Program: Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security (MS) - American University

Apr 08, 2025

American University Catalog 2019-2020

Offered by the Department of Justice, Law and Criminology , School of Public Affairs , the online Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security (MS) (MCTHS) provides students with the tools to analyze and discuss national and homeland security problems through the application of acquired knowledge of criminology, social science, legal systems, policy, terrorism studies, and intelligence analysis; formulate, evaluate, and communicate public policies and programs related to countering terrorism while using acquired analytic frameworks and methodological skills, including statistics, economics, criminology, and law; apply empirical and data-driven solutions to analyze domestic threats to U.S. homeland security; and apply acquired skillsets, expertise, and values to real-world policy problems in a collaborative manner. The degree prepares students for a range of practitioner, policy, and research positions.

Admission to the Program

Applicants must meet the minimum University requirements for graduate study. Admissions decisions are based on each applicant’s academic record, two letters of recommendation, test score from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and an essay written by the applicant on his or her background and career interests. Applicants may substitute test scores from similar tests, such as the GMAT or LSAT, for the GRE where appropriate. Applicants who received their undergraduate degree more than five years prior to their date of application may waive the requirement for test scores by submitting a statement describing their professional experience. The Department values applicants who have acquired practical experience before beginning their professional degree program. Admission decisions are based on each applicant’s total record and not any single strength or deficiency.

Degree Requirements

36 credit hours of approved graduate coursework
Capstone Experience: JLC-673 Seminar on National Security Policy (3)
Noncredit internship: requirement completed through application to and approval of program director

Course Requirements

Required (33 credit hours)

Capstone (3 credit hours)

JLC-673 Seminar on National Security Policy (3)