Online Master’s in Homeland
Security

<a href="https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/online-masters-in-homeland-security/">Homeland Security</a>

College Name & Address	Tuition	Graduation Rate
#1 Texas A&M University, College Station JKW Administration Building, Suite 200, College Station, Texas 77843	$6,885	83%
#2 Saint Joseph’s University 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19131	$18,144	81%
#3 Northeastern University 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115	$25,801	90%
#4 Mississippi College 200 South Capitol Street, Clinton, Mississippi 39058	$12,060	65%
#5 Sam Houston State University 1806 Ave J, Huntsville, Texas 77340	$5,765	58%
#6 George Washington University 1918 F Street, NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20052	$32,850	85%
#7 Tulane University of Louisiana 6823 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70118	$59,000	86%
#8 Pennsylvania State University 128 Outreach Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802	NA	NA
#9 American University 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, District of Columbia 20016	$37,447	79%
#10 Adelphi University South Ave, Garden City, New York 11530	$43,040	73%
#11 Drexel University 3141 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104	$36,234	71%
#12 Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314	$21,153	62%
#13 Fairleigh Dickinson University, Metropolitan Campus 1000 River Rd, Teaneck, New Jersey 07666	$9,780	53%
#14 American Public University System 111 W Congress St, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414	$6,660	48%
#15 Northwestern State University of Louisiana 175 Sam Sibley Drive, Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497	$5,738	47%
#16 University of Colorado Denver 1380 Lawrence Street, Lawrence Street Center, Suite 1400, Denver, Colorado 80217	$6,984	44%
#17 Angelo State University 2601 W. Avenue N, San Angelo, Texas 76909	$4,181	43%
#18 National University 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037	$15,480	47%
#19 Wilmington University 320 Dupont Hwy, New Castle, Delaware 19720	$9,000	21%
#20 University of Maryland Global Campus 3501 University Blvd East, Adelphi, Maryland 20783	$9,072	18%
#21 New England College 98 Bridge St, Henniker, New Hampshire 03242	$14,088	29%

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

A master’s in homeland security online provides flexibility to students who may be working professionals or individuals who have child and family care commitments. The online curriculum is structured in such a way that it is as rigorous as a program offered to students physically attending a school. The online Homeland Security degree trains students to take up leadership positions within the industry. Students of the program will gain essential skills in management, planning, communication, technology, intelligence, and risk analysis. They will also be proficient in the political, social, and economic threats facing the United States of America.

Students will be trained to meet regulatory compliance measures and ethical standards even in high-pressure situations through theoretical classes, role-playing, and interactions with professionals from the field of Homeland Security. In most schools, 33 to 40 credits are required for the master’s in homeland security online degree program, requiring about two years to complete. The programs offered by various schools vary from the completely online model to hybrid programs that require students to be present in school for two weeks every quarter.

Career opportunities are abundant for Homeland Security graduates. This has been the norm once the Department of Homeland Security was set up in 2002 following the September 11 attack.

Master’s in Homeland Security Degree Types

Depending on the online Master in Homeland Security program chosen, the degree may be called: 

• Master of Science in Homeland Security
• Master of Arts in Homeland Security
• Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
• Master of Business Administration in Homeland Security

Specializations in Master’s in Homeland Security Programs

Apart from the regular coursework, specializations in particular fields within homeland security will further arm students with the most relevant knowledge and techniques needed to take the leading role in protecting the country by including risk analysis, international/domestic threat identification, coordination, and public policy analysis. Here are a few popular master’s in homeland security specializations to consider:

Area of Specialization	Description	Career Options
Information Security / Cybersecurity	This specialization examines existing cyber laws and policies, intelligence collection, and defensive and offensive actions that may be used during cyber warfare.	Intelligence Analysts, Special agents, Security Management Consulting, Emergency Management Directors, Law Enforcement
Emergency Management	Experts in Emergency Management are responsible for analyzing possible risks and creating plans that minimize disruptions to essential services while preserving life and property.	Local or Government agencies, Hospitals, Universities, Disaster Relief organizations, Extraction Companies, The Military
Military Leadership	This specialization prepares present and future leaders to address problems military agencies and organizations face.	Army, Navy, Airforce, Coast Guard
Risk Analysis and Mitigation	This specialization examines the threat spectrum of various hazards and how to plan systematic approaches to identifying critical infrastructure and essential resources to counter risks and deal with their mitigation.	Intelligence Analysts, Special agents, Security Management Consulting, Emergency Management Directors, Law Enforcement

A few other specializations in an online homeland security master would be:

• Safety & Security
• Disaster Management
• Applied Homeland Security Intelligence
• Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense
• Public Health Preparedness
• Intelligence & Geospatial Analysis
• Counterterrorism
• Public Health Preparedness
• Cyber Threat Analytics & Prevention

Curriculum and Skills Gained in Master’s in Homeland Security Online Programs

Students of an online master’s in homeland security degree will pursue a 33 to 40-credit curriculum that includes a variety of classes, such as Crisis Management, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security Technology, and Intelligence Analysis. Crisis simulations and scenarios will reinforce students’ skills to succeed in Homeland Security professions in the federal, state, and local government and industry.

Although the core homeland security courses students take will depend on the chosen program and college, here are a few students can generally expect:

International Human Rights

In this course, students explore the intersection of security and global human rights challenges. Analyzing legal frameworks, policies, and ethical considerations, students gain expertise to navigate complex issues at the nexus of national security and human rights in an international context.

Violence, Threats, Terror, and Insurgency

In this course, students explore understanding and addressing complex security challenges. Analyzing various forms of violence, students explore counterterrorism strategies, threat assessment, and counterinsurgency measures, developing expertise in mitigating contemporary threats to homeland security.

Contemporary Issues in Homeland Security

This is a vital course in the Master’s program, addressing current challenges and emerging threats. Exploring policy responses, technological advancements, and interdisciplinary strategies, students gain insights to navigate and contribute effectively to the dynamic landscape of homeland security in the modern world.

Crisis Leadership

This course equips students with the skills to navigate and lead effectively during crises. Focusing on decision-making, communication, and strategic planning, the course prepares future leaders to manage and mitigate the impact of complex emergencies in homeland security.

Homeland Security: Social and Ethical Issues

This course explores the complexities intersection of security policies with societal and ethical considerations. In this course, students critically analyze and navigate the complex landscape of homeland security, addressing the broader impact on individuals, communities, and ethical decision-making in security practices.

Some of the core courses in a Master’s in Homeland Security program may include:

• Multifaceted Approaches to Homeland Security
• Public Sector Management
• Homeland Security Administration: Policies and Programs
• Legal Aspects and Policy of Homeland Security
• Homeland Security and Defense in Practice
• Psychology And Terrorism
• U.S. Constitution and Ethical Issues
• Risk Assessment and Management
• Strategic Leadership and Decision Making
• Technology And Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Intelligence Gathering Strategies
• Public Health Issues for Homeland Security Leaders
• Whole-Community Disaster Preparedness
• Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
• Sociology of Terrorism
• Computer and Internet Forensics
• Public Sector Strategic Planning and Budgeting

Capstone

Most online Master’s in Homeland Security degrees require the completion of a capstone project that covers around 3 to 5 credits. The capstone project is usually completed in a host organization. Students complete this capstone as a part of their internship. The internship and capstone project enable students to acquire a mentored experience while working on a capstone project that will benefit the host organization. The capstone may be in the form of an executive position paper or a documentary project. The capstone could also be a new program specifically designed for the host organization based on quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of sources.

Upon completing this program, students can expect to gain the following skills and learning outcomes:

• Crisis Management: Acquire skills to effectively manage and respond to crises, developing strategic crisis communication and decision-making capabilities.
• Security Policy Analysis: Gain expertise in analyzing and evaluating security policies and understanding their implications for homeland security.
• Threat Assessment: Learn to assess and analyze threats, including terrorism, insurgency, and emerging challenges, to formulate effective security measures.
• Global Perspectives: Develop a global understanding of security challenges, exploring international human rights, terrorism, and ethical considerations.
• Leadership in Security: Cultivate leadership skills specific to homeland security, emphasizing decision-making, coordination, and strategic planning in crises.
• Ethical Decision-Making: Navigate complex ethical considerations inherent in homeland security, addressing social and ethical issues with sensitivity and integrity.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Acquire a holistic perspective by integrating knowledge from various disciplines, enabling a comprehensive understanding of contemporary homeland security challenges.

