In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002 and tasked with protecting the country through increased border security, counterterrorism efforts and an improved emergency response. Since its inception, the scope of threats faced by the nation has continued to grow, resulting in a greater need for the most knowledgeable and skilled professionals to tackle challenges in emergency management, cybercrime, border security and beyond. 

If you are interested in an emergency management career, a career with DHS or one in a related industry, starting with the right education is essential. At Keiser University, we’re proud to offer a newly designed Master of Arts (MA) in Homeland Security and Emergency Management that is built to equip students with the foundational credentials and expertise needed to safeguard the nation against emerging threats. 

Keiser’s MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Program

The MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management through Keiser University is a graduate-level program designed for professionals who want to advance their knowledge and understanding of core homeland security topics with a focus on emergency management. This program, which takes an average of 12 to 18 months to complete, is offered online for added convenience and versatility. 

Overview of the Program’s Evolution 

If you were familiar with Keiser’s previous MA in Homeland Security program, you’ll notice that the MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management deviates a bit from the original program. To reflect the growing need for emergency management experts and offer a more comprehensive approach to Department of Homeland Security prepping, the emphasis on emergency management has been added where it was not a primary focus previously. 

Likewise, to improve the student experience, this program introduces a couple of new courses while reducing the number of credit hours. 

Why Advanced Education in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Matters 

For those serious about pursuing leadership roles in Homeland Security and related agencies, having an advanced degree is critical. The in-depth knowledge, specialized skills and respected credentials gained from a graduate-level program can provide those in the DHS sector with a competitive edge while preparing them for the potential challenges and opportunities they are likely to face in their future work. 

Evolution of the Program: Key Updates and Curriculum Enhancements

As mentioned above, our MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is still a relatively new iteration of its previous MA in Homeland Security. So, what exactly has changed within the curriculum — and why? 

Transition From MA in Homeland Security to MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management 

Keiser University is always looking for ways to make its programs as relevant and streamlined as possible, ensuring that courses cover the real-life skills graduates will need to thrive in their fields. With this program in particular, our faculty identified a need for the existing homeland security program to offer an emphasis on emergency management — particularly as it relates to preparing students for emergency preparedness jobs. 

Reduced Credit Hours and Its Impact on Student Experience 

In addition to shifting the focus of the program to emergency management, the updated MA requires just 30 credit hours to complete instead of the previous 36 credit hours. This change was made to improve the student experience while minimizing the amount of time students need to spend in school. In turn, students have the ability to graduate and start making a difference even sooner. 

Introduction of New Courses 

When this program was updated, two new courses were also added to reflect the unique needs and challenges of today’s Homeland Security professionals. These include: 

Crisis and Emergency Management – MACJ585

This course is designed to prepare students for future work in preventing, responding to and recovering from emergencies such as cyberattacks, terrorist attacks and other risks. Specifically, students in this course will learn about strategies like risk assessment, emergency preparedness, crisis communication and managing response operations. 

Intelligence and Investigations – MACJ586

Meanwhile, this course offers practical information on how data and intelligence can be used to protect the nation against security threats. The course focuses on different aspects of security intelligence (including strategic and tactical intelligence), as well as how to collect and analyze data to conduct threat assessments. 

Core Curriculum and Learning Outcomes

What can you expect to learn in Keiser University’s MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program? As an educational partner with the Department of Homeland Security, Keiser University’s curriculum is designed to incorporate the skills and expertise valued by the agency, helping students build competencies relevant to the profession. 

Integrating Theory With Practice in Homeland Security 

Students in the MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program enjoy plenty of opportunities to apply what they have learned in class to real-world scenarios.  By carefully integrating theory and practice, students can be better prepared for real jobs in crisis management, public safety and emergency preparedness. 

Emphasis on Emergency Management 

In today’s world of emerging threats, emergency management is more important than ever. With this program’s new emphasis on emergency management, students can acquire the skills and expertise needed to better protect populations, prepare for the worst and mitigate risks as much as possible. 

Developing Critical Skills for Public Safety Leadership 

Many professionals enroll in Keiser’s MA program as a means of building the skills they need to pursue more active leadership and management roles within the field. As part of this program, students will have the opportunity to learn the essential leadership skills needed to advance homeland security, propose policy changes and respond to the security challenges the United States faces. In addition, students will develop skills in policy analysis to evaluate and recommend strategies addressing homeland security challenges. 

