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15 Best Grad Schools with Online Master’s in Homeland Security

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Updated: July 3, 2024, Reading time: 25 minutes

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The Homeland Security field occupies a keystone position in society. It deals with the most fundamental security needs from a variety of threats and vulnerabilities, both domestic and international. The field is highly dynamic and rapidly evolving.

The Labor Statistics Bureau is predicting a significant increase in employment in the amount of 32% among information security analysts and other homeland security professionals over the next 10 years. This makes pursuing an online Master’s in homeland security a wise choice for career advancement and growth.

Homeland security professionals who want to advance their careers should earn an online Master’s in Homeland Security program. This master’s degree often focuses on formulating a global perspective on terrorism, emergency management, and other homeland security issues. 


Additional Information:


Overview

Many of the online programs in homeland security cover domestic and international terrorism, policies and strategies in the homeland security sector, and examinations of emergency management. 

Methodology

Looking for the best Homeland Security master’s degree online program? We’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of graduate schools that offer the best Online Master’s in Homeland Security degree programs! Each program was selected based on the following characteristics:

Please visit our Methodology page.

Best Online Master’s in Homeland Security

Best Online Master’s in Homeland Security

Liberty University

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Master’s in Homeland Security

Liberty University is home to more than 100,000 students across over 700 programs of study. The university offers 600 of these programs online, allowing thousands of students around the globe to pursue their higher education anytime and anywhere.

Of the online programs offered at Liberty University is a Master’s in Homeland Security, designed to reach the goals of homeland security professionals. This fully online program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a protector of the country’s security.

Standout Features:

The program allows students to choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track. The thesis track lets them go beyond textbook knowledge and apply what they learned to solve real-world problems.

Did You Know?

At Liberty University, students can access course content in one online learning platform called Canvas. These state-of-the-art digital resources let students get hold of thousands of electronic books, journals, and peer-reviewed articles.


Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University

Trenton, New Jersey

Master of Science in Homeland Security

Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public university that stands as one of the state’s 11 senior higher education institutions. Thomas Edison State University is composed of 5 schools and has a population of over 13,800 students.

Thomas Edison State University offers an online MS in Homeland Security to provide students with a comprehensive view of the entire federal homeland security enterprise. The program is designed to give training on advanced aspects of emergency preparedness and homeland security, covering day-to-day operational and strategic planning and decision-making skills.

Standout Features:

The program is highly regarded for its quality, being among the best homeland security master’s degree programs in the country. The program also isn’t designed only for those with formal training in security; those who come from the fields of business, the health professions, engineering, or law will also benefit, as it prepares them to apply their expertise in security and all-hazards situations. 

Did You Know?

Thomas Edison State University’s campus in downtown Trenton houses a number of historic buildings, most of which are older than the university itself. Perhaps the most iconic is the Kelsey Building, which was built in 1911 and previously housed 3 other schools before becoming TESU’s executive center.


Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas

Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies

For more than 135 years, Sam Houston State University has been offering quality education. This commitment extends to students all over the country and beyond through the advancements in distance education and instructional technologies. The university takes pride in offering accredited online degree programs with the same quality and faculty as its face-to-face offerings.

Sam Houston State University offers an online MS in Homeland Security Studies designed to prepare students for homeland security leadership roles. Students learn from faculty members who are recognized as the top researchers nationally by the Journal of Criminal Justice Education.

Standout Features:

The program offers multiple term starts. It also allows students to choose between attending face-to-face classes and the online option.  

Did You Know?

The Carnegie Commission on Higher Education classifies Sam Houston State University as a Doctoral Research University. This qualifies the university among the top 7% of all US colleges and universities.


University of Alaska Fairbanks

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, Alaska

Master’s in Security and Disaster Management

The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) is the flagship campus of The University of Alaska System. UAF is composed of 9 schools and colleges and also operates six other rural and urban campuses, as well as the UAF eCampus. It is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High Research Activity” and has a population of over 6,800 students.    

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a Master’s in Security and Disaster Management (MSDM) program. The program is ideal for both active practitioners in homeland security and emergency management as well as those looking to enter the field.

Standout Features:

This program is a member of the Emergency Management Higher Education Program run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the University and Agency Partnership Initiative (UAPI) of the Department of Homeland Security.

Did You Know?

UAF is one of the most northerly research universities in the country and is located very close to the Arctic Circle. It is known for its research expertise in Arctic and northern research and hosts a number of institutes focused on the matter, including the International Arctic Research Center, the Institute of Arctic Biology, and the Institute of Northern Engineering.


