Group of emergency management professionals wearing orange safety vests discussing a response plan inside an industrial facility.

Online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response

Total Credit Hours

120

Cost Per Credit Hour

$340

Plan Ahead. Protect What Matters.

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.

Application Deadline

Apr 6, 2026

Classes Begin

May 11, 2026

Apply Now Get More Info

Prepare to Lead in Every Crisis

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.

Learn from Experienced Responders

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.

A Growing Field of Opportunity

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in preparedness-related roles as organizations invest in risk reduction and crisis-readiness expertise.

Unmatched Student Support

All students receive dedicated Enrollment and Student Success Coaches from application to graduation.

Explore This Program

Cost Online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response Degree

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.

Course Listing Online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response Degree

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.

General Education Requirements (39 hours)

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

Major Requirements (57 Credits)

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

Additional Requirements (24 Credits)

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.

Admission Requirements Online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response Degree

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

Career Opportunities Online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response Degree

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.

Disaster Recovery Coordinator
Homeland Security Officer
Public Health Preparedness Manager
Emergency Operations Assistant
Public Safety Analyst
Emergency Management Coordinator
Homeland Security Specialist
Emergency Preparedness Director

What Will I Learn? Online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response Degree

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.

Critically analyze complex Disaster Preparedness and Response challenges, applying principles from emergency management and related disciplines to develop effective solutions.
Develop and assess Disaster Preparedness and Response strategies and solutions that meet defined objectives and align with professional standards in the field.
Effectively communicate Disaster Preparedness and Response concepts, strategies, and solutions in professional and academic settings, ensuring clarity and persuasiveness.
Demonstrate ethical decision-making and professional responsibility by adhering to legal, ethical, and regulatory standards in Disaster Preparedness and Response practices.
Exhibit strong teamwork and skills by collaborating effectively within diverse teams and taking initiative in Disaster Preparedness and Response activities and projects.

Why choose LSU Alexandria’s online BS in Disaster Preparedness and Response? Online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response Degree

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.

Led by experts in the field. Learn from instructors who have worked in emergency management, homeland security, public safety, and healthcare response.
Career-ready curriculum. Every course is developed to align with the real-world needs of local, state, and federal emergency agencies.
Focused on preparedness, not just response: Learn to anticipate threats, plan strategically, and mitigate risks before emergencies occur.
Broader scope: Explore cyber threats, humanitarian logistics, and public-health preparedness—far beyond traditional fire-science or emergency-management programs.
Ideal for first responders and military professionals: Earn credit for prior learning and certifications such as FEMA, EMT, or Police Academy training to complete your degree faster.
Flexible and accessible: 100 percent online with no residency requirement, open to students nationwide. Bring up to 75% of eligible credits with you and complete your degree faster.
Career-focused curriculum: Designed to meet workforce demand for professionals who strengthen organizational and community preparedness.

Ready to reach your goals?

Take the first step forward by completing the form and our enrollment team will contact you soon to discuss:

Additional information on the Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response online program
Financial aid options (employer funding, military benefits)
Receiving credit for past education (transfer, professional development)
The admissions process and timeline

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