Homeland Security workers in the field

Master of Professional Studies inHomeland Security

Program summary

Learn from one of the first and most comprehensive homeland security programs. Students 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.

Application deadline

Apply by May 1 to start May 13

Credits and costs

33 Credits$1,017 per credit

Most Comprehensive Online Homeland Security Degree

The discipline of homeland security follows an all-hazards approach and crosses both the public and the private sector. While the federal government's Department of Homeland Security and federal agencies may be among the largest employers of homeland security professionals, the need for qualified professionals is expanding at state and local levels, as well as internationally. In addition, public-private partnership has made homeland security an important focus for private sector employers in fields such as technology, finance, insurance, public health, and more.

The Penn State World Campus intercollege Master of Professional Studies (iMPS) in Homeland Security, a 33-credit program delivered exclusively online, complements these diverse specialties, with a homeland security education portfolio that can suit the needs of many individuals working in this field and foster national and international careers. The Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs serves as the academic home for the Homeland Security degree.

The online courses are flexible, allowing you to continue working in your current profession. In addition, the class assignments are focused on knowledge and skills that are applicable in the workplace. The curriculum is also appropriate if you want to transfer from a related field into the field of homeland security or one of its specializations.

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 in a global context, and then you can choose a specialization: the general homeland security base program — which focuses on policy and organization — or options in cyber threat analytics and prevention, counterterrorism, public health preparedness, intelligence and geospatial analysis, or agricultural biosecurity and food defense.

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. The program also serves international students interested in education from one of the leaders in homeland security studies in the United States.

One Homeland Security Degree, Multiple Options

This page provides you with information about the base program of the intercollege Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security.

Within this comprehensive program, you may 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.

To enhance our offerings, and to 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, Penn State Great Valley, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Penn State Hershey College of Medicine — to deliver these options. To learn more about the other options within the homeland security degree program, please visit the following web pages:

International Track

The international track of Penn State's online Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security program, offered in partnership with the School of International Affairs, is based on state-of-the-art security research. You can learn to understand differences and commonalities between homeland, national, and international security, as well as the characteristics of homeland security in a global context and an all-hazards threat environment. This track can prepare you for a global career with excellent earning potential.

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 more than 100 years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We create an online learning environment that offers you the same quality education our residential students experience in a face-to-face setting. Learn more about Penn State World Campus

Courses

The 33-credit Penn State online Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security program covers homeland security issues at different levels of government, as well as in the private sector. The base program focuses on homeland security legislation, policies, strategies, planning, organization and administration, and interactions across the homeland security enterprise.

The courses in the base program can help prepare continuing and emerging homeland security leaders with the knowledge of institutions, policies, strategies, and values required for preparedness, protection, prevention, response, recovery, mitigation, and analysis of catastrophic events in the context of an all-hazards comprehensive approach.

All students are required to complete the HLS Orientation (noncredit) as part of the HLS core curriculum before the end of their first semester. 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.

Agricultural Biosecurity

  • 3
    credits

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

Business Administration

  • 3
    credits

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

Communication Arts and Sciences

  • 3
    credits

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

Criminal Justice

  • 3
    credits

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

    • Prerequisite

      6th semester standing

Electrical Engineering

  • 3
    credits

    Sensors and Detection Systems with a focus in Homeland Security; includes terminology, visualizations, processes, and technical knowledge in the art of sensor and detection system design, analog and digital signals, field equipment used to measure signals, microcontrollers and embedded systems, electrical communication systems, system requirements and design, countermeasures/vulnerabilities.

Engineering

  • 3
    credits

    Covers the essential concepts and skills needed to make effective contributions on projects, on time and within budget.

  • 3
    credits

    Explores cultural differences and impact on business practices and team dynamics working on virtual project teams with global partner universities.

Geography

  • 3
    credits

    Examines the nexus of geospatial intelligence analysis with cyberspace, the geopolitics of cyber threats, the politics of censorship and hacking, public safety, disaster response, and humanitarian relief; students will utilize a range of cyber data, systems, and spatial sciences to examine human social networks of the internet.

    • Prerequisite

      GEOG 160 or GEOG 482 or permission of program

  • 3
    credits

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

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.

  • 3–6
    credits

    Supervised off-campus, non-group instruction including field experiences, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required. A specific title may be used in each instance and will be entered on the student's transcript.

  • 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

    The homeland security framework depends on strategic planning and organization. This course examines the key issues associated with these.

  • 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.

International Affairs

  • 3
    credits

    Examine how governments gather intelligence, how intelligence is analyzed, and what impact it has on policymakers.

  • 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

    Continuing seminars that consist of series of individual lectures by faculty, students, or outside speakers. Introduces students to quantitative methods applicable to various issue areas, including international relations, economics, business, law, education, health, and environment.

