Master of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management
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Be the force behind emergency response, preparedness, and recovery
Degree:
Master of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
What happens after a natural disaster or catastrophic event, such as an earthquake or a mass shooting? How do you implement the search and rescue? How do you facilitate the recovery? How do you communicate updates to the media and the public? How do you build a recovery plan? National University’s Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management (MSHSEM) program gives you the training to answer these questions.
The terrorist events of 9/11 highlighted the national and international need for individuals with expertise in homeland security, and preparing for, responding to, and recovering from naturally occurring events such as hurricanes, wildfires and other disasters highlighting the ongoing requirement for specialized knowledge in emergency management. NU’s Master’s in Homeland Security represents an interdisciplinary area of research and application that brings together the fields of homeland security, terrorism, and emergency management as they relate to man-made and natural disasters.Â
Professionals with the right leadership skills and training are needed in all corners of the nation and all over the globe to protect against terrorism and threats coming from both domestic and international sources. Our online homeland security degree is designed to prepare you for leadership roles protecting against threats facing our country and around the globe.
Degree and Course Requirements
To be awarded a Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, students must complete 54 quarter units of graduate work. A total of 13.5 quarter units of graduate credit may be granted for equivalent graduate work completed at another institution, as it applies to this degree and provided the units were not used in earning another advanced degree. Students should refer to the section on graduate admission requirements for specific information regarding application and evaluation.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
For students in the BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management/MS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program, the University will waive up to two homeland security and emergency management courses taken as part of the bachelor’s degree (see the BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management/BS in Criminal Justice Administration/Bachelor of Public Administration transition program), but these students must still meet the residency requirements for the MS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The number of courses waived is dependent on the courses taken and grades earned in the transition program.
Degree Requirements
12 Courses
Students must complete all courses.
Policies of Homeland Security
4.5 Quarter Units
Introduces the student to legal, policy, and ethics issues inherent in the security of the United States. Laws and policies affecting this area have been in place for years; however, the events of 9/11 introduced a flood of Acts, regulations, and directives that play a critical role in supporting evolving policy. Conflicts between Federal and State law make for a volatile and challenging study.
Infrastructure Protection
4.5 Quarter Units
This course introduces the student to Critical Infrastructure and the necessary security for its protection. Critical Infrastructure is systems and assets, whether physical or virtual, so vital that the capacity or destruction of such may have a debilitating impact on the security of the nation and across any level of government or jurisdiction.
Leading Complex Environments
4.5 Quarter Units
This course explores the challenges of leading in complex organizational and system environments that are part of homeland security and emergency management responses. The course demonstrates the complexities of leading by building on collaboration. It emphasizes the role of building support and collaboration to maximize strengths of an organization or system in preparing for and responding to natural and manmade disasters.
Domestic Terrorism
4.5 Quarter Units
Examines the current issues in domestic terrorism. Topics include anti-Americanism, religious fundamentalism, nuclear proliferation, cyber terrorism, global jihad, port security, torture and detainees.
Emergency/Disaster Response
4.5 Quarter Units
Provides the student an overview of the most important aspects of emergency management and disaster response. The course discusses best practices of the all-hazards approach to responding to manmade and natural disasters.
Fundamentals of Recovery
4.5 Quarter Units
This course addresses the concepts, operational procedures, and authorities involved in recovering from major disasters. Federal, State, and local government roles and responsibilities in major disaster recover work will be covered, as well as government coordination and the solution of problems frequently arising in recovery operations. Preliminary damage assessment, disaster recovery centers, and special needs of victims and disaster workers are discussed.
Managing Information Security
4.5 Quarter Units
Introduces computer security issues in traditional computer systems to distributed networks and the Internet. Covers cryptography; program and operating system security; administration; legal; privacy; and ethical issues.
Communication and Security
4.5 Quarter Units
This course provides an examination of terrorism and homeland security from a communication perspective. It explores how terrorism is essentially a message. Through case studies and speeches, it explores how terrorists and governments communicate messages through actions and discourse. The course also discusses how political media, the mass media and global media outlets support communicating messages.
Global Lessons in Security
4.5 Quarter Units
Examination of overseas homeland security practices in the areas of terrorist threats, emergency response, critical infrastructure, radicalization, border and transportation security.
Immigration Issues in Security
4.5 Quarter Units
This course examines the impact of immigration policy on homeland security issues. Topics covered include the history of immigration and customs services; the impact of immigration policy and border security; the developments in immigration policy since 9/11; the impact of immigration policy on homegrown radicalization; and the ethical concerns of homeland security issues with respect to immigration policy.
