Homeland Security
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The Master of Arts degree in Homeland Security offers a comprehensive program of studies covering core elements of homeland security and emergency management at the graduate level.
Part-Time
The Master of Arts degree in Homeland Security is intended to prepare the next generation of emergency managers and homeland security professionals for leadership roles in the public and private sectors. The degree offers a comprehensive program of studies covering core elements of homeland security and emergency management at the graduate level, including management skills, intelligence gathering and analysis, risk management, emergency planning and management, legal issues, technological issues and social psychology.
The MA in Homeland Security program is designed to develop high-level operational expertise through the application of the above content to the implementation of emergency response protocols as executed in the United States. Students can choose from four concentrations: Geospatial Services for Homeland Security, Organization and Infrastructure Continuity, Port Security or Emergency Management. Students will also benefit from the program's collaborative nature: Northeastern University’s ALERT Center (Awareness and Localization of Explosives-Related Threats) is a multi-university Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence. It is one of 12 Centers of Excellence across the country that conducts transformational research, and technology and educational development for effective response to explosives-related threats.
Under our National Guard agreement, Homeland Security and Emergency Management professionals can leverage your NIMS certifications for program credit. To learn more about eligibility for this opportunity, please view our fact sheet.
The Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security, known as the nation’s homeland security educator, has been providing homeland security graduate and executive education since 2002, and is now collaborating with Northeastern University. The Master’s in Homeland Security degree incorporates homeland security and emergency management course content researched and developed by this Center.
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Unique Features
- Online program allows for flexible and enhanced learning for professionals already in the field
- Collaboration with Homeland Security Centers and Institutes
- Option to participate in Co-op system, experiential learning, and an independent study project
Program Objectives
- Examine all aspects of the disaster cycle
- Understand the nature and sources of threats to social, political, and economic systems
- Develop critical communication skills and techniques related to the public and media
- Use geographic information technologies to gather and analyze relevant data
Unique Transfer Credit Opportunity
About the National Guard Bureau Homeland Security Institute Opportunity
Northeastern University and the National Guard Bureau are joining forces. As a result, all graduates of the National Guard Bureau Homeland Security Institute (including National Guard, Coast Guard, and any Emergency Response personnel) can transfer 12 credits toward earning a Northeastern University Master of Arts in Homeland Security.
Successful applicants can experience the following:
- Will recieve 12 quarter hours of transfer credit - a 25% savings in tuition
- Will enjoy the convenience of a 100% online, interactive curriculum or choose to complete classes on ground in Boston
- Connect with a global network of security employers, such as the U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the U.S. Department of State, and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
About the NIMS Certifications Opportunity
Northeastern University recognizes the knowledge and skills demonstrated by individuals with National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications.
Successful applicants can experience the following:
- Receive up to 25% tuition savings with 8-12 quarter hours of transfer credit (*Type 1 Section Chief or Incident Commander may be eligible for additional credit)
- Will enjoy the convenience of a 100% online, interactive curriculum or choose to complete classes on ground in Boston
- Master's in Homeland Security offers and Emergency Management concentration
- Connect with a global network of security employers, such as the U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the U.S. Department of State, and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).
Contact us today for more information by completing the form on our page.
Testimonials
U.S. Army Major Eric DiNoto, Program Alum
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Program Costs
Requirements
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): identifies your educational goals and expectations of the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose
- Professional resume
- Unofficial undergraduate transcripts (Official transcripts required at the time of admission)
- Two letters of recommendation: from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
- English Language Proficiency Proof: students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:
- Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S, stating degree conferral and date
- TOEFL, IELTS, or NU Global Exam scores
Admissions Dates
Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis, however we do recommend following the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term.
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| July 9 | June 29 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| September 17 | September 7 |
| October 29 | October 19 |
| Start Date: | Recommended Admissions Deadline: |
|---|---|
| January 7 | December 21 |
| February 19 | February 8 |
General Requirements
Required Courses
Capstone/Thesis
Complete one of the following:
Please Note: Students that are interested in taking HLS 7990 need to first take GST 6109 Basic Field Research.
Elective
Complete one of the following:
Concentrations
Choose one from the following:
Students selecting this concentration are only required to take 4 quarter hours of electives:
Note: HLS 6100 and HLS 6120 are recommended to be taken concurrently.
Northeastern's signature experiential learning model combines academics with professional practice to help students acquire relevant, real-world skills they can apply to their desired industry. Each program offers its own unique experiential learning opportunities, but they might include:
- Experiential Learning at Work — Working professionals collaborate with their employer to develop a project that addresses a key business need their company has in an area they want familiarity with.
- Experiential Network (XN) — Students work virtually with a sponsoring organization on a short-term project over a six-week period.
- Full-Time Co-op Opportunities — Students on co-op work in a paid position in their field of study for three to six months.
Our Faculty
Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and in fields ranging from finance to education to biomedical science to management to the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors, and collaborate alongside students to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.
By enrolling in Northeastern, you gain access to a network of more than 245,000 alumni and 3,200+ employer partners, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and global NGOs. Our current students and faculty across strategically located regional campuses further foster that lifelong global community of learning and mentoring.
Below is a look at where our Political Science and Security alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.
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Where They Work
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- Fidelity Investments
- State Street
- US Army
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
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What They Do
- Business Development
- Education
- Community and Social Services
- Legal
- Operations
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What They're Skilled At
- Public Speaking
- Research
- Leadership
- Microsoft Office
- Management
Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on Linkedin.