Security in general is a rapidly expanding industry; it changes very quickly and candidates who hold a Master of Homeland Security Degree are in high demand. Domestic security is a critical issue today. Our country may not have an active war within our borders, but we cannot take our security for granted. Ever since it was established in response to the terrorist attack of 9/11/2001, the Department of Homeland Security has been active, growing and working hard to prevent another large-scale attack on our country. Engaging several different departments and organizations, the Department of Homeland Security covers a wide scope of areas. The need for people skilled in the areas of domestic security has never been greater. Homeland Security technology in general is an ever-changing world of its own. Technology advances at such a pace that no one can ever feel that they have “arrived” at a level of expertise. By definition, computer, technology and security fields are continuing education arenas. Certifications need updating, new skills need to be acquired and new challenges await the career security tech.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is the key employer for those with degrees in homeland security; with the general and broad nature of the name of the department and degree field comes a wide range of potential careers within this agency and others. In the public sector, positions available for degree holders include transportation security screener, emergency management representative, intelligence analyst and cyber security agent. The Transportation Security Agency, Center for Disease Control, U.S. Coast Guard, Customs, FEMA and the FBI also need individuals with a Master of Homeland Security degree holders on staff.
Private sector employment is available as well, as private security firms rely on government contracts and positive interaction with government agencies. Multinational corporations can also benefit from the skill and training that comes with a homeland security degree. Opportunities are available in many spheres of business, government and community.
Masters Program Guide is pleased to present the Top 50 Master’s in Homeland Security. The methodology for this ranking is as follows: all available online masters programs were gathered and sorted by specific program name. Homeland Security was given priority, alternative programs with emphasis on homeland security were given secondary priority. Values were assigned based on data points. Data points were assigned for each of the following criteria: total enrollment (30%), % of students enrolled online (30%), student-faculty ratio (30%) and net overall cost of the program (5%). Any tie-breaker was resolved by comparing % online enrollment. Masters Program guide proudly offers the top 50 Online Master of Homeland Security degree programs for 2019.
Masters in Homeland Security (MSHLS)
Program Details: Trident University International offers the Masters in Homeland Security (MSHLS) program in a 100% online format. Created to closely align with the mission objectives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to excel in homeland security professions at the federal, state, and municipal levels. As part of the program, students can expect to gain advanced knowledge and skills necessary for responding to emergencies and disasters; learn to mitigate the potentially catastrophic consequences of natural disasters or terrorist acts; gain an understanding of and be able to apply legal and ethical practices and decision-making; and participate in collaboration with fellow students and faculty members in the completion of research and coursework. Trident’s MSHLS is available with several concentration options in the areas of cybersecurity; emergency and disaster management; leadership; and logistics.
Trident University International is a unique, private, regionally-accredited institution of higher education which offers programs in a 100% online setting. Established in 1998 by Dr. Yoram Neumann, the University began as a branch campus of Touro College. The first fully online institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), Trident has a mission to provide “an exceptional online educational experience for its students – diverse adult learners including current and former members of the military family.” This mission statement continues, “Adhering to the highest standards of academic excellence, faculty and staff foster a learning community where students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enhance their lives and advance their careers.” Comprised of four colleges, these include the Glenn R. Jones College of Business, College of Education, College of Health Sciences, and the College of Information Systems.
Admissions
Master of Arts in Homeland Security
Program Details: The American Military University offers the Master of Arts in Homeland Security. A 36-credit-hour program, full-time students can complete the program in as little as two years and a maximum of 15 transfer credits are allowed. The program’s courses provide “an advanced-level understanding of homeland defense, intelligence methods, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, consequence management, interagency government issues, emergency management, public health, and information security.” Taught by highly experienced and credentialed instructors, the program’s curriculum is designed to ensure relevancy to today’s marketplace by closely following industry trends.
The American Military University, a member of the accredited American Public University (abbreviated APU), is a private institute of higher education located in Charles Town, West Virginia. A provider of online and distance learning, the University was established in 1991 by Marine Corps officer James P. Etter as the American Military University. Etter’s original goal to meet the unique educational needs of military learners by offering career-relevant distance education programs has been realized as the University is the #1 provider of higher education to the U.S. Military. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University’s mission is to “provide high quality higher education with emphasis on educating the nation’s military and public service communities by offering respected, relevant, accessible, affordable, and student-focused online programs that prepare students for service and leadership in a diverse, global society.” The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs, all of which are offered 100% online with classes that begin monthly and last 8-16 weeks. The asynchronous format of the online programs provides extra flexibility and convenience for busy students; students have access to APU’s library, study resources, and academic advisors and are able to stay connected via discussion boards, forums, and other social media.
Admissions
Master of Science in Homeland Security
Program Details: Wilmington University offers the Master of Science in Homeland Security through its College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. A dynamic master’s degree, the program is customizable and was designed by industry experts. The program’s mission is to educate students in how to use “leading methodologies to address the ever-evolving security challenges facing organizations and agencies.” The program includes field experience designed to provide students with hands-on learning to enhance their mastery of homeland security competencies. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the program is available 100% online in a convenient, flexible format that allows working professionals to complete the degree on their own schedule.
Wilmington University is a private, non-sectarian research institution located in New Castle, Delaware, near the city’s historic district and Wilmington. The University grew out of a charter class which began in 1968 with only 194 students. Today Wilmington University has an average annual enrollment if 14,000 and offers a wide range of programs including bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University comprises several academic colleges. These include the Colleges of Arts & Sciences; Business; Education; Health Professions; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Technology; and Online and Experiential Learning. Wilmington University is committed to providing high quality education that is convenient and flexible and offers programs in a number of different formats including online and at several extension sites throughout Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland. Wilmington University’s mission vision is to “distinguish itself as an open-access educational institution by building exemplary and innovative academic programs and student-centered services while anticipating the career and personal needs of those it serves.”
Admissions
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
Program Details: The George Washington University offers the Master of Professional Studies degree in Homeland Security through its College of Professional Studies. Available on-site via the Arlington Graduate Education Center or online, the MPS in Homeland Security is a pioneering education program which focuses on counter-terrorism, intelligence analysis, emerging security threats, and relevant legislation. Designed to enhance the “implementation of security practices in both public and private sectors,” the program offers “innovative professional development opportunities for individuals involved in public and private sectors, have experience in law enforcement, emergency management, corporate security, transformational security, fire service, public safety, public health preparedness, or the military.”
The George Washington University is a private, independent institution of higher education located in Washington, DC. Established in 1821 by an act of Congress, the George Washington University (GWU) has a total enrollment figure of more than 27,000 students, with representatives from all fifty states and 130 foreign countries. The alma mater of several notable alumni, past students and graduates include Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State; former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy; Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominated actress, Kerry Washington; Marjorie Townsend, the first women to manage a U.S. space launch; and Arnold “Red” Auerback, 16-time NBA Champion Coach Executive, among others. In an effort to “promote the process of lifelong learning from both global and integrative perspectives,” GWU works to provide a “stimulating intellectual environment for its diverse students and faculty.” In its mission statement, GWU stresses its dedication to creating a dynamic, student-focused community stimulated by cultural and intellectual diversity and built upon a foundation of integrity, creativity, and openness to the exploration of new ideas.” This mission statement continues, “By fostering excellence in teaching, the University offers outstanding learning experiences for full-time and part-time students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in Washington, D.C., the nation, and abroad.”
Admissions
Master of Social Science
Program Details: Mississippi College offers the Master of Social Science degree, available online, which includes a comprehensive basis in administration of justice and electives which focus on homeland security issues. Designed to advance professionals’ anti-terrorism career, the Master of Social Science is available entirely online, allowing working adults to balance their various responsibilities while earning their degree. The curriculum is taught from a Christian perspective and includes coursework that covers the various aspects of homeland security including legal aspects; grant writing; special issues; domestic terrorism; international terrorism; and cyber terrorism. The University notes that “the definition of a career in homeland security is much broader than commonly perceived. Beyond border security, these specialists respond to threats both natural and human, offering protection, medical assistance, damage control and much more.” Career opportunities for graduates include professions in immigration and customs enforcement; federal emergency management agency; Office of the Inspector General; transportation and security administration; and citizen and immigration services.”
Mississippi College is a private, coeducational, comprehensive Christian institution of the liberal arts and sciences and professional studies, located in Clinton, Mississippi. The second-oldest Baptist-affiliated college in the country as well as the oldest college in the state of Mississippi, the College was established in 1826. Mississippi College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several schools. These include the School of Business, the School of Christian Studies & the Arts, the School of Education, the School of Humanities & Social Sciences, the School of Law, the School of Nursing, and the School of Science & Mathematics. The College is built upon several core values, including Fidelity; Integrity; Inquiry & Knowledge; Service; Respect; Excellence; and Stewardship. The College’s vision is “to be known as a university recognized for academic excellence and commitment to the cause of Christ.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Homeland Security
Program Details: Angelo State University offers the Master of Science in Homeland Security through its College of Graduate Studies and Research. An online program, the degree seeks to address the “growing needs of homeland security and law enforcement personnel, who face an ever-changing world of transnational crime and terrorism.” The program combines theory with practical studies, concentrating on the key areas of critical infrastructure protection; terrorism and counterterrorism; law and associated constitutional issues; drug and human trafficking; cybersecurity; and emergency management. Offered 100% online in an eight-week course format, ASU is a military-friendly institution and recognizes military service and will maximize training and career experience. The MS in Homeland Security program is taught by nationally recognized experts in the areas of border and homeland security and is designed to “increase students’ knowledge of national and international security, with a holistic approach to real world issues.”
