35 Best Homeland Security Degrees (Bachelors)

Located in Boca Raton, Florida, Florida Atlantic University spans a broad stretch of Florida’s southeast coastline. The university opened in 1961 and today welcomes around 30,000 students annually. Offering more than 170 degree programs, it is a top-ranking public university according to numerous rankings by U.S. News and World Report. 

At Florida Atlantic University, students can enroll in a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. You’ll learn about the causes of crime and delinquency in adults and juveniles, in addition to the American legal system. With a strong foundation in the liberal arts, you’ll be prepared for graduate-level study in a range of disciplines, including criminology, criminal justice, and public administration. 

Should you choose to pursue further study, the university also offers a Master of Science in criminology (MSCCJ) combined degree as a direct complement to this program. This allows you to complete a maximum of 12 master’s credits in your final year of study with FAU. Undergraduate students who are Florida residents can expect to pay tuition and fees of around $5,488, with an estimated COA (Cost of Attendance) of around $14,558 to $25,214. Non-residents pay increased tuition and fees, totaling around $19,488. For a more detailed estimate, check out the net price calculator on the university website.

George Mason University was founded in 1957 in Fairfax County. The university welcomes around 6,200 students to its main campus annually, with campus-based students benefiting from more than 500 clubs and organizations and thousands of events taking place every year. In total, around three-quarters of freshmen choose to live on campus. 

In this BS in criminology, you’ll learn about the various areas of the justice system, understanding how it protects individuals and communities and how crimes are tried. Professors have years of experience as practitioners and researchers, and all students get the chance to participate in independent research, public service, and career preparation activities. 

George Mason University students benefit from the abundance of internships available within the Washington DC area, which includes opportunities in areas such as security, law enforcement, the courts, and corrections facilities, among others. These internships will give you valuable hands-on experience, important networking opportunities, and academic credit. 

Full-time undergraduate tuition, which comprises between 12 and 15 credit hours per semester, comes to around $4,755.00 for state residents. Non-residents pay around $16,458.00 in tuition comparatively. Whether you’re a resident or non-resident, you’ll also pay around $1,752.00 in mandatory student fees, in addition to a new student fee of $335 for undergraduates.

Eastern Kentucky University is a public university offering both traditional and online degree programs. Founded in 1906, the university today offers more than 168 degree programs and welcomes over 16,000 students annually. As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to join the volunteer program, which could help you gain practical experience that will serve you after graduation. 

The homeland security bachelor’s degree program at EKU is a stand-alone degree program that offers opportunities to specialize in disaster management, intelligence studies, or security operations and management. EKU’s homeland security degree program was one of the first in the nation to be made available to undergraduates. 

Coursework focuses on areas that include preparing for and responding to both terrorist and natural threats; working with the most modern security technologies; and supporting law enforcement agencies. With this degree award, you’ll be prepared for a career in areas that include the U.S. Army, U.S. intelligence, risk management, disaster preparedness, and corporate security. 

The total COA for a resident of Kentucky enrolling in an undergraduate program is around $11,989.50 per semester, which includes tuition of around $4,633 and fees of around $270. Non-residents pay around $17,526, including tuition of around $9,669 and fees of around $270. For campus-based students, room and board costs around $5,087.

Offering more than 50 undergraduate majors and over 150 graduate programs, SUNY at Albany, or UAlbany, has been welcoming students for around 175 years. Students benefit from more than 300 clubs and organizations, and the student-faculty ratio is around 18:1. There are also nearly 20 NCAA Division I Athletic Teams. 

SUNY at Albany offers a choice of either a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts award, focusing on emergency preparedness, homeland security, and cybersecurity. You’ll be prepared for careers in U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Secret Service, and other agencies that are critical to protecting the nation’s security and borders at home and abroad. 

Courses include cybersecurity, homeland security, leadership and ethics, emergency preparedness, and more. In addition to coursework, you will complete a minimum of 100 hours of approved training. This training is split into four components, including foundation experience, professional development training, community engagement, and 35 hours in a chosen concentration. 

Tuition for New York state residents enrolled in an undergraduate program costs around $7,070, with an estimated COA of around $24,799 annually. Out-of-state students pay tuition of around $24,660, with a total COA of around $42,389 annually. This includes annual fees of around $3,049, housing of around $9,280, and meal costs of around $5,340.

