Online Master's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Additional academy training and education not provided by Purdue Global may be required for law enforcement positions.
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Program at a Glance
- Study the legal, social, business, economic, and political aspects of homeland security.
- Learn from hands-on, project-oriented, and problem-based courses that explore real challenges and issues from a variety of perspectives.
- Gain insight from professors who bring real-world experience to the courses they teach.
How Do I Get Started?
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
20 Hours per Week
Course Length
6-Week Sessions
Average Completion
1.5 years
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
55
(37 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$420
Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Overview
You are driven to protect the public and lead others to do the same. Purdue Global’s homeland security and emergency management master’s degree helps you develop in-depth knowledge and leadership skills relevant to this challenging and dynamic industry.
The online master’s in homeland security and emergency management explores how federal and private institutions find sustainable security and emergency management solutions on a local, regional, national, and global level. You’ll also examine the interrelationships of public and private sector businesses and industries, economics, policy, politics, culture, ideology, psychology, and human dynamics.
Courses focus on topics such as:
- Economics and resource availability
- Regulation and law
- Politics of security
- Dynamics of emergency management
- Security and policy making
- Homeland defense
- Interagency cooperation
Opportunities for Professional Development
Online discussion boards allow you to engage with students from around the country and learn from their experiences. You can also take advantage of the Graduate Resource Center, a self-paced course that includes information on professional memberships and clubs, career services, social networking, and more.
Course Outcomes
Each term, homeland security and emergency management students are assessed on their mastery of the course outcomes, which measure the skills, knowledge, abilities, and behaviors employers expect. View a summary of these assessments. For information related to prior learning credits transferred into the program, student success rate in courses taken, capstone survey results from students completing, and the number of graduates for the program, view this document.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Distinguished. Experienced. Committed.
As one of the largest providers of public safety programs in the United States, we’ve supported the career and educational advancement of many dedicated criminal justice professionals like yourself. You’ll join a wide network of students, alumni, faculty, and employers.*
IFSAC Accredited
This degree program is accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
Purdue University Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admission Requirements
A bachelor’s degree is required to enroll in a master’s degree program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
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Military Tuition Reduction
We Offer an Affordable Education for Military Students
For undergraduate programs, tuition is reduced 55% per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans. Tuition reductions are also available for graduate programs and military spouses.
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Financial Aid
Learn How to Apply for and Receive Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs. Get answers to common financial aid questions, learn about federal student aid, and get the facts about military Shopping Sheets.
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Transfer Credits
Finish What You Started
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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International Tuition Reduction
We’re Committed to Providing an Affordable Path to Your Degree
International students living outside of the U.S. are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Purdue Global, Your Employer, and You: a Great Partnership
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions and could earn college credit for corporate training programs.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
What Courses Will I Take?
The Purdue Global Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management curriculum focuses on the legal, social, business, economic, and political aspects of the industry.
You'll gain insight from professors who bring real-world experience to the courses they teach.
See All Homeland Security CoursesSample Courses
- Applied Research
- Crisis and Emergency Management Fundamentals
- Homeland Security Policies, Principles, Procedures, and Plans
- Planning and Operations in Crisis and Emergency Management
- Risk, Vulnerability, and Capability Assessment Methods
Program Requirements
- Core Credits55
- Total Credits55
Career Opportunities
The Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is designed to prepare you to pursue management-level positions with employers such as the Department of Homeland Security and other federal, state, and local agencies. It can also help prepare you for a dynamic career within private-sector consulting companies.
Other opportunities in this dynamic and diverse emergency management career field include emergency preparedness and response, border and transportation security, infrastructure protection, information analysis, homeland defense, emergency management, service and response, and hazard mitigation.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgement and Decision Making
- Monitoring
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.
Prior experience may be necessary for leadership positions. Local, state, and federal law enforcement jobs may require additional training or education including additional state-approved higher education beyond the Purdue Global degree. This program was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information. Graduates of Purdue Global criminal justice programs are not eligible to attend police academies in Minnesota.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Criminal Justice and Fire Science Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
50%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
237
Faculty publications in 2020–2021
More Than 36,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2020–2021
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, September 2021. 2020–2021 academic year.
Program Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about the Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
Take A Career Assessment
Discover your work interests and use them to chart your ideal career path.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2018–2019 Total Degrees and Certificates Conferred, First Major, Criminology; Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Protective Services, nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. Based on total number of degrees and certificates granted by Purdue Global compared to other Title IV institutions.