Angelo State University (abbreviated ASU) is a public institution of higher education and a member of the Texas Tech University System located in San Angelo, Texas. Established in 1928, the University operates with the mission of delivering “undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.” Its mission statement declares, “In a learning-centered environment distinguished by its integration of teaching, research, creative endeavor, service, and co-curricular experiences, ASU prepares students to be responsible citizens and to have productive careers.” Home to over 10,000 students, ASU comprises six colleges, including the Archer College of Health and Human Services, the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Graduate Studies and Research, and the College of Science and Engineering. A Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), ASU has also been designated a Military Friendly School and has been named in G.I. Jobs magazine every year since 2010.
Admissions
Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies
Program Details: Endicott College offers the Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies through the Van Loan School. Offered on-site in the evenings and weekends in Beverly or online, the MS in Homeland Security Studies is designed to provide “professionals working in a variety of disciplines such as business, criminal justice, hospitality, and communications the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue leadership positions in this important, ever-changing field.” The program addresses the complex, multi-disciplinary and strategic-level issues that occur in the public and private sector. A 36-credit-hour program, the program is geared towards working professionals and may be completed in as little as 18 months. Specializations within the fields of Cybersecurity or Emergency Management are available. A military-friendly institution, Endicott College is a Yellow Ribbon School. Benefits of the program also include a highly collaborative learning environment; access to expert faculty who are seasoned practitioners from the FBI, DHS, and military branches; personal student advising; and networking opportunities and job placement support.
Endicott College is a private, coeducational institution of higher education located in Beverly, Massachusetts. Established by Dr. Eleanor Tupper and her husband, Reverend Dr. George O. Bierkoe, in 1939, the College was built upon the idea that “higher education should combine theory with practice.” Founded as a women’s college originally, the first coeducational class entered in the Fall of 1994. Endicott College currently enrolls over 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offers over 80 academic programs. The University’s mission is to offer students “a vibrant academic environment that remains true to its founding principle of integrating professional and liberal arts with experiential learning including internship opportunities across disciplines.” This mission statement continues, “The College fosters a spirit of excellence by creating a challenging yet supportive and inclusive environment in which students are encouraged to take intellectual risks, pursue scholarly and creative interests, contribute to the community, and explore diverse career paths.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Homeland Security
Program Details: Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers the Master of Science in Homeland Security through ENSU, the University’s Global Campus. The program is designed to provide an “analysis and understanding of the emerging challenges of globalization and our ‘new world order.’” The program covers transnational security issues and its global implications; international and domestic terrorism; the identification and inter-organizational characteristics of transnational organized crime and terror groups; network security, cyber warfare, cyber forensics, and countermeasures; counterterrorism, advanced criminal investigation, and covert operations; intelligence analysis, executive leadership, diplomacy, rationality, and ethics; conflict resolution, intervention strategies, and de-escalation and more. The MS in Homeland Security is offered through the Department of Criminal Justice, History, and Social Sciences and the online courses are supported by the Moodle Learning Management System (LMS).
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a premier, public, regional university located in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Established as a two-year teacher-training college in 1884, the institution became the Louisiana Normal College in 1921. In 1944 the name Northwestern State College was adopted, in recognition of its expanded scope and program offering, and in 1970 university status was achieved. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the University offers programs through its several divisions, departments, colleges, and schools. These include the School of Business, the College of Nursing, the School of Allied Health, the School of Biological and Physical Sciences, the School of Creative and Performing Arts, the Graduate School, the Louisiana Scholars’ College, the College of Education & Human Development and many others. The University’s mission is to be “a responsive, student-oriented institution that is committed to the creation, dissemination, and acquisition of knowledge through teaching, research, and service.” This mission statement continues, “Northwestern State University prepares its students to become productive members of society and promotes economic development and improvements in the quality of life of the citizens in its region.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Homeland Security
Program Details: Sam Houston State University offers the Master of Science in Homeland Security as either a traditional on-campus or internet-based program. The online degree is offered through the University’s global campus, SHSU Online; both formats are taught by nationally and internationally known faculty who have been recognized as the #1 most productive researchers nationally, according to the Journal of Criminal Justice Education. The degree is consistent with the Homeland Security Enterprise model and is fully accredited. A 36-credit-hour program, the degree’s enrollment is available during the Fall and Spring semesters. The program is designed to “help students meet the needs of the homeland security enterprise at all levels of government as well as the private sector.” Outcomes of the program include gaining a factual knowledge of the field along with the ability to demonstrate strategic thinking and policymaking skills.
Sam Houston State University (abbreviated SHSU) is a public university a member of The Texas State University System located in Huntsville, Texas. Established as the Sam Houston Normal Institute in 1879 by the Texas Legislature, the school’s original mission was to train public school teachers. Today the University is classified as a “Doctoral Research University” by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education which also included SHSU on its list of “Community Engaged” universities. Named for Texan hero Sam Houston, SHSU seeks to honor its heritage through academic excellence. SHSU’s motto is “The Measure of a Life is its Service.” Its mission is to provide “high quality education, scholarship, and service to qualified students for the benefit of regional, state, national and international constituencies.” SHSU is home to more than 20,000 students and offers over 80 bachelor’s degree programs, more than 50 master’s, and five doctoral degrees. Among these offerings are included nationally-recognized programs in Business, Fine Arts, Education, Mathematics and Criminal Justice.
Admissions
Master of Science in Homeland Security (MSHS)
Program Details: Thomas Edison State University offers the Master of Science in Homeland Security (MSHS). Offered entirely online, the program is designed for working adults who are interested in pursuing leadership positions within the fields of emergency preparedness and homeland security. The curriculum consists of 36-credit-hours and focuses on the domestic and global issues regarding security and developing competencies in theory, analysis, practice, and policymaking. Outcomes of the program include the ability to “guide and supervise daily operations, strategic planning and decision-making and gain an in-depth understanding of the roles of technology, intelligence and law in establishing protection policies [and] procedures required to respond and mitigate threats and disasters.” Program electives include The Psychology and Sociology of Disaster; International Legal and Ethical Issues; and Pandemics, Bioterrorism, and Biosecurity. Offered through the John S. Watson School of Public Service and Continuing Studies, the School is approved as a chapter of the Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society. The Society, which was established in 2010, is the first academic and professional honor society dedicated to the disciplines of homeland security, intelligence, emergency management and protective security. Qualified students of the MSHS program are welcome to apply for membership into the society.
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public institution known for its flexible learning methods which are tailored to meet the needs of adult learners. Located in Trenton, New Jersey, the University was established by the State of New Jersey and chartered by the New Jersey Board of Higher Education in 1972. Dedicated to providing “higher education for adults with higher expectations,” TESU’s learning methods include online courses, prior learning assessment, credit transfer and credit-bearing exams. Comprising multiple schools, these include the School of Applied Science and Technology; the Heavin School of Arts and Sciences; the School of Business and Management; the W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing; and the Watson School of Public Service.
Admissions
Master of Arts in National Security Studies
Program Details: Regent University offers the Master of Arts in National Security Studies through the Robertson School of Government. Offered entirely online in 8-week course sessions, the program requires 36-38 credit-hours to complete and all courses are taught by scholars, military and public service practitioners. An NASPAA member (Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, & Administration), the program is available with concentrations in Cybersecurity Policy, Homeland Security, International Security, and Mid-East Politics. Specific courses include cybersecurity ethics; international relations and cyber politics; Christian foundations of government; social, political and theological implications of technology; military cyberspace operations, strategy, and tactics; Christian ethics and the law of armed conflict; and more.
Regent University is a private Christian institution of higher education located in Virginia Beach, Virginia on a scenic, 70 acre campus. Established in 1978 by Dr. M.G. “Pat” Robertson, the university’s chancellor, Regent’s mission is to serve as “a center for Christian thought and action to provide excellent education through a biblical perspective and global context equipping Christian leaders to change the world.” One of the leading academic centers in the nation for “Christian thought and action”, Regent University is currently the fastest growing school in the nation with over 20% growth in the last few years. With a total enrollment figure of more than 10,000, Regent boasts a 19 to 1 student to faculty ratio and offers more than 120 graduate and undergraduate fields of study available both on campus and online. Notable alumni of Regent include Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, Dr. Jay Sekulow; Emmy Award-Winner, Tony Hale; Former Assistant Administrator under President George W. Bush, Paul J. Bonicelli, Ph.D.; and many more. Regent University holds accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Admissions
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Studies
Program Details: Tulane University offers the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Studies through the Tulane School of Professional Advancement. The MPS in Homeland Security is offered entirely online with in-residence flexibility, allowing students to complete their master’s degree in a format best suited to their convenience. The program focuses on security and maintenance of US residents’ safety through the practical application of security and emergency management. The program’s curriculum “dives deep into the policies and strategies used in today’s advanced homeland security sector” and features courses on domestic and international terrorism, intelligence research methods, and examinations of emergency management and border security. Possible career and professional opportunities include intelligence community officer; counterterrorism analyst; federal, state, or local law enforcement officer; federal, state, or local homeland security officer; border and immigration officer; infrastructure protection analyst; transportation security analyst; and maritime security analyst.
