Most affordable Masters program in Homeland Security

The Master of Science degree with a major in Homeland Security serves the needs of students who are (1) pre- and in-service criminal justice personnel seeking a career-enhancing education; (2) those interested in teaching or research in the profession or higher education; and (3) those seeking positions in government service in the many agencies under the Homeland Security umbrella. The degree program may be tailored to meet the needs of individual students. This program is a 36-semester credit hours SCH non-thesis degree. A specialized set of courses has been designed to give the student a well-rounded education in all areas of Homeland Security including crisis management, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and immigration issues. A large number of electives are also available from political science graduate courses for those interested in general public administration or political science perspectives. Graduate level electives are also available from other disciplines with the prior approval of the Graduate Coordinator.

The broad educational objective is to develop thinkers, analysts, managers, and leaders who possess expertise in both theoretical and experiential dimensions of land security. Graduates will gain factual knowledge in the field as well as develop their strategic thinking and policymaking skills.

The Woodlands Center, and students can choose from face-to-face classes and online options. Enrollment is available in the Fall and Spring terms.

Brief breakdown of the type, or types, of degree available, their length, available enrollment, and estimated cost.

Applications to the Master of Science in land Security Studies Degree Program are on a rolling basis.

As the first graduate-level Homeland Security program offered in the United States, San Diego State University proudly offer a rich, interdisciplinary graduate study curriculum leading to the Master of Science degree. This is a "brick-and-mortar" program, as they have found that forming relationships with students current and future colleagues to be of utmost importance.

They are a program full of people inspired to serve the fellow human beings. They serve in the military, law enforcement, intelligence community, emergency management, NGO's, the corporate world, and academia. They work on issues ranging from cyber security, counter-human trafficking, child slavery, counter-narcotics, to food and water security issues. They seek not only to eliminate the bad actors who create and capitalize upon human suffering, but also the economic and security conditions that allow black market and organized crime networks to flourish.

Currently, APSU is the only public institution offering an M.S. in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Homeland Security in the state of Tennessee. Courses are offered online in 8-week increments. The 30- hour degree program can be completed in as little as one full calendar year, and admittance is open year-round. Students can start during any semester.

Recent graduates of any social science bachelor’s degree program and non-traditional working professionals in the fields of law, law enforcement, courts, corrections, and other criminal justice related areas would be ideal candidates for this program.

Students completing the MS Criminal Justice program will be well versed in law enforcement, courts, corrections, ethics, research methodology, homeland security, current social issues, theoretical underpinnings, and complex challenges facing the criminal justice system and national defense. The curriculum and skillset competitively position graduates for careers in national security and the criminal justice system, as well as creating an avenue for advancement in military careers.

APSU’s MS Criminal Justice program leverages the knowledge, research proficiency, and professional experiences of APSU faculty and military officials from Ft. Campbell. The faculty possess expertise in the traditional scholarly fields of criminology, political science, sociology, law, and psychology. These disciplines contribute to the intellectual basis for criminal justice as an academic field.

land Security and Emergency Preparedness, Master of Arts (M.A.).

Public Policy and Administration, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).

Public Policy and Administration, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a concentration in criminal justice policy.

Public Policy and Administration, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a concentration in public administration.

Public Policy and Administration, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a concentration in public policy.

Public Policy and Administration, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a concentration in urban and regional policy.

Urban and Regional Planning, Master of (M.U.R.P.) with a concentration in environmental planning.

Urban and Regional Planning, Master of (M.U.R.P.) with a concentration in housing and community development.

Urban and Regional Planning, Master of (M.U.R.P.) with a concentration in regional planning.

This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs and courses approved by the publication deadline however we may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch.

The Master of Arts in land Security and Emergency Preparedness degree program is designed in the broadest interdisciplinary sense. Students will learn theoretical and practical knowledge that will prepare them for private or public sector employment in the expanding area of land security and emergency preparedness and or further study in numerous areas of public policy. The curriculum focuses upon international and domestic security and preparedness issues related to terrorist threats, such as the 9 11 attack, and natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina. Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, land security and emergency preparedness has become a critical aspect of governmental policy at the federal, state and local levels as well as within the private sector. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs believes that a stable and productive evolution of public and private sector policies in this area can only be achieved if academe recognizes and accepts its role in developing scholars, professional policy analysts and informed governmental decision makers.