Capstone Course
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: Completion of at least six core courses of the program.
This course focuses on applying the knowledge and processes learned through this program. Working in a team or as an individual under the guidance of the instructor, students select a research topic, and gather data. The duration of the course is one month. Grading is H, S or U only.
Capstone Course
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: HSE 690A with a minimum grade of S. Students need to complete HSE690A before HSE690B.; Completion of at least six core courses of the program
This course is a continuation of the HSE690A project course and continues the application of knowledge learned to select a research topic, gather data and defend conclusions. Grading is H, S or U only.
Career Outlook
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:
- Top Jobs in this field
- Median Salary (USA)
- JOB Openings (USA)
- Facilities Managers
- $101,816 avg. salary (USA)
- 12,017 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Facility Management
- HVAC
- Construction
- Project Management
- Plumbing
- Facility Repair And Maintenance
- Renovation
Top companies hiring for this role
- CBRE
- JLL
- Cushman & Wakefield
- Life Time
- Sodexo
- DaVita
- Compass Group
- Emergency Management Directors
- $83,970 avg. salary (USA)
- 1,275 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Emergency Management
- Emergency Response
- Emergency Preparedness
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Incident Command Systems
- National Incident Management Systems
- Project Management
Top companies hiring for this role
- FEMA
- Clean Harbors
- HCA Healthcare
- Hagerty Consulting
- WSP Global
- State of California
- Apple
- Information Security Analysts
- $120,010 avg. salary (USA)
- 15,219 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Cyber Security
- Auditing
- Vulnerability
- Computer Science
- Incident Response
- Information Systems
- Risk Analysis
Top companies hiring for this role
- Deloitte
- General Dynamics
- Leidos
- Lockheed Martin
- GovCIO
- Marriott International
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Supervisors of Correctional Officers
- $70,533 avg. salary (USA)
- 5,207 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Criminal Corrections
- Food Services
- Cooking
- Food Safety And Sanitation
- Food Preparation
- Hazard Analysis And Critical Control Points (HACCP)
- Safety Procedures
Top companies hiring for this role
- Aramark
- CoreCivic
- State of North Carolina
- State of California
- State Of Illinois
- State of Missouri
- Management & Training Corporation
- Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- $101,754 avg. salary (USA)
- 12,900 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Law Enforcement
- Crime Prevention
- Office Equipment
- Law Enforcement Practices
- Public Administration
- Public Relations
- Auditing
Top companies hiring for this role
- City of New York
- Target
- County Of Riverside
- Salt Lake County
- Minnehaha County
- County of El Dorado
- Travelers
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- $91,104 avg. salary (USA)
- 10,788 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Law Enforcement
- Auditing
- Data Analysis
- Accounting
- Finance
- Case Management
- Legal Hearings
Top companies hiring for this role
- United States Department of the Treasury
- TD Bank
- Allied Universal
- United States Secret Service
- Tiktok
- CVS Health
- Allied Universal Compliance And Investigations
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- $51,367 avg. salary (USA)
- 4,290 job openings (past yr.) past year
Most desired skills
- Law Enforcement
- Auditing
- Punctuation and Capitalization
- Loss Prevention
- Legal Hearings
- Internal Controls
- Data Analysis
Top companies hiring for this role
- Allied Universal
- CACI International
- Milton Hershey School
- GardaWorld
- Elevance Health
- Digistream Investigations
- Peraton
Program Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of National University’s Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program, you’ll develop the following skills:
- Illustrate the issues related to homeland security of both natural and man-made disasters.
- Integrate tools, resources and organizational systems for the successful implementation of homeland security and emergency management issues.
- Formulate global mindset to terrorism, homeland security and emergency management issues.
- Assess the impact of security issues for the operation of the public and private sectors with respect to manmade and natural disasters.
- Integrate resources, organizational systems, and decision making processes for the successful implementation of homeland security and emergency management plans.
- Assess the impact of communications and the media on terrorism, homeland security and emergency management messaging.
- Analyze the impact of national immigration policy on homeland security issues.
- Critique legal and ethical issues in homeland security and emergency management.
- Master oral and written communication skills appropriate with this profession.
NU’s Public Safety Promise
National University, a Veteran-founded nonprofit, is proud to support public safety professionals who protect and serve our communities every day. To show appreciation, we commit to providing affordable, accessible education to all public safety professionals to advance their careers and help them reach educational goals through our Public Safety Promise Scholarship*.