Tulane University is a private institution of higher education located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Established as a medical college in 1834, the University is currently one of the most well-respected research institutions in the country and a member of the prestigious 62-member Association of American Universities, an elite group of the top-ranked research institutions. Tulane University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several schools. These include the Newcomb-Tulane College; the School of Architecture; the A. B. Freeman School of Business; the School of Liberal Arts; the School of Professional Advancement; the School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine; the School of Science & Engineering; the School of Law; the School of Medicine; and the School of Social Work.
Admissions
Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security
Program Details: Fairleigh Dickinson University offers the Master of Science in Cyber and Homeland Security through the Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies and administered by the School of Administrative Science (SAS). The program focuses on both the theoretical and practical aspect of homeland security enforcement and places a strong emphasis on leadership. A 36-credit-hour program, all students are required to complete four mandatory courses including Homeland Security and Constitutional Issues; Research and Policy Analysis; Weapons of Mass Destruction/Terrorism Awareness; and Strategic Planning, Implementation and Evaluation with a thesis. The program’s goals are to “provide graduate level studies for the non-traditional student involved in homeland security; support success of the students in the educational process; contribute to preparation of world citizens through global education; and encourage the development of high-quality, applied research for the practitioners in the field of homeland security.”
Fairleigh Dickinson University is nonprofit, nonsectarian, multi-campus institution and the largest private university in New Jersey. Established in 1942, approval for university status was granted in 1956. Today the Fairleigh Dickinson University offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs to over 11,000 full- and part-time students who enroll annually. Comprising several colleges and schools, these include the Becton College; the Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies; the Silberman College of Business; the University College; the School of the Arts; the School of Public and Global Affairs; and the School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Fairleigh Dickinson University’s mission is to be “a center of academic excellence dedicated to the preparation of world citizens through global education.” Its mission statement continues, “The University strives to provide students with the multi-disciplinary, intercultural, and ethical understandings necessary to participate, lead, and prosper in the global marketplace of ideas, commerce, and culture.”
Admissions
Master of Arts in Homeland Security
Program details: Aurora University offers the Master of Arts in Homeland Security through AU Online, its global campus. Developed in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS), Aurora University’s MA in Homeland Security Program is designed to bring the theoretical knowledge and practical field experience necessary to succeed in the field. Taught by faculty members who possess real-world experience, the program focuses on emergency preparedness and response. The program is designed to educate students on the “key policy and organizational design problems facing homeland security leaders and gain the analytical skills needed to meet those challenges and formulate policy recommendations in a variety of settings.” The program provides graduates with additional employment opportunities and earning potential with career options including law enforcement and municipal personnel; immigration and travel security, prevention and first response; mission support and more.
Aurora University is a private, nonprofit, independent liberal arts college located in Aurora, Illinois. A co-educational and comprehensive institution, Aurora University was founded in 1893 and currently operates three campuses, including its main site in Aurora as well as in Woodstock, Illinois and Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Home to over 5,000 enrolled students, Aurora University strives to be “an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning.” The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and comprises several schools, including the Dunham School of Business and Public Policy, the School of Education and Human Performance, the School of Liberal Arts, the School of Nursing and Allied Health, the School of Science and Engineering, and the School of Social Work.
Admissions
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
Program Details: Pennsylvania State University offers the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security through the Penn State World Campus. Requiring 33 credit-hours, the program is one of the most comprehensive and compliments the diverse specialties of the homeland security field. Career opportunities extend far beyond the federal government’s Department of Homeland Security, including employment opportunities offered at the state and local levels as well as in the private sector. Penn State’s MPS in Homeland Security is offered entirely online with flexible courses that allow students to continue working in their current profession. Class assignments focus on knowledge and skills and are designed to be directly applicable to the workplace. Core courses provide a fundamental understanding of homeland security in a global context and students are able to choose a specialization within the program with options such as general homeland security, cyber threat analytics and prevention, counterterrorism, public health preparedness, geospatial intelligence, information security and forensics, or agricultural biosecurity and food defense.
Pennsylvania State University is a public, land-grant, research-intensive university based out of University Park, Pennsylvania. With 24 campus locations across Pennsylvania as well as a teaching hospital and a strong online presence (Penn State World Campus), Penn State encompasses over 23,000 acres and 1,784 buildings statewide. The largest public university and Pennsylvania’s only land-grant institution, Penn State’s land-grant mission “embraces teaching, research, and public service in order to support the citizens of the Commonwealth” and the University is built upon the core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. Established in 1855, the University is currently home to approximately 100,000 students and boasts 645,000 living alumni worldwide. Out of its 17,000 faculty members, 30 are members of National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine. Penn State offers more than 160 bachelor’s degree programs as well as over 160 graduate degree programs.
Admissions
MBA with concentration in Homeland Security
Program Details: Northcentral University offers Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Homeland Security. Offered 100% online, the specialization covers a wide range of issues related to homeland security and crisis management and response, including management, budgetary rules, personnel and critical issues related to crisis management, the history of terrorism, prevention and response. The environmental, cultural, and psychological factors that motivate individuals to commit acts of terror are also explored within the program. NCU’s Homeland Security MBA is designed for students seeking management positions in both local and federal government. The degree consists of 30 credit hours, divided into 10 courses, and requires an estimated 16 months to complete.
Northcentral University (NCU) is a regionally accredited online university which serves students worldwide. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the University was established in 1996 by Donald Hecht. NCU delivers premier education based on a 100% online strategy with a highly unique one-to-one learning model which pairs each student with a faculty member for individualized instruction and learning. Comprised of several schools covering the areas of Business, Education, Health Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and Technology, NCU offers over 200 program specializations across more than 35-degree programs. The University’s mission is to educate “professionals throughout the world and provides an accessible opportunity to earn a U.S. regionally accredited degree.” This mission statement continues, “Northcentral mentors students one-to-one with highly credentialed faculty via advanced delivery modalities. Northcentral commits to helping students achieve academically and become valuable contributors to their communities and within their professions.” Committed to the values of Innovation, Diversity, Excellence, and Accountability, NCU’s vision is to be “a premier online graduate university and a global leader in providing unprecedented access to U.S. regionally accredited higher education.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Criminal Justice with specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
Program Details: Walden University offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination. The specialization is designed to provide a “foundation for evaluating and creating protective measures and policies that do not compromise individual rights and freedoms.” The program’s coursework focuses on using the National Incident Management System (NIMS) as well as providing students with an understanding of the complexity of homeland security issues. A 48-credit-hour degree, the program is broken up into Foundation courses (worth 3 credits), Core courses (25 credits), Specialization courses (15 credits), and a final Capstone Course (worth 5 credits). Course topics include The Nature of Crime and Criminology; Controversies in Criminal Justice; Victimology; Critical Incident Leadership and Planning; Terrorism: Legislation and Policy; Special Populations; and Criminal Justice Research.
Walden University private, for-profit institution of higher education located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Established in 1970, the University’s founders were Bernie and Rita Turner, two teachers dedicated to finding a way to provide a viable way for working professionals to pursue doctoral degrees. In 1979 the University’s licensure request was approved and permission was awarded by the Minnesota Higher Education Coordinating Board to grant PhDs and EdDs in Minnesota. Today, Walden University has a total enrollment of approximately 57,000, with all 50 states and 150 foreign countries represented in the student body. Focused on meeting the higher education needs of adult learners, WaldenUniversity offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral degrees and certificates in the areas of health sciences, counseling, criminal justice, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, social work, public administration, and information technology. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Walden University’s mission is to provide “a diverse community of career professionals with the opportunity to transform themselves as scholar-practitioners so that they can effect positive social change.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Criminal Justice with emphasis on Homeland Security
Program details: Liberty University offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Homeland Security. The program is designed to “train criminal justice professionals for leadership roles in the administration and management of homeland security organizations and the execution of homeland security responsibilities at all levels of government.” The program’s mission is to prepare students to “serve as a valuable asset, armed with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in being a protector of America’s security and future.” Offered entirely online in 8-week-long courses, the degree is accredited by the SACSCOC and up to 50% of transfer credits are accepted. Liberty University is committed to keeping costs low for students and has not increased the price of online tuition in three consecutive years; many students find they are able to complete their master’s degree in less than two years of full-time study.
