Homeland security degree programs are becoming more available in universities and schools across the United States.
An education in homeland security develops the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for leadership in homeland security including international and domestic terrorism, infrastructure protection, strategic planning for security, international relations, intelligence operations and evaluation and program management.
American Military University
Online
American Military University serves civilian and military students 100% online with emergency and disaster management degrees and NIMS-related courses. Whether responding to hurricanes, terrorist attacks, or hazmat spills, officials need to know how to establish command & control, coordinate communications, evacuate people, and perform clean-up. AMU offers both degree programs and professional development options in emergency management.
- B.A. Emergency & Disaster Management
- B.S. in Fire Science Management
- M.A. Emergency & Disaster Management
- M.A. in Public Administration
- M.A in Homeland Security
Tulane University’s Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy
Given the increasing number of people at risk from disasters, challenging expectations are placed upon actors in the field of emergency management. The DRLA academic program aims to train and nurture current and future leaders in the disaster resilience and humanitarian assistance community, stimulate global communication among disaster resilience leaders and promote research in the field.
Notably, by focusing on four core competencies, namely Human Factors, Disaster Operations, Leadership Analytics and Environmental Hazards Science, the DRLA academic program seeks to generate attuned individuals who do not simply manage disaster response, but rather lead their organizations and agencies into new ways of thinking and new modes of action, resulting in organizations, nations and communities that are better able to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters.
Tulane University’s Master of Science in Disaster Resilience Leadership Studies (DRLS) is unique in that, amongst programs that solely focus on disaster and risk management, it targets the role and the development of leadership and resiliency in producing effective programming and outcomes for the affected populations.
Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
The Border Security degree is meant to increase students' awareness and understanding of current issues in border security within the wider realm of Homeland Security. The courses will increase the students' critical thinking and analytic skills across the diverse fields of homeland security, criminal justice, emergency management and associated legal issues.
* Bachelor of Border Security
* Master of Science in Border Security
* Graduate Certificate in Border Security
* Graduate Certificate in Transnational Crime
* Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY
Eastern Kentucky University's College of Justice and Safety has been dedicated to preparing leaders in the fields of justice and safety for more than 35 years. EKU's College of Justice and Safety provides instruction in the areas of homeland security, criminal justice, police studies, corrections, fire and safety, and emergency medical care. Many of these programs are now available online.
- B.S. Homeland Security
- Undergraduate Certificate in Homeland Security
- Undergraduate Certificate in Emergency Management
- M.S. Safety, Security and Emergency Management
- Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security
- Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management
Homeland Security Management Institute of Long Island University
New York
The Homeland Security Management Institute (HSMI) offers an accredited, 36-credit Master of Science in Homeland Security Management degree and a 15-credit graduate-level Advanced Certificate in Homeland Security Management, both delivered entirely online, with no in-residence component. Our rigorous curriculum focuses on the complexities of the homeland security enterprise, providing executives, managers and practitioners with an exceptional professional education. Designated by Act of Congress as a DHS Homeland Security Center of Excellence, HSMI holds the distinction of being the only DHS Center of Excellence to offer a graduate degree in the homeland security management field. Recognized as the nation’s leading homeland security graduate program, HSMI is an academic partner of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security in Monterey, Calif. Our renowned faculty of senior fellows includes the nation’s leading experts in homeland security, who combine doctoral degrees and other exceptional academic credentials with an unparalleled depth of practical experience. Our programs are “designed and delivered by professionals, for professionals.”
- M.S. Homeland Security Management
- Advanced Certificate in Homeland Security Management
Penn State University-World Campus
Online Education
The 33-credit online intercollege master of professional studies in homeland security (iMPS-HLS) degree program and associated certificates from Penn State can prepare homeland security professionals to be leaders in the field Gain knowledge of the institutions, policies, and values essential to becoming a leader in preventing, mitigating, and analyzing natural and man-made catastrophic events
Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
Homeland Security and Defense (graduate certificate)
Geospatial Intelligence (Graduate Certificate)
Information Systems Security (Graduate Certificate)
Public Health Preparedness: Bioterrorism and Disaster (Graduate Certificate
Upper Iowa University
Center for Distance Education
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 7,000 students—nationally and internationally. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including onsite, online and independent study.
- Certificate in Emergency and Disaster Management (undergraduate level)
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Emergency and Disaster Management
- Master of Public Administration with emphasis in Justice and Homeland Security
Thomas Edison State College
Online
The Heavin School of Arts and Sciences provides an interdisciplinary approach to lifelong learning for adult learners interested in exploring values inherent in liberal arts, humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, as well as rigorous degree programs in the human services. Earn credit for college-level knowledge gained through on-the-job training.
- Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security
- Master of Arts in Liberal Studies - Homeland Security
California University of Pennsylvania
Canonsburg, Pa.
Offering online undergraduate and graduate degrees in Legal Studies.
BS in Legal Studies
MS in Legal Studies: Homeland Security
MS in Legal Studies: Criminal Justice
MS in Legal Studies: Law and Public Policy
Homeland Security Certificate
The George Washington University
Washington, DC
The GWU Institute for Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management offers graduate degrees and certificates grounded in the field of Engineering Management.
