Best Homeland Security Degrees

Overview

Tulane’s School of Professional Advancement offers a superior degree in Homeland Security Studies. Coursework in this program covers a variety of topics, ranging from homeland security to border protections to emergency management. The program was designed with working professionals in mind, and can be completed part-time or online. Tulane graduates are highly successful, going on to pursue careers in public safety, government, and private work.

Program Features

Students will take a wide range of classes while enrolled at Tulane, most of which are designed to give them experience in an array of liberal arts and major topics. One hundred-twenty total credits are required, including coursework in:

• Health and Medical Issues in Emergency Management
• Domestic and International Terrorism
• Emergency Management
• Intelligence Research, Method and Analysis
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Transportation and Border Security
• Cyber Threats and Cyber Security

Notables

Tulane students benefit from the most experienced and dedicated faculty. All current faculty members are either currently active in or have a background with agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency or the U.S. Military. Students benefit from their extensive practical knowledge and hands-on training. Tulane also offers academic credit for life and work experience, allowing students to earn their degrees more quickly by earning class credit for what they’ve already learned in life.

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Liberty University provides an emphasis in Homeland Security that can’t be beat. It is taught by seasoned professionals who have held top-ranked positions in homeland security. Students learn through a variety of hands-on activities designed to provide them with the practical understandings of terrorism and incident command necessary to be successful when working in the field.

Program Features

This program is unique in that law enforcement personnel can earn credit hours for previous police officer training. Military members may also be evaluated for comparable credit. This program requires 120 total credit-hours, including coursework in subjects such as:

• Administration of Justice Organizations
• Introduction to Homeland Security
• Incident Command System
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Terrorism

Notables

Liberty University sits on more than 7,000 acres and offers over five hundred unique programs of study. Class sizes are small, coming in at around a 19:1 student to faculty ratio. Liberty is also an affordable option, costing just $33,290 per year including all tuition and housing costs. Better yet, over 96 percent of Liberty students receive some form of financial aid, making a degree in Homeland Security well within any student’s reach.

Overview

Embry-Riddle offers a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security with specialized tracks in emergency management, cybersecurity, and terrorism studies. The curriculum is founded in coursework that is outcome-based and developed with input from U.S. military and governmental experts, as well as others in the industry. Students work closely with clients from all over the county to integrate state-of-the-art facilities.

Program Features

This program integrates subject matter experts from a variety of security disciplines, many of whom frequently teach courses or deliver guest lectures. The program is continually being revised so that students are prepared to meet the demands of industry and government institutions. Required courses include:

• Professional Skills in Homeland Security
• Homeland Security Law and Policy
• Terrorism: Origin, Ideologies, and Goals
• Critical Infrastructure Security, Resilience, and Risk Analysis
• Strategic Planning and Decision Making in Homeland Security
• Fundamentals of Emergency Management
• Introduction to Environmental Security

Notables

Students gain real-world experience through internships, class projects, and a senior capstone research project. The program offers credit hours for previously earned academic credits in homeland security or for professional experience. A unique feature of this program is the ability for students to attend study abroad programs in countries such as Ireland, England, Germany, and Israel. These experiences allow students to attend workshops, seminars, and cultural events to learn firsthand how others deal with common world security issues.

Overview

Colorado Technical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This award-winning university has received multiple accolades for its dedication to student engagement, online technologies, faculty credentials, and student services. The university offers exceptional student support, especially in regards to support for military veterans and active-duty service members.

Program Features

One hundred-eighty-two total credit hours are required for degree completion. Required classes vary depending on the concentration chosen, but most students will take classes such as:

• Juvenile Delinquency
• Criminal Law
• Criminology
• Criminal Procedure
• The Laws of Evidence
• Public Administration
• Social Psychology

Notables

This program, offered entirely online, is ranked for the fourth year in a row as one of the best online programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. This integrative curriculum is designed to provide students with a hands-on understanding of topics such as technology, communications, intelligence, and infrastructure in homeland security.

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security at the Florida Institute of Technology is designed for working professionals and military veterans. This regionally accredited program is highly ranked by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, and even The Princeton Review. The program is taught by accomplished faculty and produces dozens of distinguished alumni each year. Florida Tech offers a wide range of additional undergraduate degrees as well as graduate programs, certificates, and others – all available entirely online.

Program Features

The online classroom featured in this program includes interactive, collaborative content, all taught by engaging and experienced faculty. Students will receive training in a range of theories and practices used in the discipline, such as crime analysis, victimology, and police administration. Required classes include:

• Criminology
• Violent Crime
• Risk Assessment, Response, and Recovery for Homeland Security
• Domestic Terrorism
• Intelligence Analysis
• Crisis and Conflict Resolution
• Psychology of Leadership

Notables

This program was originally designed for working professionals, founded in the city of Melbourne to train employed professionals working in the space industry. Now, the university offers on-campus, online, and off-site programs. Ninety percent of full-time faculty hold doctorate degrees, with many holding impressive resumes that list experiences at top corporations such as Raytheon Missile Systems and more. Better yet, the Florida Tech alumni body is over 60,000 strong and includes successful industry and government partners.

