The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is tasked with preparing for, preventing and responding to domestic emergencies, including terrorism and natural disasters. In this homeland security master’s degree, you’ll learn how to develop protection, mitigation and preparedness measures to minimize and prevent the impacts of natural and human-made threats and hazards.
Homeland security is one of five concentrations available as part of the Master of Arts in emergency management and homeland security program. Concentrations are typically chosen based on previous professional experience and personal interests. In this concentration, you’ll cover a variety of topics, including disaster prevention and response, management best practices and public policy.
Additional concentrations include:
- Biosecurity and threat management.
- Community resilience.
- Cybersecurity policy and management.
- Emergency management.
What you can do with a master’s in homeland security
Throughout this homeland security master’s, you’ll build important leadership skills needed to guide local or national response to potential emergencies, disasters and other societal threats before, during and after crises. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to take on positions across government agencies, corporations and nonprofits in a variety of fields.
Additionally, private sector firms are increasingly hiring personnel to provide internal security and intelligence analysis, both on physical and cyber-related threats. Private sector employers typically hire homeland security professionals in technology, finance, insurance and public health fields.
Do I need a degree to work for Homeland Security?
Earning a homeland security master’s degree may make you a stronger candidate when applying for management and analysis positions within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security or similar agencies. A master’s degree equips you with advanced skills and knowledge to better position yourself for high-level job opportunities.
Arizona State University’s Master of Arts in emergency management and homeland security with a concentration in homeland security prepares you to advance your career in fields such as law enforcement, public safety and emergency management and recovery. In this program, you’ll gain an essential understanding of the vision, mission and principles of homeland security.
In this program, you’ll complete required graduate courses in homeland security, hazards and emergency management, among others. You’ll also complete concentration courses focused on terrorism and crime. This program culminates with a capstone course in which you’ll complete an applied project of your choosing.
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our programs, which range from public policy and social work to criminal justice and emergency management, are designed to prepare graduates to make a difference in their communities.
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Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they’ve earned a bachelor's or master's degree in criminology or criminal justice, public administration or public service, sociology or social work, public safety or fire service management, parks and recreation management, applied sciences, environmental sciences or geography, public health or another closely related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants are required to submit:
- Graduate application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- A professional resume.
- A written statement, at least one page in length, that describes the applicant's educational and career goals and long-term professional development strategy.
- Two academic and/or professional letters of recommendation.
- Evidence of current employment in an organization in this field, or at least two years prior professional experience in this or a related field or a bachelor's degree in a related area.
An applicant whose native language is not English (regardless of current residency) must provide proof of English proficiency.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”