Located in Miami, Florida, Miami Dade College (MDC) was founded in 1959 and comprises eight separate campuses. Students can choose from more than 300 programs and pathways, with modern facilities and technologies supporting a selection of MDC’s programs. The average class size at MDC is around 25:1. 

Miami Dad’s Bachelor of Applied Science in public safety management has multiple tracks for students with a preferred focus. An emergency management track imparts the essential general education and specialist knowledge needed to succeed in careers in emergency management. This track also allows students with an existing associate degree the chance to gain a bachelor’s degree and increase their knowledge in areas like planning and security management and domestic and international terrorism. 

Alternative concentrations include criminal justice, crime scene investigation, and security and loss prevention. Regardless of the choice, this is a workforce-driven program that includes the opportunity for training in specific career-focused areas. Students gain hands-on experience that could help to secure positions immediately after graduation in the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and more. 

The average cost per term, comprising around 12 credits, is approximately $1,418.64 at Miami Dade College, or $4,830.12 for non-resident students. Comprising a total of 120 credits, this undergraduate program is estimated at a cost of around $15,586.80 in tuition. This does not include fees or expenses for room and board. 

Founded at the turn of the 19th Century, Idaho State University now offers over 280 programs across its several campuses. Speaking of campus, students have access to exceptional facilities for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and rock climbing just minutes from the main campus. The institution has also been recognized as a Carnegie-classified doctoral research university. 

Idaho State offers a number of options for homeland security and emergency management. There’s an associate degree and Bachelor of Science award in these disciplines, in addition to a minor that can be coupled with another major. The degree programs combine security management and emergency management course work to create graduates who can prevent, plan for, and respond to threats from man-made and natural disasters. 

According to the university’s website, within two to three years of graduation, most graduates secure roles in government agencies, private security, or non-profits. Roles include cyber security specialist, emergency manager, security project manager, public information officer, and pandemic preparedness specialist. The approximate cost of attendance for undergraduates who are Idaho residents is around $15,382 annually. For non-residents, this rises to around $32,004. This includes tuition of around $7,872 and $24,494 respectively. For more information on tuition and fees, check out this page on the university website.

Located in San Angelo, Texas, Angelo State University is a public university that was founded in 1928 and awarded its first bachelor’s degree in 1967. Since 2010, the university has consistently ranked as one of the Best Colleges in the nation according to The Princeton Review. 

Angelo State University’s programs within this discipline include a Bachelor of Security Studies in border and homeland security and a Bachelor of Border Security. The latter program is designed for prospective students who already have an associate degree from Community College of the Air Force or who are already serving on active duty. 

Available as a traditional or fully online program, these degrees offer concentrations in political science, criminal justice, and intelligence and analysis. Students may also opt for a minor in cybersecurity. Class sizes are small, and students will gain a strong general education foundation as part of the four-year program. The cost of attendance for an undergraduate student at this university comes to around $18,640, including $9,010 in tuition and fees. By comparison, the average Texas private university has a cost of attendance of around $64,318.

Founded in 1866, The University of New Hampshire is a top-tier research university that has been named as No. 1 in sustainability by the AASHE. The student body comprises around 15,000 learners who choose from over 200 programs in more than 100 major areas of study. Campus comprises 11 academic schools and colleges and is located in one of the top-10 safest college towns in the nation. 

This Bachelor of Science in homeland security is available at both the Durham and Manchester campuses. You’ll study concepts including how to plan strategically, how to prepare emergency management and response plans, and how to perform risk assessments across an entire organization. 

It’s a highly flexible four-year degree program that gives students a lot of freedom in terms of their academic pathway. With 40 credits of flexible options, you could specialize in two minors, choose a double major, or pursue a dual degree program. This program also incorporates practical internship experience. 

New Hampshire residents enrolling in an undergraduate degree program can expect to pay around $7,760 for a semester’s tuition, while non-residents pay around $16,430. Part-time programs are charged on a per-credit basis, with one credit hour costing $645 and $1,368 respectively. There are a few exceptions to these figures, which can be found here.

Based in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania, SRU was founded in 1889. The institution is a member of the State System of Higher Education and has around 8,500 students. More than 150 undergraduate majors are available, in addition to 40 graduate programs, degree completion programs, and certificates. 

As part of this BS in homeland security, you’ll learn about the processes and tools that are utilized to combat terrorism, protect U.S. infrastructure, and gather intellience on threats at home and abroad. You’ll also learn how to prepare and implement plans to respond to these threats as they occur. 

This curriculum involves a practical element that will see you have the opportunity to work with a security organization and gain skills that can be applied immediately. You’ll study crisis management, risk assessment, and other course work. You’ll also have the option of an 18-credit minor that focuses on risk analysis and crime prevention. 

Undergraduate tuition is charged on a per-credit basis, with a full-time student paying around $4,970-$5,006.83 for 12 to 18 credits per semester. Comparatively, out-of-state students will pay around $8,960-$8,989.83 for the same course load. Non-residents who meet certain eligibility requirements may qualify for a non-resident tuition reduction of 150% of the in-state cost. 

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. While around 3,000 students study on campus, most students use the online campus to get their degree; in total, there are around 135,000 online students. SNHU has also been named one of the nation’s Best Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report. 

This undergraduate major focuses on justice studies and teaches students about the complexities of the American Justice System. You’ll gain a solid foundation in core competencies, while diving deeper into targeted study areas, which are offered as concentrations. These include crime and criminology, law and legal processes, policing and enforcement, and terrorism and homeland security. 

The general education program that forms part of your curriculum will strengthen your skills in the areas of writing and communication, analysis, and problem solving. Specialist courses include criminal law, legal traditions, and judicial administration. Full course listings can be found on this page of the university’s website. 

Online undergraduate programs at SNHU are charged on a per-credit basis, with bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs costing $320 per credit hour. You may also qualify for financial aid through the university, with more than $23 million saved on the cost of student finance in 2020 alone thanks to the Student Financial Services team.

A public research university, Oakland University is based in Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills, Michigan. With nearly 20,000 students in attendance, it’s the second largest higher education institution in the Detroit Metropolitan area. The university was established in 1957 and features modern facilities and research laboratories, and internships and research opportunities. 

At Oakland University, you can enroll in a B.A. in criminal justice, with a specialization in homeland security. Gaining field experience is an integral part of this curriculum, with student support assisting in the selection and placement of internship opportunities. Incoming students require a minimum GPA of 2.0 overall and 2.3 in major courses to be considered for internships. 

Required core courses include an introduction to criminal justice, criminological theory, and research methods and statistics. You’ll also gain an understanding of the police and its role in society, in addition to criminal law and courts. You can view a full list of criminal justice electives on this page, with students selecting four. 

In terms of tuition and fees, you can find some cost of attendance charts on the university’s website. You can also find a net price calculator for both incoming freshmen and returning students here. Typically, undergraduates at Oakland University pay resident tuition of around $13,346 annually. 

Northeastern State University is the oldest higher education institution in the state. Located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, it has also been named as one of the top-25 Most Affordable Online Colleges by Study.com. Students have access to a wide range of majors, and there’s even an assessment tool to help you find your major if you’re still undecided. 

The Bachelor of Science in homeland security at Northeastern State University is the only undergraduate degree program of its kind in the state. Available at the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campus locations, students will learn about both homeland security and emergency management, with a focus on lessening the consequences of disasters for society’s most vulnerable. 

The curriculum uses a case study approach, incorporating lessons from real-world disasters in history. You’ll learn about the various causes of disasters and the means used to tackle them, including the preparation of disaster response plans, mitigation, response, and recovery. Typical undergraduate tuition for Oklahoma residents comes to around $230.50-$277.00 depending on the level of the course being taken. For non-residents, this rises to between $510.50 and $557.00.

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is a small-town university comprising around 115 acres of campus space. It’s located on the former site of U.S. Army’s Fort Brady, with a number of campus buildings featuring on historic registers. Around 2,100 undergraduate students attend LSSU, with most classes featuring 30 or fewer students. 

The homeland security program at LSSU has been running for more than three decades, with faculty members including active and former police officers, corrections professionals, and lawyers. Courses include the common and the not so common, with firearms training included in some curriculums for example. 

The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice includes agency internships, and students will have the opportunity to specialize in a range of minors that include corrections, homeland security, and law enforcement. There’s also the option to pursue an associate degree in these areas. Concentrations include corrections, criminalistics, homeland security, law enforcement, public safety, and more. 

