25 BEST ONLINE MASTER'S DEGREES IN SECURITY

With Best Value Schools' 25 Best Online Master's Degrees in Security, students can advance their careers in the field of Security and Emergency Management. 

Since its founding after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security has ceased to be nothing less than a crucial and substantial sector of the United States government. Earning a masters degree in Homeland Security prepares students for a variety of career opportunities that show little chance of facing instability or decline over the next ten years.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that from 2016-2026 the employment for careers in Emergency Management Directors will rise by eight percent. The estimated employment for careers in Information Security Analysts is also on the up but at a shocking and way-above-average 28 percent.

A Master's degree in Homeland Security makes students a competitive candidate for both these two careers and many more, including employment in Law Enforcement and Border Patrol. With skills in risk assessment, administrative leadership, data analysis, and a comprehensive understanding of globalization, terrorism, and multicultural issues, graduates can be assured they obtain employment and a competitive salary.

Ranking Factors

To provide online readers with the 25 Best Online Master's Degrees in Security for 2019, BVS compiled a list of degrees specializing in security technology and government and non-government security agencies. BVS considers factors such as degree success rates, institutional admission rates; job industry outlooks and post-graduate employment; and institutional reputation amongst professionals in academia. But, above all else, BVS ranks degrees based upon the cost of education and how much value a specific degree would bring to one's life, overall. We hope you enjoy the following list of the 25 Best Online Master's Degrees in Security for 2019!

25. National University

Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

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National University's Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management degree is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary understanding of homeland security, terrorism, and emergency management. The program also educates students on the relationship between these matters and man-made and natural disasters. Students may apply to the program year-round, as classes start monthly and only last four weeks. Upon graduation, students will be proficient in assessing the impacts of social media and communications on terrorism, analyzing and critiquing legal and ethical issues in the field, and formulating global mindsets. NU offers tuition discounts to military service members and dependents. All applicants should have earned a 2.5 or better GPA in undergraduate studies from an accredited university.
Score: 80.55
Tuition: $23,232

24. St John's University - New York

Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership

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St. John's University - New York's Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership consists of 36 total credits and is open to all applicants with a bachelor's degree. If students are already currently working in Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, or related fields and agencies, they may be eligible for a 33 percent tuition grant. There is also a limited number for Graduate Assistantships. The course schedules are designed with working students in mind, and students can enroll for full or part-time. The curriculum prepares students for employment by the US in the Departments of State, Defense, Homeland Security, and Transportation Security Administration- both in the public and private sector.
Score: 81.59
Tuition: $25,981

23. Excelsior College

Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Homeland Security and Emergency Management

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Excelsior College offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The MSCJ is designed for working students, specifically those with a military background or professional Criminal Justice experience. Excelsior students graduate with an advanced understanding of international and domestic terrorism, risk assessment in homeland security, multicultural issues, and criminal justice systems and policies. The program consists of 30 interdisciplinarily credits. Students complete 18 core classes within Criminal Justice major and nine credits for the Homeland Security concentration. The last three credits are completed through the students' capstone course.
Score: 82.25
Tuition: N/A

22. University of Maryland - University College

Master of Science in Management with Homeland Security Management 

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University of Maryland University College offers their Master of Science in Management with a specialization in Homeland Security Management to students who already have professional experience in related fields. Overall, the program consists of 36 credits that can be completed entirely online, and some courses are also offered in a hybrid format. Students can expect to become proficient in performing security risk assessments, planning and managing operational recovery, developing strategies to protect communities and their infrastructure, and making decisions using statistics and financial information. Because of this, it is recommended that students are familiar with statistics, finance, and accounting upon admission. If not, introductory sessions are available.
Score: 82.9
Tuition: $15,256

21. George Washington University

Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security

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George Washington University designed their Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security with working professionals in mind. Students must already have a minimum of two years professional experience in fields such as law enforcement, emergency management, corporate security, public safety, public health preparedness, and the military upon application. However, if one does not have professional experience, a bachelor's degree in a related field may qualify them. The 36-credit degree has courses focused on Political Violence and Terrorism, Security and Civil Liberties, and Inter-Agency Cooperation, ending with a capstone project. The online MPS can be completed in 16 months, and students may be admitted for fall, spring, and summer terms.
Score: 83.57
Tuition: $37,638

