News

Penn State University was one of the first colleges to establish distance education through online methods and has developed a highly reputable master’s in homeland security program in that time. Students looking for an established program that features industry professionals and a career-driven curriculum should consider PSU.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs
Program Name: Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
Available Concentrations: General Homeland Security, Public Health Preparedness, Geospatial Intelligence, Information Security and Forensics, Agricultural Biosecurity, Food Defense
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s or equivalent degree from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 33 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: Two years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: October 15; Summer: March 1
GPA: 3.0

Students with prior strategic analysis experience will benefit from the homeland security master’s program at George Washington University. It’s designed for working professionals and covers modern methods in security analysis, giving students the skills to provide safety and strategic solutions to issues regarding national security.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Professional Studies
Program Name: Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degrees from foreign colleges or universities must utilize foreign credential evaluation services acceptable to the George Washington University to have an official detailed evaluation performed of their undergraduate transcript(s)
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 8 or 16 weeks
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: April 1; Fall: June 1; Spring: November 1; Summer: March 1
GPA: 3.0
Work Experience: 2 or more years

Tulane University’s master’s in homeland security program is ideal for students who are looking to enter the field of intelligence analysis. The courses focus on intelligence research methods and prepare students for careers as intelligence officers, developing their skills to observe threats, to gain useful information and to direct security activities to oppose those threats.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Tulane School of Professional Advancement
Program Name: Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Studies

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-Campus
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time
Program Length: 18 months
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 29; Spring: December 17; Summer: April 22
GPA: 3.0

The University of Maryland-Baltimore gives students the skills to handle crisis management situations thanks to its comprehensive master’s in homeland security and crisis management program. It features an in-depth curriculum with topics in terrorist attacks and courses in emergency management, preparing graduates for leadership positions in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Law
Program Name: Master of Science in Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law
Available Concentrations: Emergency Management, Emergency Public Health Response, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security and Counterterrorism

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 16 months
Program start dates: Spring: January 7; Summer: May 6; Fall

Admission Requirements

Northeastern University’s master’s in homeland security program emphasizes leadership and produces the next generation of security professionals. Students who want to succeed as emergency managers and other leadership positions after college should consider NU’s online program.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Professional Studies
Program Name: Master of Arts in Homeland Security
Available Concentrations: Geospatial Services for Homeland Security, Organization and Infrastructure Continuity, Port Security or Emergency Management

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S.
Credit Requirements: 45-47 quarter hours

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-3 years
Program start dates: Fall, Summer, Winter

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling

St. John’s University produces homeland security professionals with its reputable master’s program and extensive career services. Students in this program have access to mentoring and career advisement services to help them achieve their career goals as they work through the program.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Professional Studies
Program Name: Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s Degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: November 1; Fall: May 1
GPA: 3.0

Arizona State University offers students a quick path to earning their master’s in homeland security degree. Students who enroll on a full-time basis can complete the entire program in just one year and begin working in various homeland security and emergency management agencies across the nation.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College and the College of Public Service and Community Solutions
Program Name: Master of Arts in Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Available Concentrations: Biosecurity and threat management; community resilience; emergency management; homeland security

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminology or criminal justice, public administration or public service, sociology or social work, public safety or fire service management, parks and recreation management, applied sciences, environmental sciences or geography, public health or another closely related field from a regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 30-33 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 7

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
Work Experience: 2 years

Pace University’s online master’s in homeland security program gives students the flexibility to enroll in part-time classes and to tailor those classes to their schedule. It’s an ideal program for career-changers and can be completed in two years.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Dyson College of Arts and Sciences
Program Name: MA in Homeland Security
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 28

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Angelo State University’s master’s in homeland security program recognizes military service and training. Not only does ASU offer discounts to military members but will also use their career experience toward the program.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Graduate Studies and Research
Program Name: Master of Science in Homeland Security
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2-4 years
Program start dates: Spring, Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: December 1; Fall: July 15
GPA: 2.75

Students who want to advance to leadership positions in homeland security should consider National University’s online master’s in homeland security and emergency management program. This program has been available to online distance learners since 1996 and features a rich curriculum that covers everything from recovery management to immigration issues, giving students a solid foundational knowledge for career growth.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Professional Studies
Program Name: Master of Science in Homeland Security Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree from regionally accredited institution
Credit Requirements: 54 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: Two years