At Lake Superior State University, undergraduate students pay $519.00 per credit hour as part-time learners (between 1-11 credits per semester) or around $6,228.00 per semester as a full-time student (12-16 credits). Additional credits beyond a full-time course load are charged at the same rate of $519.00 levied on part-time programs. 

Clayton State University is located in Morrow, Georgia, and comprises over 200 acres of wooded campus space. Founded in 1969, the university has 4 academic schools and colleges and welcomes around 7,000 students annually. There are 35 undergraduate degree programs on offer, in addition to 6 associate degrees and 8 graduate degrees. 

This Bachelor of Applied Science in homeland security/emergency management is intended as a career education and training program for leadership and management advancement opportunities. This could apply to you if you’re currently serving as a member of the United States Coast Guard, Secret Service, Customs and Border Protection, and more.

In order to be considered for admission, students must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 upon application. You’ll also need to either have an associate degree with 38 transferrable credits, a minimum of 38 semester credit hours of professional or technical courses from an accredited institution, or a minimum of 12 credit hours of military courses from the U.S. Military. At Clayton State University, undergraduate students pay approximately $2,783.96 per semester for a full-time course load comprising 12 credits. This figure includes all mandatory fees. For out-of-state students, this rises to around $8,144.84 per semester.

The State University of New York at Canton (SUNY College of Technology at Canton) is a public institution located in Canton, NY. Undergraduates can choose from 29 bachelor’s degree programs and 20 associate degrees. Aside from being located close to the resources and activities offered by a bustling city, students also benefit from a range of student clubs and organizations. 

In addition to being available as a traditional, campus-taught program, students have the option to take classes online, remotely. This homeland security program was created as an extension of a successful criminal justice associate degree that’s also offered at SUNY Canton. You’ll be prepared for positions in both public and private sector organizations. 

As part of this major, you will learn about immigration law and civil liberties and incident management, in addition to completing an internship with a criminal justice agency. As an alternative to the internship, you may complete five upper-level courses in this discipline. 

For New York residents studying at the undergraduate level, the estimated COA at SUNY Canton is around $12,861.50 per semester or $25,628.00 annually. This includes tuition of $7,070.00 per year. Out-of-state students enrolled in a four-year degree program pay a total COA of around $35,538.00 annually. For two-year programs, this drops to around $29,558.00.

North Carolina Central University is a liberal arts university located in Durham, North Carolina, which was historically a black university. Today, the diverse and coeducational student body of around 8,200 students holds an average high school GPA of around 3.1 and average SAT scores of around 888. 

This criminal justice bachelor’s degree could see you seeking a career in corrections, law enforcement, homeland security, or juvenile detention. As part of the curriculum, the faculty seeks to draw on experience from professionals currently working within the field of criminal justice, affording you real-world case studies from which to gain exposure. 

Your first semester will impart you with a strong foundation of skills and knowledge that are critical to homeland security. In addition to English composition and language, this includes fitness training and education on world societies. As your program progresses, you’ll cover courses including juvenile justice, ethics and diversity, and criminal law, procedure and court processes. North Carolina Central University undergraduate students can expect to pay costs of around $11,052.46 per semester, which includes fees, room, and board. This applies to full-time students taking 12 or more credits per semester; part-time students are assessed on a per-credit rate.

Founded in 1838, and originally a medical college, Virginia Commonwealth University is located in Richmond, Virginia. According to the National Science Foundation, this is a top-100 U.S. institution. Around 30,000 students attend annually, with a supporting faculty of around 2,500 full-time staff members. 

Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Bachelor of Arts in homeland security and emergency preparedness, which gives students both theoretical and practical knowledge that’s applicable to a range of careers. You’ll perform research and policy analysis, present your ideas orally and in writing to your peers, and be capable of evaluating existing analyses of homeland security. 

Honors can be gained by completing program HSEP 490 with an ‘A’ grade and graduating with a minimum GPA of 3.0 overall, in addition to a 3.3 GPA in major courses. This program has a foreign language requirement, meaning that you’re expected to study one language through to the intermediate level. This can be achieved through coursework or a placement. Undergraduate tuition at Virginia Commonwealth University averages around $12,094 annually for students who are state residents. For out-of-state students, this total rises to around $32,742. All students pay mandatory fees, in addition to other expenses for campus living.

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, this college is one of a number of institutions that make up the Florida College System. The institution offers more than 150 programs, including four-year bachelor’s degrees and one-year certificates. Around 95% of students are employed or in further education within a year of graduation. 

