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:
- Graduate Application
- Application fee
- An undergraduate degree from an accredited academic institution in an allied field
- Official transcripts of all academic coursework previously undertaken
- Three letters of recommendation from undergraduate professors referencing the applicant’s ability to perform graduate work
- A current resume
- An essay that demonstrates the capacity to write at the graduate level. The essay topic is: defining homeland security.
- 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 and the writing of a Master’s thesis.
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.
3) Capstone and Elective Course Option: Online students complete a three-credit capstone project along with an elective course.
First Year | |||
---|---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
SCST 5339 | 3 | SCST 5320 | 3 |
SCST 5344 | 3 | SCST 5338 | 3 |
SCST 5396 | 3 | SCST 5348 | 3 |
9 | 9 | ||
Second Year | |||
Fall | Hours | Spring | Hours |
SCST 5335 | 3 | SCST 5346 | 3 |
SCST 5336 | 3 | Track Option (Thesis, Internship, or General)1 | 6 |
SCST 6398 | 3 | ||
9 | 9 | ||
Total Hours: 36 |
1 | Track Options: SCST 6099 (Thesis); SCST 6370 and SCST 6365 Capstone (Internship); or SCST 6365 Capstone and an Elective. |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies (Internship) | ||
Required Courses | ||
SCST 5339 | Foundations of Homeland Secur. | 3 |
SCST 5396 | Research Methods - Homeland Security Studies | 3 |
SCST 5344 | Unconventional Threats | 3 |
SCST 5336 | Law and Ethics in Homeland Security | 3 |
SCST 5348 | Critical Infrastructure Protection | 3 |
SCST 5335 | Global Perspec in Homeland Sec | 3 |
SCST 5346 | Information & Intel Mgmt | 3 |
Electives | ||
Select three of the following: | 9 | |
Any SCST course with a number higher than 5000 | ||
Any CRIJ course with a number higher than 5000 with preapproval | ||
Any POLS course with a number higher than 5000 with preapproval | ||
Digital Forensics Investigatn | ||
Digital Security | ||
Selected Problems in Geography | ||
Internship and Capstone | ||
SCST 6370 | Internship in Security Studies | 3 |
SCST 6365 | Doct/Praxis in Homeland Sec | 3 |
Total Hours | 36 |
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies (Without Internship) | ||
Required Courses | ||
SCST 5339 | Foundations of Homeland Secur. | 3 |
SCST 5396 | Research Methods - Homeland Security Studies | 3 |
SCST 5344 | Unconventional Threats | 3 |
SCST 5336 | Law and Ethics in Homeland Security | 3 |
SCST 5348 | Critical Infrastructure Protection | 3 |
SCST 5335 | Global Perspec in Homeland Sec | 3 |
SCST 5346 | Information & Intel Mgmt | 3 |
Electives | ||
Select four of the following: | 12 | |
Any SCST course with a number higher than 5000 | ||
Any CRIJ course with a number higher than 5000 with preapproval | ||
Any POLS course with a number higher than 5000 with preapproval | ||
Digital Forensics Investigatn | ||
Digital Security | ||
Selected Problems in Geography | ||
Capstone | ||
SCST 6365 | Doct/Praxis in Homeland Sec | 3 |
Total Hours | 36 |