Information Sciences and Technology

  • 3
    credits

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

  • 3
    credits

    This course provides theoretical and applied foundations of information security and assurance.

Master of Business Administration

Students may concentrate their elective studies in courses in the Master of Business Administration. While only 9 credits are required to meet the Homeland Security Base Option elective requirements, students can choose 12 credits from the MBA courses to be eligible to receive a Graduate Certificate in Business Management Foundations through the Penn State Smeal College of Business.

  • 3
    credits

    Integrating multiple functional business areas to resolve global business problems and improve organizational performance.

  • 3
    credits

    Accounting rules, practices, and applications that characterize the accounting presentations that for-profit organizations provide to the public.

  • 3
    credits

    Overview of human behavior in organizations, and implications for managing and leading individuals, teams, and organizations.

  • 3
    credits

    Application of techniques available to aid managers in sound financial decision making.

  • 3
    credits

    Examines strategic issues in marketing, including analysis, planning, and implementation; gain hands-on experience in taking control of an enterprise operation involving marketing, production, and financial decision-making at both the strategic and tactical levels.

Public Administration

  • 3
    credits

    Conduct independent research in policy analysis, program evaluation, and public management.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduction to the analysis of public policy within its organizational and political contexts, including an emphasis on an economic perspective.

    • Prerequisite

      3 credits of American government and 3 credits of basic economics

  • 3
    credits

    Development of basic concepts and issues in public administration; administrative theory and public policy processes.

Public Health Preparedness

  • 3
    credits

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

Political Science

  • 3
    credits

    A survey of traditional and contemporary conceptual frameworks and theoretical approaches for the analysis of international relations.

  • 3
    credits

    Analysis of political terrorism as a violent alternative for peaceful change and traditional warfare in the nuclear age.

  • 3
    credits

    Principles of American foreign policy; processes of policy formulation; roles of the President, Congress, the State Department, and other government agencies.

Psychology

  • 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.

Security and Risk Analysis

  • 3
    credits

    The role of information and intelligence introduces students to the architecture and policies of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) and examines how U.S. intelligence policies and practices relate to overall U.S. foreign policy objectives and are influenced by today's global environment and emerging technologies. The course examines the users and processes of IC, participants of Competitive Intelligence, and comparative intelligence communities.

    • Prerequisite

      SRA 111 and SRA 211 and SRA 231

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.

Costs and Financial Aid

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.

2023–24 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2023, spring 2024, and summer 2024 semesters.

How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,017 per credit
12 or more$12,203 per semester

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

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

How to Apply

Deadlines and Important Dates

Your degree application, including receipt of all application materials, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete.

  • Summer DeadlineApply by May 1 to start May 13
  • Fall DeadlineApply by August 1 to start August 26
  • Spring DeadlineApply by December 1, 2024, to start January 13, 2025

Admissions Help

Thank you for your interest in continuing your homeland security education through Penn State World Campus. New and prospective students must submit an application for admission when applying to either the master's or a certificate program, along with a nonrefundable application fee. If you have any questions throughout the admissions process, please contact an admissions counselor.

Admission Requirements 

For admission to the 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.

What You Need

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. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State, but must list Penn State as part of your academic history. If you are admitted, you will be asked to send an additional official transcript. You will receive instructions at that time.

GPA and 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 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.

Start Your Application

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.

Begin the graduate school application

  • Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
  • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
  • Choose "HOMELAND SECURITY" as the major
  • Choose “MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES” as the degree
  • Choose “HOMELAND SECURITY BASE PROGRAM” as the option

Checking Your Status

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

Technical Requirements 

Review the technical requirements for this degree program.

Ready to Learn More?

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

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Career Opportunities for Graduates

A homeland security professional working at a computer

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

Student having a virtual meeting on a laptop with a career counselor

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 

Earn a Valuable Credential along the Way

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 graduate certificate program.

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security

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 about the Graduate Certificate in International Affairs

Contact Us

To learn more about the intercollege Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Base Program, offered in partnership with the Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs, please contact:

Melissa Forkey
Homeland Security Degree Base Program, Certificate, and Undergraduate Minor
School of Public Affairs
777 West Harrisburg Pike
160W Olmsted Building
Middletown, PA 17057
Phone: 717-948-6322
Fax: 717-948-6320
[email protected]

Faculty

  • Emma Leonard Boyle, Ph.D.

    • Degree
      Ph.D., Political Science and African Studies, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.A., Political Science, Penn State
    • Degree
      M.Sc., African Studies, Oxford University
    • Degree
      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.

  • Nicholas Eftimiades

    • Degree
      M.S., Strategic Intelligence, National Defense Intelligence College
    • Degree
      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.

In addition to standing program faculty, experts from the homeland security mission space are serving as part-time instructors in the program.


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

Apply by May 1 to start May 13. How to Apply