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Homeland Security workers in the field

Master of Professional Studies inHomeland Security

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Learn from one of the first and most comprehensive homeland security programs. You may complete the base program or choose from a diverse range of specialization options — all designed to develop highly trained future leaders in roles that include national security.

100% Online

Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by August 1 to start August 25

33 Credits$1,027 per credit

Identify and Assess Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Consequences in Local and Global Environments

  • Search and synthesize literature to integrate homeland security principles into disciplines and professional fields.

  • Use disciplinary methods, techniques, and knowledge to solve practical problems.

  • Evaluate scientific evidence and best practices to inform and improve real-world decisions.

  • Practice ethics and integrity as a foundation for analytical debate and conclusion.

  • Apply leadership skills and principles to produce and act on information in a collaborative setting.

  • Communicate major issues effectively to the diverse community within the homeland security enterprise.

This 33-credit master’s in homeland security program covers homeland security issues at different levels of government and in the private sector. The required courses focus on an all-hazards approach to homeland security legislation, policies, strategies, planning, organization and administration, and interactions across the homeland security enterprise.

All students will be enrolled in the HLS Orientation (noncredit) course, as this orientation provides an overview of the HLS program and the field of homeland security.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Foundation for understanding homeland security history, the development of homeland security policies and organizations, and current management approaches.

  • 3
    credits

    This course will examine the social, political, legal, and ethical issues that arise in the context of homeland security.

  • 3
    credits

    Provides an overview of the domestic and global issues related to homeland security.

Base Program Prescribed Courses (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Fundamentals of Homeland Security provides foundational knowledge about homeland security policy, strategy, organization, and legal issues in the U.S. context.

  • 3
    credits

    Analyzes, evaluates, and critiques homeland security plans in practice.

  • 3
    credits

    Examination of the roles of the public and private sectors and the military in preparing for, mitigating, and responding to disasters.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores psychological impact of disasters and terrorist attacks on victims, families, rescuers, and society and methods of reducing negative effects.

Electives (select 9 credits)

Consult your adviser on the best electives to meet your goals.

Homeland Security

  • 3
    credits

    Provides knowledge about protection of critical infrastructure as an aspect of homeland security

  • 3
    credits

    The Homeland Security Intelligence course provides a depth of knowledge of key intelligence issues for homeland security professionals.

  • 3
    credits

    This course will examine the inter-relationship of foreign, military and economic policy.

  • 3
    credits

    Addresses international cooperation in Homeland Security and compare select national approaches as well as teach related practical methods of analysis.

    • Prerequisite

      HLS 801, HLS 803, HLS 805, and PADM 802 (In certain cases, students may be eligible for a prerequisite waiver based on prior academic or professional experience.)

  • 3
    credits

    Provides real-world experience in the homeland security enterprise. Supervision/support is provided by site personnel and Penn State graduate faculty.

    • Prerequisites

      HLS 801, HLS 803, and HLS 805

  • 3
    credits

    Provides new insights of the emerging threats, disruptive technologies, and techniques for analyzing them to plan for the future of Homeland Security.

  • 3
    credits

    This course will provide an overview of transnational crime and its effects on homeland security.

  • 3
    credits

    Provides an overview of the homeland defense mission and defense support of civil authorities during disasters, and the distinctions between the two.

    • Prerequisite

      HLS 801

  • 3
    credits

    This course assesses the controlling authorities that pertain to homeland security, from the U.S. Constitution to major federal statutes, court decisions, and executive directives.

Leadership and Communication

  • 3
    credits

    Emphasizes identity issues that are critical to understanding individual and collective processes in organizational life.

  • 3
    credits

    Students will examine the social and psychological processes underlying leadership in organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    Students will examine the psychological and social processes underlying behavior, motivation, and attitudes in work settings.

  • 3
    credits

    This seminar provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of disaster communication across phases of a disaster.

Risk Management

  • 3
    credits

    This course will explore intentional and unintentional threats to the agriculture food system, history, and current approaches for safeguarding this key infrastructure.

  • 3
    credits

    The application of cultural geography in the intelligence analysis and synthesis process by identifying prominent threats to civil security.

  • 3
    credits

    This course examines the fundamental elements of crisis, disaster, risk, and emergency management.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduces students to the design of exposure assessment and health effect studies applicable to disasters and terrorism.

Terrorism and International Security

  • 3
    credits

    This course studies how police organizations from different countries communicate, cooperate, and collaborate with each other in order to respond to global crime threats.

  • 3
    credits

    This course aims to understand the role of law enforcement in counterterrorism by analyzing the challenges, issues, and difficulties in policing global terrorism.

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides knowledge about government organizations charged with American border security, guiding laws, and policies.

    • Prerequisite

      6th semester standing

  • 3
    credits

    Explore how nuclear weapons revolutionized thinking about war and peace among major powers and how they can become a primary focus of international diplomacy.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines U.S. domestic terrorism, focusing on its roots, the contemporary threat landscape, responses to it by law enforcement and policymakers, and the nature and form of extremist violence perpetrated by U.S. domestic actors and movements.