Overview

The undergraduate major in Security Management at John Jay emphasizes the importance of understanding security vulnerabilities and administration tactics. Students can go on to careers as consultants, entrepreneurs, or practitioners. John Jay College is one of the most prestigious liberal arts institution, offering a breadth of diverse courses that help prepare students to become lifelong learners, as well as practitioners of criminal justice.

Program Features

The program requires 120 credit-hours, with most students taking around four years to complete this program. It includes a mixture of prerequisite liberal arts courses, core content, coursework in security applications and industrial, commercial, and retail topics. Required classes include:

• Methods of Security
• Security Management
• Security of Computers and Their Data
• Private Security and the Law
• Risk Management
• Emergency Planning
• Writing for Management, Business and Public Administration

Notables

In addition to the required core coursework, students are also required to complete an internship in a division of security management. Individuals who are currently employed in law enforcement or security occupations are exempt from this requirement, which helps to expose students to common problems and real-life situations in security management. With a large alumni body that is over 60,000 strong, over 50 percent of recent graduates are employed in public service.

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security at Keiser University is available at over a dozen physical campuses, as well as online. This dynamic degree features management-level skills necessary for Homeland Security at the local, state, and federal levels. Students in this program benefit from day, evening, or online classes, as well as from extensive partnerships fostered with employers and the local community.

Program Features

Students in this one hundred and twenty-hour program not only learn the theory behind homeland security, but also gain experience using the equipment they will need in their professions. Required major courses include:

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Constitutional Law for the Homeland Security Professional
• Domestic and International Terrorism
• Emergency Planning and Security Measures
• Organizing the War on Terrorism
• Issues in Disaster Response
• Technical Communications

Notables

As one of the state of Florida’s largest, independent career universities, Keiser allows students to take classes at their own pace – even if that’s only one class at a time. All programs are career-focused, emphasizing the importance of faculty, alumni, community, and industry input. Class sizes are small and hands-on, fostering personal career growth and constant change.

Overview

The University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Management provides a Homeland Security and Emergency Management undergraduate degree that delivers real-world experiences, lessons, and success. In addition to the bachelor’s degree, students also have access to several related minors, a graduate degree, and an occupational endorsement. The university also features a highly interactive career center that helps students obtain career placements or access to continuing education classes.

Program Features

While students must take a variety of lower-division and liberal arts courses, most courses that are pursued will fall within topics related to homeland security, such as emergency services, environmental health and safety, and fire science. Required courses include:

• Introduction to Human Resources Management
• Organizational Theory and Behavior
• Fiscal Management for Emergency Management Operations
• Geological Hazards
• Disaster Response Operations and Management
• Leadership in Dangerous Context
• All Hazards Risk Analysis
• Principles of Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Notables

This program is designed for students who are already working in emergency management, making it a great option for those who are active duty military members of emergency first responders. It is nationally and globally recognized by ranking organizations such as U.S. News and World Report for its dedication to student success and outstanding program completion outcomes. With a student to faculty ratio of just 11:1, the university simply can’t be beat for its commitment to educating the next generation of exceptional emergency management professionals.

Overview

The Security Management major at Bellevue University is offered both on-campus and online. It recognizes the importance of rapid and effective response to a variety of international and domestic security threats, and prepares students for employment in both the private and public sectors. The curriculum is designed around the framework of five key areas of expertise: Principles of Homeland Security, Infrastructure Security and Threat Assessment, Organizational Interaction, Personnel Management, and Communication Skills.

Program Features

This program is exceptionally inexpensive, starting at just $410 per credit-hour, regardless of whether those credits are pursued online or on-campus. In addition to prerequisite coursework, 40 credit-hours are required in the field of homeland security, including:

• Foundations for Professional Success
• Homeland Security and Terrorism
• Physical and Technological Components of Security Management
• Principles and Practices of Effective Emergency Planning
• Infrastructure Security and National Defense
• Risk Analysis and Organizational Security
• The American Criminal and Civil Legal Systems

Notables

Bellevue has an alumni body of over 50,000 individuals spread throughout the world. The university’s mission is to be a national leader in preparing students for success with career-relevant training. The university is habitually ranked as one of the most military-friendly and open access institutions, and seeks to make a college education affordable for all. In addition to low starting tuition rates, the scholarship program at Bellevue is second to none. Opportunities are even available for international students, graduate students, and distance learners, populations who are often excluded from some financial aid offerings.

