2024’s Best Online Homeland Security Master’s Programs
There are many online master’s in homeland security degree options to choose from. Choices are great, but it can make choosing the right school challenging. To help you get started, we’ve created the following list of top-quality programs. Our data team ranked schools based on their affordability, accreditation, academics, support services and online program availability. Learn more about this year’s standout online master’s programs in homeland security.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for graduate students per academic year.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
- Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
San Angelo, Texas
Prospective students who want to launch or accelerate their careers in homeland security can choose from two online master's degree programs at Angelo State University. Depending on their unique career goals, students have the option of earning an advanced degree in homeland or global security. The Master's in Homeland Security instructs students in topics such as terrorism, counter-terrorism, and federal immigration laws. Students in this program complete 18 hours of core courses and 18 hours of border security electives. Meanwhile, the Master's in Global Security Studies focuses on the intersection of international relations and national security concerns. With this degree, students choose from specializations in National Security or Regional Security.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Homeland Security
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $232/credit (in-state); $652/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Master of Science in Global Security Studies
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $232/credit (in-state); $652/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
Rosemont, Pennsylvania
Students interested in advancing their careers in homeland security can earn a master's degree online from Rosemont College. This program utilizes a unique approach that merges the disciplines of homeland security, criminal justice, and emergency management with an eye toward ethics and social justice. Each course is offered in an accelerated format and lasts just seven weeks, meaning that full-time students can complete their studies in as little as one year. Students who prefer a part-time pace graduate in two years. Rosemont's graduate school partners with several institutions, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency Higher Education Program and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Law Enforcement Executive Development Association.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Homeland Security & Emergency Management
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $710/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: MSCHE
3
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
4
Nacogdoches, Texas
5
Beverly, Massachusetts
6
Lowell, Massachusetts
7
Natchitoches, Louisiana
8
Lynchburg, Virginia
9
Montgomery, Alabama
10
Greenville, North Carolina
11
Henniker, New Hampshire
12
Jersey City, New Jersey
13
Huntsville, Texas
14
Towson, Maryland
15
El Paso, Texas
16
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
17
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
18
University Park, Pennsylvania
19
New York, New York
Key Learning Objectives and Requirements for the Online Homeland Security Master’s
With today’s reliance on technology, issues that arise from global warming, and the political and cultural instability around the world and at home, the potential for loss of life from terrorist acts and natural disasters has never been greater. To help combat these increased risks, many universities have developed special graduate programs to better train homeland security and emergency management professionals. Online master’s in homeland security programs touch on several important topics and provide graduates with an extensive skillset.
Academic Subjects Covered
With so many schools offering homeland security online master’s degree programs, there is great variation in the curriculum offered. However, there will be a core set of subjects that nearly every program will cover. The subjects include:
Practical Skills Learned
Homeland security is an important profession, with the mission of protecting property and most importantly, human lives. To effectively accomplish this goal, graduates can expect to build the following skills in their online master’s in homeland security program:
Common Graduation Requirements
Once enrolled, students need to attend class and complete assignments. Each program will be different, but here’s an idea of what to expect.
Typical Coursework for Online Homeland Security Master’s Programs
Curious about what kind of classes to expect? Here’s a list of some of the more common ones you’re likely to encounter during your online master’s degree program in homeland security. Keep in mind that some schools may have different names or might combine or split some of the listed courses.
Strategic Planning and Funding
Homeland security involves the coordination of many agencies, departments and programs. This course looks into the strategic implications that budget decisions can have on interagency cooperation as well as disaster prevention and response.
Homeland Security and Resilience
This class delves into how to help a community, organization, and nation mitigate and survive an attack or national disaster, and the effect such efforts can have on infrastructure and support systems.
Introduction to Homeland Security in the United States
Students learn about the basic and fundamental components of the programs, organizations, key people, and procedures in place to keep the United States safe. This will include analyzing ways to improve and change current procedures.
Emergency Communication
Both the practical and theoretical implications of how humans communicate in a crisis will be examined in this class. Various examples of emergency communication scenarios will also be reviewed, comparing what occurred with what should have taken place.
Homeland Security and Intelligence
This class looks at how the intelligence communities work to keep the United States safe from various risks, including domestic and international threats. You’ll also learn about the nature of how intelligence is gathered and analyzed.
Protection of Infrastructure
The systems in place to keep a modern society working and alive are so easily taken for granted, yet highly vulnerable to attack and failure. Students will learn how to assess a specific system, including identifying points of vulnerability and how to strengthen these critical weak points.
Final Thesis
This course and final curriculum requirement will allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the material by analyzing a specific topic on homeland security.
Concentrations Available for Students in an Online Homeland Security Master’s Program
Given how diverse a topic homeland security is, most online homeland security programs at the master’s level will offer several concentrations. This opportunity to specialize is a major reason professionals decide to earn a graduate degree in homeland security. Five of the more popular concentrations include:
Emergency and Disaster Management
As its name indicates, this concentration focuses on how to handle serious disasters. Students review strategic policy and detailed tactics for infrastructure protection, community hazard identification, continuity of operations, and the use of geographic information technologies.