The scholarly study of land security and emergency preparedness rests at the intersection of national defense, emergency management, law enforcement and policy management. With expertise in criminal justice, geography, government (local, state, federal and foreign), international affairs, policy planning and public administration, the Wilder School is particularly well-suited for such a program.

Students will achieve comprehension of the theory and practice of land security and emergency preparedness and be able to analyze policy and synthesize information in five key areas: risk and vulnerability analysis, strategic planning dilemmas of disasters and disaster preparedness, cybersecurity, institutional coordination, and intelligence operations and legal constitutional aspects.

Students will perform research, policy analysis and risk assessment using several methodological and theoretical approaches to land security and emergency preparedness.

Students will also be able to evaluate scholarly and practitioner analyses of land security and emergency preparedness.

VCU Graduate Bulletin, VCU Graduate School and general academic policies and regulations for all graduate students in all graduate programs.

As graduate students approach the end of their academic programs and the final semester of matriculation, they must make formal application to graduate. No degrees will be conferred until the application to graduate has been finalized.

These deadlines are designed to allow sufficient time for application review and admission processing. Applications may be submitted after the deadline however, there is no guarantee of sufficient time for processing. Any application submitted too late for current semester processing will be considered for the following semester.

In addition to the general admission requirements of the VCU Graduate School, selection is made on the basis of prior academic performance, professional accomplishments and other indicators of the ability to pursue graduate studies and a professional career in a field related to land security and emergency preparedness. The application for admission requires:.

The narrative should also address aptitude to successfully complete the graduate program as well as enhance the learning environment.).

Three letters of reference (including both academic and professional references if possible).

The provisional period shall consist of the first nine hours of designated graduate work in which all grades must be no less than B. Provisional admission does not constitute a waiver of the requirement related to a standardized test.

In addition to general VCU Graduate School graduation requirements, students must complete a minimum of 36 graduate credit hours with a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0.

The minimum number of graduate credit hours required for this degree is 36.

Homeland security is a swiftly evolving field, with constantly emerging areas of concern and new technologies. UDC’s location in Washington, DC, gives students exclusive opportunities to learn from the thinkers and policy-makers shaping the nation’s homeland security strategies. Students will learn from active practitioners who provide unique, real-time insight into the field of homeland security and serve as mentors to students seeking employment.

The Master of Science in Homeland Security examines the effort by governments to protect their territory and interests from hazards and disasters, whether internal or external, natural or human made. Aligned with the university’s land-grant mission of service to the community, the Homeland Security program focuses on community preparedness, response, and recovery from catastrophic events. On the UDC campus, the Homeland Security curriculum emphasizes the use of computer-based models to analyze issues in homeland security, with coursework that is grounded in contemporary methods and strategies. The program’s focus on research allows students to develop skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, and prepares them for careers in analytics and operational work.

The vision of the program is to become an integral part of the university’s overall enduring institutional infrastructure in the homeland security and STEM areas by supporting homeland security science and technology research, education, and awareness.

CLADepartments ProgramsInterdisciplinary ProgramsGrad ProgramsIntegrated land Security Management (M.S.).

You can specialize in health preparedness, information assurance or security policy. The program can be completed 100% online or in a hybrid format.

land security affects Americans at the community, municipal, tribal, state and federal levels. It affects them individually and collectively. land security issues interconnect and affect the operational environments and outcomes sought and achieved by governments, businesses, and social institutions. such threats pose challenges that require a professional workforce infused with solid academic skills, practical experience and applied knowledge.

Towson University Master of Science degree in Integrated land Security Management and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Security Assessment and Management are specifically designed to prepare qualified practitioners to fulfill this critical workforce need. Graduates of the program will possess proficiency in:.

The research, development and analysis of security strategies.

The master program in integrated land security management balances broad-based knowledge with specific areas of specialization and an applied capstone research experience to provide those working in the land security enterprise with the skills needed to craft, allocate and employ the human and material resources of their organizations. The program core courses constitute the post-baccalaureate certificate in security assessment and management. This program may be completed 100% online or in a hybrid format.

The master degree program builds on this core foundation by offering students three areas of specialization, of which they must select one. These areas of specialization are: health preparedness, information assurance, and security policy. In order to prepare students for the cross-disciplinary demands of land security management, students must also take one course in each of the two areas outside their chosen specialization. This provides students opportunities to prepare for the complex and interconnected nature of land security.

The capstone research project offers a practical problem-solving experience, real-world skill development, and a solid basis for advancing a career in land security.