How the MA Program Prepares You for Your Career

Whether you are interested in launching or advancing your career in homeland security, Keiser University’s MA program can prepare you for what lies ahead with a focus on leadership, research and practical experience through applied learning. 

Leadership Development in High-Impact Roles 

High-impact roles within homeland security and emergency management (including director roles) require not just a comprehensive understanding of the issues themselves but extensive leadership and management skills as well. Keiser’s MA program is designed to prepare future leaders with the communication, collaboration, ethical and professional proficiencies needed to lead teams effectively. 

Building Research Expertise for Evidence-Based Practice 

Research is another central component of many DHS jobs and related roles, which is why this program is designed to help students sharpen their research expertise for evidence-based practice. This is crucial when it comes to making decisions that could impact communities or even entire populations, ensuring that homeland security professionals have all the information they need to make an informed choice. 

Enhancing Career Flexibility and Opportunities 

Likewise, an MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management can prepare students for more versatile career opportunities. No matter the topic of your undergraduate degree, this MA could open new doors of opportunity for roles in service and leadership. 

Gaining Practical Experience Through Applied Learning 

Another core focus of this MA program is providing students with the applied learning experiences to practice the concepts they have been learning in the classroom to real-world situations that they could encounter in their future work. Having this hands-on, practical experience can help graduates take on new roles with confidence. 

Evaluating the Return on Investment (ROI)

Is an MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management worth the investment? There are numerous ways in which the ROI from this program can make up for the initial cost — and then some. 

Salary Prospects and Career Advancement 

Having a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management could help you set yourself apart from other job candidates while qualifying you for more advanced roles that you may not be able to pursue with an undergraduate degree alone. Consider, too, that the median earnings for those with a master’s degree or higher is about 20% higher than those with a bachelor’s degree (according to the National Center for Education Statistics). 

Financial Benefits and Cost-Effectiveness 

Now, comprising just 30 credit hours, Keiser’s MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is also more affordable and cost-effective than before. Plus, with financial aid available for those who qualify, you may be able to get additional assistance paying for school. 

Long-Term Professional Growth and Influence 

With an advanced degree in homeland security and emergency management, you will also enjoy the opportunity to establish yourself as a respected thought leader in the field while taking advantage of professional growth and development opportunities in the long term. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still have questions about Keiser University’s MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program? We have answers! 

What are the key differences between the updated program and the previous MA in Homeland Security? 

Compared to the previous MA in Homeland Security, Keiser’s updated program requires just 30 credit hours instead of 36 — allowing students to complete the program in as little as 12 to 18 months. Two new courses have been added, too, aligning with the shift to an emergency management emphasis. 

How do the new courses in Crisis and Emergency Management and Intelligence and Investigations enhance the curriculum? 

The new courses (Crisis and Emergency Management and Intelligence and Investigations) elevate the MA curriculum by providing students with practical skills related to emergency response, threat mitigation, threat assessment and crisis communication. These are skills that graduates will need to use in real DHS and emergency prep jobs. 

What career paths are available to graduates of the MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management? 

While a degree alone does not guarantee a specific job, those who complete Keiser University’s MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management can gain the skills and credentials needed to pursue such roles as: 

  • Intelligence Analyst 
  • FEMA Emergency Management Specialist 
  • Maritime Enforcement Specialist-Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBP Officer 
  • Disaster Response Coordinator 
  • National Security Analyst 
  • Intelligence Analyst 
  • Coast Guard Officer 
  • And many more 

How does the online format benefit working professionals and remote learners? 

The online format of Keiser’s MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is designed to help working professionals advance their education without putting other aspects of their lives completely on hold. Through convenient online courses and eight-week term lengths, students can save themselves the time and hassle of commuting to a physical campus while still enjoying a quality education on their own time. 

Learn More About Keiser’s MA Program

With its revamped, career-focused curriculum and targeted learning outcomes, our MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at Keiser University could be an excellent choice if you are exploring the potential of an emergency prep or emergency management career. Featuring extensive coverage of topics such as border security, emergency response, counterterrorism and cybersecurity, you can prepare for relevant service leadership positions and make a difference. 

Interested in learning more about this program? Check out the graduate catalog or get in touch directly with our admissions counselors. If you are ready to take the next step, you may also get started with your online application today.