20. Wilmington University

Master of Science in Homeland Security

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Wilmington University's Master of Science in Homeland Security offers three additional concentrations: Organizational Leadership, Safety and Security, and Military Leadership. WU's MSHS is a total of 33 credits, with the final requirement being a capstone project. All students should have graduated from a nationally accredited baccalaureate degree. Previous professional experience within a related field is necessary for admission. Wilmington designed its MSHS for present and future professionals in Homeland Security. Aside from preparation for employment, the curriculum also provides the theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge necessary to go onto a doctoral program. Courses have been designed alongside professional practitioners and faculties with rich histories in the field to ensure topics cover current issues.
Score: 84.92
Tuition: $14,955

19. Liberty University

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

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Liberty University's Master of Science in Criminal Justice is 36 credit hours and takes the average student a year and a half to complete. Courses are entirely online and last eight weeks each. Liberty designed its MSCJ for working professionals in Criminal Justice or related fields. This will further students' preparedness for greater leadership roles in administration and management of Homeland Security organizations and branches of government. The program emphasizes the importance of trustworthy and ethical leadership in positions that ensure the public's safety, and so course topics include subjects like Leadership, Ethics, and Policing. If students are already Active Duty Law Enforcement or other First Responders, Liberty offers a 25 percent tuition discount and college credit for their training and experience.
Score: 84.93
Tuition: $26,954

18. Pace University

Master of Arts in Management for Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals

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Pace University's Masters in Management for Public Safety and Homeland Security Professionals was designed with both those who lack and those who have professional experience in the field of Homeland Security. Course topics include public sector management, US Constitution and ethical issues, international human rights, psychology, and terrorism. Students are prepared with knowledge of response to, both, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks and threats. The program is a total of 36 credits and can be completed with a full, or part-time schedule. Those who take courses full-time can complete the degree in two years. Students should expect to dedicate about ten hours per class per week.
Score: 86.12
Tuition: $31,734

17. Nova Southeastern University

Master of Science in National Security Affairs

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Nova Southeastern University's Master of Science in National Security Affairs is a total of 36 credits and combines theoretical, research, and applied skills to ready students for the professional fields of National Security Affairs and Homeland Security. The program accepts applicants who already have professional experience and those who are aspiring. Students of Nova graduate with skills in the assessment and analysis of terrorism in the US and the globe, as well as intelligence collection. Courses build critical analysis skills through topics such as Current and Historical Issues, Border Protection, Bioterrorism, and Cyber Conflict and Statecraft There is also an optional Cyber Security concentration.
Score: 86.18
Tuition: $26,740

16. California University Of Pennsylvania

Master of Science in Legal Studies with Homeland Security

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The California University of Pennsylvania provides an online Master of Science in Legal Studies consisting of 30 total credits. CUP students can also choose a concentration in Homeland Security for their MSLS. The curriculum prepares students for the development of strategies to prevent terrorism in the US and building organizational arrangements to ensure the safety of the nation. Many courses are focused on law, civil liberties, and ethics before students continue on to the Homeland Security concentration.
Applicants should have received a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3.00 GPA, but if the student has a GPA below that they may apply for conditional admission. Graduates from the program are strong candidates for employment in the Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service, Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Score: 86.52
Tuition: $17,755

15. Thomas Edison State University

Master of Science in Homeland Security

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Thomas Edison State University designed their Master of Science in Homeland Security for prospective leaders in Homeland Security and emergency preparedness. The MSHS consists of 36 credits, where coursework focuses on law enforcement, terrorism, intelligence, legal issues, cyber and biosecurity, emergency management, and public administration issues. All students complete a capstone in Public Service. Admission to the program is based on students' undergraduate work, personal statements and letters of recommendation, and work history. All candidates are required to have at least three years of professional, managerial, or related experience before applying.
Score: 87.16
Tuition: N/A

