Western Connecticut State University

What you'll study

The degree requires 36 credit hours composed of 11 core courses (33 credits) plus a 3-credit capstone. Core topics include organizational policy and strategy, geopolitics, data analytics and GIS, terrorism and intelligence analysis, strategic planning and budgeting, cybersecurity, transportation and border security, public health disaster science and crisis management, critical infrastructure and WMD threat analysis, legal issues, and contemporary homeland security issues. The capstone (3 credits) may be completed as a comprehensive project or through a three-month (or longer) internship with a state or federal agency.

Entry requirements

Applicants must submit a completed application, current resume, statement of purpose, and official transcripts. Admission typically requires a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or at least three years of relevant employment within the past five years in a criminal-justice-related role.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for leadership and specialist roles across a range of homeland security functions. Typical employment areas cited by the program include aviation security, border and transportation security, emergency response and crisis management, cybersecurity analysis, and chemical facility inspection; positions can be in federal, state or local agencies or in private-sector organizations that support critical infrastructure and security operations.

Scholarships & funding angle

The program description does not list specific scholarships; prospective students should consult WCSU’s Office of Graduate Studies and Financial Aid for current funding options, investigate employer-sponsored tuition assistance, and explore paid internships with government agencies that may offset costs.