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Master of Science in Homeland Security

Program Overview

MS in Homeland Security | 30 Credits | Fully Online

The Master of Science in Homeland Security is a 30-credit hour program that prepares students to manage emergencies, threats and crises.  This interdisciplinary program integrates principles of emergency management, homeland security, risk assessment, leadership, managing crises, intelligence methods, interagency issues, critical infrastructure and criminal justice, emphasizing theoretical knowledge and practical application skills while incorporating a Christian worldview.

Given Carson-Newman’s mission for students to become “educated citizens and worldwide servant-leaders,” this degree will enable students to develop an understanding and appreciation of global developments within our own country and throughout the world, think critically, apply policy and act decisively as leaders in their professions and communities.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of C-N’s master’s in homeland security go on to work across federal agencies, state and local government, law enforcement, and the private sector. Common roles include:

  • Emergency Management Director — oversees disaster planning, preparedness, and response operations for government agencies or large organizations
  • Homeland Security Specialist — analyzes and addresses threats to national security across federal, state, and local agencies
  • Intelligence Analyst — collects and interprets threat data to inform law enforcement and federal agency decision-making
  • Counterterrorism Analyst — monitors and evaluates domestic and international terrorism threats and develops response strategies
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection Specialist — identifies and mitigates risks to essential systems including utilities, transportation, and communications networks
  • Business Continuity Manager — develops and maintains plans to keep organizations operational during and after a crisis or disaster
  • Risk Management Consultant — assesses vulnerabilities and recommends strategies to reduce exposure to security and operational risks
  • Public Safety Director — leads public safety operations and policy for municipalities, counties, or regional agencies
  • Crisis Communications Manager — manages public information and messaging for government agencies or organizations during emergencies
  • Interagency Coordination Specialist — facilitates communication and joint operations across multiple government agencies during complex incidents
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AT A GLANCE

30 credit hours

Fully online

Completion time: Full-time — 3 semesters/Part-time: 6 semesters

CPS Tuition & Financial Aid

Admissions Requirements

In addition to the common admissions requirements for all C-N graduate programs, applications to the Master of Science in Homeland Security must meet these minimum qualifications:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
  • A minimum overall GPA of 2.5

Curriculum Requirements

Homeland Security Core (18 credit hours)

HSEM-510Homeland Security Leadership & Decision Making3 hours
HSEM-520Foundations of Homeland Security3 hours
HSEM-610Homeland Security & Terrorism in the U.S.3 hours
HSEM-620Homeland Security Law3 hours
HSEM-580U.S. Intelligence Enterprise3 hours
HSEM-640Homeland Security Organization and Policy3 hours

Choose from one of the following concentrations:

General Concentration (select 4 courses or 12 credit hours)

HSEM-534Managing Crises3 hours
HSEM-533Security Risk Assessment3 hours
HSEM-630Critical Infrastructure Protection3 hours
HSEM-530Emergency and Disaster Management3 hours
HSEM-535Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness3 hours
HSEM-540All-Hazards Response & Recovery3 hours
HSEM/CRJ-635Interagency Coordination3 hours

Emergency Management Concentration (12 credit hours)

HSEM-530Emergency and Disaster Management3 hours
HSEM-535Hazard Mitigation and Preparedness3 hours
HSEM-540All-Hazards Response & Recovery3 hours
HSEM/CRJ-635Interagency Coordination3 hours
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. The program requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and a minimum 2.5 GPA. No prior homeland security experience or coursework is required. The curriculum builds expertise from the ground up, making it a strong fit for professionals transitioning from law enforcement, the military, public administration, or other fields.

Yes. The program is 100% online with no campus visits required. At 30 credit hours, it can be completed in three semesters full-time or six semesters part-time, making it a strong option for working professionals.

Applicants need a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Additional requirements common to all C-N graduate programs also apply.

The Emergency Management Concentration follows a fixed four-course sequence focused on disaster management, hazard mitigation, all-hazards response, and interagency coordination. The General Concentration gives you more flexibility, letting you choose any four courses from a broader list that also includes security risk assessment, critical infrastructure protection, and crisis management.