Shape Policy to Strategically Fight Global Terrorism

Today's terrorist and homeland security threats are growing increasingly complex. To counter them successfully as a law enforcement or intelligence professional, you need interdisciplinary skills and focused expertise in terrorism as a social and psychological phenomenon. American University’s online Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security builds these capabilities and prepares you to make a difference keeping your fellow citizens safe as a homeland security specialist in top roles in government and private agencies.

This flexible online program focuses on counter-terrorism across areas that include national security, law and policy, cybersecurity, and theories of political violence. Students will learn how to develop strategic, policy-based security solutions at all levels of government. This program is different from the typical online master’s in homeland security or online master’s in counter-terrorism program. It is unique in its focus on law enforcement as both a national and international factor. This focus naturally leads to an interdisciplinary approach that addresses both law and criminology and offers the flexibility to address emerging trends.

In this MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security program, you will learn 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 counter 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 US homeland security.
  • Apply acquired skillsets, expertise, and values to real-world policy problems in a collaborative manner.

Online Merit Scholarships Available - Up to $18,000

*The onsite residency in Washington, D.C. will include site visits to various U.S. government agencies. The sponsoring U.S. Government agency will have certain policies and procedures that visitors must follow in order to access and visit these sites. These procedures may include the sponsoring agency conducting a brief background check, using Personal Identifying Information (PII). The Program Director will coordinate that process; however, AU cannot guarantee access to students for one or all agencies. Students who are not cleared as visitors will be provided an alternate experience.

94% of American University’s School of Public Affairs graduates are working in the field, in graduate school or both within six months.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER IN HOMELAND SECURITY

The MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security will prepare you to pursue positions focused on law enforcement and intelligence at U.S. federal government agencies and intelligence communities. In addition, American University positions students well to compete for government internships, in your local area or in D.C. These include those offered through the U.S. Government Pathways program as well as the post-graduation internships in the Presidential Management Fellows program, a flagship two-year leadership development program in the Federal government.

  • For the past two years, American University has produced more PMF finalists than any other university in the country.
  • AU has a 98 percent success rate of its finalists becoming fellows.
  • Fellows receive 160 hours of intensive management and leadership training at one or more federal agencies, complete a four-to-six-month developmental assignment, and are eligible for full-time positions upon completion.

In addition to these programs and fellowships, all students in American University’s online programs have access to the same benefits as on-campus students, including online career workshops and career coaching opportunities. We make it our mission to help you succeed in the career path you choose.

School of Public Affairs graduates also have a track record of success:

  • Within six months of graduation, 94% of AU School of Public Affairs students are working, in grad school, or both
  • 39% work for the government, 33% for nonprofits, and 27% at for-profits
  • 68% of master’s graduates participated in an internship

While jobs at federal agencies are competitive, and may require years to gain entry, graduates of the School of Public Affairs work at agencies that include:

  • U.S. Senate
  • U.S. Navy
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • U.S. Government Accountability Office
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • Interpol
  • FBI
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons
  • Defense Advanced Research Project Agency

In this MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security program, you will learn 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 counter 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 US homeland security.
  • Apply acquired skillsets, expertise, and values to real-world policy problems in a collaborative manner.

American University’s Master’s curriculum features a mix of homeland security courses and counter-terrorism courses that build interdisciplinary knowledge in counter-terrorism and its details, including national security law and policy, cybersecurity, and the theories of political violence.

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American University’s online MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security prepares law enforcement and intelligence professionals for a wide variety of homeland security careers and counter-terrorism jobs. Roles in these areas increased substantially after 9/11 and opportunities remain strong today.

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The online Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security (MSCTHS) program is led by American University’s respected on-campus faculty and instructors. Our scholars are leading national voices in topic areas such as national security law, counter-terrorism, and the causes of political violence. Their expertise ensures that you will receive a quality online learning experience that offers practical, real-world knowledge reflecting the latest thinking on essential counter-terrorism and homeland security issues.

Meet Our Faculty

Faqs

What is counter-terrorism?

Counter-terrorism includes the practices, tactics, techniques and strategies that government, military, law enforcement, business and intelligence agencies use to combat or prevent terrorism.

What can you do with a homeland security degree?

Sample job titles graduates may pursue include law enforcement officers, analyst and support personnel positions as well as intelligence officer, analyst and support personnel roles. Target employers often include U.S. federal government agencies and intelligence communities, though federal agency jobs are highly competitive and sometimes take years to gain entry.

What are your admissions requirements for the online Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security?

You will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a satisfactory grade point average.

Can I be admitted to the program if I do not have a Bachelor’s degree in Counter-Terrorism or Homeland Security?

Yes, it is not a requirement to have an undergraduate degree in homeland security or counter-terrorism.

How long does it take to complete the Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security?

The program can be completed in as little as 24 months.

Does the internship have to be taken in D.C.?

No. The internship can be taken in your local area.

Do you require submission of GRE or other test scores?

Yes, GRE test score is required when applying. GRE waivers are eligible with relevant work experience and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, applicants that are alumni of American University with a bachelor’s degree or higher from AU before their anticipated master’s degree entry term will have an optional GRE requirement. Speak with an advisor to understand how to qualify.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

A TOEFL score of 600 (or 100 on the Internet-based test), a minimum score of 68 on the Pearson Test of English, or a minimum IELTS score of seven (7) is required. Additionally, applicants with international transcripts must have them evaluated course-by-course. For a list of acceptable evaluators, go to NACES.org.

What documents are required when applying?

The required application documents include:
• A completed graduate application
• A $55 application Fee
• Phone Interview with Admissions Adviser
• Résumé
• Statement of purpose
• Two letters of recommendation, which may be from former professors as well as current or former employers
• Transcripts from previous undergraduate and relevant graduate coursework (If a degree was earned outside the U.S., a course-by-course evaluated transcript is required.)

When is the deadline for application?

Our application deadline varies based on the term you are applying for. Please contact our online admissions advisers for a specific timeline your application file needs to be fully submitted.

Is financial aid available?

Graduate students enrolled at least part time in a Master's program may be eligible for federal loans. To apply, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Will I be able to take advantage of the same resources as on-campus students do?

Yes, online students are encouraged to obtain a Student ID and take advantage of all the same resources as our on-campus students.

Rankings & Accreditation

#10 Best Public Affairs Programs

Top-Ranked School in Washington, D.C.

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Grad School (2023)

#11 Homeland Security & Emergency Management

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Colleges (2023)

#47 Best Colleges for Veterans

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Colleges (2021)

#5 Most Politically Active Students

Princeton Review
Best Colleges (2021)

#91 Best Value Schools

U.S. News & World Report
America's Best Colleges (2022)

Among 387 Best Colleges

Princeton Review
Best Colleges (2022)

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY STUDENT

A passion for public service, an emphasis on active leadership and a global outlook are the hallmarks of the American University learning experience. We create graduates who stand out from their peers as active, socially aware and compassionate leaders who work toward creating meaningful change in our world.

Join us. To learn more about American University’s MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland security, request more information or call us toll-free at 855-725-7614.