Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies

This is an archived copy of the 2018-2019 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit catalog.shsu.edu.

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 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
FallHoursSpringHours
SCST 53393SCST 53203
SCST 53443SCST 53383
SCST 53963SCST 53483
 9 9
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SCST 53353SCST 53463
SCST 53363Track Option (Thesis, Internship, or General)16
SCST 63983 
 9 9
Total Hours: 36
Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies (Internship)
Required Courses
SCST 5339Foundations of Homeland Secur.3
SCST 5396Research Methods - Homeland Security Studies3
SCST 5344Unconventional Threats3
SCST 5336Law and Ethics in Homeland Security3
SCST 5348Critical Infrastructure Protection3
SCST 5335Global Perspec in Homeland Sec3
SCST 5346Information & Intel Mgmt3
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 6370Internship in Security Studies3
SCST 6365Doct/Praxis in Homeland Sec3
Total Hours36
Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies (Without Internship)
Required Courses
SCST 5339Foundations of Homeland Secur.3
SCST 5396Research Methods - Homeland Security Studies3
SCST 5344Unconventional Threats3
SCST 5336Law and Ethics in Homeland Security3
SCST 5348Critical Infrastructure Protection3
SCST 5335Global Perspec in Homeland Sec3
SCST 5346Information & Intel Mgmt3
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 6365Doct/Praxis in Homeland Sec3
Total Hours36