Why Homeland Security?
The Master of Arts in Homeland Security offers a comprehensive program of studies covering core elements of homeland security and emergency management at the graduate level.
The Master of Arts 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 rigorous, application-oriented curriculum is designed and written by full-time Northeastern University faculty.
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. Options for either an on-ground, hybrid, or online course of study allow maximum flexibility for professionals already in the field—Northeastern University is especially committed to supporting the educational and career aspirations of active duty military personnel and veterans with academic, financial, and transition support. The 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 build career-advancing, hands-on experience as they address current, real-world security challenges through classwork and teamwork.
Under our National Guard agreement, homeland security and emergency management professionals can leverage their NIMS certifications for program credit. To learn more about eligibility for this opportunity, please view our fact sheet.
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 with Northeastern's Kostas Research Institute for Homeland Security, Northeastern University’s ALERT Center (Awareness and Localization of Explosives-Related Threats), The Center for Subsurface Sensing and Imaging Systems—a National Science Foundation-funded engineering research center, and The Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security, among others.
More Details
Unique Features
- 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
Career Outlook
Opportunities for employment in security positions are diverse, spanning government and private industry. They include: emergency management (at the federal, state, and local levels), industry (particularly in banking, energy, manufacturing, and transportation/shipping), and ports (maritime and aviation). Graduates of the MA in Homeland Security have secured jobs with: U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, U.S. Department of State, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), among others.
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 receive 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 of Arts in Homeland Security offers an 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.
What you'll study
General Requirements
Required Courses
Capstone/Thesis
Complete one of the following:
Please Note: Students who are interested in taking HLS 7990 need to first take GST 6109 Basic Field Research.
Elective
Complete one of the following:
Concentrations
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.
This program requires successful completion of a minimum of 45 credit hours that meet the degree requirements.