Liberty University is a private, Christian institution of higher education located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Founded by Pastor Jerry Falwell Sr. in 1971, the University began with less than 200 students and has since grown to become the fifth largest university in the United States and the largest Christian university in the world. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University comprises more than a dozen colleges and schools and offers over 500 programs of study ranging from undergraduate to doctoral level in fields such as education, counseling, religion, law, aviation, cinematic arts, business, and more. A pioneer in distance education since 1985, more than 95,000 students are enrolled in one of Liberty University’s 200+ online programs that range from certificate to doctorates. Online students are also given access to exceptional resources including Liberty University’s online library, the Online Writing Center (offered through a partnership with Tutor.com), and Liberty Online Communities, as well as knowledgeable and accessible academic advisors.
Admissions
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Program Details: Purdue University Global offers the Master of Science degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Focusing on the threats associated with environmental disasters, terrorism, and espionage, Purdue Global’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career within the private or public sector, “protecting the security of our country and addressing these challenges head-on.” A web-based program, the courses are taught by experienced industry professionals and are available anywhere with Internet access. The program emphasizes several areas including the application of theory, current knowledge and legal doctrine; the evaluation of social and ethical implications of decisions made to protect people and property; the application of leadership principles to shape change and improve management policy and practices; the evaluation of research on current knowledge and developing trends; and the application of organizational behavior and management theories to daily operations.
Purdue University Global is a public, nonprofit institution headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana and known for its online, world-class education opportunities. One of the most prestigious research universities in the world, in 2017 Purdue acquired Kaplan University, a longtime leader in online adult education for the purpose of creating a new, public institution that would provide access to top quality education to students from around the world. Building upon its original mission “to provide greater access to affordable, high-quality education, Purdue Global seeks to “deliver a fully personalized online learning experience that’s tailored to the unique needs of working adults—one that gives you the support you need to achieve your goals and creates new opportunities for your future.” In keeping with this mission, Purdue University Global offers a wide range undergraduate and graduate-level programs, all of which are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Admissions
Master of Science in Management with specialization in Homeland Security Management
Program Details: The University of Maryland University College offers the Master of Science in Management with a specialization in Homeland Security Management. Designed to offer practical management-level experience in performing security risk assessment, the program is geared toward mid-career professionals and covers the issues of emergency management, cyber security, bioterrorism, and energy security, plus core courses in business management. The degree is available with hybrid or 100% online learning options and requires 36 total credits and accepts a maximum of 6 transfer credits. Courses within the Homeland Security Management specialization include Concepts in Homeland Security; Critical Infrastructures; Resilience Planning and Preparedness for Disaster Response and Recovery; Biosecurity and Bioterrorism; and Information Technology in Emergency Management. A respected program, UMUC was named a National Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
The University of Maryland-University College (UMUC) is a four-year, public university located in Adelphi, Maryland. A member of the University System of Maryland, the University began in 1949 as, a branch of the University of Maryland’s College known as the College of Special and Continuation Studies. Dedicated to serving working adults and servicemembers, UMUC was the first university to send faculty overseas to educate active-duty military personnel in Europe in 1949. The University provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fast-growing, in-demand fields such as Business & Management, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Education & Teaching, Healthcare & Science, IT & Computer Science, Liberal Arts & Communication, and Public Safety. The University’s mission is to improve the lives of adult learners by “providing our students with affordable, open access to valued, quality higher education; and serving as a recognized leader in career-relevant education, embracing innovation and change aligned with our purpose, and sharing our perspectives and expertise.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Integrated Homeland Security Management
Program Details: Towson University offers the Master of Science in Integrated Homeland Security Management. Designed to prepare qualified practitioners who will fulfill the critical workforce need, the program strives to produce students who “possess proficiency in: the research, development and analysis of security strategies; critical agency infrastructures and their inter-relationships; team leadership and cooperative planning; [and] formulating and executing integrated, rapid responses to crisis situations.” Towson University’s M.S. in Integrated Homeland Security Management is available with three specialization options in health preparedness, information assurance, and security policy. In addition to their core and specialization courses, students are also required to take one course in each of the two areas outside of their chosen specialization for the purpose of preparing them for the cross-disciplinary demands of the field. The conclusion of the program includes a capstone research project designed to offer “practical problem-solving experience, real-world skill development, and a solid basis for advancing a career in homeland security.”
Towson University is a top-ranking public regional university located eight miles north of Baltimore in the suburban town of Towson, Maryland. The largest university in the Baltimore area and the second-largest university within the prestigious University System of Maryland (the twelfth-largest public university system in the US), Towson University sits on a 329-acre suburban campus less than an hour’s drive away from Washington, DC. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the University comprises several colleges, including the College of Business and Economics; the College of Education; the College of Fine Arts and Communication; the College of Health Professions; the College of Liberal Arts; The Jess & Mildred Fisher College of Science & Mathematics; and the Honors College.
Admissions
Master of Criminal Justice with electives in homeland security
Program details: The University of Colorado Denver offers the Master of Criminal Justice degree. The program is designed to develop students’ leadership skills in the area of criminal justice/criminology and is available with electives in homeland security, domestic violence, police administration, community corrections, and policy planning. Housed under the School of Public Affairs, the Master of Criminal Justice program focuses on the topics of law enforcement, criminology, judiciary, correctional systems, juvenile justice, and the formulation of laws and codes. Available online, the program’s format provides students with the freedom to mix online and on campus courses, allowing for greater flexibility while maintaining school, work, and personal responsibilities. Potential career paths for graduates include positions within the police force; federal career paths including FBI and CIA Agents; innovators in public life including city majors; careers in the field of death investigations; and more.
The University of Colorado Denver and the Anshutz Medical Campus is one of the nation’s top public urban research universities. The University’s comprehensive campus is located in downtown Denver and the CU Anshutz Medical Campus is located in Aurora, CO. Home to over 14,000 students, the University offers over 140 programs through its thirteen colleges and schools. These include the College of Architecture and Planning; College of Arts and Media; Business School; School of Education and Human Development; College of Engineering and Applied Science; Graduate School; College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; and School of Public Affairs, located on the Denver campus as well as the School of Dental Medicine; Graduate School; School of Medicine; College of Nursing; Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; and Colorado School of Public Health, located on the Anshutz Medical Campus. The University’s mission is to be a “diverse teaching and learning community that creates, discovers and applies knowledge to improve the health and well-being of Colorado and the world.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Criminal Justice with specialization in Terrorism and Homeland Security
Program details: Aspen University offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Terrorism and Homeland Security. A comprehensive criminal justice program, the specialization also provides specific training on field techniques such as patrol procedures and interrogation guidelines. The program is designed to benefit and equip professionals who seek a graduate degree in order to help them advance in law enforcement-related careers and other specialized fields within homeland security. A 36-credit-hour program, courses include Criminal Law; Technology in Law Enforcement; Criminology; Human Relations Management; Major Incident Response Management; Terrorism and Homeland Security; Use of Force in Law Enforcement; Patrol Procedures; Interview & Interrogation; and a final Graduate Capstone at the end of the program.
Aspen University is a private, for-profit, distance-learning institution located in Denver, Colorado. Established in the 1960s as the International Academy, the University was originally created with the intention of improving the way education was disseminated. The institution evolved into ISIM University with a primary focus on technology and business education. In 1993 the Aspen University acquired national accreditation through the Distance Education and Training Council, now known as the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Aspen University’s mission is to provide “any motivated college-worthy student the opportunity to receive a high quality, responsibly priced distance-learning education for the purpose of achieving sustainable economic and social benefits for themselves and their families.” The University is committed to helping students achieve long-term economic success and offers a Monthly Payment Plan (MPP) which allows students to pay off their college tuition loans at zero interest. The University offers a wide range of online certificates, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees and comprises four schools. These include the School of Professional Studies; the School of Nursing; the School of Education; and the School of Business and Technology.
Admissions
Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management (MSHSEM)
Program Details: National University offers the Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management (MSHSEM). An interdisciplinary program, the degree combines the fields of homeland security, terrorism, and emergency management as related to man-made and natural disasters. Learning outcomes of the MSHSEM program include the ability to illustrate the issues related to homeland security of both natural and man-made disasters; integrate tools, resources and organizational systems for the successful implementation of homeland security and emergency management; formulate global mindset to terrorism, homeland security and emergency management issues; critique legal and ethical issues in homeland security and emergency management; and master oral and written communication skills appropriate to this profession, among other objectives. Available in an online format, the degree requires 12 courses with topics covering issues such as Policies of Homeland Security; Emergency/Disaster Response; and Managing Information Security.
National University is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located in La Jolla, California. The flagship institution of the National University System, the University was originally founded in 1971. The National University System was created in 2001 in order to meet emerging education demands and currently operates 28 locations across the countries. One of the largest private, nonprofit universities in California, National University’s nonprofit status is important to the identity of the college. Rather than answering to shareholders, the University is directly responsible to the students and focuses on providing educational programs that are both accessible and affordable. The University’s nonprofit status also allows it to invest its resources in outstanding faculty and the latest learning technology; its overall goal is to “provide students a personalized experience in a modern setting with small class sizes and good faculty-to-student ratios.” National University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the School of Business and Management, Sanford College of Education, School of Engineering and Computing, School of Health and Human Services, School of Professional Studies, and the College of Letters and Sciences.
