Homeland Security Master of Professional Studies
The Master’s degree in Homeland Security is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders to navigate the complexities of local, national and global security. The program provides a comprehensive, full-field view of current and emerging threats, offering a cutting-edge graduate curriculum that examines national and international security policy and practices in the public and private sectors. Recognizing the evolving nature of the homeland security landscape, the program explores the impact of established and emerging threats, from terrorism and political violence to cybersecurity, AI and other advanced technologies, preparing students to anticipate and respond to challenges at the forefront of national security.
Taught by our faculty of accomplished practitioners and veteran homeland security professionals, students learn the skills to lead and act strategically, work across agencies and communicate complex security issues to diverse audiences. Through dynamic collaboration and teamwork, you will engage with peers and experts to solve real-world problems, fostering an environment that mirrors the collaborative nature of modern security efforts. Ultimately, with a Master’s degree in Homeland Security from GW, you will gain an enhanced understanding of security policies and the best practices necessary to lead with confidence, helping your team or organization maintain preparedness and respond to evolving threats.
Homeland Master’s Ranked #1 Best Online College
The Homeland Security master’s degree was ranked #1 by OnlineU.com for 2023’s Best Online Colleges for Salary Score. According to OnlineU.com, the Salary Score methodology is based on median alumni earnings in the year after graduating. Data is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education.
Elaine Lammert
Program Director, Homeland Security Master's Program
SSgt. James Miller
GW Homeland Security Graduate
Program at a Glance
This is pioneering education in global security policy, spanning terrorism, political violence, cybersecurity, AI, intelligence analysis and threats.
Professors are acknowledged leaders in the field who bring first-hand experience to class.
Our program is a 36-credit master’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 16 months.
Where You'll Study
You can study fully online or in-person. The in-person program classes are conveniently held one night per week in our GW Education Center in Arlington, VA, plus one Saturday per month. The program combines classroom-based and online instruction that lets students fit a full course load into their busy schedules.
Program Objectives
Upon completion of the Masters of Professional Studies in Homeland Security, students will be able to:
- Examine strategy, policy and emerging trends in homeland security.
- Develop and implement effective strategies to address homeland security issues in local, regional and national contexts.
- Facilitate cooperation across and within governmental, non-governmental and private-sector organizations.
- Lead and manage strategically to support organizational change, build capacity, develop human capital and adapt to future challenges.
- Communicate with clarity and impact, orally and in writing, to diverse stakeholders.
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What You'll Study
Our program equips future leaders to navigate complex local, national and global threats, from terrorism and political violence to cybersecurity and emerging technologies, through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum that blends counter-terrorism, intelligence analysis and security policy with real-world application, preparing students to lead in both public and private sectors. Our homeland security program is comprehensive and nationally recognized. Delve into topics such as:
- Combating Domestic Terrorism
- Cybersecurity
- Emerging Technologies
- Globalization of Threats and International Security
- Intelligence and Strategic Analysis
- Managing the Politics of Leadership
- Security and Civil Liberties
- Transnational Threats and Security
Program Format
Earn your MPS in Homeland Security with just 36 credits in as little as 16 months. This degree is tailored for working professionals in the homeland security field, including military service members.
Acceleration Options
Advance your homeland security career with our flexible program, designed to recognize your professional experience or prior learning and help you accelerate your path to leadership in the homeland security field.
- In-Person Program
- Classes meet at GW's Education Center in Arlington, Virginia.
- Students are admitted for a Fall cohort.
- Students must enroll in the Master of Professional Studies program and will attend classes one night per week plus one Saturday per month. With this schedule, students will complete three courses each term.
- Weeknight classes will meet from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. Saturday classes will meet from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm with a break for lunch.
- All courses are three credit hours.
- The program combines classroom-based and online instruction delivered via Blackboard, GW’s web-based educational platform.
- Online Program
- Students are admitted to the Online program for fall, spring and summer semesters.
- The online curriculum has the same curriculum requirements as the in-person program.
- 100% online – providing convenience and flexibility.
- Course Sequence
Current Students: Please speak to your program director or Student Success Coach for advice before registering for courses. The following information can help you plan your course sequence.
Semester One
- PSHS 6240: Political Violence and Terrorism (3 credits)
- PSHS 6241: Globalization of Threats and International Security (3 credits)
- PSHS 6261: Infrastructure Security and Protection (3 credits)
Semester Two
- PSHS 6262: Emerging Technologies in Threat Detection and Response
- PSHS 6244: Information Systems Protection (3 credits)
- PSHS 6243: Intelligence and Strategic Analysis
Semester Three
- PSHS 6250: Strategic Planning and Budgeting (3 credits)
- PSHS 6251: Inter-Agency Cooperation (3 credits)
- PSHS 6252: Emergency Management and Crisis Communication (3 credits)
Semester Four
- PSHS 6242: Security and Civil Liberties (3 credits)
- PSHS 6253: Managing the Politics of Leadership (3 credits)
- PSHS 6270: Capstone Project (3 credits)
- Dual Degree
The College of Professional Studies offers a dual bachelor of professional studies (BPS) with a major in homeland security and master of professional studies (MPS) in the field of homeland security degree program.
The program allows for the double counting of three courses (9 credits) completed in the BPS program toward completion of the MPS degree. All requirements for both degrees must be fulfilled.
Interested students should confer with their academic advisor in the fall semester of their senior year. Applications to the dual degree program are due in early December of the senior year.