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Leadership in Homeland Security at Philadelphia University isn’t just designed to train entry-level emergency first responders – it is designed to prepare students for high-ranking, leadership careers in state, federal, or local governments and organizations. This program complements the university’s Master of Science in Disaster Medicine and Management, and also features an accelerated option. The accelerated program consists of eight-week terms that include afternoon, evening, and Saturday classes, as well as online coursework.

Program Features

This program is taught by the most dedicated and experienced faculty and integrates collaborative projects to help students develop practical skills and strong professional networks. In addition to generalized college-level courses in writing, math, science, the humanities, and other areas are required for degree conferral, students will also take specific major courses such as:

• Disaster Response and Recovery Planning
• The Foundations of Homeland Defense and Security
• Unconventional Conflict
• Critical Infrastructure: Vulnerability Analysis and Protection
• Disaster Policy and Politics
• Financial Decision Making
• Leadership Theory and Ethical Practices

Notables

With a 95 percent undergraduate job success rate, the quality of this program simply speaks for itself. Students benefit from a small student to faculty ratio of just 13:1, making it easy to grasp important concepts and forge valuable connections in the field. In addition, the university emphasizes the importance of internships and other hands-on learning activities, working with over forty industry partners to give students the experiences they need and deserve.

Overview

George Mason University’s program in Homeland Security is a comprehensive program requiring 120 total credit-hours. This program, housed within the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society, is one of the best in the country as it implements award-winning instruction with the opportunity to conduct original research. Students may pursue internships at top-tier organizations for academic credit, and also pursue relevant minors to add further relevance to their careers.

Program Features

This program emphasizes the importance of writing and communicating effectively across the discipline. In addition to optional concentrations in topics such as criminal justice, law and society, and homeland security and justice, students will also take core courses such as:

• Public Law and the Judicial Process
• Computer Crime, Forensics, and Auditing
• Social Inequality, Crime, and Justice
• Crime Victims and Victimization
• Theory and Politics of Terrorism
• Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society

Notables

The Department of Criminology, Law and Society at George Mason is prolific in national rankings, and recently received accolades from U.S. News and World Report for the best undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs. Although George Mason is a young university, it has become Virginia’s largest public research university and made an impressive mark on students seeking a quality education in homeland security or criminal justice.

Overview

The Bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security at Eastern Kentucky University was developed in 2007 to respond to the United States’ growing security issues and needs. This degree, along with similar minors and certificates, is offered both online and on campus. Students can focus on several concentrations in the field, including intelligence sharing, analysis, disaster preparedness and response, and critical infrastructure protection. Graduates go on to work for reputable organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and the military.

Program Features

Multiple internship and cooperative education programs are available to students. Students are regularly placed with the Kentucky State Police, the Office of Homeland Security, and much more. These internships are often granted with full academic course credit. In addition to internships and general education requirements, core courses include:

• Disaster Preparedness and Response
• Cyber Security
• Risk Analysis
• Disaster Resilience
• Strategic Planning and Leadership
• Policy and Legal Analysis
• Homeland Security Technology

Notables

In addition to a variety of internship opportunities, students at Eastern Kentucky also have the ability to engage in a multitude of homeland security student organizations. The Homeland Security and Assets Protection Leaders of Tomorrow was designed to provide students with involvement in professional security areas, while the Order of the Sword and Shield is the National Honor Society for Emergency Management and Homeland Security majors.

Overview

The College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven offers a unique, immersive program in Homeland Security that prepares students for a range of careers in the industry. In addition to core coursework in topics such as counterterrorism and first response, students will also develop proficiencies in foreign languages through two years of study in suggested languages. These might include popular choices such as Russian, Chinese, and Arabic. As a culminating experience to this language study, many students will also study abroad in those countries.

Program Features

Students will develop crucial analytical skills, such as data mining and analysis and intelligence reporting. They will gain hands-on experience with professional tools, technologies, and software necessary for success in homeland security. Intensive internship experiences are also available so that students can begin working in national security from the very first day. Required classes include:

• Reporting in National Security
• Homeland Security and Terrorism
• National Security Internship
• Incident Mapping and Analysis
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

Notables

The university has a nationally acclaimed center for career development, recognized for its exceptional services by The Princeton Review. The center offers career assessments, job shadowing, networking, on-campus interviews and salary negotiations, and even career fairs. This center helps students obtain access to some of the most prestigious, sought-after positions in the nation.

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security at Saint Leo prepares students to fight terrorism, respond to natural disasters, and promote the safety of the nation. Faculty at the university have worked as federal agents, chief deputies, detectives, and FBI advisors. This university is ranked as one of the most military-friendly institutions in the nation.