The Bachelor of Applied Science in public safety management at FSCJ seeks to produce graduates who can become confident and competent leaders in public safety agencies. Your curriculum will combine administrative, communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills. Subjects studied will include criminal justice, emergency preparedness and management, homeland security, and more. 

The program includes 36 credit hours’ of general education coursework in communications, math, humanities, and both natural and social sciences. In addition to lower and upper division electives, you’ll also take a capstone course. What’s more, there is a mandatory foreign language element. The estimated cost of tuition and fees for this program is around $12,586. Qualifying students could also receive financial aid, with financial aid advisors offering online appointments to help you determine eligibility. Support could include grants and scholarships.

Austin Peay State University is a public university that offers around 50 bachelor’s degree programs. In addition to its traditional campuses, students can choose to study online with access to the same resources and faculty that campus-based students benefit from. Around 11,000 students enroll annually, and class sizes are around 24:1. 

Comprising 120 credit hours and taught by 8 full-time, experienced members of faculty, the criminal justice major at Austin Peay includes a concentration in homeland security. This program features a number of advanced courses in areas including crime and deviance, institutions and processes, and the courts. 

Available at the Clarksville Campus and Fort Campbell campus locations, students are also encouraged to choose a minor that complements the criminal justice discipline, such as global security studies. Active duty military personnel and veterans are welcome and encouraged to apply. 

Undergraduate tuition at Austin Peay State University is charged on a per-credit-hour basis. For up to 12 credit hours per semester, undergraduates pay around $280 per credit hour, though any subsequent credits taken are charged at a reduced rate of just $54. Out-of-state students pay $511 per credit hour, regardless of the number taken.

Also known as Mercy NY, Mercy College is located in Dobbs Ferry, New York. Additional campuses are spread across Manhattan, Bronx, and Yorktown Heights. The college welcomes around 5,700 full-time undergraduates, with more than 100 bachelor’s and master’s degrees available to choose from. Founded in 1950, the college today offers online learning too, with over 40 degree programs available remotely. 

Available at all three campus locations, the Bachelor of Science in criminal justice: homeland security is a four-year program comprising 120 credits. The university is proud of its strong academic faculty, which includes serving and former law enforcement professionals, homeland security specialists, and attorneys who have numerous combined years’ experience in the field. 

Students will take a general education foundation of courses that comprise half the degree’s total credits. The major’s required core courses include subjects such as criminology, policing, research methods in criminal justice, and terrorism. You’ll also gain an introduction to the criminal justice system, corrections system, and homeland security in general. Undergraduate tuition at Mercy College costs around $9,960 per term for full-time students or $837 per credit for part-time students. Registration fees are around $407 or $204 per term, respectively. Mercy College offers New York’s lowest private tuition rate.

Keiser University, Ft Lauderdale is a private university based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Degree programs are available both on campus and fully online, with students having access to more than 60 options at the undergraduate level. Many of these programs include internships and other practice-based learning.

The bachelor’s degree in homeland security at Keiser University is offered across a broad range of campus locations. The curriculum has a unique focus on management-level skills that are essential for directing activities in careers in homeland security. You’ll also gain an understanding of the activities that take place at a local, state, and federal level in the context of emergency management, planning, and protection of national infrastructure. 

There are no prerequisites for the major courses in this curriculum, but in order to gain the BA award, you’ll need to earn a minimum of 120 credit hours from both lower and upper-division courses. For a full list of courses at both levels, check out the program page on the university’s website. At Keiser University, the average undergraduate tuition and fees come to around $21,008. After financial aid is received, the average grant amount is around $7,409.

Students at Penn State have a choice of 21 bachelor’s degree programs, in addition to 4 associate degrees. While the four-year degree offering is limited, you can also complete the first two years of over 275 bachelor’s degree programs at Penn State. The remainder of these programs can be completed at University Park, another Penn State campus, or many other institutions in the nation. 

This BS in security and risk analysis (SRA) covers four key areas of core competence. These include gaining a foundation in security, risk, analytic methodology, and decision making; the purpose of data and analytics in security management; the application of data, methods, and tools in gathering intelligence; and the legal and ethical considerations with relation to security and risk management. 

