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.

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.
 

Program News

 

 

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: 

1. Examine strategy, policy and emerging trends in homeland security.
2. Develop and implement effective strategies to address homeland security issues in local, regional  and national contexts.
3. Facilitate cooperation across and within governmental, non-governmental and private-sector organizations.
4. Lead and manage strategically to support organizational change, build capacity, develop human capital and adapt to future challenges.
5. Communicate with clarity and impact, orally and in writing, to diverse stakeholders. 

Image

 

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:

About the Faculty & Advisory Board

Image

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. 

• Sean Blochberger
• Joshua Browne
• Jeff Delinski
• Kathleen Harasek
• John Kavanagh
• Lindsay Kuck
• Al Olagbemiro
• Elaine Lammert, Program Director
• Gregory Morgan
• Eric Martin
• John Occhipinti
• John Perren
• John Picarelli
• Rohin Sharma
• Maria Velez de Berliner
• Keith Williams

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.

• Damon Alexander, Deputy Director of Security, Acuity International
• 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
• Vincent Politte, Lions of Leadership
• Nick Reese, Co-founder and COO at Frontier Foundry
• 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. 

Application Process

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.

Financial Aid Opportunities

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:

• VA Chapter Benefits;
• Yellow Ribbon Program;
• GW scholarships.

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.

International Student Admissions

Admissions Deadlines

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

Image

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.
 

LEARN MORE

Contacts

 

 

 

Lynn McKnight

Assistant Director,
Recruitment & Admissions
lamck28gwu [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)