Program Features

The curriculum of this program is designed by a diverse criminal justice advisory board with the goal of improving the effectiveness of working professionals. While the list of required and elective courses that a student may pursue is broad, popular options include:

• Criminal Justice Ethics
• Police Organization and Administration
• International Law and organizations
• Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior
• Legal Issues in Counter-Terrorism
• Exploitable Weaknesses in Terrorist Organizations
• Local Response to Terrorism

Notables

Saint Leo University is outstanding at providing students with opportunities to succeed, such as internships, field placements, and other hands-on learning activities. Students can earn a police standard certificate with training at the Pasco-Hernando Police Academy, or intern with agencies like the U.S. District Court, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Customs. Students can also participate in co-curricular activities such as the national criminal justice honor society, Alpha Phi Sigma.

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management at Kansas Wesleyan is one of the few of its kind in the state of Kansas. It is offered completely online or completely on-campus, or as a hybrid of the two. This program is ranked #8 in the top 20 Most Affordable Emergency Management programs by Emergency Management Degree Program Guide. In addition to a stand-alone major, the curriculum also has room for an optional minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, a unique feature.

Program Features

This program is unique in that students are afforded the opportunity to learn the language of technology and data, and to collaborate with private and public partners and institutions. In addition to the minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems, the degree also features the ability to concentrate in Homeland Security, Business Continuity, and Non-Governmental Organizations. A minor in Criminal Justice is also available. Required core coursework includes:

• Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness
• Disaster Response and Recovery
• Crisis Communication
• Emergency Management Internship

Notables

Kansas Wesleyan features small class sizes and one-on-one attention from faculty. Each student is granted a faculty mentor and advisor to aid them in becoming emergency management specialists. Students will complete required internships to obtain hands-on experiences, and also study with faculty who have hands-on experienced in emergency management. The university has partnerships with local, regional, and national Emergency Management experts and organizations and is the only college in the state of Kansas to host FEMA’s 2015 L-363 Multi-Hazard Emergency Planning for Higher Education.

Overview

American Public University offers a comprehensive training program in Homeland Security entirely online. Students receive a broad range of educational opportunities as they take courses in liberal arts, terrorism, counterterrorism, hazard management, intelligence, and many other components of national security. The degree is taught by highly experienced and credentialed instructors, many of whom currently hold positions in homeland security.

Program Features

American Public was established to serve over 70,000 military and public service professionals with distance learning programs. In addition to 30 semester-hours of general education requirements, students studying Homeland Security will also take integral classes such as:

• Research Methods in Homeland Security Studies
• Introduction to Homeland Security and Defense
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Border and Coastal Security
• Intelligence and Homeland Security
• Homeland Security Legal and Ethical Issues

Notables

Students graduate from this program prepared to work in demanding careers in the intelligence community, as well as the Department of Homeland Security and comparable organizations. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on learning opportunities and cooperative education, the program is designed to prepare students to enter immediately into the profession. The program can be completed full- or part-time and is designed with working professionals in mind.

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security is available either entirely online or at the scenic Regent campus in Virginia Beach. This program is designed with a Christian worldview in mind, and focuses on contemporary issues of criminal law, terrorism, and law enforcement. Graduates go on to work in rewarding careers such as probation, border patrol, customs, and homeland security.

Program Features

Most courses in this program are offered in 8-week chunks, allowing students to move quickly through the material and get out into the workforce with ease. Required courses for the major include:

• Criminal Law
• Homeland Security
• Domestic and International Terrorism
• Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
• Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice
• Criminal Evidence

Notables

This affordable program offers rock-bottom tuition rates, starting at just $595 per credit hour, with discounts available for students taking more than 18 hours per semester. Online students pay less than $395 per credit hour, making this a phenomenal value for busy working professionals. Regent was at the top of the list of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Virginia by U.S. News and World Report, and is also recognized as one of the fastest growing schools in the nation.

Overview

Walden University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security that is specially designed to meet the post-9/11 society. Students will obtain hands-on training in disaster response, border patrol, first response, emergency relief, and mitigating situations related to weapons of mass destruction. Walden is a young institution, having served the higher education needs of adult learners for only forty-five years, but is already developing a profound reputation in the field.

Program Features

This program features a variety of concentrations to help students meet their personal and professional goals, such as Computer Information Systems and Security, Human Services, Crime and Criminals, Homeland Security, and Criminal Justice Management and Administration. Required courses for the Homeland Security Concentration include:

• WMD and Disaster Response
• Terrorisms
• Critical Incidents and Cross-Agency Coordination
• Data Analysis for the Criminal Professional
• Juvenile Delinquency and Justice
• Contemporary Criminal Justice Systems

Notables

This program offers a $1,000 grant each year to students in the United States planning to start the program in 2018. In addition to this outstanding scholarship opportunity, each student is also considered for financial aid. Students are highly successful at finding jobs upon graduation, largely because they work closely with close organizational partnerships while engaging in internships and other hands-on learning experiences.