Admissions
Master of Science in Security Studies (MSSS)
Program Details: East Carolina University offers the Master of Science in Security Studies (MSSS). A unique program, the degree is offered with 100%-online courses and provides an exposure to a wide range of perspectives on security thanks to its interdisciplinary format. The program’s major objectives are to “develop student critical thinking about security issues within a changing environment and to instill graduates with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to gain professional employment in a security-related field.” In order to provide a holistic approach to the study of security, the program strives to integrate knowledge from a range of fields including criminal justice, public administration, political science, environmental health and safety, the natural sciences, computer technology and more. A 36-semester-hour program, the MSSS is available with four areas of emphasis in international security, homeland security policy, science and technology security, and environmental health and occupational safety.
East Carolina University (ECU) is a public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina. Founded in the early 1900s, the University’s motto is “Servire”- from the Latin, “To Serve”- and its mission and vision is, “To be a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation.” This mission is accomplished through the University’s endeavors in education, research, creative activities, and service, and members of the institution strive to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to them. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ECU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its several colleges. These include the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences; College of Allied Health Sciences; College of Business; College of Education; College of Engineering and Technology; College of Fine Arts & Communication; College of Health and Human Performance; College of Nursing; Honors College; School of Dental Medicine; Brody School of Medicine; and the Graduate School.
Admissions
Online Masters in Safety with concentration in Homeland Security
Program Details: Eastern Kentucky University offers the Online Masters in Safety with a concentration in Homeland Security. A specialized program, benefits of EKU’s Homeland Security concentration include access to cutting-edge homeland security knowledge in both intelligence analysis and threat prevention; no GRE requirements for applicants who possess an undergrad GPA of 3.0 or higher; the opportunity to learn from experts in the field including both public and private sector safety professionals; and the opportunity for internships through the Career and Development Placement Office. EKU has been repeatedly named among the top colleges in the nation and the Masters in Safety is fully accredited through the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is a public, regional, coeducational institution of higher learning. Located in Richmond, Kentucky, the county seat of Madison County, EKU’s campus is only 12 miles south of Fort Boonesborough State Park, the birthplace of Kentucky, and is within easy driving distance of several other historical sites. Established in 1906 by the Kentucky General Assembly, EKU was first named the Eastern Kentucky State Normal School. In 1928, after becoming a four-year institution some years before, the School achieved accreditation and two years later was renamed Eastern Kentucky State Teachers College by the General Assembly. In 1935 the College offered its first master’s degree program and in 1966, sixty years after its founding, the College achieved university status and adopted its current name. Today, EKU is known for offering general, liberal arts, pre-professional and professional training and offers a wide range of undergraduate majors and graduate degrees, including an impressive online program offering. The University is dedicated to three particular functions: “high-quality instruction, scholarship, and service,” placing emphasis on the particular order of these values.
Admissions
Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security
Program Details: Salve Regina University offers the Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security. A cutting-edge program, the degree takes an analytical approach in order to prepare students to meet the growing and ever-changing demand for experts in security, intelligence, technology, leadership, and threat analysis and management. The M.S. in Administration of Justice and Homeland Security features a flexible curriculum with three options for specialized concentrations in cybersecurity and intelligence, digital forensics, and leadership in justice. Core courses cover the topics of justice theory and process as well as a number of contemporary issues including psychological profiling and race-based policing. The program is available entirely online as well as in a hybrid or evening class format at the University’s Newport and Warwick campuses.
Salve Regina University is a private, coeducational, Catholic university located in Newport, Rhode Island. Established by the Sisters of Mercy, the institution was granted its charter in 1934 and opened its doors to 58 women in 1947. In 1973 the institution became coeducational and in 1991 achieved university status. Today Salve Regina University offers a comprehensive education with a liberal arts foundation with the goal of fostering the development of each student’s individual talents. As its mission statement declares, “The University through teaching and research prepares men and women for responsible lives by imparting and expanding knowledge, developing skills, and cultivating enduring values. Through liberal arts and professional programs, students develop their abilities for thinking clearly and creatively, enhance their capacity for sound judgment, and prepare for the challenge of learning throughout their lives.” Salve Regina University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and offers nearly 50 undergraduate majors, over a dozen master’s degree programs, and 14 certificate programs.
Admissions
Master of Science in Cybersecurity Law and Master of Science in Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law
Program Details: The University of Maryland offers several security-related graduate-level degrees including the Master of Science in Cybersecurity Law and the Master of Science in Homeland Security and Crisis Management Law. Both programs are offered through the University’s Francis King Carey School of Law and both are designed to provide professionals with the legal and regulatory knowledge necessary to gain a competitive advantage. Both programs are offered exclusively online for the purpose of providing a high quality and flexible learning experience suited to the needs of busy professionals. The MS in Cybersecurity Law focuses on the legal and public policy aspects of cybersecurity and is the first advanced degree of its kind to provide this focus. The MS in Homeland Security & Crisis Management Law is designed to prepare students to “lead their institution’s response to crisis with a special focus on the legal, regulatory and public issues associated with it.” The program focuses on topics including Emergency Management, Emergency Public Health Response, and Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and culminates in a capstone project which students complete under the guidance of a faculty or practitioner advisor.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) is the nation’s oldest public medical school and Maryland’s only public health, law, and human services university. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the University’s mission is to “improve the human condition and serve the public good of Maryland and society at-large through education, research, clinical care, and service.” Established in 1807 as the College of Medicine, the institution was re-chartered as the University of Maryland in 1812 as its vision expanded. Today UMB focuses on the core values of Accountability, Civility, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, Knowledge, and Leadership. UMB offers a wide range of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree and certificate programs and comprises six professional schools and a graduate school.
Admissions
Online Master of Science in Legal Studies with concentration in Homeland Security
Program Details: California University of Pennsylvania offers an Online Master of Science in Legal Studies with a concentration in Homeland Security. Designed to provide students with a “deeper understanding of the ways to prepare for and withstand terror and prevent attacks within the United States,” the MS in Legal Studies program offers an in-depth learning in the specialized field of homeland security. Available fully online, core topics covered in the homeland security concentration include domestic extremism in the United States; biological, chemical, nuclear and WMD threats in homeland security; intelligence practice in homeland security; and terrorism, threat and vulnerability analysis and protection. Several elective courses are also available within the homeland security concentration including courses on digital imaging; forensic photography and the law; law and the international community; financial investigations; law, science and forensic applications; and other specialized topics. Graduates of the program have gone on to find employment and advancement within the Department of Homeland Security; Secret Service; Border Patrol; Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE); Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); U.S. Transportation and Security Administration (TSA); and within local and state law enforcement.
California University of Pennsylvania (CAL U) is a public university located in California, Pennsylvania, a borough in rural southwestern PA about 35 miles outside of the city of Pittsburg. A member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, CAL U has been named one of the best schools in the Northeast by The Princeton Review for over a dozen consecutive years. Established in 1852, the University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs including over 100 undergraduate majors, degrees, and certificates and more than 95 graduate and professional degrees and certificates. Besides its on-campus offerings, over 75 of the University’s programs are offered in a 100% online format.
Admissions
Master of Science in Criminal Justice with emphasis on Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Program Details: Excelsior College offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Homeland Security and Emergency Management. A 30 credit-hour degree, the program is divided between the core requirements and concentration and concludes with a capstone course worth three credits. Outcomes of the program include the ability to “integrate the evolution of important criminological theories with the development of contemporary criminal justice policy; analyze and evaluate contemporary homeland security issues as they relate to criminal justice based on an understanding of the domestic and international processes affecting homeland security; [and] construct an argument for the relationship between current theories of emergency management and their practical application within the American criminal justice system.” Offered entirely online, the degree matches the high-quality of a traditional on-campus program and is taught by highly qualified faculty members who are experts within the field.
Excelsior College is a private, regionally accredited, nonprofit distance learning institution located Albany, New York. Established in 1971, the College was initially funded by major grants from the Carnegie Corporation and the Ford Foundation. In 1998 the school’s Board of Regents granted the College a charter to operate as a private, nonprofit, independent institution. In 2001 the College was renamed Excelsior and is currently governed by a board of trustees who hold prominent positions in the fields of education, business and the professions. 30 degree and certificate programs are offered and the College is comprised of five schools, covering the areas of Business, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, Public Service, and Technology. Excelsior College’s mission is to provide “educational opportunity to adult learners with an emphasis on those historically underrepresented in higher education.” This mission statement continues, “The College meets students where they are — academically and geographically, offering quality instruction and the assessment of learning.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Criminal Justice with concentration in Homeland Security
Program details: Tiffin University offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security. A 30-credit hour program, the MS degree is offered entirely online and taught by highly successful and experienced faculty members who possess valuable field experience at every level of the criminal justice and homeland security disciplines. The Homeland Security concentration’s curriculum includes courses such as Contemporary Criminal Justice: Issues and Trends; Legal and Ethical Issues in Homeland Security; Statistical Applications in Criminal Justice; The Intelligence Community; Emergency Management; Terrorism and Emerging Threats; Cyber Security and Technology in Homeland Security; Homeland Security Sectors; and the capstone course, Practical Application of Policy in Homeland Security.