As part of this program, students will complete an internship in a field related to the SRA discipline. Available as part-time and full-time positions, either paid or unpaid, students will participate in real-world scenarios and apply what has been learned in the classroom. In total, you must complete a minimum of 300 hours’ supervised work. Tuition for undergraduate programs varies based on your campus of study.

Located in Alpine, Texas, Sul Ross State University was established in 1917 and is part of the Texas State University System. The campus also has its own Sul Ross Law Enforcement Academy, which provides two training programs: a basic police academy and additional in-service training for law enforcement and corrections professionals. 

Lasting for four years and comprising 120 credits, this homeland security undergraduate degree prepares students for careers at both the state and federal level, whether that’s in law enforcement, corrections, courts, or victim services. In order to graduate, students must achieve a minimum grade of C in all criminal justice courses. 

You’ll complete 12 credit hours of homeland security electives and 36 hours of criminal justice electives. The remainder of your curriculum will include English, history, math, liberal arts, sciences, and lab work.

At Sul Ross State University, the average ETC (estimated cost of attendance) is around $23,720 for on-campus students. This includes $8,554 in tuition and fees, $8,724 in room and board, and $1,270 for books and supplies. Students typically pay around $3,620 for transportation and around $1,552 for miscellaneous expenses.

American Public University System is a private, online institution that comprises American Public University and American Military University. It has been named the No. 1 provider of higher education to military and veterans and offers around 230 degree programs and certificates. The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

A quarter of this program’s credits are general education requirements, which include an optional foreign language component. Students can select Arabic, French, German, or Japanese. A second language can be beneficial in many areas of homeland security and intelligence operations, so choosing such a course could help you with employability after graduation. 

Students enrolled in this program will look at the concept of homeland security and how it has evolved over time. You’ll understand the process of disaster mitigation, planning, response, and recovery, and what actions are taken in each phase of this process. American Public University charged just $285 per credit hour on average for undergraduate programs. There’s also no cost for textbooks or ebooks and no fees for admission or registration.

Saint Leo University is a private Roman Catholic university based in St. Leo, Florida. Around 13,000 students attend annually, representing every state in the nation. Students can choose from over 50 undergraduate degree programs at an institution that has been named one of the top universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. 

Saint Leo University offers a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security. There is also an alternative concentration available in criminalistics, in addition to a generalist criminal justice track. All of this is available at an institution that has been named one of the country’s most military-friendly by G.I. Jobs and Military Advanced Education. 

Some of the courses included in this program include Modern Middle East, Legal Issues in Counter-Terrorism, Local Response to Terrorism, and General Terrorism. Your actual pathway will depend on the concentration chosen, but each program will turn you into an expert in terrorism, law enforcement principles and practise, and Middle Eastern politics and economies. Saint Leo University is regularly among the Best Regional Universities for the South Region according to U.S. News & World Report, with tuition significantly below the average. Tuition for undergraduate programs is charged at around $11,995 per semester, with fees totaling around $835. The annual COA is around $39,960.

Madonna University offers traditional campus-based programs and fully online learning. Founded in 1937, it is located in Livonia, Michigan, with around 2,500 undergraduate students in attendance. The official mascot of the university are the Crusaders, and the university’s official colors are blue and gold. Associate and bachelor’s degrees are offered in over 100 career-oriented majors. 

At Madonna University, you can gain a degree in emergency management, preparing you to become a leader in the field. You’ll be responsible for planning and directing emergency responses to large-scale disasters. Students can pursue a traditional, four-year bachelor’s degree or opt for a certificate of completion or certificate of achievement. 

Students will also benefit from a faculty that includes experienced professionals with real-world experience, including former assistant chiefs of police and FBI National Academy graduates. Your curriculum combines a strong general education foundation with 44 credits of major study, and upon graduating, you’ll be prepared for careers at the federal, state, and local government levels. At Madonna University, undergraduates pay varying tuition rates depending on the campus of study. At the Livonia campus, full-time tuition is around $12,450 per semester, while other programs at domestic satellite and online campuses are charged on a per-credit basis. See this page for more information on tuition rates.

With a campus that spans 185 acres, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is situated in Daytona Beach, home of “The World’s Most Famous Beach”. Aside from pleasant temperatures year-round and stunning natural surroundings, around 6,700 undergraduate students benefit from a broad range of majors, including aerospace, engineering, communication, and more. 

Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in homeland security was one of the first programs of its type in the nation. With a foundation in security, you’ll have the opportunity to select specialized tracks in terrorism, cybersecurity, or emergency management. Minors are also available in international relations, cybersecurity, or a number of other complementary disciplines. 

When enrolling in the program, you can choose to select two minors or one minor plus another 15-hour selection of approved courses. Your faculty includes experienced professors that come from a variety of backgrounds in homeland security, and you’ll benefit from guest lectures or entire courses taught by these experts. New undergraduate students from Florida high schools receive a tuition discount of approximately 5%. With this rate applied, the COA is around $51,488 annually. Otherwise, the cost of attendance for undergraduates comes to around $53,360, including base tuition of around $39,216.

Around 90% of students at University of New Hampshire at Manchester receive financial aid, in addition to benefiting from a low student to faculty ratio of 12:1. Undergraduate areas of study include corporate security, cybersecurity, global conflict and human security, and homeland security, making this institution an ideal choice for homeland security hopefuls. 

The homeland security major at the University of New Hampshire is available at both campuses and will give you the skills and knowledge needed to plan for and respond to small and large-scale threats from a variety of sources, whether that be natural disasters, terrorism, and cybersecurity incidents. 

There is a great deal of flexibility offered in this program, with students given the option to pursue a dual degree, a double major, or two minors in a related field. Alternatively, an associate degree in this subject is available. Course work integrates real-world scenarios and case studies, and you’ll also gain practical experience from an internship. 

The University of New Hampshire at Manchester charges around $630 per credit for NH residents enrolled in part-time programs. Out-of-state residents pay around $1,353. For full-time study, NH residents pay around $7,575 per semester, while non-residents pay around $16,230. Students from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont can benefit from a reduced tuition rate. 

Monmouth University was founded in 1933 under the name Monmouth Junior College. In 1956, it became Monmouth College, before gaining university status in 1995. It has a low student to faculty ratio of 12:1 and enrolls around 4,100 undergraduate students on a full-time basis. Undergraduates choose from one of 33 degree programs. 

Under the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Monmouth University, you can pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or homeland security. Additionally, through an accelerated five-year program, you can choose to earn both a BA or BS and master’s degree concurrently. 

The faculty that teaches these programs comprises experienced law enforcement professionals, researchers, and psychologists. Students are also required to complete an internship as part of the curriculum, which can take place in a broad variety of locations, including sheriff’s departments, correctional facilities, and the United States Coast Guard. 

Undergraduate tuition at Monmouth University comes to around $20,484 for full-time programs of 12 to 18 credits per semester. Additional credits or part-time programs are charged at a rate of $1,186. Around 98% of students at Monmouth University receive a scholarship or grant, with a total of around $70 million awarded in a recent year.

Founded in 1887, Campbell University is a private Baptist university located in Buies Creek. Around 6,000 students attend annually, with more North Carolina residents attending this institution than any other private university in the nation. Students study at one of four campus locations or via an online campus for more flexible study options. 

Campbell University offers a Bachelor of Science in homeland security. As a foundation for this program, all students will complete the General College Curriculum, which includes math, reading, communication, and other essential skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving. Most of the remainder of the credit requirements are satisfied by the major courses. 

Your curriculum will however include a broad area of study in world societies and culture, including courses such as Africa: An Area Study, The Middle East and North Africa: An Area Study, and United States History.

Full time tuition is charged for students studying between 12 and 18.5 credit hours per semester. This averages to around $17,145 per semester in tuition. For students on part-time courses or taking more than 18.5 credit hours, tuition is charged per hour at around $690. Online programs attract a per-credit rate of around $450.

Founded in 1834 as a medical college, Tulane University today offers a broader range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. According to U.S. News & World Report, it is a top-20 college for veterans and No. 41 in National Universities. The university is also one of just 62 institutions that make up the Association of American Universities. 

Comprising 120 credits and typically lasting for four years, Tulane University offers a bachelor’s degree in homeland security. The curriculum covers a variety of fields of study, including border protection, counterterrorism, and infrastructure protection. Practical experience is integrated into the curriculum, which is taught by leaders with experience in the industry. 

Other areas of study available from the School of Professional Advancement include a number of majors, minors, and certificate programs. Graduate-level degree programs are also available if you’re considering further study. A full list of programs within the discipline can be found on this page of the university’s website. 