14. Saint Joseph's University

Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Homeland Security

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Saint Joseph's University's Masters in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security prepares students for career opportunities in mission support, law enforcement, immigration and travel security, and prevention and response. The MSCJ is a total of 30 credits. The curriculum of the Homeland Security concentration centers on topics such as terrorism, sociological effects of disasters, and risk assessment and management. Students also graduate with a thorough understanding of the functions of agencies and policies related to Homeland Security. The program takes one and a half years to complete. Students are not required to have professional experience upon application, but a GPA of above 3.0 is expected, although not necessary.
Score: 87.65
Tuition: $35,290

13. Tulane University

Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Studies

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Tulane University's Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Studies focuses on domestic and international terrorism, intelligence research methods, and emergency management and border security. Graduates are prepared for career opportunities within both the private and public sectors of the Homeland Security field. Students learn from faculty members who have related the professional experience in fields such as law enforcement intelligence, emergency response, and even the FBI. The curriculum consists of four core classes and six electives, with no thesis required. There is no requirement for students to have professional experience before admission.
Score: 88.42
Tuition: $33,886

12. Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Master of Science in Homeland Security

WebsiteNorthwestern State University of Louisiana's Master of Science in Homeland Security is a total of 36 credits if the student completes a thesis and 42 credits if the student does not. The program focuses on preparing students to analyze the pressing challenges of globalization as it contributes to transnational security issues. Students become familiar with informed theories that work to explain the cause and control of International and Domestic Terrorism, as well as cyber warfare and similar topics. Graduates are prepared for employment with skills in intelligence analysis, leadership, diplomacy, rationality, and ethics. It is recommended that students have an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice or a similar field. Graduate assistantships are also available.
Score: 89.45
Tuition: $10,503

11. Angelo State University

Master of Science in Homeland Security

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Angelo State University's Master of Science in Homeland Security is designed to advance the careers of students with professional experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, emergency management, and similar fields. Courses are entirely online and take place over eight weeks. Elective topics include Human Trafficking, Applied Statistics, Terrorism and Counterterrorism, and Data Mining. All students are required to take a seminar in Criminal Justice Agency Ethics alongside their capstone during their last semester. Faculty members have prior and relevant work experience in border and homeland security, human rights, cybersecurity, and law enforcement, so students gain knowledge directly from those who have worked in the field.
Score: 89.61
Tuition: $11,742

10. Virginia Commonwealth University

Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

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Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is a minimum of 36 credit hours. VCU designed its online MAHS with an interdisciplinary discourse on preparing students with theoretical and practical knowledge. Students graduate with a clear understanding of the theory and practice of Homeland Security, and therefore the ability to analyze policy, risk, and vulnerability. All students conduct research using methodologies relevant to Homeland Security. Requirements for admission include an undergraduate degree and a satisfactory score on a standardized test such as the LSAT or GRE.
Score: 89.7
Tuition: $20,741

9. Eastern Kentucky University

Masters in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management

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Eastern Kentucky University's Masters in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management offers students to choose a concentration in Occupational Safety, Corporate Security Operations, Homeland Security, or Emergency Management and Disaster Resilience. Students who apply with a 2.5 or above GPA in their undergraduate degree do not have to submit GRE scores. EKU's curriculum is designed to prepare students for competitive employment or further the skills of those already in professional work. Core courses are focused on Management Administration, Security Management, and Legislation and Legal Compliance. EKU is also partnered with some of the world's largest companies to offer students internships.
Score: 89.78
Tuition: $12,659

8. Towson University

Master of Science in Integrated Homeland Security Management

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Towson University designed their Master of Science in Integrated Homeland Security Management program to ready students with skills necessary to succeed in the management of threats that arise in the professional fields of Homeland Security. Students graduate with competitive skills in research, development, and analysis, and with experience formulating and executing rapid responses to a crisis. All students must select a specialization, choosing from health preparedness, information assurance, and security policy. However, students are also be required to take one course in specialization exterior to the one they've chosen. Upon application, all students should have a 3.0 GPA in undergraduate work, and a minimum of three years of professional experience in health, information technology, security, or related areas.
Score: 90.82
Tuition: $15,250

