College of Social Sciences & Humanities

Security and Resilience Studies

Master's: Virginia
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Certificate : Boston
Certificate : Online
Master's : Seattle
Master's : Boston
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We live in a world of increasing transnational risks, systemic vulnerabilities, and environmental challenges. Our Master of Science in Security and Resilience Studies program provides skills in data analysis, leadership, and systemic thinking to help the next generation of leaders build organizations, communities, and societies that can withstand forthcoming challenges. Graduates have been successful in a number of security and resilience-related industries—moving on to careers at organizations like CyberSheath Services International, Massachusetts Port Authority, Volpe Center, and the UnitedHealth Group.

Application fees will be waived for applications to the Master of Science in Security and Resilience Studies and Master of Public Policy programs at Northeastern University’s Arlington campus.

Virginia
Location
Full-Time
Part-Time
Commitment
1-2 Years
Duration of Program
Fall, Spring, Summer
Entry Terms
Yes *
Meets F1 Visa Requirements
Overview

The Master of Science in Security and Resilience Studies is a first-of-its-kind graduate degree program that integrates traditional security studies with a focus on maximizing system and societal resilience. Resilience is defined as the capacity of individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, and systems within a community to survive, adapt, and grow despite environmental and societal threats, stresses, and shocks. 

In the 21st century, threats of all kinds are challenging communities, companies, and countries. These threats include terrorism, cyberattacks, natural disasters, migration, bioterrorism, climate change, and pandemics. Each pose immediate and real social, economic, and physical challenges. There is an urgent need for professionals who can provide support to private and public organizations to better prepare for, withstand, rapidly recover from, and adapt to disruptive events.

Graduates of the program are able to deploy strategic systemic approaches to resilience and security, and are prepared for multiple career opportunities leading multiagency, multicommunity collaboration/planning and implementation efforts for private companies, nonprofits, and government organizations.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Security and Resilience Studies from the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Register for their next Welcome Day for prospective students here.

Benefits of the Arlington Campus

Located in a federal government hot spot, Arlington, Virginia is a fast-growing region and a top global destination. With a focus on security and resiliency, the campus funnels students to political and economic partnerships in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. 

Arlington offers excellent restaurants, vibrant entertainment, and a safe community—with easy access to Washington, D.C. The area is home to top businesses and organizations with expansive government jobs and career opportunities. The U.S. Marine headquarters and the Pentagon, which can be viewed from the rooftop level of the campus, are located in the campus' new home. 

Top local employers include:

Accenture, AES, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, Amazon, AvalonBay, Boeing, Bloomberg BNA, Booz Allen Hamilton, Center for Communications and Computing, Central Intelligence Agency, Deloitte, Department of State, E*TRADE, Gartner, Graham Holdings, Grant Thornton, Lockheed Martin, March of Dimes, Microsoft, M9 Solutions, National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, National Security Agency, Nestle, PBS, Politico, Raytheon, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, ThreatConnect, and Virginia Hospital Center.

Arlington is a diverse community with residents and visitors from all over the world. The campus provides you with access to a plethora of national organizations, cutting-edge projects, and a vibrant local community. 

More Details

Unique Features

  • Gain real-world experience: Participate in co-ops, individually tailored capstones with real-life client institutions like Logan Airport and the U.S. Marshal Service, and have the option to engage in extended research projects with faculty.
    • Past student co-ops have included Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Climate XChange, the Global Resilience Institute, and Apex Systems.
  • Breakthrough study of resilience: Unlike other programs this degree has a unique focus on the emerging study of resilience.
    • A cutting-edge curriculum allows students to understand not only policy, but a wide variety of technical areas that must work with policy in order to build resilience including civil and environmental engineering, cybersecurity, and building and system design. 
  • Access to multiple research centers: Students have access to the Global Resilience Institute, The Social Impact Lab, and the Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy.
  • Learn from distinguished faculty: Faculty are renowned security and resilience experts who have advised presidents, Congress, and key security organizations.
  • Tailor your degree to your career goals and passions: Choose a mix of classes from one of five elective themes:
    • Administration Management and Policy
    • Counterterrorism and Conflict Studies
    • Cybersecurity Policy
    • Resilient Cities
    • Criminal Justice 
  • Select courses are offered online 

Career Outlook

The need to devise strategies to survive disruptive events, recover quickly, and rebuild stronger clearly applies not only to local and national governments and their agencies but also to private industry. Resilience focuses on identifying risk, understanding the systems involved in that risk assessment, and the determination of how to mitigate it, as well as how to bounce back and adapt after disruption. Opportunities for graduates with resilience knowledge and skills are sought within: 

  • Public safety and public health
  • Energy/power
  • Transportation
  • Communications
  • Supply chain management
  • Government entities, including DHS, FBI, Secret Service, and branches of the military (as a private contractor)

Recent graduates of the MS in Security and Resilience Studies degree have found employment in a wide variety of opportunities, including:

  • Data analyst: U.S. Marshal Service
  • Program analyst and emergency management: FEMA
  • Cybersecurity analyst for a major health insurance corporation
  • Aviation security specialist for the Massachusetts Port Authority
  • Security consultant for private industry customers
  • Homeland Security Professional for the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security
  • Program Manager for Response and Recovery Operations at the Boston Public Health Commission 
  • Investigator and Researcher at Summit Investigations
  • Resilience Managers
  • Risk Operations

Accreditation

Northeastern University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and is certified to operate in Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Testimonials

"Each new threat and disaster—whether man-made or natural—continues to prove that enhancing our security and resilience requires a whole-of-community approach. From our classrooms to our communities, from first responders to industry partners to government agencies, and from our universities and national laboratories to nonprofit organizations, we are all in this together. Through the Security and Resilience Studies program, Northeastern University is developing professionals ready to join this global community."

— Ann Lesperance, Director of CSSH Seattle, Director, Northwest Regional Technology Center Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

"Nations around the world face a variety of threats, including climate change, pandemics, and terrorism, and no single policy response can defend against all of them. Our program gives students the tools they need to be able to build resilient communities, organizations and societies."

— Daniel P Aldrich

"The faculty and staff here are incredible. I have a personal relationship with my student coordinator and every single person I talk to at Northeastern is so passionate, knowledgeable and helpful."

— Jack Giordano MS'19, College of Social Sciences and Humanities

"I would 100% recommend this program. It takes a holistic approach to analyzing security from a social perspective, technology perspective, and a public sector angle. I was able to leverage the Northeastern network a lot, especially throughout my job search."

— Kandyl Kotta, MS'19, College of Social Sciences and Humanities


"The program proved to be unique because of the exposure to world-class practitioners in the classroom."

— Brad Belzak, Program Graduate

Looking for something different?

View more Political Science & Security programs
Admissions

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-50 university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

$44.8K *
Tuition

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

  • Application
  • Application fee ($75.00)
  • Personal statement
  • Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
  • English proficiency for international applicants
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • GRE not required
  • Resumé

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Social Sciences and Humanities admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Fall Term
Spring Term
Summer Term
Final deadline for domestic applicants: August 15
Final deadline for domestic applicants: December 15
Final deadline for domestic applicants: April 15
Curriculum

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.


For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

 

Experiential Learning

Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person.

 

Faculty

Our Faculty

Our faculty represents a wide cross-section of professional practices and 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.

View Security and Resilience Studies Faculty

Students

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll gain access to students at 14 campus locations, 300,000+ alumni, and 2,900+ employer partners worldwide. Our global university system provides students unique opportunities to think locally and act globally while serving as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

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