Best Online Master’s in Homeland Security Programs
Due to the uptick in natural disasters caused by climate change and the increase of cyberterrorism, homeland security experts are in demand. Between 2022 and 2032, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 3% growth for emergency management directors, as well as 32% job growth for information security analysts. Homeland security can offer substantial career opportunities.
An online master’s in homeland security program is a flexible academic option that can provide a practical pathway toward a career in the field. The following guide explores online master’s in homeland security programs, as well as jobs that graduates can pursue. Read on to learn more about these programs, and see what they can offer.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Featured Online Master’s Homeland Security Programs
Best Accredited Online Master’s in Homeland Security Programs
George Washington University
Washington, DC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$55,961
- Out-of-state$55,961
- In-State$31,770
- Out-of-state$31,770
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled27,017
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Mississippi College
- Clinton, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$18,200
- Out-of-state$18,200
- In-State$11,610
- Out-of-state$11,610
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate29%
- Students Enrolled4,667
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
- University Park, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention RateN/A
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students EnrolledN/A
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Tulane University of Louisiana
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,766
- Out-of-state$54,766
- In-State$59,090
- Out-of-state$59,090
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate11%
- Students Enrolled13,927
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment63%
- AccreditationYes
Saint Joseph's University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$47,740
- Out-of-state$47,740
- In-State$17,802
- Out-of-state$17,802
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled6,779
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Nova Southeastern University
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,370
- Out-of-state$32,370
- In-State$20,618
- Out-of-state$20,618
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled20,888
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
Towson University
- Towson, MD
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,962
- Out-of-state$21,098
- In-State$7,902
- Out-of-state$16,344
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled21,917
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
Sam Houston State University
- Huntsville, TX
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,856
- Out-of-state$15,672
- In-State$5,765
- Out-of-state$13,127
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate92%
- Students Enrolled21,912
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$53,868
- Out-of-state$53,868
- In-State$36,234
- Out-of-state$36,234
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled23,589
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Northeastern University
- Boston, MA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$54,360
- Out-of-state$54,360
- In-State$25,264
- Out-of-state$25,264
- Retention Rate97%
- Acceptance Rate20%
- Students Enrolled22,905
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
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We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2021. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.
What Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Homeland Security Program?
The best online master’s in homeland security programs provide the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to advance in the field. Typically requiring 30-40 credits, these programs tend to feature online lectures, message boards, and group projects.
Online master’s in homeland security programs frequently cater to working students, giving learners the flexibility to keep up with personal and professional obligations while advancing their education. These programs typically take about two years of full-time study to complete.
Program coursework often covers topics like political violence and terrorism, globalization of threats and international security, and security and civil liberties. In addition to traditional coursework, an online master’s in homeland security usually culminates in a capstone course. These culminating experiences allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Along with core homeland security courses, students may be able to select a concentration that reflects their academic and career ambitions. Common options include cybersecurity, emergency management, and health preparedness.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master’s in Homeland Security Program?
Core courses in an online master’s in homeland security introduce students to important concepts in the field. Additionally, students usually complete a capstone project that applies the knowledge they have learned to a real-world problem. Read on to learn about common homeland security courses.
- U.S. Homeland and Security Policy: This course examines contemporary homeland security issues and provides an overview of the threats and vulnerabilities addressed by homeland security experts. By analyzing institutions, networks, and organizational relationships, learners explore how these entities have evolved and how they collaborate to minimize threats.
- Introduction to Software and Network Security: As digital threats become more prevalent, homeland security professionals must understand software and network security. This course explores network security design principles and provides a foundation for identifying vulnerabilities and finding solutions. Learners also explore topics like email security, database security, and encryption.
- Critical National Infrastructure: In this course, students examine critical infrastructures involving transportation, energy, and commerce. Coursework also explores the relationships between varying critical infrastructures. Degree-seekers assess threats and vulnerabilities and create plans involving mitigation, response, and recovery. Additional topics include threat analysis, asset identification, and methods for predicting future threats.
- Strategic and Tactical Planning: This course explores strategic and tactical planning used on a national level. Covered topics include critical infrastructure, maritime defense, and cyberspace strategy. Students also examine the national security response plan and the national incident management apparatus while using real-world examples to simulate future response strategies.
- Disaster Response and Community Health: Designed to address the needs of localized communities in disaster management, this class explores the policies that impact community health and national security. Students participate in a fieldwork project involving community members to establish disaster response plans.
Find the Tools You Need to Get Started on Your Degree
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Homeland Security Program?
Online master’s in homeland security applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university. While GPA requirements vary, many schools require a 3.0 or higher. As these programs typically serve working professionals, schools may also require 1-2 years of professional work experience.
In addition to official transcripts, prospective students may need to submit letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a statement of purpose. Check with college admissions staff to ensure that you meet all admission requirements.
- Application: Online master’s in homeland security programs require interested students to fill out an application form, often through an online portal. The application allows users to provide their prospective school with their personal information, educational background, and any previous work experience. Applicants usually upload documents, like resumes or personal statements, to these online portals as well.
- Test Scores: Many graduate programs — though not all —include standardized test scores as an application requirement. Homeland security programs are more likely to require the GRE than the GMAT, although some schools do not require either. Interested individuals can find many GRE prep resources to help them earn competitive scores.
