After the September 11 attacks, homeland security has emerged as a new and crucial department of the U.S. government, which has experienced extensive job growth.
Security, homeland defense, and emergency preparedness are many job duties of homeland security professionals.
With the favorable job outlook, more schools offer programs to prepare students for careers as response technicians, analysts, and homeland security agents.
Today, some of the nation’s best colleges and universities provide in-person and online programs.
If you want to become a homeland security professional, read to learn more about the most affordable degree programs!
Schools
The most affordable homeland security degree programs offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in homeland security and criminal justice.
These degrees can jumpstart your career and help you move from entry-level positions into administrative and managerial roles.
The Department of Homeland Security oversees the U.S. Coast Guard, ICE, Secret Service, and FEMA, making it the third-largest cabinet department in the U.S. Government.
With colleges and universities being costly, these are some of the most affordable programs:
1 Wilmington University
Tuition/Fees: $8,483
About
Kicking off the list is the Wilmington University online master’s degree in homeland security, which was developed to give working students maximum flexibility.
With a tuition cost of just over $8,400, the school offers one of the most value-driven and cost-efficient degree programs in homeland security.
This master’s program is Middle States Commission on Higher Education-accredited and consistently a top choice among working law enforcement and military professionals.
Courses / Programs Offered
Students can select from various specializations, including security and security and organizational leadership.
The coursework covers organizational strategy, change management and leadership development, bioterrorism fundamentals, transportation, border security, and decision-making analysis.
For more information about the Wilmington University master’s degree in homeland security, request more information by completing THIS online form.
Contact Information
- Address: Wilmington University 320 N. DuPont Hwy New Castle, DE 19720
- Phone: (877) 967-5464
- Website: Visit School Website
2 SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Tuition/Fees: $8,480
About
As a State University of New York (SUNY) school with locations across the state, SUNY Canton incorporates technology into all classes, including their Bachelor of Technology in Homeland Security.
This 120-credit program can be completed in four years with full-time study.
Like many other institutions on this list, SUNY Canton utilizes the Blackboard distance learning system for those who opt for an entirely online degree.
Courses / Programs Offered
The program combines practical and theoretical skills utilized by homeland security professionals and incorporates human resources and technology to establish security strategies.
The core classes include Public Safety Incident Response, Threats to Homeland Security, and Intelligence Analysis.
These and other required courses prepare students for entry-level roles as emergency management, intelligence, and law enforcement professionals.
If you’re interested in SUNY Canton’s Bachelor of Technology in Homeland Security, email Assistant Professor Kelly Peterson at dehautk@canton.edu.
Contact Information
- Address: 34 Cornell Drive Canton, NY 13617
- Phone: 1-800-388-7123
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Sam Houston State University
Tuition/Fees: $7,575
About
As one of the top-ranked online homeland security degree programs in the U.S., SHMU gives students the flexibility of a distance learning program with the quality of in-class instruction.
This 36-credit master’s degree program tuition is only $7,575.
It allows students to start in the fall or spring with application requirements, including three letters of recommendation, transcriptions, and an undergraduate degree from a similar field.
Courses / Programs Offered
Coursework includes research methods in homeland security studies, law and ethics in homeland security, global perspective, and foundations of homeland security.
With the combined cost, comprehensive curriculum, and excellent instructors, Sam Houston State is ranked by the U.S. News and World Report as the best online graduate criminal justice program, so this degree has incredible value.
Students who want to enroll in Sam Houston State’s homeland security program should call 936-294-1971 or email graduate@shsu.edu.
Contact Information
- Address: Huntsville, Texas 77341
- Phone: 936-294-1971
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Columbia Southern University
Tuition/Fees: $7,050
About
In Orange Beach, Alabama, CSU is a private institution offering a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security.
Those who study full-time can complete the 120-credit bachelor’s degree in around four years and pay an annual tuition of just $7,050.
Students can complete the entire program online or in class or use the hybrid model.
Online learners will use Blackboard, a distance learning platform, for all assignments, quizzes, tests, essay submissions, projects, and communication.
The university has flexible start times and schedules throughout the program for in-class students.
Courses / Programs Offered
In addition to the general core education classes required for all bachelor’s degrees, the program teaches students the theory of terrorism, cybersecurity management, critical infrastructure, cyber networks, terrorism response operations, and border security.
Many alums transition into business continuity, emergency management, and law enforcement roles.
To gather more information on Columbia Southern’s bachelor of science in homeland security, complete the information request HERE.
Contact Information
- Address: 21982 University Lane Orange Beach, Alabama 36561
- Phone: 251-981-3771
- Website: Visit School Website
5 University of Alaska Fairbanks
Tuition/Fees: $7,020
About
UAF is a public university offering a bachelor’s of security and emergency management for only $7,020, which requires 120 credit hours and takes four years when enrolled in full-time study.
With an acceptance rate of only 67% and a graduation rate of 34%, UAF is a tough school to get accepted into, with even more difficult curriculums.
Students can use Canvas, a remote learning platform for those who take the online version of this program.
Many graduates transition into emergency management administration, police officer, and first responder roles.
Courses / Programs Offered
The curriculum covers disaster response operations and management, emergency planning and preparedness, and leadership in dangerous contexts.
The degree focuses on emergencies, disasters, public safety issues, homeland security challenges, and counterterrorism.
Additionally, students can select from one of the following concentrations:
Homeland security, information technology management, and cybersecurity.
UAF has a request information form and application button on the program page HERE.
Contact Information
- Address: 1731 South Chandalar Dr. Fairbanks, AK 99775
- Phone: 907-474-7034
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Wichita State University
Tuition/Fees: $6,843
About
WSU is a public university that offers a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security, which requires 120 credit hours to graduate.
The program can be completed in around four years with full-time study, and the school heavily uses Blackboard, a digital learning platform, so that all coursework can be completed online.
Courses / Programs Offered
The curriculum comprises the intelligence process, physical security, and cyber security, among other classes, to prepare graduates for policy, management, and operation roles within crucial security agencies.
Additionally, the school requires a research or applied learning program, usually an internship, to graduate.
Most graduates acquire law enforcement positions at the national and regional levels.
If you’re interested in enrolling in Wichita State’s highly affordable bachelor of science in homeland security program, request information, apply, take a virtual tour, or schedule a visit HERE.
For those who wish to speak with an advisor, call 316-978-3456.
Contact Information
- Address: 1845 Fairmount St. Wichita, Kansas 67260
- Phone: 316-978-3456
- Website: Visit School Website
7 American Public University System
Tuition/Fees: $6,600
About
With tuition costing only $350 per credit, the American Public University System (APU) is one of the most affordable homeland security programs.
With 36 credits, with the opportunity to transfer 15 credits from another institution or program, APU’s master’s in homeland security can be completed in two years with all online courses.
Courses / Programs Offered
In addition to the fundamental classes, students can select a concentration, including criminal justice, transportation security, public health, emergency management, counterterrorism studies, intelligence studies, cyber, and business.
The general option is also available for those who don’t want a concentration.
Foundational classes comprise new terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, ethical challenges in the intelligence community, emergency and disaster management and planning, extremist groups, and domestic terrorism.
Students interested in gathering more information about American Public’s master’s in homeland security program can complete an online request form HERE or speak to an admissions coach by dialing 877-755-2787.
Contact Information
- Address: 111 W. Congress Street Charles Town, WV 25414
- Phone: 877-755-2787
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Angelo State University
Tuition/Fees: $6,507
About
Due to the flexible yet rigorous curriculum and low tuition of $6,507, Angelo State University’s Master in Homeland Security is one of the best and most affordable programs in the U.S.
The Admissions Department requires at least a 3.0 GPA in the past 60 hours or a 2.75 minimum undergraduate GPA, two recommendation letters, and an essay of up to 750 words highlighting a critical homeland security challenge.
The school doesn’t require a GRE, and Angelo State is ranked in the top 100 amongst regional Midwestern universities.
Courses / Programs Offered
The curriculum combines the best practices for field success with modern homeland security research.
This mix of skills develops graduates to make data-driven, crucial decisions regarding law, policy, natural disasters, and terrorism.
Furthermore, students can earn the Emergency Management Certificate during their tenure by completing a four-course sequence within the degree plan.
Discuss the plan with an academic advisor to gain this valuable credential.
More information can be gathered for the Angelo State Master of Science in Homeland Security degree by completing the online form HERE or by phone at 1-800-946-8627.
Contact Information
- Address: 2601 W. Avenue N San Angelo, TX 76909
- Phone: 1-800-946-8627
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Arkansas Tech University
Tuition/Fees: $6,372
About
Featuring a master’s in homeland security for only $6,372, Arkansas Tech requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, a 500-word letter of intent, an updated resume, and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0.
The master’s degree program is Foundation of Higher Education Accreditation-accredit.
The program mixes concepts from psychology, criminal justice, political science, economics, public policy, and sociology.
Courses / Programs Offered
The curriculum covers topics like technology for comprehensive emergency management, principles of emergency management, fundamentals of homeland security, and applied data analysis. U.S. News and World Report ranked Arkansas Tech #102 amongst southern universities.
Contact Information
Students interested in a Master of Science in emergency management and Homeland Security degree from Arkansas Tech can call 479-968-0389.
Contact Information
- Address: 215 West O Street Russellville, Arkansas 72801 USA
- Phone: 479-968-0389
- Website: Visit School Website
10 Trident University
Tuition/Fees: $6,120
About
At number one, Trident University is the least expensive homeland security program, with tuition and fees totaling $6,120.
Located in Cypress, California, Trident University has a master’s in homeland security available online for the ultimate flexibility.
This makes Trident a leading choice for working professionals who cannot attend classes during the day.
Although the GMAT, MAT, or GRE aren’t required, students need at least a 2.5 undergraduate GPA and transcripts.
Courses / Programs Offered
The coursework was created considering all the Department of Homeland Security aspects, which prepares graduates for the opportunities and challenges that await them in their future roles.
In addition to the foundational classes, students can select logistics, leadership, emergency and disaster management, and cyber security concentrations.
Those seeking the least expensive tuition for all homeland security programs can request more information from Trident administrators by dialing 888-983-7071 or completing the online information request form HERE.
Contact Information
- Address: 2200 East Germann Road, Suite 150 Chandler, AZ 85286
- Phone: 888-983-7071
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Impressive! I’m considering pursuing a degree in homeland security and these options seem really promising.
Affordability is crucial, and these programs seem to offer great value for the quality of education they provide. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been looking for affordable options for a homeland security degree. These programs seem like a perfect fit for my budget and career goals.
It’s encouraging to see these affordable options for aspiring homeland security professionals. This list definitely makes the decision process easier.
Great compilation! having affordable options for homeland security degrees is a relief. I’ll be checking out some of these programs for sure!