Master of Science (M.S.) in Homeland Security | Thomas Edison State University

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Prepare for diverse career opportunities to lead, protect and defend.

The increasing complexity of national security issues in our country is driving an ongoing demand for homeland security professionals. By earning your Master of Science (M.S.) in Homeland Security degree from Thomas Edison State University (TESU) you will gain an in-depth understanding about the roles of technology, intelligence, risk assessment and law in establishing protection policies and procedures. You will also learn the skills needed to respond to threats and disasters. The Master's in Homeland Security program also encompasses domestic and global issues in security and resilience.

Why Study Homeland Security at TESU?

You'll learn to develop policy, establish objectives and understand the impact of operational decisions in both the domestic and international arenas.

Your coursework will cover public safety and public administration issues alongside the five mission areas of the homeland security enterprise:

Terrorism
Border security
Cybersecurity
Immigration administration
Emergency management

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Our program is intended for adults with prior experience in security fields looking to advance their careers or enter policy and leadership positions. It is also designed to help those with expertise in the health professions, engineering, business or law learn to apply their disciplinary knowledge to security issues.

Areas of Study

You'll take an 18-credit core curriculum that covers the foundations of the federal homeland security enterprise. You'll then choose a 12-credit areas of study that aligns with your current or intended career path.

Counterterrorism
Focus on counterterrorism and homeland security threats by looking at policy, preparation, management and continuity throughout a crisis. Study intelligence collection, integration, analysis and information-sharing capabilities. If you choose this area of study, you will receive a Graduate Certificate in Counterterrorism while completing your homeland security degree.

Courses include:
- Terrorism and Homeland Security in the U.S.
- Protecting the Homeland: Balancing Security and Liberty
- Homeland Security Preparedness: Prevention and Deterrence
- Protecting the Homeland: Response and Recovery
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Cybersecurity
We've partnered with the Heavin School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education for the area of study in Cybersecurity. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to secure and defend information systems and digital assets. Learn important theoretical concepts combined with real-world applications and hands-on experience. Our innovative curriculum is designed with input from an advisory board of cybersecurity experts from industry and government. Courses are taught by scholar-practitioners who are experts in the field of cybersecurity.

Courses include:
- Cybersecurity Foundations
- Network Defense and Security
- Cyber Forensics and Investigation
- Cyber Risk Management and Incident Response
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Emergency Management
The area of study in Emergency Management was developed by applied practitioners and instructors in the field of homeland security and emergency management. Learn what goes into the application of science, technology, planning, management, and leadership in all the phases of emergency management. Courses will cover natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other large-scale emergencies at the federal, state, local, tribal, and private sector levels. You will receive a Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management while completing your homeland security degree.

Courses include:
- Principles of Emergency Management
- Legal/Policy/Regulatory Issues in Emergency Management
- Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness Strategies
- All-Hazards Response and Recovery Planning
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This degree is special because it directly aligns with my profession. Homeland security and homeland defense are functions I am not only interested in, but also work toward advancing every day that I put on my uniform. Homeland security is a dynamic field that requires advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills to be successful. This degree coupled academics with my professional knowledge and, because of this, I was able to grow and be more effective in both aspects.

Marcelo Dossantos

BA ’10, MSM ’14, MSHRM ’16, MSHS ’19

Read Marcelo's Story

Order of the Sword & Shield

The Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society is the first academic and professional honor society dedicated exclusively to the disciplines of homeland security, intelligence, emergency management and protective security.

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Tuition & Financial Aid

At TESU, we have been empowering adults toward brighter futures for more than 50 years. Learning the total cost to attend TESU is an important step in your college search. See our tuition rates and explore financial aid options to start planning your future.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Requirements

You must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. For most graduate programs at TESU, students with an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 will be admitted without further requirements. Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and begin your application.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Take the Next Steps

Interested in the Master of Science in Homeland Security (MSHS) degree program?

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