National University

What you'll study

The degree requires 36 semester credit hours (12 courses). Up to 9 semester credit hours of equivalent graduate work from other institutions may be applied where appropriate. The program core includes courses that cover:

• Legal, policy and ethics issues affecting U.S. security, including conflicts between federal and state law and post‑9/11 statutes and directives.
• Critical infrastructure protection—security of systems and assets whose compromise would debilitate public security or services.
• Leadership in complex systems—collaboration, building support and leading multi‑organizational responses to disasters.
• Domestic terrorism—current issues such as anti‑Americanism, religious fundamentalism, nuclear proliferation, cyber terrorism, global jihad, port security and detainee issues.
• Emergency management and disaster response—all‑hazards best practices for man‑made and natural disasters.
• Disaster recovery—operational procedures and authorities for recovery, roles of federal, state and local governments, preliminary damage assessment, recovery centers and special needs of victims and workers.
• Computer security—cryptography, program and OS security, network issues and legal, privacy and ethical concerns.
• Communication and terrorism—how terrorism functions as messaging, and the role of political and mass media in communicating actions and responses.
• Overseas homeland security practices—comparative examination of threats, emergency response, infrastructure, radicalization and border/transport security abroad.
• Immigration policy and homeland security—history and developments in immigration services, border security impacts, homegrown radicalization and ethical considerations.
• Capstone project sequence (HSE690A/B)—a two‑part applied research project. HSE690A requires completion of at least six core courses, involves topic selection and data gathering over one month, and is graded H/S/U. HSE690B continues the project and requires HSE690A with a minimum grade of S; it includes data gathering and defending conclusions and is graded H/S/U.

Entry requirements

To earn the MS, students must complete 36 semester credit hours. The program may accept up to 9 semester credit hours of equivalent graduate work from other institutions when applicable. Students in the BS→MS transition path may have up to two homeland security and emergency management courses waived depending on courses taken and grades, but must still meet the MS residency requirements. Admissions are reviewed year‑round; the application has no fee, and no essays or exam scores are required.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in emergency management, homeland security and related areas across federal, state and local government, private sector critical infrastructure entities, and international organizations. Typical roles include emergency manager, disaster recovery coordinator, homeland security analyst, critical infrastructure protection specialist, and positions involving policy, planning and interagency coordination.

Scholarships & funding angle

The source does not list specific scholarships or funding; prospective students should consult National University’s financial aid office and external scholarship programs for graduate funding opportunities and eligibility criteria.