Overview

SUNY Canton’s Homeland Security program was designed to prepare students for top-ranking positions in both the public and private sectors. This program provides an easy transition for students who already earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from the university, as well as those entering into the program with other law enforcement backgrounds. This program is offered online as well as on campus, and can be started at any time of the year. This makes it ultra-convenient for professionals who are juggling both work and school commitments.

Program Features

SUNY Canton’s degree is unique in that it offers students hands-on training from faculty who have experience in intelligence analysis and investigation. It also includes analysis of practices and techniques that were implemented upon the passing of the US Patriot Act. Required coursework includes:

• Critical Issues in Criminal Justice
• Fundamentals of Homeland Security
• Business Communications
• Civil Liberties & Homeland security
• Terrorism through the Ages
• Law Enforcement Intelligence Systems in Homeland Security

Notables

This program is top-ranked by Affordable Colleges Online, who recognized its high-value, low-cost programs. It includes a final semester of an internship with a criminal justice area, and also provides students with advanced training in identifying, responding to, and preventing threats in both the public and private sectors. Students receive the same certification in the Incident Command System/National Incident Management System as other first responders throughout the nation, a unique and marketable feature of this program.

Overview

Founded in 1909, North Carolina Central was the first public liberal arts institution for African Americans in the country. Now, it is a larger institution that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The concentration in Homeland Security is offered through the Department of Criminal Justice at North Carolina Central. This dynamic program prepares students to be critical and analytical in a hands-on approach to homeland security and related fields, such as law enforcement, emergency management, and counterterrorism.

Program Features

Required courses include:

• Introduction to Homeland Security
• Emergency Management and Recovery
• Infrastructure Protection
• Homeland Security, Theory, Policy, and Practice

In addition to these core courses, students also have the opportunity to serve on the university’s Emergency Response Team, CERT, and to partake in its basic training course. The university also works closely with FEMA so that students may go on to pursue careers in the FEMA CORE program upon graduation.

Notables

This program benefits from a close partnership with the resources offered at North Carolina Central. In particular, the Institute for Homeland Security and Workforce Development provides students with a number of opportunities to learn about homeland security issues. Students receive access to present to North Carolina Legislature, participate in focus groups, and attend future funding meetings. The institute also offers a variety of assistantships, internships, and work-study positions to help provide them with opportunities outside of their classroom studies.

Overview

The Criminal Justice program at Utica College features a specialization in Homeland Security, and is available online as well as on-campus. The online degree serves as completion program, requiring that students first obtain an associate’s degree in a related topic. Graduates of this program go on to become successful criminal justice professionals, working in research, security, policing, and other types of law enforcement.

Program Features

In addition to the Homeland Security specialization, other paths of study include Cybercriminology and Policy, White-Collar Crime, Public Policy and Leadership, and Legal Issues in Criminal Justice. This wide range of elective specializations enables students to pursue focused courses within their studies. Required courses for the homeland security concentration include:

• Policing Theory and Practice
• Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
• Emergency Management
• Security Administration
• Information Privacy
• International Criminal Justice: Issues and Comparisons
• Introduction to International Politics

Notables

Utica College offers all the benefits of an independent, private institution, while at the same time featuring all the bells and whistles of a large research university. The college offers an array of undergraduate and graduate degree options, all taught by outstanding faculty in small class sizes. The Utica alumni body is over 19,00 strong, containing leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector. Students at Utica often develop strong, long-lasting connections with their instructors and fellow classmates which carry far past graduation.

Overview

Brandman College prepares students for fast-paced, rewarding careers in a post-9/11 world. In the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, students develop profound understandings of criminal behavior and crime prevention. They also work to deepen their communication skills, leadership skills, and problem-solving skills. This program starts at just $500 per credit hour, making it an affordable option regardless of whether it is pursued online or on-campus.  

Program Features

In addition to the concentration in Homeland Security, the criminal justice major also features concentrations in Forensic, Social Justice, and Corrections. These concentrations provide students with a large variety of courses from which to choose. Within the Homeland Security concentration, a sample schedule might include classes such as:

• Homeland Security
• Counterterrorism
• Domestic Terrorism
• Applied Criminology
• Social Research Design
• Sociology of Deviant Behavior
• Police and Society

Notables

Brandman University is one of the most military- and adult-friendly colleges in the country, serving a large and diverse student body. Its programs are consistently ranked among the best by U.S. News and World Report, particularly in regards to its service for active-duty and veteran military members. The university features a high graduation rate above 80 percent, largely due to the exceptional attention devoted to students by faculty members, all of whom are practitioners as well as experts in their fields.

