Southwestern College (KS)

What you'll study

The core curriculum covers contemporary security practice, homeland security, risk assessment, insider threats and current issues in the security field. Courses combine theory with scenario-based projects and applied assignments.

• MSSE500 Contemporary Security Administration — administration of modern security organizations, emerging criminal and terrorist threats, core security topics plus management, communication, HR and leadership competencies.
• MSSE570 Homeland Security — critique of the homeland security enterprise across agencies and private organizations, including policy, technologies, legislation, preparedness, critical infrastructure protection, pandemics, WMD, cyber-terrorism and business preparedness.
• MSSE525 Issues in Security — appraisal of current and emerging issues such as technology, privacy, physical security, convergence, ethics, compliance, cybercrime and organizational resilience.
• MSSE530 Insider Threats — analysis of insider threats, recognition, mitigation and communication strategies, and development/management of insider threat programs.
• MSSE510 Enterprise Risk Assessments and Mitigation — systematic approaches to identify and analyze organizational risks to inform asset protection and allocation of security resources; risk management processes and mitigation strategies.

Entry requirements

Applicants must submit a complete graduate application, a current resume, two professional letters of recommendation (one must be from a current or former employer), a one-page personal essay, and an official transcript from a bachelor’s degree-granting institution. Official transcripts must arrive within eight weeks after classes begin.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in risk and security management and information security across sectors. Typical job titles cited by the program include risk management specialist, security management specialist, security manager and information security analyst. The program page references a projected job growth figure (BLS) of 33% and an average salary (PayScale) of $92k.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program is offered through Southwestern College Professional Studies and participates in standard higher-education funding pathways noted on the school site, including tuition assistance, employer reimbursement, financial aid and scholarships; prospective students should consult the university’s financial aid office and program admissions for specific options and eligibility.