Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies

The Master's of Science in Homeland Security Studies is a unique program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the homeland security enterprise to individuals wanting to advance their knowledge, skills, and qualifications within this field. The broad educational objective of the program is to graduate leaders who will possess the skills to assess issues, analyze policies, and make informed decisions.

Applicants seeking admission to the Master of Science in Homeland Security program must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:

1. Graduate Application
2. Application fee
3. An undergraduate degree from an accredited academic institution in an allied field
4. Official transcripts of all academic coursework previously undertaken
5. Three letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors referencing the applicant’s ability to perform graduate work
6. A current resume
7. An essay that demonstrates the capacity to write at the graduate level.  The essay topic is: defining homeland security.
8. International students ONLY: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)—a minimum score of 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), or 79 (internet-based) is required

A holistic review of each student’s application will be completed on a competitive basis.

Courses are offered both online and face-to-face. All face-to-face classes are offered at The Wooldands Center with many classes available in the evenings. Enrollment is available in the Fall and Spring terms.

There are three tracks available for the graduate degree program:

1) Thesis: This track requires completion of a thesis practicum course in the fall of the second year and the writing of a Master’s thesis during the spring of the second year.

2) Internship: The internship option will be available to some of the students based in the greater Houston and Huntsville areas. Internships are highly competitive and will only be offered to students recommended by the faculty and found to be a good fit for the agencies/companies offering internships. Internships are not available for students already working in the field and are not guaranteed. Students engaged in an internship will still be required to complete a capstone course during their final semester as well as SCST 5346, Information and Intel Mgmt (both the capstone and SCST 5346 can be taken online).

3) Capstone and Elective Course Option: Online students complete a three-credit capstone project along with an elective course.