Tiffin University is a private, coeducational, independent university located in Tiffin, Ohio on a beautiful 130-acre campus. A non-typical university, Tiffin University has offered private, affordable, professionally focused programs since its founding in 1888. Today Tiffin’s ability to reach students wherever they are has expanded thanks largely in part to its web-enabled courses which provide a greater level of convenience and flexibility necessary to be successful in the modern workforce. With classes taught by faculty members who have valuable first-hand experience in their field of expertise, Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Tiffin University has a total enrollment figure of 3,500. Tiffin University is committed to providing its students with the personal attention they need to ensure they succeed in their academic careers. Average class size is kept low at about 25-30 students, allowing professors to know their students on a personal level. Tiffin University offers a variety of professionally-focused academic programs through its three schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Criminal Justice & Social Sciences.
Admissions
Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Program Details: Arkansas Tech University offers the Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security through its Department of Emergency Management. Offered entirely online as well as in a traditional classroom setting, the degree focuses on the social, political, economic, and legal aspects of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS). The program’s goal is to graduate individuals who are “well-prepared to meet the growing demand for educated EMHS professionals in the private business sector, education, non-governmental organizations, and various government agencies and organizations at all levels-local, state, regional, national, and international.” Taught from a curriculum designed to reflect the latest research and practical applications in both fields of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, the program integrates emerging technology and areas of concentration into the curriculum.
Arkansas Tech University is a public university located in Russellville, Arkansas. Established in 1909, Arkansas Tech is now one of the fastest growing institutions of higher education in the state. Small enough to provide individual attention, yet large enough to provide a quality education, Arkansas Tech has the highest graduation rate in the state and strives to assist their students in any way possible. The University’s mission is to be “dedicated to student success, access, and excellence as a responsive campus community providing opportunities for progressive intellectual development and civic engagement.” This mission statement continues, “Embracing and expanding upon its technological traditions, Tech inspires and empowers members of the community to achieve their goals while striving for the betterment of Arkansas, the nation, and the world.” Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the University comprises several colleges including the College of Engineering & Applied Sciences; the College of Arts & Humanities; the College of Business; the College of Education; the College of Natural & Health Sciences; the Graduate College; and the College of eTech.
Admissions
Master of Arts in Security Studies with Homeland Defense concentration
Program Details: The University of Massachusetts Lowell offers the Master of Arts in Security Studies with a Homeland Defense concentration. Available through the Division of Online & Continuing Education, the MA program and Homeland Defense concentration is designed to equip students with “competencies and knowledge relating to homeland security strategy and policy development, critical infrastructure protection, regional and national security intelligence, land and maritime border protection, and the use of new technologies in homeland security.” The program emphasizes the integration of a “big picture” policy perspective while maintaining an understanding of human behavior, systems, and intelligence analysis. The program is available with several concentration elective courses (from which students choose four), including Transportation Systems Safety and Security; Crisis and Emergency Management; Domestic Terrorism and Violent Extremism; Comparative Terrorism and Counterterrorism; Descriptive & Inferential Statistics; Issues in Computer Crime and Cyber Security; Weapons of Mass Destruction; Designing and Building a Cybersecurity Program; and Terrorism Networks.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell is a nationally ranked, public research institution located in Lowell, Massachusetts. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the University offers over 150 undergraduate, masters and doctoral programs through its six schools. These include the Manning School of Business; the Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences; the Francis College of Engineering; the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; the Kennedy College of Sciences; and the College of Education. The University is “committed to preparing students for work in the real world – solving real problems and helping real people – by providing an affordable, high-quality education.” This mission statement continues, “We strive to prepare students to succeed in college and to become lifelong learners and informed citizens in a global environment. UMass Lowell offers affordable, experience-based undergraduate and graduate academic programs taught by internationally recognized faculty who conduct research to expand the horizons of knowledge and sustainable practices.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Criminal Justice with concentration in Homeland Security
Program details: Colorado Technical University offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security. Available with an online delivery option, the program equips students to analyze the issues of law, policy, and society while exploring the developing strategies designed to confront the issues which face criminal justice practitioners in the real world. Within the Homeland Security concentration, students will have the opportunity to review the policy and organizational challenges as well as critical infrastructure protection. Students will also gain valuable insight into “the structural, conceptual and intellectual underpinnings and implications of the homeland security project.” Courses within the Homeland Security concentration include Technology Solutions for HLS; Organizational and Policy Challenges; Vulnerability Analysis and Protection; Homeland Security and Government; and a Homeland Security Capstone.
Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a private institution of higher education with campuses in Aurora, Colorado (near the Denver-area), Colorado Springs, Colorado, and via the Internet. Established in 1965, the University proudly offers career-focused education options for focused students. Committed to providing “innovative, real-world education to students within Colorado, the military, across the U.S. and overseas,” the University’s mission is to provide “industry-relevant higher education to a diverse student population through innovative technology and experienced faculty, enabling the pursuit of personal and professional goals.” CTU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate-level degrees and programs in the areas of Business & Management, Engineering & Computer Science, Healthcare, Information Technology, Nursing, Project Management, and Security Studies & Criminal Justice. Each degree program and concentration is tailored to meet the needs of potential employers and are designed to offer maximum flexibility and convenience to students so that learning is accessible to all.
Admissions
35. St. John’s University
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership
Program Details: St. John’s University offers the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership. The 36-credit-hour program is available through the College of Professional Studies and the Department of Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, and Homeland Security and is offered at several campus sites as well as online. The program focuses on preparing students for the new approaches needed to combat terrorism, new technologies, and international crime organizations in an effort to meet the demand for a new generation of educated leaders in criminal justice and homeland security within both the public and private sectors. An innovative program, the thematic core of the graduate program “addresses the study of leadership in all the components of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice, including the Police Service, Courts and Correction,” with courses that cover the “multifaceted challenges leaders face in these agencies.” Program benefits include the flexible delivery formats, including conventional classroom, online, and hybrid options; the opportunity to join a diverse student body; one-on-one academic advising; participation in internships; and the opportunity to network with alumni for career development.
St. John’s University is a Catholic, Vincentian, Metropolitan, and Global institution dedicated to the academic excellence of its students. Established in 1870, the University operates locations in Queens, Staten Island, Rome, Manhattan, Hauppauge, Paris, and Limerick. Committed to “serving those in need as St. Vincent de Paul did,” the University is dedicated to the “pursuit of wisdom, which flows from free inquiry, religious values, and human experience.” Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its several colleges and schools. These include St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; The School of Education; The Peter J. Tobin College of Business; the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences; the College of Professional Studies; and the School of Law.
Admissions
Master of Public Administration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Program Details: Upper Iowa University offers the Master of Public Administration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. A rapidly-growing field, the MPA with a concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security is designed to prepare students for positions of leadership within emergency management and security. The program seeks to educate students in “emergency management and homeland security theories, ideas, and concepts to guide their decision making an effort to create a ‘secure and resilient nation with the capabilities required across the whole community to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk’ (FEMA, n.d.).” A 36-credit-hour program, the students who take the Emergency Management and Homeland Security emphasis are required to choose four electives with options including Terrorism and Politics; Psychology and Culture of Terrorism; Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and Public Policy; Leadership Issues with Critical Incidents; Counter-Terrorism; and more.
Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit, comprehensive university located in Fayette, Iowa. In addition to its traditional, residential campus, the University also operates 20 off-campus educational centers across the US and in Hong Kong and Malaysia. A recognized innovator in the delivery of accredited, quality programs through multiple, flexible delivery systems, Upper Iowa University (UIU) is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and offers a wide range of programs through its multiple schools. These include the Andres School of Education, the School of Business, the School of Liberal Arts, and the School of Science and Mathematics. The University’s mission is to provide “quality educational opportunities accessible through varied delivery methods to inspire success and empower lives.” Committed to the core values of Integrity, Excellence, Accessibility, Respect, and Stewardship, its vision is to be “recognized internationally for academic excellence and continual innovation in student-centered learning.”
Admissions
Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Program Details: Virginia Commonwealth University offers the Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness through the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. A broad interdisciplinary program, students will learn “theoretical and practical knowledge that will prepare them for private or public sector employment in the expanding area of homeland security and emergency preparedness and/or further study in numerous areas of public policy.” The curriculum focuses on both domestic and international security and preparedness issues related to terrorism and natural disasters. While offered primarily off-campus via online delivery, the program features both online and on-campus components. Outcomes of the program include the development of advanced skills in expository writing and oral presentation; the ability to analyze policy and synthesize information in the key areas of risk and vulnerability analysis, strategic planning, institutional coordination, intelligence operations, and legal/constitutional aspects; and the ability to perform research, policy analysis, and risk assessment.
Virginia Commonwealth University (abbreviated VCU) is a premier urban, public research university located in Richmond, Virginia. The University’s mission is to “advance knowledge and student success” and it is committed to the core values of Accountability, Achievement, Collaboration, Freedom, Innovation, Service, Diversity, and Integrity. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Engineering; the College of Health Professions; the College of Humanities and Sciences; the School of the Arts; the School of Business; the School of Dentistry; the School of Education; the Honors College; the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs; the Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture; the School of Medicine; the School of Nursing; the School of Pharmacy; the School of Social Work; the School of World Studies; the VCU Graduate School; and the University College.