The integrated land security management master program is delivered online. The goal of the online program is to provide working professionals the resources and flexibility to be successful graduate students. The application process and curriculum requirements for online learners are identical to those for students attending courses on TU campus.

Towson University is not authorized to conduct distance education programs in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Utah, the Virgin Islands, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. However, residents of these states may enroll in distance education courses if they are in residence in Maryland and enrolled concurrently in face-to-face courses on the Towson University campus.

View admission requirements and deadlines to program.

The Order of the Sword Shield National Honor Society is open to individuals in the land Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management, and Protective Security Disciplines. The society has institutional chapters, professional chapters, and a national chapter with superior students from schools across the country.

The Master of Science in Cyber and land Security Administration (MSCHSA) is a 36-credit graduate program that focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of enforcing and ensuring cyber and land security. There is also a strong emphasis on leadership throughout the program.

Provide graduate level studies for the non-traditional student involved in security.

Encourage the development of high-quality, applied research for the practitioners in the field of cyber and land security.

Offered fully online, as well as in-person and blended options.

Completed online application. There is no fee to apply.

All students will be required to complete four (4) mandatory courses: land Security and Constitutional Issues Research and Policy Analysis Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism Awareness and Strategic Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation with a thesis, as well as two (2) electives. The program focuses on practical and theoretical aspects of enforcing and ensuring land security and includes areas of specialization. Certain areas of specialization have additional course requirements.

CHSA 6607 Border Security: Policies, Actions, and Implications.

This 18-credit, 6-course certificate focuses on terrorism and security studies. The Post-911 world has made many sectors of the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors involved in preventing and combating terrorism as they try to ensure a safe and secure nation. The knowledge provides both historical and current information to add to the knowledge of various threats posed by terrorist organizations, whether domestic or international, and to provide organizations to prepare for the risks associated with such activities.

This 18-credit, 6-course certificate focuses on the critical area of leadership in land security. Leadership is essential for successfully carrying out programs or tasks.

CHSA6601 This course will investigate the concepts, ideologies, goals, strategies, tactics and methods used by terrorist groups in the current and historical perspectives. The terrorist motives and their actions will be studies in relation to historic and current national and international policies. Terrorist organizations will be studied based on their specific criteria to better undersand their influence on oter nations. Also included will be the concepts of the media and terrorism, law and terrorism, the military response to terrorism, counter-terrorism and anti-terrorism approaches, and governmental responses to terrorism as well as how the intelligence community categorizes and prioritizes resources to target groups and issues.

CHSA6602 This course will investigate advanced topics in computer security and forensics. Included will be topics such as cryptography, automatic intrusion detection, firewalls, vulnerability scanning, and advanced pattern matching as well as statistical techniques.

CHSA6603 This course will investigate cyberterrorism and cyber crime, and how this differs from computer security. Technological advancements that are on the cutting edge present opportunities for terrorists, and it is necessary to explore the current domestic and international policies relative to critical infrastructure protection and methods for addressing issues.

CHSA6604 This course will investigate the usefulness of threat assessment in various contexts, such as the workplace, infrastructure protection and public safety. Included in the course will be basic methods for examining vulnerabilities to attack, evaluating capacities of the potential attackers as well as their motivation, and the role of the intelligence community in these actions. The course will link strategic analysis with priority setting and accountability.

CHSA6605 This course will investigate a wide range of natural and manmade disasters, and develop appropriate plans for mitigating the problems. Natural disasters include a wide range of issues from outbreak of diseases, floods, earthquakes, fires, and tornados. Manmade disasters include emergencies such as chemical spills, nuclear incidents, terrorist threats, transportation accidents, and power outages.

CHSA6606 This course will examine the social basis of fear and terrorism, and the related consequences on society. Factors such as race ethnicity, class, religion, politics, local and international policies, and gender will be studied into the historical context of terrorism. Case studies will include terrorist techniques that have been used in the past.

CHSA6607 Immigration policies and terrorism threats have increased the focus on national borders. This course will investigate issues relative to border security from economic to security to social and cultural integration or separation.

CHSA6608 This course will focus on planning and preparing for terrorist acts as well as the area of disasters. There will be a focus on the legal and ethical issues that surround planning for acts of terrorism or disasters, and a study of the National Response Plan and its implications. The need for and develop interagency collaborative agreements from civilian, military, and governmental entities will be explored.