Overview

National University offers an online program in Homeland Security and Emergency Management that focuses on the management of natural and manmade disasters. It is designed for students who plan to work in the public sector or for private industry, in careers such as security, disaster management, and federal government management.

Program Features

This program is comprised of eleven core courses and five electives. These courses are offered in an accelerated format, with a single month on site and the rest spent online. A sample schedule might include classes such as:

• Domestic Security Management
• Intro to Public Administration
• Leading Diverse Groups & Teams
• International & Domestic Terrorism
• Interviewing and Interrogation
• Information Security
• Border-Transportation Security
• Crisis Management

Notables

National University was founded by a retired military member, and continues to offer top-notch education to active-duty and veteran military members, as well as other adult learners. Courses are offered in unique 4-week formats, allowing students to move quickly through their studies. This school is a Yellow Ribbon school, accepting the post 9/11 GI Bill so that military members pay virtually nothing for their education. National’s alumni body currently includes over 150,000 individuals worldwide.

Overview

Jacksonville State was founded in 1883 and offers over 45 different degree programs. This highly affordable university offers a comprehensive program in Emergency Management. Over 83 percent of all Jacksonville State students receive some sort of financial aid. With multiple scholarships available and several convenient study options, the university is a great choice for individuals looking to quickly and inexpensively earn a degree.

Program Features

With a total of 120 total credit-hours required, this program includes a variety of elective and core content area courses. Coursework can be supplemented with an optional minor in Homeland Security or a minor in Public Safety Telecommunications. Required classes for the major include:

• Introduction to Disaster Management
• Disaster Mitigation and Preparedness
• Populations at Risk
• Disaster Response and Recovery
• Research in Disasters and Emergency Management

Notables

This accredited program is rated as one of the best in the nation, offering extensive experiences led by distinguished faculty. Over 600 students have graduated from one of the university’s Emergency Management programs, including the Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Science. These programs are highly convenient, allowing students to take classes at the time and place that work best for them.

Overview

Clayton State’s Bachelor of Applied Science offers a range of concentrations, including Technology Management, Administrative Management, and, of course, Homeland Security/Emergency Management. Most courses in this program are offered in a partially online or completely online format. Studies prepare students for careers in counter-terrorism, emergency and disaster planning, and law at the federal, state, and local levels.

Program Features

Clayton State features a diverse student population representing 34 states and 32 countries. Courses are taught by outstanding faculty who emphasize the importance of career preparation at an affordable price. Required classes for the concentration include:

• Homeland Security
• Emergency Management
• Counter-Terrorism
• Disaster Planning and Response
• Legal Issues in Homeland Security

Notables

Students in this program learn through experiences such as internships, hands-on experiences, and active demonstrations. The campus in suburban Atlanta is vibrant and exciting, offering students over 200 acres of interactive learning spaces. Class sizes are exceptionally small, allowing students personalized attention and a supportive, inclusive community.

Overview

Austin Peay offers a number of programs online as well as on multiple scenic campuses. The Criminal Justice program at Austin Peay is delivered at several locations. It offers a homeland security minor to help students gain crucial understandings of the applications of homeland security on the street as well as the national level. Austin Peay makes programs affordable and accessible to busy working professionals, as well as active duty and veteran military members. Tuition discounts, waivers, and credits are available for students who qualify.

Program Features

This program is small, taught by a small faculty of just six instructors. It emphasizes the importance of academic understandings in criminal justice as well as practical applications. Required classes include:

• Domestic Terrorism
• Terrorism and the Law
• International Terrorism
• Management of Incidents
• Public Personnel Administration
• Crime Prevention

Notables

Students have multiple opportunities to engage in interactive learning opportunities outside of the classroom as well. The department sponsors APSU, the campus sponsor of the Phi Kappa Chapter of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Through this organization, students learn about educational and career opportunities in criminal justice and form long-lasting professional networks. Graduates from this program go on to successful careers in U.S Customs, FBI, and State Police.

Overview

The Bachelor of Security Studies in Border and Homeland Security at Angelo State University is designed to enhance students’’ understanding of modern topics in border security within the broader topic of homeland security. Students take classes in criminal justice, emergency management, homeland security, and law. A related Master of Science in Criminal Justice is also available to help students pursue studies at a deeper level.  