Accreditation for Master’s in Homeland Security Online Programs

While pursuing an online master’s in homeland security, it is always better to choose an accredited Master in Homeland Security school. When a school is accredited, the institution has been evaluated by one or more independent accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the industry. The school is found to have gone through a high educational quality assurance procedure. To be accredited, entire institutions and/or educational offerings must undergo an extended, rigorous accreditation process and pass several stringent checks against pre-defined standards and accreditation criteria. Once accreditation is conferred on the school, the school must follow proper steps to maintain the standards of their school’s programs and retain its accreditation status. Regional agencies that accredit colleges in the U.S. are:

• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

More information on accreditation is available in the Accreditation Guide.

Timeline for graduation from Online Master’s in Homeland Security Programs

A master’s in homeland security may be completed in three ways: a full-time program in brick-and-mortar schools, a completely online program, or a hybrid program that is partly online and partly offline. The benefits of each type of program delivery should be weighed with each individual student’s requirements and circumstances before a decision is made.

Usually, full-time students in a Master’s in Homeland Security online program can complete the program in around two years. Some online homeland security degree schools also offer an accelerated program that can be completed in 12 to 18 months. The programs offered by various schools vary from the completely online model to hybrid programs that require students to be present in school for two weeks every quarter.

Ordinarily, 33 to 40 credits are required in the Master in Homeland Security online program.

Some schools offer a free master’s in homeland security degree online. Students must fulfill eligibility criteria before enrolling in these programs for free. The free program is usually available to active service members and veterans of the U.S. armed forces. Numerous military-friendly colleges and universities offer free courses for master’s in homeland security. A few others that offer them are:

Course	Provided by	Description
Security Management7	Alison	This course provides an overview of safety management, focusing on its fundamental functions and role. The organizational structure and principles governing safety management will be explored. Emphasis will be placed on critical functions safeguarding organizations from diverse risks, threats, and fraud. Additionally, the significance of physical security and the role of information security in organizational protection will be examined.
Homeland Security and Cybersecurity Future8	Class Central	Cybersecurity has become a concern. This course equips students to anticipate cyber-attacks and plan procedures and protocols to be followed to prevent them and mitigate their effects with technology solutions.
Cybersecurity Policy for Aviation and Internet Infrastructures9	Class Central	Aviation and Internet infrastructure are considered “lifeline infrastructure.” This course deals with anticipating risks in these sectors and policy planning for their safety and risk mitigation.

Most homeland security online master’s use theory and practical knowledge from skilled professional faculty to ensure students are trained in policy decision-making, leadership, emergency planning and management, and concise written and verbal communication. This equips students to apply their knowledge to their jobs immediately, ensuring they are an asset to the organization that employs them. Graduates of the online master’s in Homeland Security can be employed by the Department of Homeland Security, local and federal government bodies, and private organizations like banks, hospitals, universities, etc.; the opportunities are endless.

Some of the settings in which homeland security graduates can work include but are not limited to:

• Border Patrol/Security
• Law Enforcement (Local/State/Federal)
• Cybersecurity
• Immigration
• Aerospace Security
• Anti-Terrorism
• Coast Guard
• Department of Homeland Security
• Department of Transportation
• Department of Labor
• Department of State
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Secret Service
• Border Customs
• U.S. Military
• Private Organizations
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Security Firms

Here are some Homeland Security job titles (at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and the median annual salaries they command, according to Payscale:

Occupation	Job Description	Median Annual Salary	Job Growth (up to 2032)
Management and Program Analyst11	A Management and Program Analyst oversees organizational processes, evaluates programs, and recommends improvements for efficiency. Responsibilities include data analysis, budget management, and strategic planning. They collaborate with teams to enhance productivity, implement policies, and execute programs effectively.	$126,000	No Data Available
Intelligence Analyst12	An Intelligence Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data to provide actionable insights for decision-making in security and intelligence operations. They assess information from various sources, identify patterns, and produce reports to support government agencies or private organizations.	$97,866	No Data Available
Transportation Security Officer 13	A Transportation Security Officer (TSO) works in airport security, ensuring the safety of passengers and preventing security threats. Responsibilities include screening passengers and luggage, operating security equipment, and responding to security incidents. TSOs play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of transportation systems and ensuring a safe travel environment.	$40,245	No Data Available
Immigration Officer 14	An Immigration Officer is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and regulations. They process and screen individuals at border crossings, airports, or other entry points, verifying travel documents and ensuring compliance with immigration policies. Immigration Officers conduct interviews, analyze information, and decide on entry or denial.	$70,000	No Data Available

Certifications, along with an online master’s in homeland security from an accredited university, make for a guaranteed pathway to building a lucrative, successful, and fulfilling career within the industry. Homeland security graduates and professionals can choose from two types of certifications – professional and academic.

1. Professional Certifications – Professional certifications do not require as much time, effort, or financial investment as academic certifications. They are designed for working professionals who wish to keep current with current practices and knowledge. These certifications are also an excellent way to enhance career prospects and move up the hierarchy within the organization. Usually, recertification is periodically required to be maintained. Examples of professional certifications include:
2. Certified Homeland Protection Associate, Levels I – IV¹⁵ – The Certified Homeland Protection Associate (CHPA) proves to potential employers that the individual is qualified to start a profession and enhance their career in the field of homeland security through coursework and testing. Candidates must be current students from an accredited university. They should have completed predetermined coursework as specified by the board. They also must pass the Homeland Protection Associate test.
3. Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP)¹⁶ – The Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP) demonstrates that the individual possesses the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to be regarded as a professional in the field of homeland security. Candidates must possess a blend of education, experience, and requisite coursework in homeland protection as specified by the Global Society of Homeland Security Professionals Board¹⁷.
4. Academic Certifications – Academic certifications are more intensive in terms of time, effort, and financial investment when compared to professional certifications. Prestigious academic certifications require completion of at least five of the following courses: 

• Homeland Security
• International and Domestic Terrorism
• Leadership Application Course in Criminal Justice
• Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Administration
• Ethics and Integrity in Homeland Security
• National Security Policy

As for licensure, since most jobs are within the purview of governmental agencies, security forces, and the military, departmental or job-specific training leads to automatic licensure – as in most positions are deemed to have already a license to work.

Homeland security professionals must coordinate between various departments to effectively fulfill their responsibilities. They also need access to the latest information and technology solutions. Networking with others in the field and using resources to discover new knowledge and skills is always recommended. Here are some resources for Master in Homeland Security online graduates and professionals to explore:

1. Global Society of Homeland Security Professionals (GSHSP)
   The Global Society of Homeland Security Professionals (GSHSP) is a global association of homeland and national security professionals from all friendly countries, including government and private sector responders. GSHSP provides its members with certifications and training programs, access to a career center, and discounts on products and services.
2. National Homeland Security Association (NHSA)
   The National Homeland Security Association (NHSA) sponsors and hosts the National Homeland Security Conference. The Conference is an annual gathering of emergency management and homeland security experts from the largest metropolitan areas in the country. Due to its emphasis on all disaster response disciplines at all levels of government, it has grown to become the most well-attended and eagerly anticipated homeland security and emergency management conference of the year.
3. Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)
   The Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) offers wide-ranging programs geared toward helping established, and upcoming homeland defense and security leaders create the organizational structures, policies, and strategies required to combat terrorism, prepare for natural disasters, and address threats to public safety across the country. Apart from courses and programs, CHDS offers a magazine, news and stories, and factsheets and reports.
4. Analytical Services Inc. (ANSER)
   Analytical Services, or ANSER, is a for-purpose (not-for-profit) organization that has pledged allegiance, first and foremost, to the United States of America via the government clients they support and the analyses they deliver. ANSWER is committed exclusively to public service and supplies local, state, and federal government officials with timely, objective, and forward-thinking analysis independent and irrespective of commercial or political influences.
5. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Resources
   The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has compiled a list of resources to help homeland security professionals in areas like all-hazards planning, crisis communications, mental health services, continuity of operations, and more.