Admissions
Master of Public Safety & Homeland Security Administration
Program Details: Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers the Master of Public Safety & Homeland Security Administration through its School of Architecture. Full of advanced practical coursework, the program is geared towards public safety professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree in public safety, fire services, or other related areas, or possess extensive work experience within the public safety industry. The program’s online format offers the convenience and flexibility necessary for working professionals to balance their career, education, and other responsibilities. The degree requires a minimum of 39 semester hours for graduation and may be completed in as little as 16 months with full-time study. The program’s outcome and goals are to expand and develop students’ body of knowledge in the public safety, fire service, and emergency management disciplines; to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills; to provide the necessary credentials for career advancement in public safety, fire service, and emergency management fields; and to train students for positions of leadership, including executive and managerial positions, in public safety, fire service, and emergency management organizations.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public research university located in Carbondale, Illinois. Established in 1869, the University’s mission statement declares, “SIU embraces a unique tradition of access and opportunity, inclusive excellence, innovation in research and creativity, and outstanding teaching focused on nurturing student success.” SIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools. These include the College of Agricultural Sciences; the College of Applied Sciences and Arts; the College of Business; the College of Education and Human Services; the College of Engineering; the College of Liberal Arts; the College of Mass Communication & Media Arts; the College of Science; the Graduate School; the School of Law; and the School of Medicine.
Admissions
Master of Arts in Management for Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals
Program Details: Pace University offers the Master of Arts in Management for Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals. Designed to meet the demand for qualified public safety and security professionals, the program “prepares students to meet the challenges of a post-9/11 world and the increase in natural disasters.” Offered through the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, the MA in Management for Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals was developed in partnership with the Center for Homeland Defense and Security. Available 100% online, the program’s format makes it suitable for working professionals whose responsibilities require a greater level of flexibility and convenience.
Pace University is a private, coeducational institution of higher education located in New York City, New York. Though originally founded in 1906, it wasn’t until after World War II that the school’s transformation into a modern university began when emphasis was placed on educating students in the liberal arts and sciences. Chartered by the Regents of the State of New York, Pace University holds accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The University’s vision is to “educate those who aspire to excellence and leadership in their professions, their lives, and their communities.” Its mission is summed up in the word, “Opportunitas,” a Latin word meaning fitness, suitability, convenience, or advantage. In its formal mission statement, the University declares its intention to impart “a deep knowledge of their discipline and connection to its community.” The statement continues, “This unique approach has been firmly rooted since our founding and is essential to preparing our graduates to be innovative thinkers who will make positive contributions to the world of the future.” Pace University has a total enrollment figure of over 13,000, including more than 4,000 graduate students and offers a wide range of programs through its six colleges and schools.
Admissions
Master of Science in Emergency Management with Homeland Security Track
Program Details: Adelphi University offers the Master of Science in Emergency Management with a Homeland Security Track. Offered entirely online, the degree requires a minimum of 39 credits to graduate and culminates in an emergency management capstone research project and presentation. The program includes 30 core program credits which may be completed through the University College and the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business. Core courses include the topics of Health Management in Times of Disaster; Organizational Planning and Response; Emergency Management Law; Business Continuity Planning; and more. After the completion of the core coursework, students may focus on studies related to the Homeland Security concentration which includes courses such as Public Policy and Administration in Emergency Management and Securing the Homeland. Finally, students are required to prepare and present a comprehensive research paper for the Capstone course at the conclusion of the program.
Adelphi University is a modern, metropolitan university located in Garden City, New York less than 25 miles away from New York City’s vast cultural and internship opportunities. Established in 1896 in Brooklyn, Adelphi University is Long Island’s oldest private coeducational university. The University has the vision to be a “nationally respected leader—a standard bearer—for redefining the practical and personal value of education for students, helping them define their success in the classroom, on campus, in careers and communities, and beyond.” Its mission is to transform “the lives of all students by creating a distinctive environment of intellectual rigor, research, creativity and deep community engagement across four core areas of focus: arts and humanities, STEM and social sciences, the professions, and health and wellness.” Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the University offers a wide range of programs through its several colleges and schools.
Admissions
Master of Science in Homeland Security Management
Program Details: LIU Riverhead offers the Master of Science in Homeland Security Management through the Homeland Security and Terrorism Institute (HSTI) – an institute that has been designated by Congress as a US Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence. A premier graduate program in the Homeland Security and Homeland Defense field, the program is designed to provide “exceptional graduate-level education to working professionals as well as to those aspiring to a career in the Homeland Security or Homeland Defense fields.” The curriculum – taught by the HSTI’s outstanding faculty – focuses on providing advanced knowledge, skills, and insight in homeland security management. To date, HSTI graduates are listed among the best-trained and sought-after managers, executives, and law enforcement offers in the world.
LIU Riverhead is a private institution of higher learning located in Riverhead, New York. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University is dedicated to offering “unique and distinguished programs with local and international appeal.” Its mission is to “provide exceptional educational programs through a faculty dedicated to teaching.” This statement continues, “To achieve this mission, the University is committed to excellence in teaching and research, and to high quality services that support students in becoming accomplished, ethical and thoughtful scholars who have advanced abilities to become effective practitioners, change agents and leaders in their field.” All of LIU Riverhead’s programs are taught in small class sizes and students are provided comprehensive academic advising that ensures that “each student is given the direction and guidance needed for a successful academic experience that will help them make transformative changes in their lives and careers.”
Admissions
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with Homeland Security Track
Program Details: Monmouth University offers the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice with a Homeland Security track through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. A 30-credit-hour program, the Homeland Security track includes 15-credits of online coursework designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the prevention of terrorism; mitigating the threat of damage; reducing vulnerability within communities, and the recovery from attacks and natural disasters. The University is partnered with the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) at the Naval Postgraduate School on Monterey, California and bases the program’s curriculum on their nationally recognized program. Monmouth also participates in the University and Agency Partnership Initiative which provides students access to the Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL). A carefully designed and results-oriented program, benefits of the Homeland Security track include that it was created by experts in the field; students have the opportunity to work closely with federal, state, and local government agencies; and students graduate prepared for new careers in both the private and public sectors.
Monmouth University is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located along New Jersey’s northern coastline in West Long Branch, NJ. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees and programs through its several schools and Graduate Studies department. These include the Leon Hess Business School; the School of Education; the School of Humanities and Social Sciences; the School of Nursing and Health Studies; the School of Science; the School of Social Work; and the Honors School. Founded on three core principles, the University strives to provide “an intellectually challenging and rigorous academic experience built on a strong foundation in the liberal arts; learning experiences that are both immersive and that extend beyond the classroom; and preparation for life after Monmouth.”
Admissions
Online Master of Arts in Emergency Management & Homeland Security (EMHS)
Program Details: Arizona State University offers the Online Master of Arts in Emergency Management & Homeland Security (EMHS). A 33 credit-hour program, each class lasts 7.5 weeks in length with a total of 11 required classes. The program’s mission is to promote “stronger and more resilient communities by helping prepare our students to engage in the effective management of hazards and crisis.” Offered through the College of Public Service and Community Solutions, the program is available with concentrations in biosecurity and threat management; community resilience; emergency management; and homeland security. A leading-edge program, the curriculum covers the ever-changing and complex challenges faced by homeland security professionals in the 21st century. The program also offers opportunities for international education. The program culminates in an applied project which provides opportunity for students to “make direct and positive impacts in their home communities.”
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top ranked public research university located in downtown Tempe, Arizona, in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, about 8 miles east of downtown Phoenix. One of the largest public universities in the country in terms of enrollment, ASU is home to nearly 59,000 undergraduates and over 13,000 graduates. Classified by Carnegie as a research university with the “highest research activity”, ASU has been named the most innovative university in America, above Stanford and MIT. Established in 1885 by an act passed by the Arizona Territorial Legislature, ASU was originally called the Territorial Normal School at Tempe. In 1945 the school became Arizona State College and in 1958 was renamed Arizona State University. In addition to its traditional campus degree programs, ASU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its online platform which is headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ. ASU’s online classes are taught by the same faculty and students receive the same diploma as traditional students.
Admissions
Master of Science in Emergency Management
Program Details: Capella University offers the Master of Science in Emergency Management through its School of Public Service Leadership. Available entirely online, the program includes seven core courses, four elective courses and one integrative project which concludes the program. The program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to “assume greater management responsibility in helping communities prepare for and reduce vulnerability to hazards as well as cope with disasters in private and public settings.” A practical degree program, students can expect to learn how research impacts policy; how to apply strategic and tactical thinking principles in leadership and administrative roles in the emergency management system; how to manage organizations and agencies; to apply leadership models to modern emergency management issues; how to back up decisions with research; and how to communicate in a professional, scholarly manner.
