Why Homeland Security?
Northeastern University’s Master of Arts in Homeland Security provides students with the skills necessary for the next generation of homeland security leaders in both the public and private sectors.
The Master in Arts in Homeland Security is designed for students who seek leadership roles in the ever-changing, challenging homeland security field. Our program helps students understand the importance of seeking solutions through a whole-of-government approach and partnerships with the private sector.
From global pandemics, to wildfires in California, hurricanes along the East Coast, and bombings at public events, it’s clear that America faces a number of threats to our national security each and every day. These threats and others require dedicated homeland security professionals to ensure we are all safe.
Our Master of Arts in Homeland Security focuses on providing the leadership skills, emergency planning and management tools, and verbal and written communication expertise to prepare our students to meet the challenges of an uncertain world. With critical and reflective thinking at the forefront of the curriculum, graduates are prepared to make timely, well-reasoned judgments to protect our way of life.
Whether you are considering a career in the homeland security field—or are looking to advance within your current role—a Northeastern University master’s degree in homeland security will help you to achieve your goals.
More Details
Unique Features
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Career-advancing degree: With hands-on and career-oriented coursework, the curriculum enables students to “learn it tonight, use it tomorrow.” Coursework is specifically designed to immediately provide the skills and knowledge desired in the industry.
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Tailor your degree to your career goals: Choose from one of four concentrations—Emergency Management; Organization and Infrastructure Continuity; Geospatial Services; or Port Security.
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Flexible learning formats: With courses offered 100% online, on campus in Boston or Charlotte, or in a hybrid format, you can complete your degree without putting your life on hold.
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Network and learn from expert security professionals: Our faculty are practicing, recognized experts with years of experience in national and homeland security. They provide students with valuable insights from their careers. Faculty include a former director of intelligence for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, CIA analysts, and experts who have advised presidents, Congress, and key organizations.
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Northeastern’s commitment to advancing innovations in security: Security is one of Northeastern’s three research and programmatic focal areas. Our university-wide commitment to guide and advance innovation in security, intelligence, and resilience is bolstered by our dedicated research centers and institutes focused on security issues.
Program Objectives
- Provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead the next generation of homeland security in both the public and private sectors
- Provide the leadership skills, emergency planning and management tools, and verbal and written communication expertise to prepare our students to meet the challenges of an uncertain world
- Provide a whole-of-government understanding of homeland security with an emphasis on the importance of partnering with the private sector in a global context
- Focus on exposing students to a strategic-level understanding of the wholistic approach in the homeland security field and the private sector’s integral role
Career Outlook
- Opportunities for employment in security positions are diverse, spanning both government and private industry. They include:
- Emergency management (at the federal, state, and local levels)
- Industries such as banking, energy, manufacturing, and transportation/shipping
- Ports (maritime and aviation)
- Past graduates of the program have gone on to work for:
- U.S. Secret Service
- Department of Homeland Security
- FBI
- The U.S. Department of State
- Naval Criminal Investigative Services
- Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
- Raytheon
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.