Incoming undergraduate students can expect to pay tuition and fees of around $60,814 annually, with a total COA of around $80,232. The estimated COA for continuing resident students is a little higher, at around $80,976. A net price calculator is also available here for obtaining more specific figures. 

The University of New Haven is located in West Haven, Connecticut. Occupying around 122 acres, the campus welcomes around 6,800 students annually, in addition to 25,000 visitors. The institution has been named in a number of rankings by U.S. News & World Report, including The 385 Best Colleges and Top Tier Comprehensive University in the North.

The University of New Haven’s bachelor degree in homeland security and emergency management has two options. You can enroll in the traditional, campus-based program or complete your studies remotely via online learning. This university also offers study abroad opportunities for students who are looking to gain a broader variety of experience from the perspective of other cultures. 

The curriculum includes courses in areas such as emergency scene operations, infrastructure protection, and transportation security. You’ll also have access to the Career Development Center, a student resource that’s been named one of the best in the United States by The Princeton Review. 

Undergraduate students applying online can expect to pay a fee of around $50. Once enrolled, undergraduate tuition comes to around $41,370 yearly for full-time programs (between 12 and 17 credit hours per semester). There are general student fees of $1,528 due annually. For more specific information on tuition and fees, check out this page. 

A private university, Dakota Wesleyan University is located in Mitchell, South Dakota. The student body is fairly small, with less than 1,000 students; consequently, students enjoy a low student to faculty ratio of around 13:1. Every campus-based student receives financial aid, and around 90% of graduates find work or pursue further study within a year of graduation. 

DWU offers both a bachelor’s degree and associate degree in criminal justice, which could see you graduate in four or two years respectively. Your courses will cover a broad range of disciplines to help you find your preferred area, including law enforcement, courts, research, and criminology. 

Of course, you’ll also gain practical experience as part of an internship, benefiting from the university’s numerous connections in criminal justice. The Academic and Career Services Center will help place you in a relevant role, with past graduates having gained experience with the state’s Department of Corrections, State Attorney’s Offices, and Division of Criminal Investigation. 

Undergraduates pay approximately $29,700 annually in tuition for full-time programs, which comprise around 12 to 16 credit hours of study per semester. Your high school GPA could influence the amount of financial aid available to you, with DWU assessing transfer students’ GPA to award a variable amount of academic scholarship. In most cases, these scholarships are also renewable for four years.

Located in Anderson, South Carolina, Anderson University offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, with 38 concentrations and 46 minors. There are also a range of master’s and doctoral degrees for graduate study. According to the U.S. Department of Education, it’s one of the fastest growing private universities in the nation. It has also been named as a Best Value Institution by U.S. News & World Report. 

At Anderson University, you can major in homeland security and emergency services. The small class sizes at this institution mean that you’ll benefit from close support from the expert faculty, which includes experienced practitioners with experience in the field. You’ll also study special topics and emerging technologies, such as drones. 

If you’re interested in further specialization after graduation, the university also offers a Master of Criminal Justice. This program’s cohort comprises just 10 to 20 students each fall, and you’ll focus more on the latest research methods, the role of management and leadership in law enforcement, and strategic and tactical planning. Full time students are classed as those taking between 12 and 18 credit hours per semester. For full-time undergraduates, tuition averages at around $16,130 per semester, or $32,260 annually. Other expenses are low, making the total annual COA around $44,080. For more information on rates and fees, check out this page on the university’s website.

DeSales University is a private Catholic institution. Located in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, the university has around 3,300 undergraduate and graduate students, with around half of them studying at the undergraduate level. The student to faculty ratio is low, at just 13:1, and around 80% of undergraduates receive financial aid. 

The Bachelor of Arts in homeland security degree program will impart you not only with the knowledge needed to prepare for and manage disasters and protect the nation’s borders, but it will also help to develop skills critical to success in the discipline. These include critical thinking, leadership qualities, and decision-making skills. 

You’ll also benefit from a unique resource, The Center for Homeland Security (CHS), which provides unique education, training, and networking opportunities for students to gain important connections and practical experience. Additionally, the Crime Scene House is available for you to practice your skills. 

DeSales University has a number of financial aid options, including student employment assistance and scholarships. Undergraduates who are state residents can expect to pay an average tuition of around $38,500, with a total COA of around $53,000. Fees come to around $1,000, which is cheaper than average for four-year universities.