn a degree, enabling them to complete one of the most prestigious degrees in Emergency Management in the country.
Average Tuition & Fees: $12,347
Score: 98.20
1. University of Alaska Fairbanks
Bachelor of Security and Emergency Management
As one of the larger schools in the University of Alaska system, the Fairbanks campus offers extensive online learning opportunities. This program gives students the experience required for jobs in cybersecurity, homeland defense, and emergency management. The program requires 120 credits for graduation and includes concentrations in emergency management, cyber security management, public safety, fire administration, and more. Online students pay the same tuition as in-state students, with tuition offered at less than $500 per credit hour. Additional minors are also available in topics like Emergency Management and Military Security Studies.
Average Tuition & Fees: $9,097
Score: 100.00
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