Capstone Experience (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals and the specialization you choose.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

Some opportunities include upper-level positions in various government agencies. The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Emergency Management Coordinator
  • Emergency Planner
  • Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
  • Emergency Services Director
  • Public Safety Director

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Emergency Management Directors

3.3%
employment growth (10 years)
11,290
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by August 1 to start August 25. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition Rates for the Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026 Semesters
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

A figure walking on a path that includes a certificate part of the way through their progress

Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Certificate Programs Related to This Degree

The following certificates can be earned while completing this degree program:

Gain an understanding of homeland security issues that apply at all levels of government and national security, as well as in the private sector, with this online homeland security certificate program.

Learn more

Gain global perspective and deepen your understanding of unique issues facing the world. The 12-credit online Graduate Certificate in International Affairs program was designed to help prepare the next generation of global leaders and can offer essential foundations to the field.

Learn more

A Degree for the Public and Private Sectors

The need for qualified homeland security professionals is expanding at state and local levels, as well as internationally. Public-private partnership has also made homeland security an important focus for private sector employers in fields such as technology, finance, insurance, and public health.

This comprehensive program allows you to either apply to the base program or to one of several options to customize your degree. Multiple options offer the opportunity for academic specialization within homeland security.

Homeland security options:

Gain the skills to help defend against natural and manmade threats to our agriculture and food supply chain. This option builds a fundamental understanding of homeland security issues with an emphasis on food science, plant protection, and animal security.

Learn more

Build an understanding of terrorist organizations and their motives, threats, recruitment strategies, and operational tactics. This online master's degree program option also covers the evolution of counterterrorism in the U.S. and abroad.

Learn more

In this online homeland security (HLS) master’s program, you can acquire a broad base of knowledge relevant to current policies and programs of the homeland security administration, focusing on preventing cyber attacks and understanding cyber laws.

Learn more

Combine intelligence analysis with geospatial science and technology to gain situational awareness and provide a decisive advantage in preventing and responding to homeland security threats. This online degree program can help improve the accuracy of your organization's most critical intelligence assessments.

Learn more

This online master's degree teaches students how to mitigate the medical and public health impact of natural, accidental, and intentional disasters. Designed by the Penn State College of Medicine, in collaboration with Penn State Health, this program provides graduate students with both academic and health system perspectives.

Learn more

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for federal, state, and local officials and working professionals in private industry looking for a background in homeland security topics. The program also serves international students interested in education from one of the leaders in homeland security studies in the United States.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years

  • Take 3–4 courses each semester

To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years

  • Take 2–3 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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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, and application instructions.

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Apply by August 1 to start August 25

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by August 1 to start August 25

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by January 5 to start January 12

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by May 1, 2026, to start May 18, 2026

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

  2. Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required.

    English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.

    Statement of Purpose — A statement of no more than 500 words explaining to the admissions committee how your professional experience and goals relate to the program to which you are applying. Your statement could include aspects such as the following: your reasons for pursuing the degree, why you feel you are a good candidate for the program, and any information you would like the admissions committee to know about you personally and/or professionally.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

To learn more about the intercollege Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Base Program, please contact:

Autumn Kreider
Homeland Security Degree Base Program, Certificate, and Undergraduate Minor
School of Public Affairs
777 West Harrisburg Pike
160W Olmsted Building
Middletown, PA 17057
Phone: 717-948-6799
Fax: 717-948-6320
[email protected]

The Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Base Program is offered in partnership with the Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs. Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty who have special training and experience teaching in an online environment.

To enhance our program offerings and provide expertise in various academic areas, we draw on renowned faculty from across Penn State — including the College of Agricultural Sciences, College of the Liberals Arts’ Department of Political Science, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, Penn State Great Valley, and Penn State College of Medicine.

Faculty

  • Emma Leonard Boyle, Ph.D.

    • Ph.D., Political Science and African Studies, Penn State
    • M.A., Political Science, Penn State
    • M.Sc., African Studies, Oxford University
    • M.A., International Relations, The University of St Andrews

    Emma Leonard Boyle is an associate professor of political science and the chair of the homeland security programs. She received her Ph.D. in Political Science and African Studies from Penn State, and her research interests include terrorism, the geography of political violence, and gender-based violence in civil wars. She has previously worked at the Center for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) at the University of St Andrews and the International Center for the Study of Terrorism (ICST) at Penn State.

  • Chris J. Dolan

    • Ph.D., Government and International Studies, University of South Carolina
    • M.A., Political Science, Northeastern University
    • B.A., Political Science, Siena College

    Dr. Chris J. Dolan is an assistant teaching professor of homeland security whose research focuses on homeland security and cyber defense, advanced defense technologies, cyber threat intelligence, NATO, and critical infrastructure protection. In 2024, Dolan was a Fulbright State Department Specialist in cyber defense and critical infrastructure with the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) in Kosovo. He is a two-time Fulbright U.S. Scholar (North Macedonia, 2022; Kosovo, 2019–2020). In 2023, he published two books: NATO, the U.S., and Cold War 2.0 and The Politics of U.S. Foreign Policy and NATO.

  • Nicholas Eftimiades

    • M.S., Strategic Intelligence, National Defense Intelligence College
    • B.A., East Asian Studies, George Washington University

    Nicholas Eftimiades retired from the U.S. Department of Defense. His 34-year government career includes employment in the CIA as a technical operations officer, a special agent in the U.S. Department of StateBureau of Diplomatic Security, and a senior intelligence officer in the Defense Intelligence Agency. He held positions in analysis, human and technical intelligence collection, and management, with numerous overseas assignments.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by August 1 to start August 25. How to Apply 

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