- Letters of Recommendation: Most schools ask for applicants to submit letters of recommendation from people who have instructed or worked with them previously, either academically or professionally. Ask for letters of recommendation from individuals with whom you maintain a good relationship. Avoid asking people you know personally, like family or friends. Remember to give your letter writers enough time to write thoughtful recommendations.
- Resume and Work Experience: Applicants can outline previous academic and work experience in a college application resume. This can look similar to a professional resume, although applicants should emphasize their undergraduate GPA and how their academic background prepared them for this master’s program. Although many master’s in homeland security programs do not require a professional background in the field, work experience can strengthen your resume.
- Essays: Essays help give admissions committees a deeper insight into who an applicant is as a person, beyond their test scores and grades. Colleges often call these admissions essays personal statements or statements of professional goals. Use this opportunity to outline your career and academic aspirations, as well as demonstrate your writing skills.
- Official Transcripts: Applicants should contact their previous college to send their official undergraduate transcripts to their prospective program. If you have already completed some graduate coursework, send this transcript to your new school as well. Some master’s in homeland security programs award transfer credits; check with your prospective school for its specific transfer credit policy.
Featured Online Master’s Homeland Security Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Homeland Security Degree?
Career Outlook
The homeland security field is expanding in many areas, providing a robust job market for graduates. For example, the BLS projects 32% job growth for information security analysts between 2022 and 2032. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $120,360 in May 2023. Earning an online master’s in homeland security — especially if you pursue a tech-related concentration — can help set you apart from other job seekers.
Learn more about homeland security careers, and see where an online master’s in homeland security can take you.
Career Paths
Emergency Management Director
Emergency management directors oversee the planning and procedures used when responding to emergencies and natural disasters. Working closely with various agencies, public safety experts, and elected officials, these professionals organize emergency response trainings, review emergency operations plans, and assess damage following disasters or emergencies. They also apply for federal, state, and local funding following various emergencies.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $83,960
Law Enforcement Officer
Law enforcement professionals take on numerous roles associated with homeland security and emergency management. They may investigate potential homeland security threats and play a significant role in responding to various emergencies. In addition to monitoring suspects and reviewing counterterrorism intelligence, law enforcement professionals work alongside various legal and logistical entities to prepare for future homeland security risks.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $72,780
Information Security Analyst
Playing an essential role in protecting digital infrastructure assets, information security analysts plan, design, and execute security measures to protect computer networks and systems. These professionals monitor network security breaches, conduct penetration testing to simulate attacks, and recommend security improvements. IT security analysts also create disaster recovery plans.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $120,360
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Networks and computer systems are constantly targeted as digital threats continue to grow. System administrators manage an organization’s servers, computers, and mobile equipment, ensuring that they all function efficiently. These professionals evaluate and improve system performance and make necessary security upgrades.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $95,360
Logistician
Essential to disaster and emergency response, logisticians analyze and coordinate supply chains with detailed knowledge of how to produce and deliver products. These professionals manage the allocation of essential supplies, propose strategies to maximize efficiency, and use complex software systems to oversee product movement.
Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $79,400
Homeland Security Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
Continuing Education
As a master’s in homeland security student, you can find doctoral programs in the field too. These terminal degrees exist in different forms, like a doctor of professional studies in homeland security, a Ph.D. in criminal justice with a specialization in homeland security, or a Ph.D. in homeland security leadership and policy.
Individuals who choose to earn doctorates in the field become experts in homeland security. Some of them stay in academia, working as university professors and carrying out research. Others go on to high-level positions at organizations like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
How Do I Choose an Online Master’s in Homeland Security Program?
- Cost: Cost is a major factor in choosing the right master’s in homeland security program. Online and on-campus tuition rates tend to be comparable, although online programs may charge extra technology fees. Private schools tend to charge higher tuition rates than public universities. Remember to look at the true program cost, not just the sticker price of tuition. This takes into account additional expenses like fees, but also financial aid such as scholarships.
- Program Format: Consider which program format fits best into your lifestyle. Students who maintain jobs often prefer part-time degrees rather than full-time programs to avoid overloading themselves. Asynchronous and synchronous courses can also make a difference. Asynchronous programs allow students to pursue coursework at their own pace, while synchronous programs include regular meeting times like more traditional degree programs. Finally, students who want to graduate quickly may find accelerated programs.
- Location: Even if you enroll in an online master’s in homeland security program, location still may be a factor. If you attend a public university outside of your state, you may pay higher non-resident tuition rates. If your online program includes a few on-campus requirements, make sure you can attend.
- Accreditation: In short, accreditation is an evaluation process for the higher education system meant to ensure that students receive a good quality education. Just like traditional degrees programs, your online program should hold accreditation. Accreditation can be national, programmatic, or both. Employers and doctoral program admissions committees look for applicants who possess degrees from accredited institutions.
- Student Support: Online programs can sometimes feel more isolating than traditional on-campus degree programs. To combat that feeling of disconnectedness, look for distance learning degrees with student support. Mentorship programs can provide guidance in your academic and career pursuits, while internships help you gain work experience in your field. Other student services to look for include tutoring, alumni networks, and career resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Homeland Security Programs
An online master’s in homeland security program can be a flexible way to boost career prospects. In addition to introductory homeland security coursework, learners can choose from concentrations like cybersecurity, emergency management, and policy. These programs can lead to lucrative and in-demand careers.
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