Capella University is a for-profit, online institution of higher education owned by the Capella Education Company and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Established in 1993, Capella University was founded as The Graduate School of America (TGSA) and built on the belief that “quality higher education should be broadly accessible to working adults.” In 1999 TGSA became Capella University, named for the brightest star in the constellation Auriga. Today Capella University offers a wide range of doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees as well as a number of certificate programs. Students can choose from two online-learning formats, FlexPath, a self-paced, pay-per-session format, and GuidedPath. The University’s mission is to “extend access to high quality bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs for adults who seek to maximize their personal and professional potential.” This statement continues, “This mission is fulfilled through innovative programs that are responsive to the needs of adult learners and involve active, engaging, challenging, and relevant learning experiences offered in a variety of delivery modes.”
Admissions
Master of Science in National Security Affairs and International Relations
Program Details: Nova Southeastern University offers the Master of Science in National Security Affairs and International Relations. Available through the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and the Department of History and Political Science, the program is designed to “provide students with theoretical, research and applied skills in the emerging academic field of national security affairs.” The curriculum builds on a core understanding of the critical issues that inform the field of national security today with coursework that includes the assessment and analysis of the threat of terrorism in the US and beyond and the analysis of intelligence collection. At the end of the programs, students can expect to have developed a “deep understanding of the international context in which US national security issues are shaped.”
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. NSU began as the Nova University of Advanced Technology in 1964, eventually adding more programs until 1994 when the University merged with Southeastern University of Health Sciences to form Nova Southeastern University. Today NSU is classified as a research university with the “highest research activity” by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. NSU is also one of only 50 universities worldwide to be awarded Carnegie’s Community Engagement Classification and is the largest non-profit private institution in the country which meets the criteria of being a Hispanic-serving institution, according to the U.S. Department of Education. NSU offers 150 degrees including 50 undergraduate majors and 80 masters and doctoral programs through its 18 colleges and schools. The University’s mission “is to offer a diverse array of innovative academic programs that complement on-campus educational opportunities and resources with accessible distance learning programs to foster academic excellence, intellectual inquiry, leadership, research, and commitment to community through engagement of students and faculty members in a dynamic, life-long learning environment.”
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with concentration in Advanced Counterterrorism
Program Details: Southern New Hampshire University offers the Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Advanced Counterterrorism. Designed to prepare students for “an exciting career where fast and thorough analysis, decision-making and action can have life-saving consequences,” the program’s curriculum focuses on an examination of the history of global terrorism and the response to it. Students can expect to graduate from the program having learned the skills of intelligence analysis, threat assessment, advanced surveillance, and counterterrorism techniques. Benefits of the program include SNHU’s affordable tuition rates; a high level of convenience, efficiency, and flexibility, thanks to the program’s online delivery format; the opportunity to learn from expert instructors who possess relevant, real-world experience; access to SNHU’s strong student support; and the opportunity to network with SNHU’s nationwide network of alumni.
Southern New Hampshire University (abbreviated SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, coeducational, nonsectarian university located in Manchester, New Hampshire. Established in 1932, SNHU is one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation with over 3,000 traditional campus students and 80,000 online students. Institutionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, SNHU also holds program-specific accreditation from several accrediting bodies and offers 200 career-focused online and on-campus college degree programs and offers some of the nation’s most affordable tuition rates. SNHU’s primary mission is to transform the lives of its students. In its formal mission statement, the University declares, “Our success is defined by our students’ success. By relentlessly challenging the status quo and providing the best support in higher education, Southern New Hampshire University expands access to education by creating high quality, affordable and innovative pathways to meet the unique needs of each and every student.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Intelligence and Security Studies
Program Details: Bellevue University offers the Master of Science in Intelligence and Security Studies degree. Designed to meet the increasing demand for highly-skilled, well-prepared homeland security and intelligence professionals, the program seeks to develop in students an expertise in the analysis of issues such as global politics and national security; economics; social change; military and international developments; transnational threats; cybersecurity; and comparative intelligence cultures. Throughout the program, students will be challenged to develop articles for possible submission to scholarly journals and by the end of the coursework students can expect to possess an extensive scholarship portfolio coupled with refined presentation skills. Outcomes of the program include the ability to recognize how US national security impacts and is influenced by transnational issues and threats; identify major transnational dangers impacting the global community; evaluate how various intelligence communities around the globe operate in comparison to the American intelligence community; and more.
Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit institution of higher education located in Bellevue, Nebraska. The University focuses on providing adult education as well as educational outreach and offers 80 degrees in high growth career fields. With more than 50,000 graduates worldwide, Bellevue University is a recognized national leader when it comes to preparing students for “lifelong success with career-relevant knowledge and skills” while keeping costs affordable. Accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, the University comprises four colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, the College of Science and Technology, and the College of Continuing and Professional Education. The University’s mission is to actively engage “students in earning awards and degrees that prepare them to thrive in a connected, competitive world.”
Admissions
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Program Details: Michigan State University offers the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree through the College of Social Science and the School of Criminal Justice. First offered in 1998, the Masters in Criminal Justice was the first online degree program offered by MSU. Designed to “add new dimensions to the skills of career people in various areas of criminal justice and security,” the program is taught by the same faculty members who teach on-campus. MSU offers a number of online support services designed to aid students as they progress through the degree program. A Security Management specialization is offered, featuring courses such as Crime Causation, Prevention, and Control; Security Management; Security Administration; Quantitative Methods; and Policy Analysis Under Conditions of Change. A Judicial Administration specialization is also available with featured courses including Design and Analysis in Criminal Justice Research; Criminal Justice Management; and National and Global Trends in Court Planning.
Michigan State University is a public, research-intensive, land-grant university located in East Lansing, Michigan. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, MSU is named among the top 100 research universities in the world. Established in 1855, today MSU is an inclusive academic community, known for its traditionally strong academic disciplines and professional programs which are built upon a solid liberal arts foundation. The University’s mission is to “advance knowledge and transform lives by providing outstanding… education to promising, qualified students in order to prepare them to contribute fully to society as globally engaged citizen leaders; conducting research of the highest caliber that seeks to answer questions and create solutions in order to expand human understanding and make a positive difference, both locally and globally; advancing outreach, engagement, and economic development activities that are innovative, research-driven, and lead to a better quality of life for individuals and communities, at home and around the world.”
Admissions
Master of Emergency and Crisis Management
Program Details: The University of Central Florida offers the Master of Emergency and Crisis Management through the College of Community Innovation and Education and the School of Public Administration. Designed to equip students for positions of leadership in the response and aid of both natural and manmade disasters, the program seeks to prepare highly trained practitioners in the field of Emergency and Crisis Management. Offered entirely online, the program follows the cohort model, in which students progress through the entire program as a group, and can be completed in as little as two years with full-time study. The curriculum requires 36 credit hours for completion and includes FEMA’s Professional Development Series, a group of independent study courses which provide a foundational knowledge of emergency management.
The University of Central Florida is a public research and space-grant university located in Orlando, Florida. Established by the Florida Legislator on June 10, 1963, the University was originally named Florida Technological University and operated with a mission to provide personnel and support to the new space program at the Kennedy Space Center. As the institution’s academic scope expanded, the University was renamed and became the University of Central Florida (abbreviated UCF) in 1978. UCF’s main Orlando campus currently sits on 1,415 acres about 13 miles east of downtown Orlando and is adjacent to one of the top research parks in the nation. UCF has a total enrollment figure of 66,000, making it one of the largest universities in the United States, and offers more than 200 degrees including 93 bachelor’s, 85 master’s, and 27 research doctorates through its thirteen colleges. UCF maintains an active level of research and reported $145.8 million in funded research during the fiscal year 2016.
Admissions
50. Northeastern University
Master of Science in Security and Resilience Studies
Program Details: Northeastern University offers the Master of Science in Security and Resilience Studies through the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Department of Political Science. An emerging field of inquiry, the Security and Resilience Studies program focuses on “how global, national, and sub-national actors manage a range of chronic transnational challenges that can be destabilizing to societies such as terrorism, organized crime, weapons proliferation, cyber-attacks, bio-terrorism, climate change and catastrophic disasters, migration, and radicalization… [it] explores how strategic doctrines, organization processes, bureaucratic behaviors and security tools and tactics are adapting to these challenges by placing greater emphasis on resilience.” The program offers several elective theme options including administration, management, and policy; counterterrorism and conflict studies; cybersecurity policy, resilient cities; and criminal justice. Learning outcomes include the ability to communicate effectively in written formats; speak cogently about contemporary issues in security and resilience studies; synthesize, analyze, and critically evaluate major arguments in contemporary debates involving security and resilience; and design and complete an independent research paper or applied project in the field of security and resilience.
Northeastern University is a global, experiential research university located in Boston, Massachusetts. Categorized as an R1 Institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the University offers a wide range of programs, including 150 undergraduate majors and concentrations, over 100 graduate programs, and nearly 40 Ph.D. programs and industry-aligned professional master’s degrees. Home to more than 20,000 students, Northeastern University has graduate campuses located in Charlotte, North Carolina, Seattle, Silicon Valley and Toronto and comprises colleges and schools. These include the College of Arts, Media and Design, the D’Amore-McKim School of Business, the College of Computer and Information Science, the College of Engineering, the Bouvé College of Health Sciences, the School of Law, the College of Professional Studies, the College of Science and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Admissions
Related Rankings