Program Features

This highly interdisciplinary program draws from other areas of study, such as biology, management, foreign language and social psychology. Class sizes are small, with as few as 10 to 15 students. Required courses include:

• Cultural Competence
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Communication
• Border Security

Notables

This program directly benefits active duty military members as well as civilians in an effort to provide affordable, accessible undergraduate degrees. In fact, Angelo State is ranked as one of the best colleges by The Princeton Review, offering over 100 different majors. This dynamic learning community, located in idyllic west Texas, showcases some of the best student services in the country. The residence halls are ranked as some of the most inviting yet affordable in the country, and the college also offers dozens of intramural and club sports teams to give students access to memorable experiences outside of class.

Overview

Medaille College’s program in Homeland Security features small class sizes and one-on-one advising and mentorship with faculty and staff. These instructors have real-world experience in the field, with many working as federal agents, lawyers, and advocates even while they teach. The program features six credit-hours of hands-on internship experiences, providing students with access to practical experiences before graduating from college. This rigorous training allows students to enter directly into the workforce or into graduate studies, if desired.

Program Features

This program focuses on a variety of topics, including criminal law, ethics, courts, communication, technology, and more. With easy-to-follow transfer agreements with multiple two-year programs, Medaille provides an easy pathway to graduation. Besides homeland security, three unique concentrations are available, including law and society, law enforcement administration and criminal investigations, and juvenile and family justice. It can be completed in less than two years, with students taking anywhere between one to four courses a semester. Each course only lasts seven weeks.

Notables

Medaille offers a vibrant campus community in the city of Buffalo, providing students with access to hundreds of employers and professional connections. Over two dozen clubs and activities are available, providing a student-centered, empowering environment. Financial aid and scholarships are available for eligible students, making it easy for students to obtain degrees and go on to successful careers in law enforcement, security, and emergency management.

Overview

Columbia College is a women’s college that offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. This program is the gold standard for law enforcement and homeland security professionals. It enables students to pursue careers with the CIA, FBI, airport security, and homeland security departments. Evening and online courses are available, as are multiple concentrations in topics such as forensics, as well as leadership and risk management. For students looking for a more specialized, simplistic approach to criminal justice, a general track is also available.  

Program Features

One hundred percent of classes at Columbia are taught by full-time faculty. Required classes include:

• Homeland Security
• Management of Criminal Justice Agencies
• Criminal Law
• Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice
• Laws of Criminal Evidence

Notables

With a 13:1 student to faculty ratio, Columbia College offers exceptional student support and networking. Over 94 percent of Columbia College graduates are either employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. This is largely the result of faculty attention, but also experiential learning opportunities such as internships and cooperative learning experiences. As a result, it is ranked a Best Value College by U.S. News and World Report.

Overview

The bachelor of science in criminal justice at Pfeiffer is a degree completion program that prepares candidates for rewarding careers in law enforcement or criminology. It includes a special emphasis in homeland security to provide developing professionals with the training necessary to address homeland threats both domestic and abroad. Pfeiffer is rated one of the best online colleges in North Carolina, and while this program is offered on-campus, it is also offered entirely online.

Program Features

While Pfeiffer offers prior learning credits for previous educational experience or even just knowledge in a subject, most students will take around 30 semester hours of core courses after obtaining an associate’s degree in a related field (or liberal arts).The curriculum includes challenging coursework such as:

• Introduction to Emergency Management
• Homeland Security
• White Collar Crime Investigations
• Terrorism
• Criminal Justice and Society
• Juvenile Justice

Notables

Pfeiffer recognizes the value and significance of real-world experiences, and as a result offers exceptional off-campus learning opportunities in every major. Students have access to internships and practicums either during the semester or summer months. Pfeiffer also helps students gain connections to externships, as well as volunteer opportunities both on- and off-campus. Upperclassmen have access to leadership positions, such as those as campus leaders or peer mentors, that help build them to build their resumes and gain experience in managing and leading others.

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at Thomas Edison was designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of topics such as security, law enforcement, emergency mitigation, and business. The program helps students learn how to make decisions in a post-9/11 world. Featuring 120 total credit-hours, the degree is offered entirely online and can be followed by either Thomas Edison’s Master of Science in Homeland Security or Master of Science in Management programs, if so desired.

Program Features

A range of elective courses are available that allow students to hone their interests into a specific area, such as war, international relations, social psychology, or even game theory. First, a core set of foundational courses must be taken, such as:

• Terrorism
• Counterterrorism: Constitutional and Legislative Issues
• Homeland Security: Preparedness, Prevention, and Deterrence
• Protecting the Homeland, Response, and Recovery
• Research Methods in the Social Sciences
• Capstone in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Notables

Thomas Edison has an international reputation for providing academic excellence and student support. It is one of the first schools in the state of New Jersey to be dedicated specifically to adult education and offers high-quality programs in more than 100 areas of study. Students may receive prior learning credits for experiences acquired outside of the classroom, making this valuable degree easy and inexpensive to complete.

