Most Affordable Online Master's In Security Degrees

Overview

Pace University is a private school located in Manhattan, New York City. It also has campuses throughout the region and online. Pace is organized into nearly ten schools and colleges and has more than 13,000 students.

Features

For those who want to develop their leadership skills, Pace offers an MA in Management for Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals degree. This program was designed after the standards put forth by the Center for Homeland Security. Students are trained in both public and private sector law enforcement and public health through a curriculum that includes:

• US Constitution and Ethical Issues
• Public Sector Management
• Public Sector Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
• Plus a research colloquium and capstone

Notables

Pace University is not only a well-ranked university with notable contributions in a range of research areas, but it boasts solid numbers in its financial offerings. 92 percent of Pace students receive financial aid and scholarship assistance.

Overview

Nova Southeastern University is a private school with its primary campus located in Davie, FL. NSU is organized into 18 colleges and schools, through which it offers hundreds of academic and professional degree programs. Around 25,000 students attend NSU.

Features

NSU’s Department of History and Political Science offers a 36 credit-hour MS in National Security Affairs. This program is equal parts theory, research, and application. You will develop a central understanding of critical issues that face national security with the option to specialize in Cyber Security. Core classes include:

• Current Issues in National Security
• National Intelligence Collection and Analysis
• Border Protection and Military Issues
• US Foreign Policy and National Security

Notables

The Carnegie Foundation recognizes NSU as an active research university, and U.S. News & World Report includes the university in its annual national rankings. On top of these academic accolades, The Economist found that NSU has some of the best return on investment for its graduates.

Overview

Located in Baltimore County, MD, Towson University is a public school and part of the University System of Maryland. It was founded as a teacher’s college but today offers hundreds of academic and professional programs to its 22,000 students. Indeed, Towson is one of Maryland’s largest universities.

Features

The MS in Integrated Homeland Security Management degree at Towson explores agency infrastructures and teaches students how to analyze security strategies. While at Towson you will develop leadership skills in team-building and cooperative planning while also learning how to respond rapidly and effectively to crisis situations. Courses include:

• Critical National Infrastructures
• Emergency Communication and Management
• Strategic and Tactical Planning
• Introduction to Information Assurance

Notables

Towson is known for its affordability, its academic excellence, its community outreach, and its commitments to campus sustainability. For example, Forbes includes on its list of top 100 public colleges and Kiplinger’s includes it on its list of 100 best value universities.

Overview

St. John’s University is located in and around New York City, with its primary campus in Queens. A private, Roman Catholic school, St. John’s is home to over 21,000 students. It is organized into 11 schools and colleges through which it provides more than 100 academic degree programs.

Features

At SJU you can earn an online Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership. This program confronts the newest developments in international crime, including new technologies. While core courses cover homeland security leadership, the US constitution, and criminal justice policy, electives reflect SJU’s breadth of learning opportunities:

• Criminological Theory
• Seminar in Global Terrorism
• Police Leadership: A Global Perspective
• Court Administration and Leadership

Notables

The Chronicle of Higher Education has praised the university first for its student mobility rate. Likewise, many of its discrete departments, schools, and programs are nationally ranked. For example, Forbes includes St. John’s on its “America’s Top Colleges” list.

Overview

American Public University is part of the larger American Public University System. It is a private, online university that offers distance education opportunities at all degree levels. More than 80,000 students are enrolled in the APU System.

Features

At APU when you earn your MA in Homeland Security you will be introduced to an advanced-level of insight into intelligence methods, terrorism, homeland defense, interagency government, and much more. Most significantly, you’ll graduate able to analyze domestic security challenges and specialize in one of eight ways:

• Counter-Terrorism Studies
• Cyber Crime
• Emergency Management and Public Health
• Intelligence Studies

Notables

Because the American Military University is also part of the APU System, many students, across all the schools in the system, have served or are currently serving in the military. For this reason, among others, APU is known for its service to active military and student veterans.

Overview

The University of Maryland University College is a public university based in Adelphi, MD. With around 90,000 distance students, UMUC is one of the nation’s largest providers of online education. UMUC offers 120 academic programs across all degree levels.

