New online Homeland Security graduate programs equip students with specialized industry knowledge
OVERLAND PARK — The University of Kansas is wrapping up the first semester of the new online Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law & Policy degree and an online Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security: Law & Policy. These KU School of Law programs allow military, government and other professionals to gain a strong foundation in law and policy related to homeland security, national security and advanced knowledge of specific homeland security fields. They are designed to give non-lawyers and lawyers advanced instruction, technical expertise and enhanced value in their organization, with the certificate focused specifically on cyber law and security.
The new director of Homeland Security: Law & Policy, Paul Cope, joined KU in October. He previously served as chief of cyber law and policy with the Kansas National Guard and is a judge advocate with the Kansas Army National Guard.
“Our program allows students to gain valuable knowledge and experience in a highly complex and constantly evolving field,” Cope said. “Students have the opportunity to develop into leaders on the cutting edge of homeland security.”
Through a culminating simulation course, students prove their readiness to manage a homeland security crisis and provide front-line leadership in sectors such as defense, emergency management, immigration, law enforcement, public health, public works and transportation.
Online courses offer a flexibility that is increasingly important to students today, Cope said. The ability to attend live instruction remotely provides accessibility to students in higher education’s post-pandemic reality. These new online offerings, available through the KU Edwards Campus, expand upon the homeland security master’s degree offered in-person at KU in Leavenworth.
Stuart Day, dean of the KU Edwards Campus and School of Professional Studies, said the online homeland security programs offer a unique opportunity for students looking to advance their careers.
“The curriculum teaches real-world skills and expertise that are instrumental to professionals in this ever-evolving industry,” Day said. “We’re pleased to be taking this program online so even more students can benefit.”