The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study Program consists of self-paced courses designed for both the general public and people who have emergency management responsibilities. They are offered free-of-charge to all who qualify for enrollment, and college credit can be obtained through a for-fee service after successful completion of a course. Each Independent Study Course includes lessons with practice exercises and a final examination. Those who score 75 percent or better are issued a certificate of achievement from EMI. Course completion times vary from two to fourteen hours, depending on the course and the student’s background.

Independent Study Programs are based online and are open to the general public without review or exception. Courses differ from those taught in EMI’s Residential Education Program.