Features

UMUC’s Management Master’s degree is in Homeland Security Management. This program is a balanced mix of business and public safety fundamentals that will train you to perform accurate risk assessments. You will also learn how to plan for and oversee operational recoveries while developing effective strategies to protect people and populations. Classes include:

• Critical Infrastructures
• Resilience Planning and Preparedness for Disaster Response and Recovery
• The Law, Regulation, and Ethics of Information Assurance
• Biosecurity and Bioterrorism

Notables

UMUC is a great spot for active duty and student veterans. It has been designated a “Best for Vets” university and is ranked first among all military friendly colleges by Military Times. Even more, UMUC won the Institution Award from the Council of College and Military Educators.

Overview

Eastern Kentucky is located throughout and around Richmond, KY. It has more than 16,000 combined undergraduate and graduate students and offers around 50 academic programs. Additionally, EKU provides 40 online degree programs.

Features

For those who want a broader education on public safety, EKU offers an online Master’s in Safety with a concentration in Homeland Security. In addition to taking core courses on emergency management, preparedness and response, legislation, and auditing, you’ll also take specialized coursework in security:

• Foundations of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Infrastructure Protection and Risk Analysis
• Terrorism and Intelligence
• Natural Hazards and Threats to the Nation

Notables

EKU has been recognized for being among the Top Public Schools, for being one of the best universities in its region, and for its online programs. The university is known for its strengths in innovative, alternative distance education.

Overview

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, research-driven institution located in Richmond. VCU was first founded as a medical college but today offers hundreds of degree opportunities to its 32,000 students. The university is designated an active research center by the Carnegie Foundation.

Features

At VCU you can earn a Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. This is a highly interdisciplinary degree program wherein students gain both a theoretical foundation and the tools they need to effect change in their communities. The curriculum focuses on both international and domestic security and includes classes such as:

• Government, Industry, and Community Strategic Planning
• Survey of Terrorism
• Technology, Security, and Preparedness
• Law Enforcement Policy and Judicial Precedent

Notables

VCU is known for its many research institutions, cultural centers, and academic scholars programs. It is well ranked by several sources, such as U.S. News & World Report. But it also recognized by such publications as Creativity Magazine and The New York Times.

Overview

More than 10,000 students attend Arkansas Tech University. Located in Russellville, ATU is comprised of six colleges plus an online campus and another physical campus tucked in the Ozarks. ATU was founded as a technical college and today is known for its strengths in engineering, political science, nursing, criminal justice, and education.

Features

ATU offers an MS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security program where students can enroll in either the thesis or non-thesis track. The former encourages nine credit hours of research and applied data analysis while the latter requires capstone projects and professional practical experience. Both require completed coursework in:

• Principles of Emergency Management
• Fundamentals of Homeland Security
• Ethical, Legal, and Political Considerations in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Technology for Comprehensive Emergency Management

Notables

ATU’s online programs are well ranked by U.S. News & World Report. On top of its reputation for providing elite technical and professional degrees, ATU is also known for its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Half of its buildings are recognized by the National Register.

Overview

Northwestern State University is in Natchitoches, LA. It is part of the wider University of Louisiana System and was founded as a teacher’s college. Today, however, NSU is home to more than 10,000 students who are enrolled in one of the University’s 50 academic programs.

Features

The MS in Homeland Security program at NSU’s global campus introduces students to the emerging challenges of globalization. You will therefore study transnational security issues and their global implications as well as international and domestic terrorism. This is an ideal program for those seeking an international approach to security. Classes include:

• International Terrorism, Transnational Organization Crime, and Covert Operations
• Venue and Event Security
• Domestic Terrorism Prevention and Analysis
• Research Design and Methods in Homeland Security

Notables

NSU in Louisiana is a known military friendly school with a strong ROTC program. Students studying homeland security have access to the military science department and its networks, projects, and archives. Further, NSU’s online programs are well ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Overview

National University is a private school based in La Jolla, CA. The university specializes in online and distance education and it has campuses throughout the state and in Nevada. National is comprised of four professional schools and two colleges. Around 24,000 students attend National.

Features

The MS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management degree from National University is interdisciplinary and research-focused. You’ll study the ins and outs of homeland security, everything from terrorism to natural disasters. And you’ll become an expert in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from crises and catastrophes. Classes include:

• Infrastructure Protection
• Leading Complex Environment
• Domestic Terrorism
• Managing Information Security

Notables

With its long-standing history of offering degrees online, National is a leader in alternative education. Indeed, students can even studying through the university’s hybrid program, which allows for both on campus and distance education. National was also founded by veterans and is therefore a leader in military education.

Overview

Angelo State University is a public school and member of the Texas Tech University System. It is located in San Angelo, TX and offers over 150 academic programs to its 10,000 undergraduate and graduates students. Angelo State specializes in business, education, nursing, science, and health degrees.

Features

When you earn an MS in Homeland Security degree from Angelo State you will graduate an expert in everything from drug and human trafficking to cybersecurity. This broad-based degree was designed to meet the growing needs of homeland security and law enforcement, which are both facing the growth of transnational crime. In addition to core courses, electives at Angelo State are wide-ranging and include:

• Cryptology
• Advanced Studies in Human Trafficking
• Transportation Security
• Data Mining

Notables

Angelo State is classified as a space-grant institution and is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. It is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as being among the “Top 10 Up and Coming Regional Universities.” Additionally, Military Times praises Angelo State for treatment of student vets and active military.

Overview

Colorado Technical University is a leader in online and distance education. Nearly 90 percent of its students study online. CTU also specializes in professional and technical degrees, with its popular programs being business, health sciences, tech, and management.

Features

Colorado Tech offers students a broad graduate criminal justice degree wherein they can specialize in homeland security. Students explore a range of areas, from organizational and policy challenges to vulnerability analysis, technological solutions, homeland security and government, and more. Classes include:

• Issues of Diversity in Criminal Justice
• Terrorism and Homeland Security Management
• Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making
• Criminology and Public Policy

Notables

CTU is well ranked for its online programs and distance education. U.S. News & World Report has recognized it for having some of the best online graduate program, best online graduate criminal justice programs, and much more.

Overview

Purdue is top-ranked research university located in West Lafayette, IN. Offering more than 200 academic programs, Purdue’s most popular degrees and research strengths are in the STEM fields as well as in business, engineering, English, and more. Around 40,000 students attend Purdue.

Features

Purdue offers an MS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management through their global university. Students graduating from Purdue’s program are trained experts in environmental disasters and terrorism. They focus on the legal, social, economic, and political aspects of homeland security through Purdue’s comprehensive curriculum. Indeed, coursework includes:

• Risk, Vulnerability, and Capability Assessment Methods
• Homeland Security Policies, Principles, Procedures, and Plans
• Planning and Operations in Crisis and Emergency Management
• Crisis and Emergency Management Fundamentals

Notables

Purdue is a flagship university and a member of the Big Ten Conference. It is well ranked across many categories and throughout many departments. For example, U.S. News & World Report ranks Purdue sixtieth among all national universities and colleges.

Overview

California University of Pennsylvania is a member of the larger Pennsylvania State System. With around 10,000 students, Cal U is a public university. It offers more than 150 academic and professional degree programs across all levels.

Features

For those who want a law degree, consider California University of Pennsylvania’s unique online program. Cal U offers an MS in Legal Studies with a concentration in Homeland Security. While investigating the nuances of domestic extremism in the US, you’ll also study biological and chemical threats, intelligence practices, and threat analysis. Graduates have gone on to work for:

• The Department of Homeland Security
• The Secret Service
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Local and State Law Enforcement

Notables

Among its many academic accolades, Cal U is an innovative school known for its emphasis on career and leadership development. For example, its Outreach Mission program provides opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders and develop their own management styles.

Overview

Excelsior College is a private school located in Albany, NY. Organized into five schools, Excelsior provides degrees in business, technology, health, nursing, and public service. Around 36,000 students attend Excelsior.

Features

Excelsior’s MS in Criminal Justice degree can be paired with a specialization in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This program was designed with working professionals in mind, specifically those working in criminal justice or those with a military background. In addition to coursework on criminal justice theory, policy, and application, you’ll also take:

• Risk Assessment in Homeland Security
• Terrorism and Counter Terrorism
• Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Notables

Excelsior is renowned for its commitment to alternative, accessible education. It offers a liberal credit transfer policy and it boasts an established non-resident, distance education program. The college also specializes in non-collegiate training and professional exam prep.

Overview

Located in Beverly, MA, just outside of Boston, Endicott College is a small private school. It is perched on the shore of the Massachusetts Bay and serves around 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Though the College also has satellite and online programs too.

Features

Endicott offers an MS in Homeland Security Studies that can be combined with one of two specializations: cybersecurity or emergency management. It’s also possible to take additional classes in homeland security and generally specialize too. All options require you take classes such as:

• Intelligence Issues in Homeland Security
• Emergency Management in Homeland Security
• Transportation Security
• Asymmetric Threats to the American Homeland

Notables

Endicott College is notably recognized for something truly unique: its ghosts! Endicott is listed among archives and anthologies that catalog haunted colleges. Of course, the college is also regionally ranked and nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report, among others.

Overview

Adelphi University is located in Garden City, NY. Though it also has campuses throughout the state of New York and online. Adelphi is comprised of more than half a dozen colleges and schools plus 8,000 combined undergraduates.

Features

Adelphi’s MS in Emergency Management program prepares students to work in a range of settings, including everything from state and local governments to disaster relief organizations, colleges, hospitals and more. You’ll graduate an expert in risk analysis and disaster response. Some of the classes you’ll take include:

• Business Continuity Planning
• Management Theory and Organizational Behavior
• Leadership and Innovation in Complex
• Securing the Homeland

Notables

Adelphi’s awards and recognitions are many. It is ranked among some of the best national universities. It is known for its online programs, notably its graduate degrees. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranks Adelphi as having some of the best.

Overview

Thomas Edison State University is located in Trenton, NJ and was, indeed, named after famous inventor Thomas Alva Edison. The university offers more than 100 academic programs to its more than 17,000 students. Though offering many liberal arts academic opportunities, Thomas Edison is known for its professional programs in business, tech, science, and health.

Features

Thomas Edison State University offers an MS in Homeland Security degree that is comprised of 36 credit-hours and was designed for working adults. With an emphasis on leadership development, this program explores both domestic and global issues in security, including theory, analysis, and policy. Classes include:

• Terrorism and Homeland Security in the US
• Natural Disasters and Search Planning
• Protecting the Homeland: Balancing Security and Liberty
• Preparedness: Prevention and Deterrence

Notables

There are many ways to pursue an education through Thomas Edison State. The university offers dozens of online degrees and many ways to earn college credit, including “e-Pack®” courses that that are well-suited for independent learners who prefer a study schedule that does not require assignments or mentor interaction. Credit can also be earned through military training, professional experience, and much more.

Overview

Salve Regina University is a Catholic school located in Newport, RI. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Salve Regina maintains its religious roots to this day. Around 2,700 undergraduate and grad students attend Salve Regina.

Features

Salve Regina offers an Administration of Justice and Homeland Security degree. This program considers the historical, ethical, behavioral, technological, and legal aspects of security. And there are three ways to concentrate: in cybersecurity and intelligence, digital forensics, or in leadership in justice. All tracks, however, require coursework in:

• Constitutional Issues
• Theories of Justice
• Public Policy in the Global Environment
• Management Issues in the Justice System

Notables

Salve Regina is ranked among the top 50 best universities in its region by U.S. News & World Report. On top of its academic reputation, Salve Regina is also among some of the best universities in its service to student veterans and active military. It also boasts one of the nation’s most beautiful campuses, perched on the cliffs of Newport overlooking the Atlantic.