Lewis University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree combines theoretical foundations with applied skills across homeland security, law enforcement, fire science and emergency management. The curriculum typically includes core modules in incident command systems, emergency planning and response, homeland security law and policy, terrorism and intelligence studies, disaster recovery and continuity, and ethics for public safety professionals.

• Foundations: Introduction to homeland security, public safety systems, criminal justice fundamentals and the role of local, state and federal agencies.
• Operational skills: Emergency management, incident command (ICS/NIMS principles), tabletop and field exercises, and basic techniques in fire service and rescue operations.
• Investigations and law enforcement: Community policing, criminal investigations, evidence handling, and legal issues affecting searches, seizures and civil liberties.
• Security and intelligence: Intelligence analysis fundamentals, threat assessment, cybersecurity awareness for first responders, and critical infrastructure protection.
• Management and leadership: Emergency operations planning, resource management, grant writing and financial aspects of public safety organisations, plus leadership and organisational behaviour.
• Capstone and practical experience: Internship or practicum with a police agency, fire department, emergency management office or private security provider, and a senior capstone project or applied exercise that integrates classroom learning.

Students also complete general education studies to build communication, quantitative reasoning and ethical decision-making skills. Electives allow focus in areas such as hazardous materials, public health preparedness, GIS for emergency managers, or cyber protection for critical infrastructure.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school completion qualification or recognised equivalent. Competitive applicants will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills and an interest in public service.

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent; international applicants should present an equivalent credential and proof of English language proficiency if required.
• Submission of official transcripts; some applicants may be asked to provide personal statements or references that speak to motivation for public safety work.
• Because the programme prepares students for roles in law enforcement and emergency response, agencies may require background checks, immunisation records or physical fitness assessments before internships or placements; students should be prepared to meet placement-specific requirements.
• Transfer students should provide college transcripts; relevant prior training or certifications (for example, EMT, fire service, or military experience) can strengthen an application and may qualify for advanced standing or credit.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of public and private sector roles that focus on protecting communities, infrastructure and institutions. The programme prepares students for both frontline operational work and supervisory, planning or analyst positions.

• Federal, state and local government: roles with homeland security agencies, emergency management offices, FEMA, TSA, customs and border protection, and state police.
• Law enforcement and fire service: police officer, detective, fire fighter, fire inspector, fire prevention specialist and incident commander roles.
• Emergency management and preparedness: emergency planner, continuity of operations specialist, disaster recovery coordinator and public information officer.
• Security and intelligence: intelligence analyst, critical infrastructure protection specialist, corporate security manager, and private security consultant.
• Related careers: 911/dispatch, hazardous materials response, public health preparedness, training and instruction for first responder organisations.

Graduates often pursue professional certifications and postgraduate study relevant to specific career tracks, such as paramedic qualifications, graduate degrees in emergency management or criminal justice, or specialised training offered by government agencies.

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis University offers a smaller, student-focused environment where applied learning and practitioner-informed teaching are emphasised. The university’s location near a major metropolitan area provides access to a wide range of placement opportunities with police departments, fire services and emergency management agencies in the Chicago region.

• Experienced faculty: Instructors with professional backgrounds in law enforcement, fire services, emergency management and homeland security bring real-world perspective to classroom learning.
• Hands-on learning: The programme incorporates practical exercises, simulations and internships to build operational competence and decision-making under stress.
• Support for careers: Career services, practicum placement assistance and regional agency partnerships help students secure internships and employment in public safety sectors.
• Values-based education: As a university with a values-driven mission, Lewis emphasises ethical leadership, community engagement and service in public safety roles.

Together, these features make Lewis University a practical choice for students seeking a comprehensive undergraduate education that readies them for immediate work in homeland security and related protective services or further professional study.