To learn more about NU’s Public Safety Promise contact an enrollment advisor to discuss degree programs and scholarship options or visit https://www.nu.edu/our-university/the-university/partnerships/publicsafety/ .
*Nursing, radiation therapy, and doctoral programs are excluded from the tuition discount.
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
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Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
FAQs
Today, the Department of Homeland Security is the third largest agency in the federal government. That alone should mean a steady and ongoing need for management professionals with industry-current knowledge and skills in areas like emergency management, criminal justice, and counterterrorism. The expertise you’ll gain in NU’s Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management can prepare you for a leadership role, no matter where your career takes you.
Program length for a master’s degree in Homeland Security varies from school to school and from student to student. National University’s Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management has 12 required courses, meaning you can complete your studies in as few as 12 months. Plus, you can choose to earn your degree in-person or online.
One unique advantage NU has over other curriculums is that we offer 4-week courses, and our admissions team reviews applications year-round. This innovative course design lets you start sooner, finish faster, and have the flexibility to juggle your work and family commitments along with your studies.
Criminal justice degrees tend to focus on knowledge in the areas of law enforcement, criminology, investigation, and community relations. Homeland security degrees include the basics of criminal justice but are more likely to include coursework in areas like terrorism, counterterrorism, hazard management, intelligence, and other components of national security.
The Department of Homeland Security is a law enforcement agency that performs critical functions to protect the country from threats and hazards. In fact, it’s the largest federal law enforcement force in the country, but the roles and responsibilities for homeland security professionals and criminal justice professionals are quite different.
The world has changed since 9/11, when our greatest national threat became terrorism, cyberterrorism, breaching of networks, and all things that are relatable to homeland security. In fact, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is divided into 16 different sectors, each of which depends on the advanced, industry-current knowledge and skills of its workers to protect the vital interests and infrastructures of our country:
- Chemical Sector
- Commercial Facilities Sector
- Communications Sector
- Critical Manufacturing Sector
- Dams Sector
- Defense Industrial Base Sector
- Emergency Services Sector
- Energy Sector
- Financial Services Sector
- Food and Agriculture Sector
- Government Facilities Sector
- Healthcare and Public Health Sector
- Information Technology Sector
- Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector
- Water and Wastewater Systems Sector
By earning your Master’s in Homeland Security at National University, you’ll examine how to protect infrastructures — such as bridges, water sources, and other lifelines of a city or town — that could be in jeopardy from an attack or natural disaster.
Whether you want to target a future in homeland security or emergency management, NU’s unique curriculum allows you to pursue an interdisciplinary degree grounded in both and designed to prepare you for important positions in the public sector at city, state or federal levels, as well as jobs in private industry and nonprofit organizations.
You’ll learn from faculty members with practical experience in the field, and you’ll receive dedicated support and support when it comes to networking opportunities outside of the classroom setting.
National University’s Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program is structured to prepare you for leadership positions in public administration, healthcare and social service industries, and private service organizations focused on preparing/planning for and responding to emergencies, incidents, crises in the community or at the organization. Positions* like these include:
- Emergency Management Specialists
- Emergency Managers
- Industry Principals
- Public Health Specialists
- Disaster Recovery Specialists
- Emergency Preparedness Managers
In 2022, most jobs for Emergency Management Directors in the USA are found in local government, followed by federal government, then state government. Top employers of professionals in this field include a mix of private consulting firms, healthcare, as well as governmental agencies at the Federal level:
- Devereux
- ICF International
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Parkland Health
- Department of Homeland Security
- Logistics Management Institute
- Environmental Protection Agency
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- and many others
Regarding compensation, The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median annual wage for emergency management directors was $76,730 in May 2021, and that the highest 10 percent earned more than $133,580.**
* SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/ (Report viewed: April 24, 2022. DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.
**SOURCE: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/emergency-management-directors.htm#tab-1
National University students who completed a transition program as part of their undergraduate degree and who satisfy MSHSEM transition program requirements described in the catalog must complete a minimum of 45 quarter units for their MSHSEM degree.
Up to nine quarter units may be earned in a transition program. The number of units required for the MSHSEM program is dependent on the coursework completed in the Bachelor’s transition program and the grades earned.
Additional Resources
- Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
- What can you do with a Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management?
- What Will I Learn in NU’s Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program?
- A Day in the Life of a Homeland Security Professional
- Meet Our Faculty
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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