CHSA6609 This course will examine various characteristics of terrorism from left-wing terrorism to nationalist terrorism to religious terrorism to group dynamics to secret societies, and cults and charismatic leadership. Also included are identification of underground terrorist cells, both domestic and foreign and state supported and non state supported, as well as methods for dealing with the separate groups.

CHSA6610 This course will investigate options to address the threat of a biological attack. Options for identifying a bio-attack and potential responses for addressing these issues will be included in the course. Case studies of actual incidents will be included in the course.

CHSA6619 This course will investigate the concept of leadership exhibited by a group that is acting collaboratively to resolve issues that all feel must be addressed. Since the collaborative process insures that all people that are affected by the decision are part of the process, the course will explore how power is shared in the process and how leadership is developed.

CHSA6620 This course will investigate examples of past and present leadership models. The moral framework for leadership and decision-making in organizations will provide the basis for exploring current organizational leadership models as well as assisting the students in assessing their own leadership roles.

CHSA6621 This course addresses the challenges of managing human capital in organizations focusing on land security. Current issues in recruiting, selecting, and moving individuals through the organization will be studied. In addition, teambuilding, problem solving, decision-making, and human resource planning skills will be explored as will be the leadership skills of mentoring, advising, counseling, and disciplining individuals in the organization.

CHSA6622 As organizations move to empowering employees to work in a team setting with a high degree of autonomy, it is necessary to develop high performance teams. This course investigates what makes teams effective. Various methodologies will be studied that have resulted in exceptional teams and team results.

CHSA6623 This course will explore the issues of resistance to change and obstacles to change in relationship to organizations. Theories relative to change will be studied in terms of the restructuring process, leadership roles, and the settings in which the work is done.

CHSA6624 This course explores the process for effective decision making using decision analysis theory, appropriate mathematical processes, evaluating inputs for applicability, and applicable quantitative and qualitative methods. The course will utilize what if challenges and will consider individual and organizational preferences as well as environmental certainty and uncertainty.

CHSA6625 An introduction to communication in organizations includes relevant theories, leadership, diversity, teamwork, and ethics. Included in the course are definitions of organizational culture, leadership, teamwork, diversity, ethics and informal and formal communication as well as how they influence and impact organizational communication. The course will also investigate organizational communication systems and their relevant theories as well as comparing and contrasting the major theories.

CHSA6626 This course will investigate the sources of conflict in organizations, the sources of such conflict, and various modalities for resolving such conflicts. Conflict in organizations can be manifested in various ways, such as interpersonal conflict, intra-group conflict, inter-group conflict, and inter-organizational conflict. Resolving conflict includes compromise, collaboration, negotiation, and addressing individual sources of conflict.

CHSA6627 Personal and organizational eithics and values guide decision making. There are times when two or ethical principles are in conflict. This course will explore maximize the basic elements that form the context for ethical decision making.

CHSA7601 This required course provides an of Constitutional issues, statutes, and case law that govern land Security professionals at the local, state, and federal levels. Social, ethical, and political implications of actions intended to preserve the safety and security of the citizens are studied in relationship to the legal constraints placed on the systems. This course will utilize case studies.

CHSA7602 This required course is designed to develop critical thinking skills that students need for completion of their academic work as well as in their professional lives. The course will assist students in understanding the research process, develop a research question, assess relevant literature to support the research, select and use an appropriate research methodology, conduct the research and evaluate the results. The end result will be a well written research report.

CHSA7603 This required course will explore the use of weapons of mass destruction and the link to terrorist activities. Included in the course are: definitions of effects of nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological terrorism use of improvised nuclear devices (INDs) and radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) Large Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) the motivations, capabilities, techniques, and practices of terrorist groups to acquire and use WMD and the use and attempted use of WMD against countries by internal and external groups.

CHSA7604 This required course will link strategic planning with strategic managment. This is the capstone course of the program and requires the completion of a thesis. Strategic planning links the vision, mission, and guiding principles with the internal and external environment in which the organization exists. The course will explore security formulation,the drivers of land security issues for the historical and emergency issues, and the results of such policies. Organizaitons need to understand how strategic plans are implemented and then reviewed and evaluated as part of a continuous improvement process. Taken as the last or next to last course after completion of at least 27 credits.

Preparing and responding to terror-related threats to national and international security.

Appropriately applying national and international policies when assessing and responding to security threats.

Lasell offers a rigorous curriculum that will ready you to face these difficulties head-on, and to help maintain order in a rapidly changing world.

