The U.S Department of Homeland Security is a major employer of security professionals. It administers a range of agencies, including the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, FEMA, and more.
As our reliance on computers and information networks increases, so does the need for cybersecurity professionals to track and prevent threats. By 2031, the U.S. will have 56,500 new jobs in this sector.
Individuals with a Master’s in Homeland Security degree earn an average salary of $62,000, according to Payscale.
This list features some of the best online Master’s in Security programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. The programs on our list have been accredited by reputable organizations, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education and Middle States Commission on Higher Education, that assess the objectives, quality, and overall effectiveness of colleges and universities.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online Master’s in Security programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The homeland security field is relatively new, and as such, the skills needed and methods of teaching them are still evolving. In 2002, the United States created the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a response to the 9/11 terror attacks. Since then, the DHS has expanded to oversee cybersecurity, law enforcement, emergency response, immigration services, border patrol, and more. Individuals who are considering a degree and career in this field should be flexible and ready to adapt to new developments in curriculum and teaching strategies.
If you are currently an active U.S. military officer or employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, tribal, or territory agency, you may be eligible to earn a master’s in homeland security degree through the Naval Postgraduate School. Depending on the agency you work for, you may be able to attend the program tuition-free.
Most homeland security jobs require that job candidates pass background checks, drug tests, and other screenings. While incidents or infractions on your record may not preclude you from admission to a master’s program, they may impact your ability to find employment. If there are any situations on your record that may present an issue, speak to an advisor about what steps you can take to address them before enrolling in a program.
Here are some questions to ask when researching Master’s in Security programs:
Other steps you can take at this time include collecting your application materials, confirming application deadlines and procedures, and researching your options for financing your graduate degree. Most schools have admissions representatives and financial aid counselors who can help you with these steps. Funding options include scholarships, assistantships, student loans, and tuition assistance benefits from your employer if you are currently employed.