Most Comprehensive Online Homeland Security Degree

The discipline of homeland security crosses both the public and private sector. While the federal government’s Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies may be one of the largest employers of homeland security professionals, the need for qualified professionals is expanding at the state and local levels. In addition, the public-private partnership has made homeland security an important focus for the private sector industries such as technology, finance, insurance, and more. Penn State World Campus’s online, 33-credit, intercollege Master of Professional Studies (iMPS) in Homeland Security complements these diverse specialties, with a homeland security education portfolio that can suit the needs of many individuals working in this field.

The courses are designed to make the learning experience applicable to your workplace, while focusing class assignments on your work. The curriculum also is appropriate if you want to transfer from a related field into a homeland security field.

Why Penn State for Your Homeland Security Education

Penn State offers a series of homeland security core courses that can provide you with a fundamental understanding of homeland security, and then you can choose one of five specializations: the general homeland security base program which focuses on policy and organization, or options in public health preparedness, geospatial intelligence, information security and forensics, or agricultural biosecurity and food defense.

The program offers five online certificates including the Homeland Security and Defense Graduate Certificate. The credits you earn in the certificate may be applied toward the Master’s in Homeland Security.

Who Should Apply?

The iMPS in homeland security degree is open to candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree. The degree is ideal for federal, state, and local officials, and individuals in private industry looking for a background in homeland security topics.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates of this program can expect to follow a number of career paths depending on the specialization they choose. Career opportunities for those interested in pursuing the homeland security base program include upper-level positions in business continuity, infrastructure protection, intelligence analysis, law enforcement, and physical security.

To learn more about career opportunities in your specialization, visit the program web page:

• Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense
• Geospatial Intelligence
• Information Security and Forensics
• Public Health Preparedness

Information for Military and Veterans

Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions. 

Online Education at Penn State

Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We strive to create an online learning environment that brings you as close to the face-to-face experience as possible. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.