Online Master of Public Administration (MPA) Programs with a Specialization in Homeland Security

Focused on reducing the nation’s vulnerabilities, homeland security experts are at the forefront of keeping the U.S. safe. Playing an integral role in preventing and responding to domestic and international threats, professionals in the field are responsible for analyzing intelligence, securing potential points of entry (e.g., borders, airports, seaports, etc.), as well as overseeing disaster recovery efforts and reducing losses in the event of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, cyber-attacks, and other crisis situations. Federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Department of Homeland Security, The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), etc.), branches of the military, law enforcement agencies, and emergency management agencies all have an established need for those with proven skills and expertise in the areas of intelligence, emergency management, cybersecurity, and defense.

Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs with a specialization in Homeland Security offer graduates a high-level view of how different agencies within each level of government coordinate to analyze risks, detect threats, and prevent instances of terrorism. Students also learn to utilize advanced managerial skills in preparation and response to unexpected emergencies and natural disasters. Offering students an in-depth understanding of the various challenges facing homeland security professionals, MPA graduates in Homeland Security receive training that can enable them to impact public policy in service of public welfare.

Curriculum Details for Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Homeland Security

The curriculum for an MPA program typically includes a comprehensive study of the fundamentals of public administration, encompassing various topics such as public policy, administration theory, strategic planning, research methods, government operations, ethical practices, financial management, and organizational behavior. Once this foundational coursework has been completed, students interested in pursuing the Homeland Security specialization can enroll in elective courses covering topics such as homeland security policy, emergency management (although some MPA programs offer separate specializations in emergency management), intelligence analysis, border security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and critical infrastructure protection.

Students interested in online MPA programs with a focus on homeland security should explore programs with specializations in the following subject areas:

• Homeland Security
• Homeland Security and Disaster Management
• Emergency Management and Homeland Security (EMHS)
• National Security and Intelligence
• Public Safety and Security
• Security and Resilience Studies

A Master of Public Administration (MPA) program typically involves completing 36 to 48 credit hours of coursework, which can be accomplished by a full-time student in 16 to 24 months, or by a part-time student in 24 to 36 months. Programs often offers a mix of theoretical and practical education, with opportunities for experiential learning both in and outside of the classroom. Students can gain practical skills through activities such as real-world consulting projects, internships, and off-campus study and research opportunities.

In addition to classwork, students with limited professional experience in their field of specialization may be asked to complete an internship for credit. While they can be completed at any point during the program, many students opt to complete these credits during a summer semester. During a student’s final semester, the majority of MPA programs require the completion of an independent or group capstone project. Often viewed as critical to the learning process, these projects enable students to integrate the knowledge acquired from their MPA coursework with real-world security challenges and devise solutions and strategies for policy areas that align with their interests.

Note: On OnlineMPAPrograms.com, for a program to be categorized as offering a Homeland Security specialization it must offer a distinct track or specialization in the field. In addition, some schools offer Homeland Security programs as a dual specialization program with Emergency Management, while others offer the Emergency Management specialization as a separate focus area. For more information on Emergency Management, view our Online MPA Programs in Emergency Management specialization page. Students interested in Law Enforcement Management should view our Online MPA Programs in Criminal Justice page.

Examples of Homeland Security Courses in Online MPA Programs

The coursework for an MPA in Homeland Security is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues facing the field. As courses may vary depending on the program and institution, the course titles and descriptions included below should be referenced as examples only.

• Foundations of Homeland Security: Students explore the history of national security in the United States, as well as the organizational structures and resources necessary to safeguard the nation in the 21st century.
• International Threat and Policy Analysis: By closely examining global terrorism and the history, ideology, and motivations of different international terrorist networks, students will focus on honing the skills needed to evaluate and address the threats posed by these groups.
• Domestic Threat and Policy Analysis: This course analyzes threats of terrorism domestically. Students focus on the origins and motivations of hate groups, Eco-terrorists, “lone wolves,” and extremist groups located within the U.S, as well as the policies, laws, and programs that oversee domestic terrorism.
• Homeland Security Agency Partnerships: The course focuses on the investigation of effective strategies for multi-agency collaboration, including the tasks and obligations of law enforcement, intelligence, and emergency management organizations when responding to crises such as terrorist attacks and natural disasters.
• Intelligence, Spies, and Espionage: This course examines the history of the intelligence community and the evolution of information collection. Students will focus on U.S. intelligence organizations (e.g., CIA, NSA, DIA, etc.), Foreign organizations (Russia’s SVR RF, Britain’s MI6, and Israel’s Mossad, etc.), and the laws that regulate intelligence gathering.
• Homeland Security Risk Assessment: The course concentrates on critical infrastructure policies to advance the student’s proficiency in identifying and assessing the risks linked with human-induced, natural, and technological disasters by employing various risk management techniques, including the best practices implemented by the homeland security industry.

The specific semester-by-semester course schedule for an online MPA can vary depending on the institution and the program’s curriculum. Below is a sample overview of a two-year, full-time course schedule for a student specializing in Homeland Security.

Two-Year Sample Curriculum for an Online MPA Program with a Specialization in Homeland Security

Instruction Methods for Online MPA Programs

Students pursuing an online MPA in Homeland Security may benefit from the flexibility and convenience of technology-driven learning. As coursework can be completed from virtually any location, online programs provide access to students who do not live near a physical campus that offers an MPA program or an MPA program with a concentration in their specific area of interest. These programs may also be ideal for students who are unable to commute to campus due to personal or professional obligations, or for students who may be forced to relocate during their graduate studies, particularly students who are members of the armed forces.

Courses in online MPA programs are often delivered in one of two ways: through live, real-time instruction (synchronous); or through self-paced, recorded lectures and course materials (asynchronous instruction). Although not all online programs include live, synchronous instruction, all online programs have asynchronous components that require students to independently complete coursework and review course materials by set due dates. Students who require greater scheduling flexibility may benefit from programs that utilize primarily asynchronous instruction, while those who prefer to attend classes in real-time should look for programs that offer more synchronous instruction.

Regardless of the primary method of instruction used by an online MPA program, online programs still provide dynamic and interactive opportunities for students to network with their peers and interact with faculty and instructors. Many universities utilize online management platforms that allow students to engage in discussions, review course materials, upload coursework, and ask questions through email or through live online office hours. In addition, many schools that offer online degree programs have dedicated technical specialists available to assist students with computer and/or technical issues, and online students typically have access to the same resources as on-campus students, including university libraries and librarians, career centers and services, and writing specialists.

It is important to recognize that online MPA programs are just as rigorous as traditional on-campus MPA programs, and may require even greater self-motivation, discipline, and accountability from students to stay on track with assigned reading, coursework, and group projects in the absence of weekly on-campus lectures and discussion sessions.

Admissions Requirements for MPA Programs with a Specialization in Homeland Security

The universal requirement for consideration for admission to any MPA program is a bachelor’s degree. While the majority of MPA programs accept any bachelor’s degree, relying on interviews or personal statements to verify interest, certain programs offering a specialization in Homeland Security may give preference to applicants with an undergraduate degree or coursework in a related field. In lieu of a focused undergraduate degree, preferential consideration may also be given to candidates with relevant professional experience.

Additional admissions requirements will vary by program or institution. Many universities look for a minimum undergraduate GPA of between 2.5 and 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and will require the submission of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate programs previously attended. Other common requirements may include the submission of standardized test scores (e.g., GRE, GMAT, etc.), professional letters of recommendation, a personal statement, resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and/or a virtual interview. Prospective students should research specific requirements or contact an admissions advisor at their programs of interest prior to applying.

It is important to note that most MPA programs utilize a selective admissions process. Therefore, admission to a program is not guaranteed even if an applicant meets the minimum requirements to apply. Due to smaller cohort sizes, some programs may only accept students whose credentials exceed the minimum requirements for admission.

Accreditation for Online MPA Programs

Accreditation status is the primary way for students to ensure that the college/university and program they are applying to meets certain academic criteria. Students should look for universities and schools accredited by one of six regional accrediting bodies or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), all of which are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). All schools listed on OnlineMPAPrograms.com are accredited by a CHEA-recognized commission.

In addition to institutional accreditation, some online MPA programs may seek program-level accreditation from the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Although programmatic accreditation is not required, NASPAA accreditation indicates that a program’s curriculum adheres to an independent third-party organization’s mission and academic standards. Some institutions choose to align their academic programming with NASPAA standards, but forgo the formal accreditation process due to various reasons related to the accreditation requirements.

Therefore, in addition to accreditation, students should consider factors such as course and elective offerings, faculty, research opportunities, private sector partnerships, networking opportunities, and student services when researching prospective MPA programs with a Homeland Security specialization.

Homeland Security Organizations and Networking Opportunities

The following organizations are dedicated to homeland security policy through research and professional development. Membership in these organizations can provide professionals and MPA students with opportunities to network, access training and education, and stay current on the latest developments in the field.

Homeland Security Foundation of America (HSFA): The HFSA serves as a platform for collaboration, education, and advocacy for individuals and organizations involved in homeland security and emergency management. Members of HSFA work with local, state, and federal agencies to raise community awareness and engagement, and deliver programs focused on public safety, energy, security, and health and human services.

National Homeland Security Association (NHSA): This non-profit organization hosts the annual National Security Conference. This multi-day event brings together professionals and organizations involved in homeland security, law enforcement, as well as fire and emergency management to exchange ideas, discuss emerging trends in the industry, and preview new technology and equipment designed to enhance the effectiveness of homeland security efforts at the local, state, and national levels.

Security Industry Association (SIA): This organization works to promote the use of security technology and elevate the overall standards and professionalism of the security industry. They offer education and training programs, research, and advocacy to help their members stay informed and competitive in the marketplace. The SIA also hosts industry events and conferences and provides networking opportunities for members to collaborate and share ideas.

Homeland Security and Defense Business Council (HSDBC): The HSDBC is a non-profit organization that serves as a trade association for companies involved in homeland security and defense. It represents its members before the government and works to promote public-private partnerships in the field of homeland security.

Comprehensive Directory of Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Homeland Security