Overview

Tiffin University’s goal is to prepare students to protect the nation. The major in Homeland Security and Terrorism provides students with crucial training in terrorism and homeland security, while at the same time grants them the opportunity to both plan for and assess real-world situations. Students learn how to address security threats at a local as well as national level.

Program Features

Offered both online and on-campus, this program features flexible courses that can be started at just about any time throughout the year. Most online courses last about seven weeks, with two terms per semester. Sample courses for the major include:

• Homeland Security Overview
• Concepts of Terrorism
• Critical Infrastructure Protection
• Emergency Organization and Management

Notables

Students have access to multiple extracurricular opportunities related to homeland security on campus. Tiffin students formed a Global Affairs Organization to help drive campus interest to national and homeland security challenges. This organization arranges field trips, hosts services and trainings, and visits campuses around the country. Dynamic organizations such as these offered at Tiffin provide students with the ability to address real-world threats while developing a career-marketable twenty-first-century skill set.

Overview

Mercy College features a unique Bachelor of Science in Corporate and Homeland Security. This 4-year program is offered through the School of Business and is the first of its kind, providing students with the broad training necessary to pursue professional leadership careers in the private or public sectors where business and security commingle. Students in this program receive one-on-one academic advising and mentorship with outstanding faculty members. These instructors help students explore career opportunities and scholarships, and also help them to pursue internships and cooperative learning experiences.

Program Features

Coursework in this program centers around the use of the National Incident Management System. Students work diligently at building teamwork skills, as well as exploring multidisciplinary topics in other fields. Required coursework includes:

• Investigative Technology and Reporting
• Foundations of Risk Management
• Legal Aspects of Security Management
• Introduction to Cybersecurity
• Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity
• Principles of Management

Notables

Students in this program have an established track record of receiving prestigious internships with the top agencies that work to secure the nation. As a result, graduates go on to rewarding careers in criminal justice, emergency management, federal law enforcement, government service, cybersecurity, and much more. A certificate program is also available in this discipline for students seeking a brief – yet comprehensive – overview of the topic.

Overview

Concordia University’s fully online Homeland Security and Emergency Management program allows motivated candidates to earn their bachelor’s degree in as little as 16 months. This offers students the flexibility to complete a degree when it’s most convenient for them, as courses are offered asynchronously and can be accessed from anywhere in the country. The program emphasizes the resource management, communication, and advanced planning skills that are necessary to manage natural and man-made catastrophes, sabotage, terrorism, and cybercrime.

Program Features

This program features a mixture of coursework and practical experience, providing students with the hands-on skills that employers desire. Each course is taught by active and retired police and fire commanders, federal agents, and military leaders. Required classes include:

• Psychology of Terrorism
• Risk Assessment, Analysis, and Impact
• Roots of Terrorism
• Cyber Security
• Emergency Preparedness
• Moral Decision Making, Policies, and Civil Rights
• Character and the Ethics of Leadership

Notables

For students interested in homeland security but not yet committed to pursuing a full major, Concordia offers a minor and also homeland security as a secondary field of study. These both require 15 credit-hours of study, but make access to this important, diverse topic attainable for students of all majors. Concordia is also home to the Center for Emergency Solutions, a real-life center offering one-of-a-kind training in incident command and emergency management. This station regularly uses simulation, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality to bring students closer to real-world experiences. It is a profound tool for students seeking exposure to high-stress, high-risk situations.

Overview

Vincennes University is home to a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety that exposes students to the concepts and issues of a rapidly changing domestic and international environment. Students learn a variety of concepts and skills, ranging from mitigation response, recovery, risk management, counterterrorism, and even homeland security law. This program prepares students interested in entering directly into the workforce in public sector careers, or for private employment in corporate and international security.  

Program Features

Each student is required to complete an internship in public safety as a core component of their studies at Vincennes. In this internship, students will work or volunteer in any public safety area, and focus on developing managerial or staff duties that are relevant to that industry. Other major program requirements include:

• Basic Cyber Crime and Computer Forensics
• Responding to Terrorism Incidents
• Emergency Medical Technician
• Fire Cause and Determination
• Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Crisis and Disaster Issues in Homeland Security and Public Safety
• Ethics for the Homeland Security and Public Safety Professional

Notables

Vincennes is widely recognized for its leadership in innovation. It was Indiana’s first college and founded on principles that are still active today, such as that education must be both affordable and accessible. Today the campus sits on over two hundred acres and offers two hundred academic programs that showcase the university’s academic excellence. Each program at Vincennes is constantly being revisited and revised to ensure that it is open, cooperative, data-informed, and culturally diverse. This university’s excellent program in Homeland Security allows students the autonomy to direct their own learning, as well as to benefit from faculty members with decades of experience.