University of North Dakota

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational liberal‑arts study with specialised coursework in homeland security and emergency management. You will study the theory and practice of hazard mitigation, disaster response, risk and vulnerability assessment, counterterrorism, intelligence fundamentals and aspects of public policy and law relevant to security operations.

• Core topics: Introduction to Homeland Security, Emergency Management Principles, Risk Analysis and Assessment, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies.
• Operational skills: Incident Command and National Incident Management System (NIMS/ICS) concepts, continuity of operations planning, crisis communication and public information, and tabletop and full‑scale exercise participation.
• Technical and analytical modules: Intelligence analysis methods, critical infrastructure protection, fundamentals of cybersecurity for public safety, geographic information systems (GIS) for emergency management, and research methods.
• Practical experience: Internship or practicum placements with government agencies, non‑profits or private sector partners; a senior capstone or applied project that integrates policy, planning and operational elements.
• Structure: The degree is delivered as a blend of general education, major requirements and electives, allowing students to tailor their studies with concentrations or minors (for example public administration, criminal justice, cybersecurity or geography).

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high‑school diploma or equivalent. Admissions selection typically considers academic performance, relevant coursework (for example social studies, civics, mathematics and English), letters of recommendation and a personal statement outlining interest in homeland security. Practical experience—such as volunteer work with emergency services, cadet programmes or security-related roles—strengthens an application.

• Standard applicants: Completion of secondary education with a record of steady academic achievement; specific Grade Point Average expectations align with university admission policies.
• International applicants: A recognised secondary school credential and evidence of English language proficiency (acceptable test scores or recognised exemptions) are required.
• Additional considerations: Some placements, internships or coursework may require background checks, security clearances or vaccinations depending on host organisation requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates move into careers across the public, private and non‑profit sectors where skills in planning, risk reduction and incident response are needed. The degree prepares students for operational and analytical roles as well as policy, planning and management positions.

• State and local emergency management agencies (emergency manager, preparedness coordinator)
• Federal agencies and homeland security‑related roles (analyst, program specialist, support staff)
• Intelligence and security analysis positions in government and private sector organisations
• Critical infrastructure protection and corporate security roles in utilities, transport and healthcare
• Consultancy, continuity planning and risk assessment for private clients and non‑profits
• Further study options including graduate degrees in emergency management, public administration, public policy, law or cybersecurity

Why study at University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an applied, interdisciplinary approach that emphasises hands‑on learning, exercises and workplace experience. Students benefit from faculty with practitioner backgrounds in emergency management, law enforcement and security professions, as well as access to practical training opportunities and local/regional placements.

• Experiential learning: Emphasis on internships, exercises and capstone projects that connect classroom theory to real‑world response and planning.
• Interdisciplinary options: Ability to combine homeland security study with complementary disciplines such as cybersecurity, criminal justice, public health or public administration.
• Support and resources: Career services, veteran support and student organisations help with networking, professional development and transition into the workforce.
• Regional relevance: Strong ties to state and local emergency management organisations and opportunities for fieldwork and collaborative exercises across the region.