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.5

Nova Southeastern University’s online master’s in homeland security program gives students an opportunity to conduct a field research project. This project gives them practical experience in the field, which they can use to earn credit and to gain skills for use in their careers.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in National Security Affairs and International Relations
Available Concentrations: Cyber Security
Accrediting Body: SACS

DeliveryFormat: Online, Hybrid

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram start dates: Fall, Winter, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 15; Winter: December 1; Summer: April 15
GPA: 3.0

The University of Massachusetts in Lowell offers a completely online Master of Science in Security Studies with a concentrations in homeland defense, Cyber-Security, International Security, CBRN, Industrial Security, and Infrastructure Protection. This program provide students a well-rounded skill set for careers in various fields of security policy and practice.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Security Studies
Available Concentrations: Homeland Defense
Accrediting Body: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0

Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a mobile-friendly master’s in homeland security program for students who want to complete lessons on the go. The program is delivered through the Moodle learning system, which also features a mobile app to give busy students a way to see their courses and to stay up to date no matter where they are.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Criminal Justice, History and Social Sciences
Program Name: Master of Science in Homeland Security
Accrediting Body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or related field
Credit Requirements: 42 credits
Field Education Requirements: Practicum course internship or semester teaching assignment is required in the non-thesis option.

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: Six years
Program start dates: Spring, Summer, Fall

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: July 6
GPA: 2.5

Liberty University’s master’s in homeland security program accepts credits from students who have taken courses in a previous graduate program. In fact, students can transfer up to 50 percent of the total degree credits into this program, making Liberty one of the most transfer-friendly schools in the nation.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Helms School of Government
Program Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security
Accrediting Body: SACSCOC

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 1.5 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring, Summer

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: December 19; Summer: April 29
GPA: 3.0

Saint Joseph’s University offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice program with a concentration in homeland security. This program is ideal for aspiring or current criminal justice professionals who want to advance their careers in emergency management, immigration and other security professions.

Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security Concentration
Accrediting Body: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 1.5 years
Program start dates: January, March, May, July, August, October

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

Adelphi University’s online master’s in homeland security program is a great value in terms of affordability, flexible scheduling, personalized instruction and customizable curriculum. Students learn from expert faculty members with first-hand experience in homeland security, providing students with the skills to give them a competitive advantage in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Professional and Continuing Studies
Program Name: Master of Science in Emergency Management

DeliveryFormat: Online

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 39 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2.5 years
Program start dates: February 4

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 2.7

Students with careers in research are ideal candidates for Fairleigh Dickinson University’s online master’s in homeland security program. This program encourages high-quality research in homeland security, developing professionals who can aid intelligence officers and emergency management professionals in the field.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies
Program Name: Master of Science Homeland Security
Available Concentrations: Terrorism and Security Studies Concentration, Emergency Management Concentration, Leadership Concentration
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online, Hybrid
Instruction Style: Synchronous

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall: September; Spring: January; Summer I: April; Summer II: July

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Rolling
GPA: 3.0

The Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies is designed to help students meet the needs of the homeland security enterprise at all levels of government as well as the private sector. The broad educational objective is to develop thinkers, analysts, managers, and leaders who possess expertise in both theoretical and experiential dimensions of homeland security. Graduates will gain factual knowledge in the field as well as develop their strategic thinking and policymaking skills..

Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Criminal Justice
Program Name: Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies
Available Certificates: Critical Infrastructure Protection, Emergency Management
Accrediting Body: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

DeliveryFormat: Online, On-Campus
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credits

Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: July 1; Spring: November 1

Students in the master’s in homeland security program have access to some of the best resources thanks to the school’s partnership with the Center for Homeland Defense and Security. Whether it’s documents related to policy, strategy or management, students have a wealth of information at their fingertips to help them as they work through the program.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
Available Concentrations: Homeland security
Accrediting Body: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor’s degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Summer, Fall, Spring

Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Summer: May 1, Fall: July 15; Spring: December 1
GPA: 2.5

Mississippi College has a smaller student-to-professor ratio and prefers to keep class sizes small as a way to give students a better individualized experience. Students receive personalized instruction and can better collaborate with peers as they work through the homeland security program.

Program OverviewDepartment Name: School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Program Name: Master of Social Science in Homeland Security

DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous, Asynchronous

Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Credit Requirements: 30 credits

Program LengthProgram Options: Full-time, part-time
Program Length: 2 years

Admission RequirementsGPA: 2.5