Online Bachelor of General Studies in Disaster Science & Emergency Management

The final cost of this program will be determined once all transfer credits are evaluated. Transfer credits may apply for up to 75% of degree requirements. Your academic advisor will work with you to determine if and how any prior college credits earned will apply toward your LSUA degree

Total credit hours per program: 120 credit hours

Cost per credit hour: $291

Total cost with fees, and the maximum amount of credits allowed to transfer into the program: $8,730

Total cost with fees, no transfer credits and no financial aid: $34,920

For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.

Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Exact fees may vary by program. Please consult an Enrollment Coach for the final program cost.

General Education Courses (39 credit hours)

• ENGL 1001: English Composition | Credit Hours: 3
• ENGL 1002: English Composition II | Credit Hours: 3
• BIOL 2030: Introduction to Environmental Science | Credit Hours: 3
• PHSC 1001: Physical Science I | Credit Hours: 3
• CMST 1061: Communication Fundamentals | Credit Hours: 3
• HIST 2055: American History I | Credit Hours: 3
• HIST 2057: American History II | Credit Hours: 3
• FIAR 1001: Introduction to Fine Arts | Credit Hours: 3
• General Education in Social Sciences | Credit Hours: 6
• General Education in Math | Credit Hours: 6

Foundation Courses (27 credit hours)

• POLI 2051: American Government | Credit Hours: 3
• POLI 2056: Louisiana Government | Credit Hours: 3
• DSEM 2010: Introduction to Disaster Science and Emergency Management | Credit Hours: 3
• DSEM 3200: Technology and Emergency Management | Credit Hours: 3
• DSEM 3900: Practicum in Disaster Science and Emergency Management | Credit Hours: 3
• DSEM 4900: Senior Seminar in Disaster Science and Emergency Management | Credit Hours: 3
• GEOG 2055: Introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) | Credit Hours: 3
• HIST 3055: Disasters in History | Credit Hours: 3
• NURS 4012: Public Health Emergency Preparedness | Credit Hours: 3

Enrichment Blocks - Business (12 credit hours*)

• BUSN 1001: Introduction to Business | Credit Hours: 3
• MGMT 3200: Principles of Management | Credit Hours: 3
• MGMT 4620: Human Behavior in Organizations | Credit Hours: 3
• CMIS 1150: Personal Productivity Using IT Tools | Credit Hours: 3

Enrichment Blocks - Psychology (12 credit hours*)

• PSYC 2000: Introduction to Psychology | Credit Hours: 3
• PSYC 3001: Cultural Diversity | Credit Hours: 3
• PSYC 3140: Social Psychology | Credit Hours: 3
• PSYC 3075: Death, Dying, and Bereavement | Credit Hours: 3

Electives (30 credit hours*)

• CJUS 4001: Terrorism and Homeland Security | Credit Hours: 3
• CJUS 1107: Introduction to Criminal Justice | Credit Hours: 3
• CJUS 3152: Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving | Credit Hours: 3
• CJUS 3215: Juvenile Delinquency | Credit Hours: 3
• CJUS 3530: Corrections Within the Community | Credit Hours: 3
• CJUS 4018: Constitutional Law and Criminal Justice | Credit Hours: 3
• CJUS 4476: Minorities, Crime, and Criminal Justice | Credit Hours: 3
• CMST 2000: Intro to Mass Media | Credit Hours: 3
• CMST 2060: Public Speaking | Credit Hours: 3
• POLI 4012: Politics and Policy of Elder Health Care | Credit Hours: 3

*Free Electives can be used to slot transfer courses or student can choose a minor in Business, Criminal Justice, English or Psychology. If a minor is chosen, enrichment blocks will be adjusted as needed.

Note: Course substitutions will be considered. There are often multiple ways to complete degree requirements.

For university acceptance, first-time freshman must meet the following criteria:

• Complete high school Core curriculum for college readiness in place at time of high school graduation
• Not be required to take more than one developmental course
• Have a high school grade point average of at least 2.0
• Meet one of the following:
  • Have an ACT composite of 20 or higher
  • Have a high school Core grade point average of at least 2.0

Transfer students to LSUA must meet one of the following sets of criteria:

• Have earned a transferable associate degree or higher
• Have earned at least 18 hours of college-level credit, including a college-level English and college-level mathematics course, with a grade of “C” or higher in each, and an overall GPA of at least 2.0
• Have earned at least 12 hours of college-level credit from LSUE or CLTCC Bridge Program, including a college-level English and college-level mathematics course, with a grade of “C” or higher in each, and an overall GPA of at least 2.0.
• If the above are not met, meet freshman admission requirements and be in good standing with their previous institution

• Disaster Recovery Manager
• Emergency Management Program Specialist
• Emergency Response Team Leader
• Emergency Services Director
• Environmental Health and Safety Manager
• Hospital Emergency Preparedness Administrator
• Hurricane Program Manager

Students enrolled in this disaster science and emergency management bachelor’s degree program will graduate with the knowledge and ability to help communities in crisis. 

Topics covered in this degree include: 

• A survey of the principles, structures, processes, and functions of American government with emphasis on the national government
• A survey of state and local political tendencies in Louisiana with special emphasis on political development after 1812
• A survey of the developing field of Disaster Science and Emergency Management in all levels of government, including public agencies coping with disasters, both natural and man-made, in tandem with quasi-public, non-profit, and private agencies
• A survey of technology relevant to emergency planning, response, recovery and mitigation
• Supervised work in national, state, or local government or private agencies concerned with disaster and emergency management
• An examination of the role of public health in preparing, responding, and recovering from community emergency

Why choose LSUA’s online Bachelor of General Studies in Disaster Science & Emergency Management?

A bachelor’s degree in disaster science and emergency management can prepare graduates for a rich and fulfilling career in national, state, or local governments, as well as for-profit companies and non-profit agencies. The top-ranked, affordable online BGS in Disaster Science & Emergency Management from LSUA provides students with the broad educational foundation they need to be successful in the field. Enrolled students will benefit from the flexible and convenient course formats, which allow students to take classes while balancing their schedules.