Online Bachelor of Science in Disaster Preparedness and Response
Focuses on planning, coordination, and risk reduction strategies
Covers all phases of the disaster cycle: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery
Coursework includes hazard mitigation, crisis communication, and public health preparedness
Blends theory with hands-on, practical application
Develops skills to identify vulnerabilities, assess threats, and build resilience
Prepares graduates for careers in disaster management, homeland security, public safety, and disaster recovery in public and private sectors
Admissions
Whether you're a first-time freshman or a transfer student, our admissions team is here to support you from day one.
Apply by
Apr 6, 2026
Classes begin
May 11, 2026
I have no college credits
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
I have some college credits
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
Tuition
LSUA offers competitive, flat-rate tuition with no out-of-state fees. Plus, you may be able to save even more by transferring up to 75% of previous credits.
Tuition & Fees
- 120 credit hours
- Total credit hours per program
- $3401
- Cost per credit hour
- $10,200
- Total cost with fees and maximum transfer credits
- $40,800
- Total cost with fees
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.
Financial Aid Available
LSUA offers multiple ways to help you fund your education, including financial aid, veteran education benefits, and credit for prior learning. Learn More ›
1 Beginning Fall 1 2026, all LSUA fully online programs are expected to increase by 4% (tuition and fees).
Academics
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.
What Will I Learn?
- 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.
Courses
| 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.
Careers
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.
Career Opportunities
- 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
