Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, MA

Program Overview

The NEC online Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MAHSEP) program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of homeland security policy, emergency management, and crisis response. Through a customizable curriculum and real-world applications, the program prepares graduates for leadership roles in various sectors, including government agencies, public policy, and emergency management organizations. The program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in less than two years for full-time students.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The NEC online Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MAHSEP) program

is a 36-credit program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the public and private sectors, public policy and advocacy groups, or any industry where an in-depth knowledge of homeland security policy or emergency management processes is desired. The MA in Homeland Security program equips students with:

• A clear understanding of the origins of DHS, FEMA, and national laws governing emergency management and crisis/disaster response.

• A strong foundation in organizational ethics and leadership.

• An applied understanding of the key governmental and international institutions that formulate and implement policies related to crisis management in our society, including Congress, the judiciary, the presidency, and state and local governments, and the role that terrorism and natural disasters play in shaping crisis response policies and methods.

• An in-depth grasp of the emergency management process at the local, state, and national levels.

• Experience with the mechanics of strategic planning and crisis communications.

• An ability to effectively analyze public policy issues, particularly those related to homeland security and emergency management, as well as the ability to present arguments persuasively and logically and to write and speak clearly, correctly, and convincingly.

Outline:

Core Courses:

• HSEP 5010 - Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
• HSEP 5220 - Legal Foundations for Homeland Security
• HSEP 6060 (PO 6060) - Research Methods
• PO 6950 - Capstone Project

Elective Courses:

• HSEP 5350 - Emergency and Strategic Planning
• HSEP 6220 - Psychology and Communication in Crises
• HSEP 6350 - Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources
• HSEP 6850 - Intelligence and Cyber Security
• PO 5850 - International Security
• PO 5910 - Terrorism
• PO 5990 - Topics Course
• PO 6255 - Wargaming for International Relations and Homeland Security
• PO 6555 - Democracy Under Threat

Assessment:

Assessment methods in the MAHSEP program vary depending on the course. Generally, students will be assessed through a combination of:

• Examinations
• Assignments
• Presentations
• Participation
• Capstone project

Teaching:

The MAHSEP program utilizes an online format with several unique features:

• Faculty are scholar-practitioners with extensive experience in the field of homeland security and emergency preparedness.

• The program focuses on the intersection between homeland security policy and politics, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field.

• The curriculum is customizable, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their specific interests and career goals.

• The program emphasizes real-world applications and problem-solving.

Careers:

A master's degree in homeland security and emergency preparedness can open doors to a variety of career paths with agencies such as:

• DHS
• FEMA
• State emergency management agencies
• City and county law enforcement organizations
Graduates of the MAHSEP program can pursue careers as:
• Intelligence analysts
• Federal agents
• Emergency management directors
• Law enforcement officers

Other:

The MAHSEP program is a great option for students who are looking for a flexible and customizable online program that will prepare them for a career in homeland security and emergency preparedness.

Additional points to consider:

• The program is well-suited for working professionals who want to continue their education without interrupting their careers.
• The program is designed to be completed in less than two years for most full-time students.