- Master of Science in Engineering Management - Concentration in Crisis, Emergency and Risk Management
- Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering management - Research in Crisis, Emergency and Risk Management
- Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Public Health
- Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, Emergency Management and Response
Central Pennsylvania College
Summerdale, Pa.
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Homeland Security Management will prepare students for the growing demand for qualified Homeland Security personnel at the local, state, and federal level. This program is designed to mirror the integrated nature of the myriad of disciplines falling under the auspices of the Homeland Security field, while providing an in-depth education, which draws these disciplines together. The Homeland Security Management degree pulls together elements of security, emergency management, and intelligence analysis to provide students with a broad understanding of the field while preparing them for the specialized nature of their future careers.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT
The Center for Continuing Studies, in partnership with the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California, is offering a Master of Professional Studies degree with a Homeland Security Leadership concentration (MPS HSL). The MPS HSL is a part-time, online degree program, designed to meet the professional development needs of individuals who have experience in law enforcement, emergency management, corporate security, transportation security, fire service, public safety, public health preparedness, and the military.
- Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Leadership
University of Tennessee
Oak Ridge, Tenn.
This program prepares leaders for community, institutional and agency positions focused on the development, coordination and evaluation of integrated and comprehensive plans for preparation and execution of the responses to a large population disaster of any type.
- Interdisciplinary Certificate in Homeland Security Studies
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT
This program provides students with an understanding of fundamental principles of National Security. This includes the legal charter, presidential executive orders, and the framework which guides the operation of national security agencies. Specifically, the role and function of the U.S. agencies that make up the Intelligence Community will be analyzed, emphasizing Information Protection and Security. The concentration in Information Protection and Security provides a unique approach to the study of both cybersecurity and the protection of information systems within the Intelligence Community. Research issues in public safety, emergency management, and homeland security will be emphasized.
- National Security Graduate Certificate
- National Security Administration Graduate Certificate
- National Security Technology Graduate Certificate
George Washington University
Washington, D.C.
The goal of The Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management is to improve the disaster, emergency, and crisis management plans, actions and decisions of government, corporate, and not-for-profit organizations by transforming theory into practice. The Institute's objectives are to create and teach courses in crisis, disaster, and risk management; conduct research, and create knowledge through its research activities; and disseminate knowledge through education al programs, professional forums, and workshops. The Institute faculty and staff work to facilitate exchanges of crisis management information, knowledge, and best practices among all sectors. The Institute is engaged in both domestic and international endeavors.
Program Links:
- M.S. with a concentration in Crisis, Emergency, and Risk Management
- Ph.D. with a concentration in Crisis, Emergency, and Risk Management
- Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Public Health
University of Colorado at Denver
Denver, Colo.
The graduate concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS) provides advanced education in the management of emergencies, hazards, disasters, and homeland security. The EMHS program is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to work or currently work in the field of emergency management and homeland security.
- Master of Public Administration with graduate concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security Certificate
- Homeland Defense Certificate
University of Maryland University College
Adelphi, Md.
Homeland security concerns have created an urgent need for emergency management professionals in both government and private sectors. University of Maryland University College (UMUC) can prepare you for leadership in this rewarding career field. UMUC offers convenient online and on-site classes where coursework will prepare you for professional certification in emergency management. Scholarships, loans and an interest-free monthly payment plan available.
View our programs
- B.S. Emergency Management
- B.S. Fire Science
- B.S. Homeland Security
- MBA/M.S. in Technology Management with Homeland Security Specialization
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Va.
The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs is quickly developing a reputation as a premier venue for the study of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (HSEP). The HSEP program is designed to give students both theoretical and practical knowledge that will prep them for: 1) private or public sector employment in the expanding area of homeland security; 2) private or public sector employment in emergency preparedness for natural hazards and security-related incidents; and 3) graduate study in social science or professional programs.
- B.A. in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
- M.A. and Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Penn State
University Park, Pa.
Penn State Online has a new inter-college master of professional studies (MPS) degree program in homeland security with 5 degree specializations or associated certificates that best suit your career path. In addition the MPS in homeland security features a core curriculum of three courses; Homeland Security Administration: Policies and Programs, Homeland Security: Social and Ethical Issues, and Violence, Threats, Terror, and Insurgency. Each program specializations’ curriculum shows how to prevent and manage threats of terrorism and natural disasters that impact people, community and organizational infrastructures.
- Homeland Security Base Program – MPS Homeland Security Degree
- Public Health Preparedness – MPS Homeland Security Degree
- Geospatial Intelligence – MPS Homeland Security Degree
- Information Security and Forensics – MPS Homeland Security Degree
- Agricultural Biosecurity – MPS Homeland Security Degree
- Homeland Security and Defense – Graduate Certificate
- Public Health Preparedness: Bioterrorism & Disaster – Graduate Certificate
- Geospatial Intelligence – Graduate Certificate
- Information Systems Security – Graduate Certificate
- Agricultural Biosecurity – Graduate Certificate
online Master's in Public Safety Administration is designed to help those who are preparing to manage police, fire, emergency medical services, law enforcement services and other public safety occupations in our society. The online program is ideal for students interested in challenging, yet rewarding leadership positions, such as a case manager, corrections officer, homeland security officer, law enforcement and probation officer.