The George Washington University

The George Washington University - Online

Washington DC

Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security

George Washington University is one of the best places to pursue an advanced degree in homeland security. The fact that it is located in the heart of the country’s capital can provide students with access to leading international and national organizations.

The George Washington University’s Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security is offered fully online. It covers a wide range of topics, including examining national and international security policy and practices, counterterrorism, intelligence analysis, relevant legislation, and emerging security threats. Those who work in private and public safety sectors or have experience in relevant fields will find ample opportunities for innovative professional development.

Standout Features:

The Homeland Security degree program boasts an expert faculty of leaders in the field with demonstrated first-hand experience. This means students will gain a strong focus on practical experience along with the strategic application of knowledge.

Did You Know?

The George Washington University’s connection to influential organizations and institutions means that undergraduate and graduate students will have unlimited opportunities to gain hands-on learning experience.

There are more than 12,000 internship opportunities at their disposal, including working with a variety of organizations such as the White House, Discovery Communications, Bloomingdale’s, National Institutes of Health, and the World Bank.


Arizona State University

Arizona State University

Phoenix, Arizona

Master of Arts – Emergency Management & Homeland Security

Arizona State University is ranked as the most innovative online school in the United States. It offers a digital learning experience complemented by world-class professors and instructional designers. It is currently serving more than 41,000 undergraduate students and 13,194 graduate students.

Arizona State University’s Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security provides students with an essential understanding of the principles and values integral to the homeland security field.

Standout Features:

Students in this master’s degree program can learn from the impressive faculty at the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Some of the faculty members are Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the American Psychological Association, and the National Academic of Public Administration fellows.

Did You Know?

Arizona State University offers hundreds of online degrees and certificates in numerous fields, including digital media, business, engineering, and sustainability, among others. Interested students can choose from more than 300 online degrees and certificates to help them pursue their passions and advance their careers.


Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University - L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Richmond, Virginia

Master of Arts – Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is a public research university composed of 15 colleges and schools and hosts a population of almost 29,000 students. VCU is also classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity”.

Virginia Commonwealth University offers the MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. It is an expansive program that develops skills in the leadership and policymaking aspects of homeland security and emergency preparedness. Graduates typically occupy careers in various fields as planners, resource managers, and educators. 

Standout Features:

The program’s comprehensive coverage goes beyond policymaking and implementation and includes the organizational, political, social, ethical, and economic aspects of disaster studies. VCU has a very close proximity to Washington DC, the country’s decision-making nerve center. This filters through the program’s insights and opportunities that are available to students. 

Did You Know?

VCU’s MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is the country’s first program of its kind to integrate and specialize in the fields of emergency preparedness and homeland security. The program was designed with the intention of going beyond traditional emergency preparedness & national security programs at the time and including skills in decision-making, policymaking, and leadership at both the micro and macro levels.


Purdue University

Purdue University - Global

West Lafayette, Indiana

Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Purdue University has a 150-year decorated history of providing quality and accessible higher education. Considered one of the most respected and innovative public universities, Purdue offers online programs designed for adult learners. The university is a Higher Learning Commission-accredited school. Currently, with approximately 32,500 enrolled students.  

Purdue University offers a fully online Master’s Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management to help students acquire in-depth knowledge and leadership skills integral to navigating the challenging and dynamic industry. Students in this Homeland Security program will study the different aspects of homeland security, including the legal, social, business, political, and economic sides.

Standout Features:

The online master’s in homeland security degree has accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC). On top of learning how federal and private institutions come up with sustainable security and emergency management solutions, this master’s program also requires students to examine how the public and private sector businesses and industries interrelate.

Did You Know?

Purdue Global, part of the Purdue University system, offers exceptional student support services. This includes individual educational advising, an interactive online classroom that focuses on hands-on learning, and no-cost tutoring in writing, math, and science, among others.


Fairleigh Dickinson University

Farleigh Dickinson University

Madison, New Jersey

Master’s in Cyber and Homeland Security Administration

Fairleigh Dickinson University is the largest private university in the state, offering more than 100 online and on-campus degree programs. Through its online programs, working students are allowed to achieve and lead in their chosen fields.

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers an online master’s degree in Cyber and Homeland Security Administration to help professionals who come from a public service background advance their careers. This master’s degree showcases a state-of-the-art curriculum that helps students develop skills and knowledge integral to leading and managing an organization’s security and administration.

