120
$340
Spring 1 2026 classes start on January 12, 2026
Disasters are growing more frequent, complex, and costly. Between 2016 and 2020, weather-related disasters alone cost the U.S. more than $600 billion, underscoring the critical need for professionals who can help communities prepare for the unexpected.
LSU Alexandria's online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response equips students with the skills to plan and coordinate proactive measures that reduce risks and strengthen resilience. Students learn how to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate threats, and develop comprehensive strategies that protect lives, property, and infrastructure.
This program blends theory and hands-on application to prepare graduates to handle all phases of the disaster cycle—from mitigation and preparedness to coordinated response and long-term recovery. With coursework spanning hazard mitigation, crisis communication, and public-health preparedness, students gain a holistic understanding of how to anticipate and manage crises across diverse environments.
Graduates will be equipped to pursue careers in disaster management, homeland security, public safety, and disaster recovery within public and private sectors. Prepare to protect lives and infrastructure before disaster strikes with LSUA’s fully online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response.
Gain the knowledge and leadership skills to navigate emergencies at every level—from local public health crises to national disaster response operations. Coursework emphasizes real-world strategies, so you’re ready to act when your community needs you most.
Courses are taught by seasoned professionals with years of experience in emergency management, homeland security, and public safety. Their hands-on expertise connects theory to real-world application for insights that go beyond the textbook.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in preparedness-related roles as organizations invest in risk reduction and crisis-readiness expertise.
All students receive dedicated Enrollment and Student Success Coaches from application to graduation.
Total credit hours per program: 120 credit hours
Cost per credit hour: $340
Total cost with fees and maximum amount of credits allowed to transfer into the program: $10,200
Total cost with fees: $40,800
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 or industry credentials earned will apply toward your LSUA degree. For further information about the approval for transfer credits and other requirements, please visit this site.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.
Develop a foundation in disaster planning and emergency management while learning how to coordinate large-scale responses across sectors. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, risk analysis, and effective leadership under pressure.
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGL 1001 – English Composition | 3 |
| ENGL 1002 – English Composition | 3 |
| POLI 2051 – American Government | 3 |
| PSYC 2000 – Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| MATH 1021 – College Algebra | 3 |
| MATH 2011 – General Statistics | 3 |
| *General Education Natural Sciences | 9 |
| RELG 2025 – World Religions | 3 |
| PHIL 2020 – Ethics | 3 |
| CMST 2060 – Public Speaking | 3 |
| General Education Fine Arts | 3 |
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| DSPR 2100 – Introduction to Disaster Preparedness and Response | 3 |
| DSPR 2200 – Disaster Preparedness and Planning | 3 |
| DSPR 2300 – Disaster Response and Recovery | 3 |
| DSPR 2500 – Legal Aspects of Emergency Services | 3 |
| DSPR 3100 – Hazard Mitigation: Theory and Application | 3 |
| DSEM 3200 – Technology and Emergency Management | 3 |
| DSPR 3300 – Cyber Threats and Homeland Security | 3 |
| DSPR 3400 – Emergency Management: Policies and Political Foundations | 3 |
| DSPR 3500 – Critical Infrastructure | 3 |
| DSEM 3900 – Internship in Disaster Science and Emergency Management | 3 |
| DSPR 4100 – Emergency Management: Policy Development | 3 |
| DSPR 4200 – Business & Industrial Emergency Management | 3 |
| CJUS 4001 – Terrorism and Homeland Security | 3 |
| MGMT 4310 – Leadership | 3 |
| DSPR 4300 – Intelligence: Research and Analysis | 3 |
| DSPR 4400 – U..S. Border and Transportation Security: Challenges and Strategies | 3 |
| DSPR 4500 – Geospatial Information System (GIS) | 3 |
| DSEM 4012 – Public Health Emergency Preparedness | 3 |
| DSEM 4900 – Senior Seminar in Disaster Science and Emergency Management | 3 |
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| ENGL 3002 – Technical Writing | 3 |
| Free Electives | 21 |
* Students must take either six hours of biology and three hours of physical sciences or six hours of physical science (in a single discipline) and three hours of biology.
For university acceptance, first-time freshman must meet the following criteria:
Transfer students to LSUA must meet one of the following sets of criteria:
Graduates of LSUA’s BS in Disaster Preparedness and Response are equipped to lead across public, private, and nonprofit sectors—helping organizations build resilience and reduce vulnerability.
Students will develop a foundation in disaster planning and emergency management while learning how to coordinate large-scale responses across sectors. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, risk analysis, and effective leadership under pressure.
Make your impact before disaster strikes. Earn your BS in Disaster Preparedness and Response from LSUA and be ready when your community needs you most.
Take the first step forward by completing the form and our enrollment team will contact you soon to discuss:
