Our list of the popular online master's in homeland security features accredited programs ranked by the number of graduates, helping you identify online options with proven scale.
Key Takeaways:
- Arizona State University Online has the most popular homeland security master's program online, with 134 graduates last year.
- Virginia Commonwealth University has the highest median salary of $99,382 among homeland security master's graduates.
Read our methodology to learn more about how we rank. Following the list, we spoke to a homeland security expert, Jeff Le, a Visiting Fellow at the National Security Institute, who gives advice to prospective student interested in pursuing a master's in homeland security online.
2025 Most Popular Online Master's in Homeland Security Degrees
| Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University, Online | 134 | $18,654 | $90,117 | 93% | |
| American Public University System | 130 | $8,190 | $91,488 | 79% | |
| American University | 104 | $40,000 | N/A | 90% | |
| Columbia Southern University | 97 | $6,282 | $83,721 | 79% | |
| Webster University | 63 | $13,536 | $89,469 | 83% | |
| The George Washington University | 61 | $37,125 | N/A | 87% | |
| Florida International University | 47 | $15,675 | N/A | 93% | |
| National University | 43 | $15,912 | $93,112 | N/A | |
| University of South Florida Online | 35 | $16,221 | N/A | 93% | |
| Sam Houston State University | 35 | $26,109 | N/A | 95% | |
| Tiffin University | 33 | $22,650 | N/A | 93% | |
| Fairleigh Dickinson University | 30 | $19,353 | N/A | 62% | |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 23 | $28,294 | $99,382 | 96% | |
| Nichols College | 20 | $17,000 | N/A | 80% | |
| Pace University | 17 | $13,350 | N/A | 83% |
Analyzing The Data Of Our Popular Online Master’s Degrees in Homeland Security
So what is an online homeland security master’s?
In short, it’s a practice-forward degree that covers risk and threat analysis, policy and interagency coordination, geospatial and data tools, intelligence methods, and crisis leadership tactics. Most homeland security programs at the master's level culminate in a capstone that solves a real operational problem. It can help build the muscle you’ll use across emergency management, counter-terrorism, intelligence, cyber policy, border and transportation security, public health emergency preparedness, or NGO/humanitarian coordination.
Our list of online master’s programs in homeland security centers around program graduate popularity, and across all the programs we analyzed, recent graduating classes typically cluster from around 35 to 100+ students in a cohort.
Below, we want to dive a little deeper into the data about these programs and schools so you can get a fuller picture before committing. We include, for example, student experience data from 90,000+ verified surveys we've collected. We've also looked up the salaries of the alums who graduated from these programs, so you can see which why has the highest return in the long-run. We also include graphs to make the data easier to visualize.
The Most Recommended Schools With a Homeland Security Master's Online
Our student recommendation rates are drawn from our 90,000+ student reviews. We simply asked the question, Would you recommend your school to others?
When we look at the top recommendation rates among the most popular online homeland security master’s degrees, a pattern emerges.
Nearly all students at Virginia Commonwealth (96%, based on ~250 verified student reviews) and Sam Houston State (95%, based on ~156 reviews) say that they would choose their experience again. This kind of endorsement based on firsthand experiences is a credible stamp of trustworthiness and a clear indicator of support.
96% of students at Virginia Commonwealth (~250 reviews) and 95% at Sam Houston (~150 reviews) say that they would choose their experience again.
The homeland security programs at these schools in particular tend to be taught by people who have sat in EOCs, fusion centers, policy briefings, emergency command roles, or joint task force environments. Students recognize when examples come from actual coordination failures, real intelligence gaps, or high-stakes response decisions and that kind of practical grounding can make the coursework feel immediately relevant to agency work.
What Are The Salary Outcomes of Homeland Security Master's Degrees Online?
When program-specific earnings are available, they help you see whether graduates are landing in higher-leverage roles after graduation. Below, our data is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education and it's referring to median salaries of homeland security master's alums around four years after graduation.
Several programs on our list report median earnings in the $90k-$100k range, which are really solid figures that sit above the national baseline. For context, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (), shows that workers in "Security and Protective Service" make a median salary of $62,000 across ~1.43 million employed in the U.S., reflecting a mix of protective service, management, admin, business/financial, and other roles.
Notably, degree-holders distribute across management (13%) and business/financial operations (8%), in addition to protective service (21%). The right master’s degree can pivot you from the front-line into roles involving analysis, planning, and leadership, where salaries trend higher.
Zooming out to a broader national lens, the protective-service group overall carries a lower median than many management or analytical occupations. If a program’s alumni land around or above $90k, and its curriculum aligns with policy analysis, data/geo-analytics, cyber resilience, or EM leadership, you are likely looking at a degree that’s helping folks shift into higher-impact roles.
Leadership Under Pressure: How A Homeland Security Master's Can Shape Decision-Makers
Public Policy Expert in Homeland Security & Disaster Response
What trends are shaping the future of homeland security?
"AI-powered cybersecurity threats are growing [and these are] coming not just from states but also non-aligned groups. Physical and natural disasters continue to grow in scope, size, and scale almost year round. And concerns of extremism continue to be a major threat to the domestic homeland."
What skills do employers most value in homeland security graduates at the master's level?
"Three things jump out:
-
Critical thinking: Fundamentally the ability to navigate through ambiguity, rely on best practices, and have the flexibility to make high-stakes executive decisions.
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Fluency in AI tools: This is table stakes and talent must be fluent and comfortable utilizing frontier LLMs and tools.
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Empathy: Yes, leveraging technology is vital but homeland security is so connected with communities and the mission. The human element is absolutely central to this and so is empathy."
How do master's programs help cultivate decision-making under pressure and ethical judgment in high-stakes environments?
"Use cases and interactive exercises can certainly help facilitate the right tempo and cadence for real-world, high-leverage circumstances. Also, the ability to dive deeply into key topics and areas of interest can help develop deeper fluency on decision-making and best accessing best practices."
What challenges do online students face during a master's program in homeland security?
"Connectivity and community. Digital platforms help open doors, but it can make it tougher to foster individual relationships, build rapport with instructors, access office hours, or gain traction for future mentorship. Persistence and laser-focus on learning and absorbing information, insights, and experience can make the difference."
What kinds of careers can someone with a master's in the field be eligible for?
"Public service absolutely is at a critical time as public servants are retiring at every level of government. And key expertise, especially with technical chops would be appreciated in the private sector, especially in tech and tech adjacent roles.
Broadly speaking, a master's in the field is analogous to hands-on leadership and would translate to multiple types of roles requiring the management of teams with high-pressure and ambiguity."
EXPERT TIP
"Always ask questions and apply lessons iteratively in personal and professional instances. Being a student is a blessing, where learning is the job. This is a lifelong skill and talent that gets better with time and intentionality."
FAQs About Online Master's in Homeland Security
Can You Get a Homeland Security Degree Online?
A variety of higher education institutions offer online Homeland Security degrees at the master's level or related degrees. To complete an online graduate degree in homeland security, students need to complete around 30 credit hours’ worth of classes. They may also need to complete a master’s thesis or final examination. Some Homeland Security master's degrees supplement the online learning experience with in-person internships and applied studies, which allow students to gain real-world experience.
Still undecided? Check out similar online degrees at the graduate level: cybersecurity master's degrees, emergency management master's degrees, or criminal justice master's degrees.
What Is an Online Master's in Homeland Security?
An online master's in homeland security equips students with skills in emergency management, risk assessment, and counterterrorism. It teaches you to address complex security issues effectively and helps you gain advanced leadership and strategic analysis capabilities, preparing you to safeguard infrastructure and ensure public safety in diverse roles.
A Homeland Security degree enables students to pursue careers that facilitate national security, defense, and emergency preparedness. Some common courses of study include counteracting climate change, anti-terrorism, cybersecurity, emergency management, and more.
A master’s degree in Homeland Security typically takes one to three years. Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree in order to qualify, and some programs may have minimum GPA requirements and graduate-level college entrance exam requirements, like the GRE.
At the graduate level, students typically study a subject in greater depth than the Homeland Security and emergency management classes offered at the undergraduate level. Students pursuing a Master of Science in Homeland Security may be able to develop advanced skills when it comes to assessing and preventing threats — both digitally and in person, including threats posed by natural disasters as well as other humans.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Homeland Security?
Courses in Homeland Security are designed to prepare students to deal with real-world problems: national disasters, terrorism, climate change, cybersecurity threats, and more. Some courses are designed to offer an international perspective on security, while others focus on problems specific to the United States.
Below are some of the core courses for graduate students studying Homeland Security:
- Introduction to Homeland Security: This foundational course is often one of the first courses that students must take. Introduction to Homeland Security introduces students to current topics within the field, allowing students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to analyze and understand national security problems and strategies, as well as the historical context of the discipline within the United States.
- Critical Infrastructure Protection: Critical infrastructure is one of the core components of homeland security. In Critical Infrastructure Protection, students learn about the infrastructure of the United States, how it functions, and how to assess, analyze, and give policy recommendations for specific infrastructure sectors.
- Integrated Emergency Management: Integrated Emergency Management focuses on developing skills to minimize the impact of emergency events, like natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Students will become familiar with the tools and technologies to assess and predict risk as well as prepare for and recover from emergencies. They will also learn skills that allow them to better operate during high-stress emergency situations, including crisis decision-making, communications, resource allocation, and more.
- Hazards Governance: Hazards Governance explores the relationship between hazards; administrative management; and local, state, and national policies. Students learn how policies can help mitigate the effects of hazards and promote resiliency in the short and long term. Faculty also focus on developing students' skills when it comes to assessing and advocating for risk-reduction policies.
- International Human Rights: The study of international human rights is an important part of a degree in homeland security. Students who take a course in International Human Rights will learn how an individual’s rights are protected under international law and how to behave in accordance with international agreements surrounding human rights.
- Information Security Management: Students who take courses in Information Security Management will cover topics including security technology, risk identification and assessment, security policy and planning, security auditing, and more. They may also explore concepts in operating system security, network security, legal and ethical issues, and more.
What Concentrations Are Available in an Online Master's in Homeland Security?
Concentrations allow students to pursue studies in a specific area within the larger field of homeland security. Some common concentrations for a graduate degree in Homeland Security include cybersecurity, emergency management, public safety, and counterterrorism.
Cybersecurity
Students who choose a concentration in cybersecurity will focus on issues including information security, computer forensics, cyberattacks, and more. Some common courses within this specialization include Computer and Internet Forensics as well as Information Security Management. Students who choose this track, or pursue a cybersecurity degree, may go on to pursue careers as security analysts, incident responders, and security engineers.
Emergency Management
A concentration in emergency management allows students to gain the skills they need to identify, analyze, and respond to disasters and other emergencies. Students who pursue an emergency management degree or concentration will gain exposure to a range of topics, including emergency preparedness, the role of public, private, and nonprofit organizations in responding to emergencies, community resilience, and more.
Public Safety
Students pursuing a public safety concentration will study community relations, management strategies, emergency planning, public finance, and more. They will work to gain the necessary skills that allow them to interface with the public and government agencies while preparing for and responding to hazards.
Counterterrorism
Many Homeland Security graduate degree programs offer courses or a concentration in counterterrorism. Students in a counterterrorism concentration gain exposure to topics including counterterrorism tactics and strategies, threat assessment, biosecurity, crisis negotiation, conflict resolution, and more.
What Can You Do With a Homeland Security Degree?
Homeland security is a competitive but growing field. As the world continues to grow more interconnected and new challenges emerge, experts in homeland security will be in demand across a variety of different industries, both when it comes to protecting the U.S. from threats of terrorism as well as responding to natural disasters and climate change.
Students with a graduate degree in homeland security will have the advanced education and experience necessary to pursue specialized careers in this field.
- plan and direct responses to emergencies, including natural disasters, wars, and both technological or man-made disasters. They also coordinate and oversee response efforts during disasters or emergencies, developing plans to mitigate risks and ensure effective disaster response and recovery.
- protect institutions and organizations from cybersecurity threats. They utilize their expertise to monitor, analyze, and implement security measures to protect sensitive data and mitigate potential risks. According to the BLS, jobs in this profession are expected to grow significantly faster than the national average.
- To qualify for a role as an , professionals must either have (1) a minimum of years of full-time work experience in the field of security or (2) at least one year of experience and a graduate degree. According to the , FBI special agents leverage their expertise to proactively combat threats, enforce the law, safeguard civil liberties, and shield the innocent. Daily responsibilities may involve conducting surveillance, monitoring cyber activities of potential threats, providing courtroom testimony, and engaging in public outreach.
- earn the most among all "police and detective" jobs listed in the BLS. Professionals in this role are largely responsible for conducting investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing information to solve crimes. They work to uncover details, build cases, apprehend suspects, and assist in bringing them to justice within the legal system.
Is a Master's Degree in Homeland Security Worth It?
For many students, a master’s degree in Homeland Security can help them pursue careers that allow them to protect their country against potential disasters. Depending on which area students choose to pursue, working in Homeland Security can also be a potentially lucrative occupation — especially armed with a master's degree. That said, there are some drawbacks to working in this field, including a fast-paced and sometimes stressful atmosphere and potential conflicts between your own personal values and those of your employer.
It's important to consider all the pros and cons about whether a master's is worth it:
Potential Advantages
- A meaningful career protecting people: By gaining advanced knowledge and skills in homeland security, graduates can actively contribute to enhancing national security efforts, protecting communities, and ensuring the safety and resilience of the country against various threats and emergencies.
- Preparation for leadership in the field: A master's in Homeland Security equips individuals with advanced knowledge, specialized skills, and a comprehensive understanding of security threats, emergency management, counterterrorism strategies, and risk assessment, enhancing career opportunities and preparedness for leadership roles within the field of national security and emergency response.
- Critical thinking and decision-making: A master's program in this field cultivates strong soft skills, enabling graduates to analyze complex security threats, develop effective strategies, and make informed decisions in high-pressure situations.
Potential Drawbacks
- Stressful situations: Because careers in Homeland Security are overwhelmingly involved in preparing, preventing, and dealing with the aftermath of disasters, careers in this field can potentially put employees in stressful situations. Workers may have to think on their feet and stay cool under pressure.
- Potential conflicts with employers: Depending on which area of Homeland Security workers pursue a career in, they may face potential conflicts with employers. For example, some workers may not agree with actions undertaken by Border Patrol or Immigration Services.
- May require additional clearances: Some employees in the field of homeland security may need to pass or background checks in order to qualify for employment. This may be especially true if they pursue a career in the government, police, or armed forces.
For many, a career in Homeland Security is engaging, meaningful, and full of worthwhile challenges. While careers in this field can sometimes be stressful and demanding, they are also typically well-paying and growing steadily. Working in this field can give people the opportunity to protect their country, other individuals, and communities from threats and prepare for a more resilient future.
Getting a Homeland Security master’s degree online is one way to jump-start your career in this field and delve deeper into subjects that interest you. Some students may even be able to pursue scholarships offered by employers to further their higher education goals.
Student Reviews of Online Homeland Security Programs
I had an excellent experience at Columbia Southern University. The flexible schedule worked well for me with my full-time job and family life balance. As with any school whether in person or online, you get what you put into it. Excellent school and very affordable. Most professors gave excellent feedback and the projects reenforced the course goals. It took me about two years to complete my Master of Science Degree in Homeland Security/ Emergency Services Management. I had a great experience here... Read More
Review Date: 6/16/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The programs are great. The military financial department is difficult and continuously locked me out even after I waived my tuition assistance. The instructors are amazing and I was able to communicate changes in my military Status. Very supportive
Review Date: 3/8/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Do not listen to the negative reviews. If you are a self starter, focused, mature and good with time management skills you will be fine. Classes are 4 weeks long so the expectation from the beginning for everyone should be and should have been that a lot of work will be required in a short amount of time. Have a plan on what classes you want to take and what order you want to do them. Register at least two months ahead to keep everything moving month to month. College is not high school and no one... Read More
Review Date: 8/3/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
+Overall very satisfied with instructors and flexibility - Very DISSATISFIED with Diploma which indicates a single degree, and DOES NOT indicate TWO degrees or even a DUAL degree. - Tried to remedy the situation through phone calls and emails to APUS...after 6 months, still no response. - I continue to receive high volume of sales spam from APUS and affiliated businesses. RECOMMENDATION: Find an honest program. I cannot recommend a school that markets DUAL degrees, charges for two degrees, and only... Read More
Review Date: 12/2/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
This institution is very well adapted to those who are both former military or students coming straight from high school. The instructors are very aware of the diversity that their classes contain in this matter and embrace with both sides on the best way to collaborate and the results is some very great discussions and enhanced learning experiences that even are not always obtainable in the traditional brick and mortar institutions. The aspect of continuous involvement and required interaction reinforces... Read More
Review Date: 3/13/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I just completed my MSHLS/EDM and I felt the program at TUI overall worked very well for me and my full time job. The program was definitely writing intensive, having a Case Assignment and a Session Long Project due every 2 weeks. Coming from a person who is more of a test taker, rather than a paper writer, I felt this program greatly improved my writing and researching skills. From my personal experience, the instructors and staff were very professional and helpful and I never had any issues throughout... Read More
Review Date: 4/20/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
George Washington University's College of Professional Studies is simply outstanding. I am pursuing my Master's in Homeland Security there. I got to choose from Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, Arizona State, and George Washington. The deciding factor was the faculty. The professionalism and sheer caliber of the professors of GW's Homeland Security program are unparalleled. I am learning from people who have decades of experience in the highest echelons of the US government. Not only are the professors... Read More
Review Date: 12/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I have loved Northeastern University from the start. The application was free and my advisor was in constant contact with me. She even informed me of my acceptance before I received a letter. All the staff I have communicated with have been exceptional. The quality of education is second to none in my field. They work hard to provide co-op and internship opportunities so by the time you finish you not only have an education but also a little experience.
Review Date: 3/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Working full time, having a work / family life balance and throw in a graduate degree. That’s a tall order for anyone. Imagine being deployed on a front line or as a disaster responder added to this. Trident answers the call when it comes to these challenges. With staff and professors supporting you and students like yourself, failure is not an option. Some reviews may show negative remarks. While most are likely undergrad, it reflects the individuals initiative to succeed. No one I have ever spoken... Read More
Review Date: 9/9/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The classes are completed online. There are no classes to attend. The classes are 8 weeks in length. Each week is a unit. Where you are expected to do readings, assignments and class discussions in a forum. Some classes, like summer classes, are 7 weeks in length. You have a lot of writing. there are 4 core law classes. Most of the stuff I learned in college prep classes in High School. Then 5 classes in your concentration. I have anti-terrorism for my classes. You can pursue criminal justice also.... Read More
Review Date: 3/30/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security as I feel it best complements my military experience. Upon completion, I plan on applying with local and state agencies in the hopes of working in their respective Emergency Operations Center and to ultimately reach the position of director.
Review Date: 2/11/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great school, very affordable, good faculty members. They do change the portal so you hv to be make sure you are on par with the plan. If the most Senior Enlisted in the Army is good enough, good enough for me. If I do decide to get my PhD, I would go back to this school.
Review Date: 3/19/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Conducted a lot of research for my Master's degree and CSU seemed to have it all. Great structure in the online classes and just the right balance of reading and assignments. Would definitely recommend this to any working adult pursuing their degree. I started this year 2015 and have had no financial issues or enrollment concerns.
Review Date: 8/25/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
An outstanding college with all access at your finger tips - literally.... 100% online. Degree helped me get a top notch job and I am so excited that I chose Trident University. The program was exactly what I thought while the professors were knowledgeable and staff was personable which helped me get through both the hard and easy times. I recommend this school to anyone.
Review Date: 6/11/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
As a veteran, I wanted to continue to serve my country and Wilmington University offered me that chance to develop my career in the field of Homeland Security. Throughout this degree program, I found myself challenged to tackle important issues both foreign and domestic and studied under the guidance of accomplished professionals from diverse fields and experiences. I am confident upon receipt of my diploma, I will have greatly enhanced my career in service to my country.
Review Date: 9/14/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Very reasonable cost. All content was brought to light with professionals who had worked in that field and did not teach specificity because they were teachers. Small classes allowed for a more personalized approach to ensure students concerns and questions were truely being answered. Not once did I feel like just a number.
Review Date: 6/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Penn State is a great school. I have so many great memories and have met some great people. The alumni programs are awesome, the mentorship and job assistance provided is absolutely fabulous. I would recommend PSU to anyone. I am proud to have attended PSU.
Review Date: 9/22/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey is a very international institution with a variety of specific programs. My program, Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies, was a two year degree. Although stronger on nonproliferation, the program was very well organized. Each professor was willing to help every student in any way possible. Their expertise was not limited to academic, but also real-world experience.
Review Date: 12/24/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No