Standout Features:

The master’s in homeland security degree program requires prospective students to possess a four-year bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. While no GRE or GMAT scores are required for admission, students still need to meet the minimum GPA requirement of 2.75.

Did You Know?

Fairleigh Dickinson University has been authorized by the NC-SARA or National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements for all states except California. It is also accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.


Angelo State University

Angelo State University

San Angelo, Texas

Master of Science in Homeland Security

Angelo State University is the second-largest member campus. Angelo State is composed of 6 colleges, which altogether host a population of over 10,700 students.

Angelo State University offers a high-quality MS in Homeland Security. This comprehensive program is geared toward launching or advancing careers in the military, in emergency management, or in local, state, and federal level law enforcement.

Standout Features:

Angelo State University also offers automatic graduate scholarships to students who meet the GPA requirements, as well as up to over 600 other scholarship types that students can avail of.

Did You Know?

Angelo State University also offers a number of related master’s programs, including the Master of Science in Global Security Studies and the Master of Security Studies (MSS) in Intelligence and Analysis.


Endicott College

Endicott College

Beverly, Massachusetts

Master of Science in Homeland Security

Endicott College offers forward-thinking higher education, serving more than 5,000 students. The college offers a unique approach to hands-on education where every student in every major is required to take part in an internship.

Endicott offers an online MS in Homeland Security. It is designed to help working professionals pursue leadership roles in the growing fields of cybersecurity, intelligence, and emergency management. Students in this program are expected to explore and examine the complex functions of federal, state, and local agencies when it comes to law enforcement, intelligence, and other homeland security concerns.

Standout Features: 

Online students earning a master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management will find ample opportunities and job placement support. Many students and alumni work in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Grid, Raytheon, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Homeland Security, among others.

Did You Know?

Endicott College offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs along with graduate-level certificates. It is home to the Van Loan School of Professional Studies, which offers accelerated undergraduate programs.


University of Massachusetts Lowell

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Lowell, Massachusetts

Master’s in Security Studies, Homeland Defense Concentration

The University of Massachusetts Lowell caters to more than 17,000 students from all 51 U.S. states and territories and 118 countries. It offers at least 120 undergraduate programs and 77 graduate programs. Working professionals and busy students may also take advantage of distance learning by choosing among the 77 online programs on offer.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers an online Master’s in Security Studies with a Homeland Defense concentration. It prepares students for leadership roles in national security through insights into global and national issues. The program features distinguished faculty, including academic experts and industry professionals with U.S. military security clearances.

Standout Features:

The Homeland Security master’s degree curriculum tackles issues related to the prevention of terrorist attacks along with the defense of the country. It includes the protection of infrastructure, the gathering of regional and national security intelligence, and the use of new technologies when it comes to homeland security practices.

Did You Know?

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is home to the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies. It features a wide range of affordable part-time graduate and undergraduate courses, degrees, and certificates. Many of these choices are available fully online.

As an early pioneer of online education, the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies was recognized for its commitment to accessible education, innovative programming, online teaching, and faculty development.


Western Connecticut State University

Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, Connecticut

Master of Science in Homeland Security

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is a public university composed of 5 schools and has two campuses, both located within Danbury. It currently has a population of over 4,400 students.  

Western Connecticut State University offers a Master of Science in Homeland Security. This program prepares students for career advancement and leadership roles in the fields of law enforcement, public safety, and emergency management in both the public and private sectors.

Standout Features:

The program’s curriculum is designed to align with the missions and practices of the Department of Homeland Security. The program is also part of the University & Agency Partnership Program (UAPP), which gives faculty and students access to the resources of the Naval Postgraduate School – CHDS or Center for Homeland Security and Defense.

Did You Know?

In July 2021, Western Connecticut State University established the Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation. This institute serves as a statewide school crisis and safety resource center and serves to conduct research & training and offers technical assistance on various topics relevant to school safety.

Students of the MS in Homeland Security program will be able to collaborate with the center in terms of research, prevention strategies, and policy development.   


Northeastern University

Northeastern University

Boston, Massachusetts

Master of Arts in Security & Intelligence Studies

Northern University is committed to providing quality education. This top-tier research university offers many master’s degrees and graduate certificate programs that are available online and in hybrid learning formats.

The MA in Security and Intelligence Studies at Northeastern University is designed for homeland security professionals who want to take on leadership roles in the security field. Students can expect a unique interdisciplinary approach, exploring a blend of study areas relevant to the field, such as law, diplomacy, security, and constitutional rights.