Beyond the classroom, you can put these lessons into action during a Capstone experience, and participate in speaking events and workshops that promote responsible citizenship sponsored by the Nancy Lawson Donahue '49 Institute for Ethics, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Career advancement Thanks to a vibrant community of working professionals and a wide range of available services, graduate students are positioned to develop their expertise and advance their career. As a Lasell graduate student you will have the opportunity to:.

Our graduates are well positioned to succeed in roles that include:.

This course provides students with the necessary tools for evaluating, designing and implementing applied research in criminal justice. The association between theories and research methods used in the study of criminal justice is explored through a variety of relevant and related data sources. Topics covered include: the principles of research design issues in measurement modes of observation and basic methods of both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

This course addresses the nature and scope of international and transnational crime and the emerging legal framework for its prevention and control. The course will emphasize international aspects of the work of different criminal justice agencies, such as formal and informal police cooperation and the use of mutual assistance and extradition agreements, on the international structures created for crime prevention, punishment and control. The course also explores current issues and controversies of transnational crime, international law, and or human rights. Possible topics include terrorism, genocide, human trafficking, and immigration issues.

In this class, students analyze methods criminals use on the Internet to commit crimes. The course also covers various methods of computer security, their complexity and adequacy. Students study methods for creating backup information systems and developing means for recovering data in case it is destroyed or stolen. Potential threats to Internet systems and how they could affect the way individuals and companies use and rely on the systems are introduced.This course also examines the political, legal and policy aspects of the use of information technologies by governmental organizations.

This culminating experience helps students integrate their knowledge of criminological theory and justice policy with research and analytical skills, synthesizing this knowledge with practical skills. Prerequisite: This course is taken during the student’s final semester student must have completed at least 27 credits, CJ709 permission of Program Director. Prerequisites for Capstone courses CJ 798 and or CJ 799 are 27 graduate credits completed and approval by the Graduate Coordinator of the Master’s of Science Degree Program in Criminal Justice.

This culminating experience helps students integrate their knowledge of criminological theory and justice policy with research and analytical skills, synthesizing this knowledge with practical skills. Students engage in an internship and complete 150 hours in organizations that are committed to providing interns a high quality educational experience. As a part of their internship, students engage in meaningful projects, including written reflection and analysis.Prerequisite: This course is taken during the student’s final semester student must have completed at least 27 credits permission of Program Director. Prerequisites for Capstone courses CJ 798 and or CJ 799 are 27 graduate credits completed and approval by the Graduate Coordinator of the Master’s of Science Degree Program in Criminal Justice.

Students in the M.S. in Criminal Justice must choose two electives to complete their degree requirements. Electives can be drawn from:.

Any courses offered within the Criminal Justice degree program outside of core and your specific concentration requirements.

Specific courses from graduate offerings in Management and Communication approved by the Chair of Justice Studies.

Candidates seeking admission to Lasell College Criminal Justice graduate degree must hold a bachelor degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate through academic background and or work experience the ability to succeed in graduate studies. GRE GMAT scores are not required for admission. The TOEFL may be waived for international applicants who have earned a bachelor degree at an accredited college university in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. All other applicants must submit a TOEFL IELTS score.

A one page personal statement describing your goals, strengths and potential for achievement in graduate school.

A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is recommended for recent college graduates withfewer than 3 years of professional work experience.

The Office of Graduate EnrollmentLasell College1844 Commonwealth Ave. Newton, MA 02466.

Quinn Bill certification by the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. This state program, which was originally enacted in 1970 to foster a effective criminal justice system, motivates full-time police officers in participating cities and towns to pursue degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice through salary increases.

Homeland security professionals work in an increasingly complex environment requiring high-level critical and creative thinking. Whether you're a military officer or a government or private sector employee responsible for security operations and disaster preparedness, the Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law & Policy graduate degree will advance your technical expertise and enhance your value to your organization.

Through a culminating simulation course, you will improve your readiness to manage an intensive homeland security crisis, providing front-line leadership.

The M.S. in Homeland Security program is offered fully online through the KU Edwards Campus or in-person through the KU Leavenworth Campus.

The maximum course load is 14 credit hours per semester. The program director may approve a schedule of greater than 14 credit hours under exceptional circumstances.

Classes taken as part of the Master of Science program will be treated as other non-law graduate classes. Accordingly, students must get prior approval from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for up to 6 credit hours to be applied to the 90 credit hours needed for the J.D. degree. The M.S. credits will not be included in the student's J.D. GPA.