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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN HOMELAND SECURITY

Master of Science in Homeland Security        

Hasan Arslan, Graduate Coordinator WH 322E Phone: (203) 837-8463
arslanh@wcsu.edu
Merisa Williams, Secretary WH 126 Phone: (203) 837-3840
williamsm@wcsu.edu

             

Faculty: J. Albreicht; H. Arslan; R. Berry; T.P. Dwyer; T. Bynum; A. Cihan; S. Mizrahi; J. Schofield; D. Sharma; B. Tran.

                                                                           

Program Overview and Mission

The Master of Science in Homeland Security program prepares graduates for critical leadership roles within local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as the private sector. Professionals in this field are employed across a variety of agencies, with career opportunities ranging from aviation and border security to emergency response, cybersecurity analysis, and chemical facility inspection.

Our program is structured to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address contemporary homeland security challenges. The Master of Science in Homeland Security is a fully online, asynchronous program designed to be completed over standard 16-week semesters, available during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. Students typically enroll in two courses per semester, with a total of 36 credits required to earn the degree. The program offers flexibility for working professionals and can be completed either through a comprehensive capstone project or a three-month (or longer) internship with a state or federal agency.

This graduate program emphasizes experiential learning and professional development, strongly encouraging students to enhance their academic portfolios by participating in research exhibitions, conference presentations, and collaborative projects with peers and faculty. The curriculum focuses on developing competencies in data analysis, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and evidence-based decision-making, equipping graduates with the skills needed to address modern security challenges effectively. The program is ideal for those seeking careers in diverse areas such as cybersecurity, emergency response, aviation security, border protection, and beyond.

 

Learning Goals, Objectives and Assessment

Objective 1 – LEADERSHIP AND ETHIC: Program graduates will demonstrate leadership adherence to ethical decision-making processes to implement homeland security strategies and emergency management plans.

  • Learning Outcome 1Students will integrate principles, practices, and behaviors of effective leadership, collaboration, and organizational governance to enhance public value
  • Learning Outcome 2 Students will identify and assess potential terror, accident, and disaster threats to the American homeland on a data-driven and evidence-based approach.
  • Learning outcome 3 Students will demonstrate knowledge of ethical issues influencing leadership decisions.
  • Learning Outcome 4 Students will judge the constitutional issues and legal challenges that will emerge from the execution and the implementation of US federal and state laws such as the Patriot Act and Presidential executive orders.

Objective 2 – CRITICAL THINKING & COMMUNICATION: Program graduates will be able to analyze facts, generate and organize ideas, make comparisons, draw inferences, and solve homeland security-related problems.

  • Learning Outcome 1 (written) Students will demonstrate practical, professional written communication skills when designing, implementing and evaluating homeland security-related strategies, policies, and plans at different levels of government or the private sector.
  • Learning Outcome 2 (oral) Students will demonstrate effective, professional oral communication skills when making persuasive and knowledge transfer presentations.
  • Learning Outcome 3 Students will implement Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to analyze Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Protection plans for effective emergency management.

 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Students will integrate principles, practices, and behaviors of effective leadership, collaboration, and organizational governance to enhance public value.
  • Students will identify and assess potential terror, accident, and disaster threats to the American homeland on a data-driven and evidence-based approach.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of ethical issues influencing leadership decisions.
  • Students will judge the constitutional issues and legal challenges that will emerge from the execution and the implementation of US federal and state laws such as the Patriot Act and Presidential executive orders.
  • Students will demonstrate practical, professional written communication skills when design, implement and evaluate homeland security-related strategies, policies, and plans at different levels of government or the private sector.
  • Students will demonstrate effective, professional oral communication skills when making persuasive and knowledge transfer presentations.
  • Students will implement GIS to analyze Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Protection plans for effective emergency management.

 Admission Requirements

  • GPA 3.0+ or not less than 3 years of employment within the five years in criminal justice-related
  • Completed Application Form
  • Current resume
  • Statement of purpose
  • Offical Transcripts

 Degree Requirements

The Master of Science in Homeland Security requires 36 credit hours. There is no concentration or electives offered. All students must complete 11 core courses (33 credits) and the Capstone project (3 credits). Students who have acquired possible employment or an internship may use this experience as part of their Capstone course credit (3 credits).

The Master of Science degree will be conferred upon the matriculated graduate student who has

  • completed 36 credits with a cumulative GPA of 3.0or better.
  • participated in program-level assessments
  • completed the program within six years
  • filed the application for the degree with the Office of Graduate Studies by December 1 for the May commencement, February 1 for an August conferral, or October 1 for a January conferral.

Courses

Course ID Course Title 36 credits Semester
JLA 505 Homeland Security: Organization & Policy 3 SH    FALL 1st YEAR
JLA 510 Geopolitics and Homeland Security Strategy 3 SH    FALL
JLA 525 Data Analytics and GIS for Homeland Security Professionals 3 SH    SPRING
JLA 530 Terrorism: Intelligence Analysis and Critical Thinking 3 SH    SPRING
JLA 545 Strategic Planning and Budgeting for Homeland Security 3 SH    SUMMER
JLA 555 Cyber Security of the Homeland 3 SH    SUMMER
JLA 600 Transportation and Border Security 3 SH    FALL 2nd YEAR
JLA 610 Public Health Disaster Science and Crisis Management 3 SH    FALL
JLA 620 Security Threat Analysis on Critical Infrastructure and WMD 3 SH   SPRING
JLA 630 Advanced Legal Issues in Homeland Security 3 SH   SPRING
JLA 640 Contemporary Issues in Homeland Security 3 SH   SUMMER
JLA 650 Homeland Security Capstone Project 3 SH   SUMMER