Standout Features:

The program features faculty security experts, from constitutional lawyers, military intelligence officers, and White House advisors, among others. Students who wish to specialize their learning to meet their career goals better may choose among three-degree tracks. This includes Corporate Security Management, Strategic Intelligence & Analysis, and Homeland Security & Emergency Management.

Did You Know?

At Northeastern University, about 93% of graduates are working full time or are enrolled in a graduate school, all within nine months of their graduation. The university keeps its class sizes small to ensure equal attention and guidance are provided to each student. Moreover, the university has a demonstrated research tradition. In fact, since 2006, faculty and students have filed more than 2,000 patents.


Penns State World Campus

Pennsylvania State University

University Park, Pennsylvania

Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security

Pennsylvania State University draws from more than 125 years of experience in distance education. Today, there are more than 175 fully online programs to choose from.

Pennsylvania State University offers one of the most comprehensive homeland security programs in the form of the MPS in Homeland Security. Students can finish the core program or pick from various specialized options, all aimed at training skilled leaders in roles like national security.

Standout Features:

Students can pick from a multitude of specialization options. This allows them to further align their advanced educational journey with their future professional goals. Specialization options include: 

Did You Know?

This nationally recognized university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It is known for its career-focused curriculum designed with the latest industry trends. It also offers exceptional services to online students, including academic advising, career counseling resources, mental health services, financial aid, and leadership opportunities, among others.


Defining Homeland Security

The need to address the security needs of a collective, a society, or a state is not a new concept; humans have had to grapple with this need ever since the age of the earliest civilizations. However, to a great extent, Homeland Security continues to evade the definition.

The concept, in its current form, came out of the events surrounding 9/11 and, in the context of the United States, is a product of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. It should be clarified, however, that the concept of Homeland Security should be treated separately from the Department of Homeland Security, which is the main overseeing federal government agency.  

Despite the initial focus on terrorist threats, the succeeding years saw the practice evolve in scope. The next decades highlighted the need to revisit the country’s approach to other hazards like natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005, among others.

Herein lies the tension in the field. The opinion is split among practitioners between limiting the scope of Homeland Security to addressing threats from terrorist attacks and extremist activities, including natural disasters, and even expanding all the way to adopt an “all-hazards” approach.

With regard to master’s degree programs, meanwhile, many of these tend to take a more all-hazards route and include the relevant courses in their curriculum designs accordingly.

Online Master's in Homeland Security - fact

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to come from a specific set of professions/academic backgrounds in order to be suitable for a Master’s in Homeland Security degree?

Not all master’s in homeland security programs are limited to first responders, information security analysts, law enforcement, and intelligence professionals. Some programs welcome a broader range of backgrounds. Some also combine homeland security with emergency management, which involves various fields in preparation, mitigation, response, and recovery. 

It’s recommended to contact specific universities or departments for clarification.

What are some career paths can graduates of Master’s in Homeland Security can explore?

This degree program sees a wide range of applicability. Graduates can go on to work in the fields of law enforcement and intelligence, addressing issues in immigration, border protection, or securing points of entry into the country and various forms of critical infrastructure. Still, some go on to work in cybersecurity and as part of the country’s intelligence agencies.

Many of these master’s programs integrate disaster management into their coverage, which prepares graduates for careers in agencies like FEMA or as disaster response, disaster communication, or emergency management directors in state and local agencies.

Career options aren’t limited to government agencies, of course; there is a wide range of private organizations that play supporting roles in addressing homeland security needs. 

How can I choose an online master’s program in homeland security? 

#1 Consider Your Career Goals

Decide what you want to do after graduating. Homeland security programs can lead to intelligence analyst, emergency manager, or cybersecurity specialist roles. Different programs focus on different areas like federal agencies or cybersecurity, so pick one that matches your interests.

#2 Understand Costs and Financial Aid:

Prices for online master’s degrees in homeland security vary a lot. Some programs are cheaper, around $300 per credit, while others can be over $1,300 per credit. Tuition alone can range from about $11,000 to over $46,000. 

Check if the university offers financial aid options like scholarships, grants, or loans to help cover costs. Fill out the FAFSA to see what you qualify for. 

#3 Look Into Internships and Hands-On Experience: 

Many programs include internships or practical experience. If that’s important to you, ensure your chosen program offers these opportunities. You can contact current students or program staff to find out more.

Summary Points

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