Homeland security degrees train students to detect and manage threats made against the United States.
These degree programs are available through several colleges and universities. Keep reading for our list of the top five homeland security schools in the U.S.
Top 5 Homeland Security Schools in the U.S.
A few different colleges and universities across the United States offer degrees in homeland security. We've listed our top picks below in alphabetical order.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a public research university in the Phoenix metro area. It offers a few different options for homeland security degrees.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in emergency management and homeland security on campus or online.
It includes courses such as:
- Etiology of Martyrdom
- Intelligence Analysis and Homeland Security
- International Terrorism
- Police and International Terrorism
A Bachelor of Science in public service and public policy with a concentration in emergency management and homeland security is also available for students wanting positions of leadership.
This degree is also available on campus or online. Both bachelor's degrees offer accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program options.
At the graduate level, students can earn a Master of Arts in emergency management and homeland security.
This degree program offers several concentrations, including:
- biosecurity and threat management
- community resilience
- cybersecurity policy and management
- homeland security
2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university focused on aviation and aerospace. It offers programs online through its Daytona Beach, Florida, campus.
Students at Embry-Riddle can earn a Bachelor of Science in homeland security online. This is a 123-credit program with multiple specialized track options.
Available tracks include:
- cybersecurity
- global conflict studies
- military science
- terrorism studies
An on-campus Bachelor of Science in homeland security and intelligence is also available.
This program requires 125 credits in courses like:
- Critical Infrastructure Security, Resilience, and Risk Analysis
- Homeland Security and Intelligence Law and Policy
- Intelligence Systems and Structures in Homeland Security
- Strategic Planning and Decision Making in Homeland Security
While the university doesn't offer a master's degree in homeland security, it does recommend the online Master of Science in human security and resilience to homeland security students.
3. George Washington University
The George Washington University is a private research university in the heart of Washington D.C. It offers professional studies degrees in homeland security.
The Bachelor of Professional Studies in homeland security is a degree completion program done entirely online.
It includes courses such as:
- Combating Domestic Terrorism
- Crisis and Emergency Planning
- Emergency Public Health Issues
- Security Threat Assessments
The Master of Professional Studies in homeland security is a 16-month program that can be completed on campus or online.
It offers courses like:
- Emergency Management and Crisis Communication
- Intelligence and Strategic Analysis
- Political Violence and Terrorism
- Security and Civil Liberties
A dual bachelor's/master's degree in homeland security is available that allows students to finish both degrees in less time.
Additionally, the university offers an 18-credit graduate certificate in homeland security emergency preparedness and response.
4. National University
National University is a private university based in San Diego, California, with campuses throughout the state and a large selection of online programs.
It offers a Bachelor of Science in homeland security and emergency management that can be completed online.
The program includes courses such as:
- Conflict and Negotiation for Leaders
- Domestic Security Management
- Intelligence and Domestic Terrorism
- Leading Diverse Groups and Teams
The university also offers an online Master of Science in homeland security.
This program requires 12 total courses, which include:
- Emergency and Disaster Response
- Global Lessons in Security
- Immigration Issues in Security
- Policies of Homeland Security
5. University at Albany
The University at Albany is a public research university in New York State. It's part of the State University of New York system.
The university offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in emergency preparedness, homeland security, and cybersecurity.
Both programs include courses like:
- Critical Inquiry and Communication in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity
- Homeland Security
- Introduction to Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity
- Leadership and Ethics in Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity
Students in the Bachelor of Arts program have the option to choose a homeland security concentration.
At the graduate level, students can earn a Master of Science in emergency management and homeland security with a homeland security track.
Four concentrations are available:
- intelligence analysis
- planning and coordination
- risk communication
- security risk analysis
The university also offers an online graduate certificate in emergency preparedness, homeland security, and cybersecurity, with a homeland security track option.
FAQs About Top Homeland Security Schools in the U.S.
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about the top homeland security schools in the United States.
Can I Earn a Degree in Homeland Security Online?
Many colleges and universities, including some listed above, offer degrees in homeland security entirely online.
How Long Are Homeland Security Degree Programs?
Homeland security degrees take about as long to complete as any other degree: bachelor's degrees take around four years, and master's average about two years.
Can I Specialize My Homeland Security Degree?
Many colleges allow you to choose electives in your particular area of interest. Some also offer concentrations for homeland security degrees, such as concentrations in cybersecurity or terrorism.
Find Top Homeland Security Schools in the U.S.
Students interested in homeland security degrees can find programs through many excellent schools in the United States. Check out the ones listed above to get started today.