Cybersecurity
This concentration has two components. The first deals with overall strategy concerning the legal and administrative framework for cyber integrity. The second reviews cybersecurity defense, offensive operations against adversaries, and obtaining intelligence.
Counterterrorism
Students in this concentration learn about counterterrorism operations in both the current and historical context. Students also learn about the evolution of intelligence gathering and operations and how they relate to current terrorism threats.
Transportation
A unique concentration that focuses on the protection of vital transportation elements in today’s society and economy. Topics covered include security of aviation, maritime ports, and roads.
Logistics
Ideal for those in positions of leadership, this concentration prepares managers and leaders to provide the best response to disasters and emergencies using the logistical resources available.
How to Apply for a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security Online
Each school has a unique application process, with differing levels of complexity and competitiveness. But most schools require similar admissions components. These include:
Some schools will have more specific requirements, including test scores from an entrance exam, or a degree or work experience in a homeland security or disaster management-related program or professional field. Many schools have a rolling admissions schedule, meaning students can apply anytime, with multiple start dates throughout the year.
What Can You Do with an Online Master’s in Homeland Security?
Those who earn a master’s degree in homeland security are well-suited to take on roles in the private and public sectors. Many graduates find employment at state, local, and federal departments and agencies. Others find opportunities to work for private corporations, providing consulting services or implementing protection plans for company assets and personnel. From assessing potential dangers to coordinating a response to an emergency, this degree can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each professional, no matter which sector they decide to work in.
Because most positions in the emergency and first responder field require a bachelor’s degree or less, a master’s degree will usually allow professionals to fulfill middle to upper leadership and management roles. The master’s degree will also allow for specialization in an area that requires a unique set of skills or knowledge. Depending on the particular job in the homeland security field, graduates can expect to see job growth of around 5 to 9 percent over the next 10 or so years. However, the need for homeland security professionals can easily rise to higher-than-expected levels with the increasing prevalence of natural disasters and domestic and international conflicts.
Here are three possible career options for master’s in homeland security graduates:
Emergency Management Director
Emergency management directors prepare for natural disasters and emergencies and help coordinate the response of first responders to these situations. Emergency management directors also identify potential risks and analyze how existing plans and procedures must be altered to more effectively handle emergencies.
2018 Median Salary: $74,420
Criminal Investigator or Special Agent
Criminal investigators and special agents work in the law enforcement field to investigate possible criminal behavior. This includes gathering, identifying, processing, and confirming potential evidence, as well as providing a recommendation as to whether criminal prosecution is possible.
2018 Median Salary: $81,920
First-Line Supervisor of Police and Detectives
These professionals coordinate police activities. This includes the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, coordination of police investigations, training or facilitating the training of law enforcement personnel, allocation of resources, and responding to disruptions to law and order.
2018 Median Salary: $89,030
FAQs About Getting Your Master’s Degree in Homeland Security Online
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in homeland security?
Most master’s degree homeland security online programs consist of about 30 to 40 credit hours. This means students attending class full-time will take about two years to earn their degree. However, self-pacing allows you to take classes in what amounts to part-time schooling. In this case, expect to take three years to finish. Completing the program in about a year is sometimes possible, depending on the amount of transfer and outside academic credit for work experience the school offers.
How much does an online master’s degree in homeland security cost?
Cost is one of the most important factors in deciding whether to get a degree and which specific program to enroll in. To give you a better sense of what you can expect to pay, we have listed the estimated tuition costs for several schools with online master’s programs in homeland security. Keep in mind that these numbers do not include additional fees. To get the most accurate financial picture of a particular school, please go directly to a school’s website.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University | 26 to 33 | N/A | $32,670 |
| Purdue University Global | 55 (quarter credits) | $420 | $23,100 |
| Trident University International | 40 | $540 | $21,600 |
| American Military University | 36 | $350 | $12,600 |
| Arizona State University | 33 | $532 | $17,556 |
Looking for help paying for your online homeland security master’s degree? Learn more in our comprehensive financial aid and scholarship guides.
How do I know if an online homeland security master’s program is accredited?
Unlike other subjects, homeland security degrees are not typically accredited at the program level. However, you can and should check to make sure the school you’re considering is accredited at the institutional level by an organization that’s been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
To find schools that are accredited by such organizations, use the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs search tool.
Do online homeland security programs teach the same skills as on-campus programs?
Generally speaking, there will be little to no difference between online and campus programs. The primary advantage of campus programs will be the wider availability of certain courses that are not always available online. This doesn’t mean earning a homeland security graduate degree solely online results in a lower-quality education, but students who want the greatest opportunity to focus on a chosen concentration may need to consider attending a few classes in-person. These classes will typically be electives.
Can I apply for an online homeland security master’s degree without taking the GRE?
GRE requirements vary from school to school. However, in recognition of the limitations of entrance exams, as well as making the application process easier and attracting as many potential applicants as possible, many online master’s degree programs in homeland security will not require the GRE or any other entrance exam as a part of the application.