Students enrolled in the dual degree program are waived from the following courses: PSHS 6240, PSHS 6241, and PSHS 6261.- Credit for Prior Learning
At program director’s discretion, up to 9 credits may be waived based on credit earned in previous coursework.
See GW’s policy for Transfer Credits for Graduate students for more information about requirements.
- Credit Substitutions
At the program director's discretion, up to 9 credits may be substituted for elective courses in other MPS programs.
About the Faculty & Advisory Board
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Courses are led by expert practitioners who bring real-world experience, emphasizing strategic leadership, cross-agency collaboration and practical problem-solving in today’s dynamic security environment. The faculty are acknowledged experts in the field of homeland security, international security, intelligence and strategic analysis, emergency management and interagency cooperation. The Advisory Board members are senior-level professionals with extensive operational and leadership experience in homeland security.
- Faculty
The Homeland Security program is taught by acknowledged experts in the field of homeland security, international security, intelligence and strategic analysis, emergency management and interagency cooperation. The faculty have been rated 100% Very Good or Excellent according to the cumulative results of the GW Graduate Student Graduation Survey from 2009 to 2018.
- Advisory Board
The Advisory Board members of the GW Master of Professional Studies and Bachelor of Professional Studies in Homeland Security programs are senior-level professionals with extensive operational and leadership experience with homeland security. They provide support and advice to the programs, their curriculum, and the development of new initiatives.
- Bobby R. Baker, Jr., Principal CBRNE Training Specialist
- Robert Crane, Project Manager – Energy Sector, Institute for Homeland Security at Sam Houston State University in Texas
- Nairi Simonian Gruzenski, Associate Counsel, USCIS, Office of Chief Counsel, Strategic Litigation Division
- Greg Morgan, Lieutenant, Los Angeles Police Department
- Joshua Pena, Communication Strategy and Operations Officer, United States Marine Corps
- Nick Reese, Co-founder and COO at Frontier Foundry
- Shawn Royall, WMD SME, Octant Associates, LLC
- Alex Wibe, Defense Acquisitions Professional & Retired Naval Aviator
Admissions Information
To be considered for the Homeland Security MPS program you must:
- Have a Bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher (on the 4.0 point scale) from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Have at least two years of professional experience in homeland security, or hold a Bachelor's degree in a related field and seek a career in homeland security.
- Costs & Aid
Our tuition and fees vary by program and location, generally increasing annually. This is an estimate based on current tuition rates and fee structures. Total tuition and fees will vary according to the courses taken and the timeframe in which you complete your coursework.
2024-2025 Rates in Effect for Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Terms
Tuition: 36 credits @ $1,375 per credit hour
12 courses, typically completed in 16 months
$49,500 Registration fees: 4 registration sessions @ $35 each $40 TOTAL: Tuition + fees over the average completion time $49,640 (approx.) Other Costs to Consider:
Application fee $80 Textbooks: $500 (approx.) Matriculation fee (one time) $200 Residency Accommodations
Students are responsible for the cost of their travel, meals, and accommodations (if applicable).
- Benefits & Scholarships for Veterans
GW's Military & Veteran Services provides wide-ranging resources and support to the military community, including GW scholarships and assistance with benefits:
Since Military and Veterans Services was created in 2008, GW has been an annual recipient of the Military Friendly Award and is also annually recognized as a Military Times “Best for Vets” higher education institution.
- International Student Requirements
- If you are an international student, please note that only our off-campus program is eligible for F-1 and J-1 visas.
- Applicants must submit their complete applications by the deadlines listed on the International Student Admissions page. These deadlines are at least two months before the deadline for admitted students to submit visa request paperwork.
- If you are an international student, please note that only our off-campus program is eligible for F-1 and J-1 visas.
- Applicants must submit their complete applications by the deadlines listed on the International Student Admissions page. These deadlines are at least two months before the deadline for admitted students to submit visa request paperwork.
Deadlines: Fall Application Deadline Extended to August 1. Apply Today!
Applicants that have complete applications are eligible to request an application fee waiver by 11:59 p.m. on the Priority Deadline.* To request an application fee waiver, contact your program representative before submitting your application. Fee waiver details. Applications received after the Final Deadline will continue to be processed, space permitting.
Fall Admissions
In-person and online program
- Fall Priority Deadline: May 1*
- Fall Final Deadline: July 1
Spring Admissions
Online program only
- Spring Priority Deadline: October 15*
- Spring Final Deadline: November 30
Summer Admissions
Online program only
- Summer Priority Deadline: N/A*
- Summer Final Deadline: April 1
"I feel that the GW Homeland Security program education I am receiving is helping me to be successful. The skills I am learning are helping me develop and become more valuable to my firm. This has made my transition out of the service a successful one."
Gabriel Vasquez
Class of 2019
More alumni quotes
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Homeland Security Program Sampler on GW RevU
Discover the perfect opportunity to experience the quality and innovation of our educational offerings with our complimentary, self-paced Homeland Security program sampler. Designed to give you a glimpse into our curriculum, the sampler is tailored to meet the ever-evolving demands of today’s competitive job market.
Contacts
Lynn McKnight
Assistant Director,
Recruitment & Admissions
lamck28
gwu [dot] edu (lamck28[at]gwu[dot]edu)
(571) 553-0328
Schedule a time to talk to me
Elaine Lammert
Program Director
(703) 447-0720
enlammgwu [dot] edu (enlamm[at]gwu[dot]edu)