Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security

From the rise in extremism to the alarming frequency of devastating natural disasters, strong leadership is required to not only be attuned to these threats, but also to proactively address all of them.

The master’s degree in Homeland Security provides a comprehensive, full field view of both current and emerging threats, as well as a cutting-edge graduate curriculum in homeland security studies that examines relevant national and information security policy and practices in the public and private sectors. Designed to prepare working professionals with experience in fields including law enforcement, emergency management, corporate security, public safety, public health preparedness and the military for future leadership positions, the program is taught by acknowledged experts who draw upon their firsthand practical knowledge and strategic expertise. Ultimately, with a master’s degree in homeland security from GW, you will gain an enhanced understanding of security policies and best practices to maintain preparedness and meet homeland security threats head-on.

You can earn your MPS in Homeland Security in just 36 credits, which can be completed in 16 months. This degree is designed for working professionals in the homeland security field (including military and first-responders) who want to develop leadership skills and an in-depth understanding of current as well as emerging homeland security issues.

Program at a Glance

• This is pioneering education on counter-terrorism, intelligence analysis, emerging security threats and relevant legislation.
• Professors are acknowledged leaders in the field who bring first-hand experience to class.
• Our program is a 36-credit master’s degree program that can be completed in as little as 16 months.

Where You'll Study

Online or One night per week & One Saturday per month at the Education Center in Arlington, VA. Or Online.

You can study fully online or in person. The in-person program classes are conveniently held one night per week in our Education Center in Arlington, VA, plus one Saturday per month. The program combines classroom-based and online instruction that lets students fit a full course load into their busy schedules.

What You'll Study

You can earn your MPS in Homeland Security in just 36 credits, which can be completed in 16 months. This degree is designed for working professionals in the homeland security field (including military) who want to develop leadership skills and an in-depth understanding of current as well as emerging homeland security issues.

Who You'll Study With

The Homeland Security program is taught by acknowledged experts in the fields of Homeland and International Security, Intelligence and Strategic Analysis, Emergency Management and Interagency Cooperation. The faculty have been rated 100% Very Good or Excellent according to the cumulative results of the GW Graduate Student Graduation Survey from 2009 to 2018.

Semester One

• PSHS 6240 Political Violence and Terrorism (3 credits)
• PSHS 6241 Globalization of Threats and International Security (3 credits)
• PSHS 6260 Methods of Analysis in Security (3 credits)

Semester Two

• PSHS 6243 Intelligence and Strategic Analysis (3 credits)
• PSHS 6244 Information Systems Protection (3 credits)
• PSHS 6242 Security and Civil Liberties (3 credits)

Semester Three

• PSHS 6250 Strategic Planning and Budgeting (3 credits)
• PSHS 6251 Inter-Agency Cooperation (3 credits)
• PSHS 6252 Emergency Management and Crisis Communication (3 credits)

Semester Four

• PSHS 6253 Managing the Politics of Leadership (3 credits)
• PSHS 6254 Strategic Change Leadership (3 credits)
• PSHS 6270 Capstone Project (3 credits)

In-Person Program

• Students are admitted for a Fall cohort.
• Students must enrol in the Master of Professional Studies program and will attend classes one night per week plus one Saturday per month. With this schedule, students will complete three courses each term.
• Weeknight classes will meet from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm. Saturday classes will meet from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm with a break for lunch.
• All courses are three credit hours.
• The program combines classroom-based and online instruction delivered via Blackboard, GW’s web-based educational platform.

Online Program

• Students are admitted to the Online program for fall, spring and summer semesters.
• The online curriculum has the same curriculum requirements as the in-person program.
• 100% online – providing convenience and flexibility.