Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy (MS)

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Offered by the Department of Justice, Law and Criminology , School of Public Affairs , the Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy (MS) is an interdisciplinary program that trains students to understand and explain problems of terrorism and other sub-state threats to U.S. homeland security. Approaching security issues informed by social science with attention to the perspectives of criminology and criminal justice, the program emphasizes development of strategic, policy-based security solutions at the federal, state, and local levels of government. The program provides students with grounding in quantitative research methods as well as foundations in the fields of criminology, law, and public policy. Students have the flexibility to expand on this foundation with a wide range of security and policy elective courses across the university. Throughout the program, students are exposed to rigorous intellectual challenges and provided the skills and knowledge needed to address current issues facing U.S. law enforcement, intelligence, and homeland security agencies. 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. Admission decisions are based on each applicant’s academic record, two letters of recommendation, resume reflecting experience, and an essay written by the applicant on their background and career interests. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores are optional. An official English Proficiency Test (EPT) score may be required from F-1/J-1 applicants. Admission decisions are based on each applicant’s total record and not on any single strength or deficiency.

Degree Requirements

33 credit hours of approved graduate work with at least 18 credit hours at 600-level
Capstone Experience: JLC-694 Justice, Law and Criminology Practicum (3) or JLC-695 Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy Practicum (3) with grade of B or better
Minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA
Research Requirement: JLC-680 Introduction to Justice Research I (3) and JLC-681 Introduction to Justice Research II (3) with grades of B or better

Course Requirements

Foundation (6 credit hours)

Interdisciplinary (6 credit hours)

Complete 6 credit hours from the following:

Research Methods (6 credit hours)

Complete the following with grades of B or better:

Practicum (3 credit hours)

Complete 3 credit hours from the following with grade of B or better:

Electives (12 credit hours)

Complete 12 credit hours from the following if not taken to fulfill Interdisciplinary, or other approved School of Public Affairs courses: