The U.S. Department of Homeland Security employs more than a quarter of a million individuals working across various specialty areas, including border security, emergency response, counterterrorism, chemical facility inspection, and cybersecurity. An online master’s in homeland security prepares students for a leadership position within the field.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are dozens of career paths under the homeland security umbrella, such as information or cybersecurity analyst, occupational health and safety specialist, and emergency management director.
Most online master’s programs in homeland security require between 30 to 40 credits; full-time attendees typically complete the coursework within two years, but some accelerated programs allow students to finish the program quicker. The average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $20,513.
How To Choose an Online Master’s in Homeland Security Program
Choose your area of study
This degree may be available as a Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MS), Master of Professional Studies (MPS), or Master of Public Administration (MPA). Each type of degree has its own pedagogical approach, but all will prepare you for a career in homeland security.
The homeland security field is vast, with multiple specialty areas. While all programs feature similar core topics such as homeland security strategy, administration, and ethics, students should expect to choose a concentration. Typical concentration options include counterterrorism, cybersecurity, public health, and biosecurity. If you already know what you would like to do after you graduate, look for programs that closely match these career goals.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
In addition to accreditation, you should also consider the following factors:
- What is the online community like? Do students and faculty engage in virtual office hours? Will you study alongside a cohort? The online experience can vary dramatically, so be mindful of what you seek as a student.
- How does the program provide an opportunity for practical application? Most online master’s programs in homeland security require a capstone assignment, whether a project, an internship, or a practicum experience.
- What supplemental resources do online students have access to? Your tuition should cover more than the coursework itself. Online students often have access to mental health support, tutoring, free software and subscriptions, military student aid, disability services, and 24/7 tech support. Consider what you need to succeed in your studies.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Application requirements vary by school and program. Typically, online master’s in homeland security programs will require applicants to have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. Common accepted undergraduate areas of study include criminal justice, public administration, public health, social work, parks and recreation management, environmental science, and geography. Many master’s programs set a minimum undergraduate GPA.
In many cases, graduate homeland security programs require their candidates to show evidence of employment within the field. Students should expect to submit a professional resume along with their application materials. Most programs do not mandate GRE scores. International or ESL applicants will need to submit proof of English language proficiency.
Depending on the school, you may be expected to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Determine which options best fit your personal and professional goals based on each program’s concentration, online community, student support services, and cost. Some schools are more competitive than others, so you should apply to several programs to increase your chances of getting accepted.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
No matter your situation, all students should complete the FAFSA to determine their federal aid or loan eligibility. Speak to your current employer. Some agencies offer tuition stipends or reimbursement to their employees. Discuss financial aid opportunities with the school’s admissions or financial aid office. These individuals can help you identify potential scholarships or other funding opportunities you qualify for. Military veterans may receive tuition assistance, so contact the school’s veteran’s affairs office.
Best 50 Accredited Online Master’s in Homeland Security Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
Our list includes both 100% online and hybrid programs. This gives you more options when choosing which program is right for your lifestyle and availability.
To ensure the quality of the education, we only reviewed programs that have regional accreditation. This type of accreditation is important because it means the school is eligible for federal financial aid, and your credits can transfer more easily.
We evaluated the programs on their course strength, cost, reputation, faculty, and flexibility. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect From an Online Master’s in Homeland Security Degree?
Students pursuing an online homeland security master’s degree will learn the fundamentals of homeland security, covering topics such as cybersecurity, ethics, administration, and counterterrorism. Individuals will need to select a specific concentration to focus their studies.
Most programs require a two-year commitment, and many students choose to continue working full-time while earning their degree. To graduate, students must complete a capstone assignment, likely through an internship, an independent research paper, or a hands-on project. Upon completing the program, students can qualify for advanced leadership positions within homeland security agencies at the federal, state, local, and international levels.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in homeland security program
- Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Students will study the history and evolution of terrorism and modern-day preparedness and response strategies.
- Integrated Emergency Management. In this course, students learn about the theories behind emergency management and practical emergency response.
- Crisis Intervention. This class covers fundamental crisis intervention theories concerning disaster and emergency management situations. Students will study the role of law enforcement, emergency responders, and public health personnel during a crisis.
- Homeland Security Policies, Principles, Procedures, and Plans. This course analyzes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s history, politics, and legal framework. Students learn about national security tactics and resources.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Homeland Security?
Career outlook
The strategic priorities of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provide a good overview of the different career paths available to those who have earned a master’s in homeland security — your options include counterterrorism, cybersecurity, border security, disaster preparedness, and emergency response.
In addition to DHS, other federal agencies (such as the Central Intelligence Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation), state and local governments, and many private organizations also need homeland security experts.
To give you an even better sense of the possibilities in this industry, here are some of the most common occupations and job responsibilities for homeland security professionals:
- Police officer or detective — Patrol assigned areas, investigate crimes, and arrest suspects.
- Median annual salary: $74,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 64,500 annually
- Emergency management director — Prepare plans and coordinate responses for emergencies and natural disasters.
- Median annual salary: $83,960
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 900 annually
- Information security analyst — Monitor networks, identify vulnerabilities, train staff on how to prevent security breaches, and recommend security upgrades.
- Median annual salary: $120,360
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 32%
- New job openings projected: 16,800 annually
Online Master’s in Homeland Security Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master's in homeland security degree program?
Each program’s website outlines its specific expectations for application materials, but most include:
- A completed application (with fee)
- Copies of your official transcripts
- A professional resume
- A personal statement
- Letters of recommendation
Many online master’s in homeland security programs set a minimum undergraduate GPA requirement. Some adhere to strict deadlines for sending application materials. Contact an admissions counselor with questions or concerns about your eligibility or application.
How much does an online master's in homeland security degree cost?
The average tuition for a graduate degree is $20,513 per year. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, though public schools often charge out-of-state students a higher tuition rate than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master's in homeland security degree?
Most homeland security master’s degree programs require 30 to 40 credit hours. Full-time attendees can finish the program within two years, though some accelerated options could shorten that commitment to 16 to 18 months. Sometimes, your professional or military experience could count toward credit, further condensing your time commitment. A part-time student taking two classes each semester would need closer to three years.
Is an online master’s in homeland security worth it?
While you only need a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level homeland security jobs, there are still a variety of benefits to earning a master’s.
A master’s degree will help you stand out from other candidates and get hired more quickly, especially when you’re just starting your homeland security career and don’t yet have much experience. Also, in general, a master’s degree leads to higher earnings — the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers with a master’s degree earn an average salary of $1,737 per week, while those with only a bachelor’s degree earn $1,493 per week.
There are many benefits to earning your degree online rather than in-person as well. Online degree programs eliminate the need to commute to campus, allowing you to save a significant amount of time. Completing an online program also demonstrates to employers that you have the ability to manage your time and stay focused without direct supervision, which is especially important if you would like to work remotely.