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600,000 Facebook accounts are attacked every day, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Experts in homeland security deal with everything from terrorism to natural disasters, which is why they need graduates with one of the 10 Best Master’s in Homeland Security.
What is Homeland Security?
Homeland security is an academic field that teaches students how to secure borders, airports, waterways, and seaports. Students also learn about how to respond to natural and man-made disasters, as well as how to provide intelligence support to law enforcement.
How Much Money Can I Earn Working in Homeland Security?
The area of homeland security covers a number of important careers, making it a valuable and lucrative career path. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, Emergency Management directors earn a median salary of around $72,000.
But that is only with a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in homeland security will qualify candidates for some of the highest levels of pay in this career path. The highest paid 10 percent of emergency management directors made more than $141,000 per year in 2017.
Why Choose A Master’s Degree in Homeland Security?
Having a strong undergraduate background is a great start for entering the professional world. But in a highly competitive market, it's important for students to stand out. A graduate degree gives students a deeper understanding of their subject, while also signaling high competency and skill-levels to employers.
Homeland security has a number of variable career path opportunities. Graduates can work in local, state, or federal government agencies working as intelligence or cyber security analysts. They can also work in more localized areas organizing responses to natural disasters or supervising security at airports.
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What Are the 10 Best Master’s in Homeland Security?
College Choice considers a multitude of factors including institutional excellence, student satisfaction and return on investment to develop rankings.
Institutional excellence looks at stats such as graduation rates, student-to-faculty ratios, and endowment sizes to judge each school’s ability to follow through on providing an excellent education for each student. Student satisfaction measures how satisfied current and former students felt with the services and programs offered at each school. And finally return on investment looks at the financial benefits students are likely to receive from the school’s education, weighed against the costs of attendance.
See our rankings methodology page.
#1 Best Master’s In Homeland Security Degrees
Saint Joseph's University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Saint Joseph's University offers a master's in criminal justice degree that helps graduates advance their career. From its Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, campus, the private university meets the needs of diverse degree-seekers by offering flexible enrollment options. Students build on their undergraduate knowledge to gain an advanced understanding of homeland security and other criminal justice topics.
Master's degree-seekers can access numerous college resources and support services. Academic advisors help with course selections, while financial aid counselors connect students with ways to pay for their education. Enrollees can also take advantage of writing centers, career advising, and library services.
Saint Joseph's University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 43
Total Online Master's Programs: 16
Admission Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 81%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $17,334
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,334
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $49,600
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Best Master’s In Homeland Security Degrees
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network
- Boston, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The master of arts in security and intelligence studies at Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network is one of the university's 47 master's programs. The degree helps learners grow their earning potential and advance their careers. Flexible enrollment options appeal to working professionals who need to schedule classes around their other responsibilities.
The program uses a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes theoretical and practical approaches to homeland security and intelligence. Students apply their classroom knowledge through internships and hands-on learning opportunities, which also build professional connections. Concentrations and electives let learners specialize their education around particular fields.
Northeastern University Lifelong Learning Network at a Glance:
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
School Type: Private
Graduate Tuition In State: $24,933
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,933
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#3 Best Master’s In Homeland Security Degrees
Tulane University of Louisiana
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking career advancement benefit from the master of professional studies in homeland security studies at Tulane University of Louisiana. From its main campus in New Orleans, the private university offers graduate programs with several enrollment options, including online programs. During the program, learners take graduate-level courses in homeland security to enhance their understanding of the field.
While earning a master's degree, enrollees rely on college resources and support services for assistance. For example, career counselors host mock interviews to prepare graduates for the workforce. Master's degree-seekers can also take advantage of career advising, tutoring centers, and internship programs.
Tulane University of Louisiana at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 89
Total Online Master's Programs: 6
Admission Rate: 13%
Graduation Rate: 86%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $54,918
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $54,918
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $48,400
Percent Online Enrollment
12%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Best Master’s In Homeland Security Degrees
Bellevue University
- Bellevue, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking increased professional responsibilities can earn their master of science in security management at Bellevue University. The private institution welcomes degree-seekers with a variety of enrollment options, including online programs created with working professionals in mind. The program's graduate-level curriculum encourages learners to strengthen their skills.
Master's candidates rely on the school's support services to progress toward their degree. For example, career counselors host workshops and job fairs while also recommending resume changes. Master's degree-seekers can also take advantage of tutoring centers, library services, and service learning opportunities.
Bellevue University at a Glance:
Total Master's Programs: 25
Total Online Master's Programs: 24
Graduation Rate: 24%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $10,530
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,530
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $52,200
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Best Master’s In Homeland Security Degrees
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis
- West Lafayette, IN
- 4 years
- Online
The master of science in homeland security and emergency management at Purdue University Global-Indianapolis stands out for its academic rigor and flexibility. The program encourages career growth through its experiential learning components. Flexible enrollment options appeal to busy enrollees balancing school with work or other responsibilities.
Learners take advanced homeland security classes that build a theoretical and practical understanding of the field. Internships and experiential learning opportunities build professional connections and provide real-world experience. Choosing a concentration also helps learners gain specialized skills in a specific area of homeland security.
Purdue University Global-Indianapolis at a Glance:
Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
School Type: Public
Graduate Tuition In State: $8,791
Graduate Tuition Out of State: $9,768
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 76%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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