7. American Public University

Master of Arts in Homeland Security

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American Public University's Master of Arts in Homeland Security is a total of 36 credits, taking two years if completed full-time. Students have graduated from the program and gone on to professional work in fields such as Security Managers, Emergency Management Directors, or First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives. Many of the faculty members hold major positions in government agencies or public safety organizations. Students graduate with the skills to recognize the interdisciplinary nature of homeland security, evaluate current policies, propose changes at federal, state, and local levels, and others that make them a competitive candidate in the field. There is also a tuition grant for US active-duty servicemembers, Guard, Reserve, military spouses and dependents, and veterans.
Score: 92.6
Tuition: $10,658

6. Arkansas Tech University

Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

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Arkansas Tech University's Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security equips students for careers in the private business sector, education, non-profits, and government agencies at all levels. The MSEMHS requires 36 total credit hours, where students must complete an oral defense of their thesis before graduation. Students may complete the degree in four semesters if enrolled in nine hours a semester. Course topics include Disaster and Emergency Management Ethics, Mitigation Systems, Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, Terrorism, and Ethics and Law. Graduates are prepared as competitive candidates in the professional field of Homeland Security, or to go on to doctoral programs.
Score: 93.06
Tuition: $11,510

5. University of Massachusetts - Lowell

Master of Arts in Security Studies with Homeland Defense Concentration

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The Master of Arts in Security Studies with a concentration in Homeland Defense at the University of Massachusetts is a total of 30 credits. The MASS emphasizes the integration of a "big picture" policy perspective, consisting of a clear synthesis of human behavior, systems, and intelligence analysis. Students complete courses focused on Scientific and Technological Dimensions of National Security, Domestic Terrorism, and Comparative Terrorism. Due to some of the technical requirements in the degree, applicants may have completed an undergraduate degree in Computer Science, or have related the professional experience. However, many students enter the program with undergraduate degrees in the social sciences.
Score: 93.59
Tuition: $18,375

4. Sam Houston State University

Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies

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Sam Houston State University designed their Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies to prepare students for work in all levels of government and the private sector. Students are provided the knowledge to further strategic thinking and policymaking skills. The MSHSS is a total of 36 total hours. Course topics include Research Methods of Homeland Security, Global Perspectives, Digital Security, and others. All students must complete a capstone alongside an optional internship. No professional experience is expected upon admission to the program, but the application does require an essay that demonstrates the student's ability to write at the graduate level. The College of Criminal Justice at SHSU, which houses the degree, offers over 20 scholarships to admitted students.
Score: 95.38
Tuition: $11,742

3. Mississippi College

Master of Social Science in Homeland Security

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Mississippi College's Master of Social Science in Homeland Security equips students for careers in Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Transportation and Security Administration, and Citizenship and Immigration Services. Prospective students are required to apply with an undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or greater, a baccalaureate degree in a field relevant to Homeland Security, and a sufficient score in a standardized test. Course topics include Domestic, International, and Cyber Terrorism, as well as Legal Aspects of Homeland Security. The basis of the program is to prepare students with an understanding of the administration of justice.
Score: 95.87
Tuition: $17,098

2. Northeastern University

Master of Arts in Homeland Security

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Northeastern University's Master of Arts in Homeland Security takes around three years to complete at either full or part-time. Students graduate prepared for competitive roles in both the public and private sectors of Homeland Security, having taken courses on emergency planning and management, legal issues, and social psychology.

There are four concentrations for all students to choose from: Geospatial Services for Homeland Security, Organization and Infrastructure Continuity, Port Security, or Emergency Management. The program also works closely to NU's ALERT Center, providing students access to transformational research, and technology and educational development. All students complete their degree with a thesis/capstone.
Score: 98.26
Tuition: $30,784

1. Arizona State University

Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

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Arizona State University's Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security is a total of 33 credits that can be completed in as little as a year, preparing students for careers as Emergency Management Directors, Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics, and Risk Management Specialists.
All students have the option to choose a concentration involving community resilience; biosecurity and threat management; homeland security, or emergency management. Prior to graduation, all students complete an applied project. ASU's membership in the PLuS Alliance gives students the opportunity to take courses with and work alongside faculty in Australia or the United Kingdom. Required core course topics include Hazards Governance and Applied Data Analysis in Criminal Justice.
Score: 100
Tuition: $12,947