M.S. in Homeland Security: Law & Policy


Prepare for career in homeland security

Take the next step toward your future as a leader in effectively managing homeland security incidents.
Students in the homeland security program take notes during class.

Program overview

Homeland security professionals work in an increasingly complex environment requiring high-level critical and creative thinking. Whether you're a military officer or a government or private sector employee responsible for security operations and disaster preparedness, the Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law & Policy graduate degree will advance your technical expertise and enhance your value to your organization.

Through a culminating simulation course, you will improve your readiness to manage an intensive homeland security crisis, providing front-line leadership in the following sectors:

  • Defense
  • Emergency management
  • Immigration
  • Law enforcement
  • Public health
  • Public works
  • Transportation

The M.S. in Homeland Security program is offered in person at the KU Leavenworth Campus or as a mix of in-person courses and online courses.


M.S. in Homeland Security Program Information

Learn more about the curriculum, admission requirements, and cost and aid specifics of the M.S. in Homeland Security: Law & Policy Program using the tabs below.

Request a program guide for the Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law & Policy Program from the KU Edwards Campus.

Program Curriculum

The Homeland Security curriculum provides a basic grounding in law and policy related to homeland security and advanced knowledge of specific homeland security fields. Courses include:

M.S. in Homeland Security curriculum
CourseCredit hours
Core courses
LAW 815 International Aspects of Homeland Security Law3
LAW 816 Domestic Aspects of Homeland Security Law3
LAW 817 Homeland Security Practicum6
Required core course hours:12
 
Elective courses
JMC 840 Seminar In: Crisis Communication3
LAW 849 Cybercrimes2
LAW 924 Independent Research1-2
LAW 994 Special Topics: Central Challenges: The Balance of Liberty and Security3
LAW 994 Special Topics: Cyber Law and Policy3
LAW 994 Special Topics: Terrorism Finance3
LAW 994 Special Topics: Counterintelligence3
PUAD 862 Emergency Management in the United States: Theory and Practice3
EVRN 720 Topics in Environmental Studies: Biosecurity in the 21st Century3
Students must complete 7 elective courses:21
 
Total credit hours required:33

The maximum course load is 14 credit hours per semester. The program director may approve a schedule of greater than 14 credit hours under exceptional circumstances. 

Classes taken as part of the Master of Science program will be treated as other non-law graduate classes. Accordingly, students must get prior approval from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for up to 6 credit hours to be applied to the 90 credit hours needed for the J.D. degree. The M.S. credits will not be included in the student's J.D. GPA.

Admission Requirements

Application review is ongoing. The program starts in both the fall and spring. Visit the KU Graduate Admissions website to find upcoming application deadlines.

  1. Admission to the University of Kansas:

    • Completed KU Graduate Application, available at graduate.ku.edu
    • Statement of personal and professional goals
    • Resume, curriculum vitae or Officer Record Brief
    • Official transcripts
    • Proof of English proficiency
  2. A B.A. or B.S. from an accredited U.S. college or university or equivalent degree from a foreign institution and relevant professional experience or achievement.
  3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above; students with a GPA between 3.0 and 2.0 may be provisionally admitted given relevant professional experience and achievement.
Apply for the program

Tuition & Financial Assistance

$670 per credit hour (includes tuition and fees)

Military and civilian financial assistance is likely available, which may include grants, scholarships, loans and other aid. Contact us for help determining which assistance is available and what your best option may be.

Learn more about tuition and fees on the KU Edwards Campus tuition and fees webpage.

Program Curriculum

The Homeland Security curriculum provides a basic grounding in law and policy related to homeland security and advanced knowledge of specific homeland security fields. Courses include:

M.S. in Homeland Security curriculum
CourseCredit hours
Core courses
LAW 815 International Aspects of Homeland Security Law3
LAW 816 Domestic Aspects of Homeland Security Law3
LAW 817 Homeland Security Practicum6
Required core course hours:12
 
Elective courses
JMC 840 Seminar In: Crisis Communication3
LAW 849 Cybercrimes2
LAW 924 Independent Research1-2
LAW 994 Special Topics: Central Challenges: The Balance of Liberty and Security3
LAW 994 Special Topics: Cyber Law and Policy3
LAW 994 Special Topics: Terrorism Finance3
LAW 994 Special Topics: Counterintelligence3
PUAD 862 Emergency Management in the United States: Theory and Practice3
EVRN 720 Topics in Environmental Studies: Biosecurity in the 21st Century3
Students must complete 7 elective courses:21
 
Total credit hours required:33

The maximum course load is 14 credit hours per semester. The program director may approve a schedule of greater than 14 credit hours under exceptional circumstances. 

Classes taken as part of the Master of Science program will be treated as other non-law graduate classes. Accordingly, students must get prior approval from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs for up to 6 credit hours to be applied to the 90 credit hours needed for the J.D. degree. The M.S. credits will not be included in the student's J.D. GPA.

Admission Requirements

Application review is ongoing. The program starts in both the fall and spring. Visit the KU Graduate Admissions website to find upcoming application deadlines.

  1. Admission to the University of Kansas:

    • Completed KU Graduate Application, available at graduate.ku.edu
    • Statement of personal and professional goals
    • Resume, curriculum vitae or Officer Record Brief
    • Official transcripts
    • Proof of English proficiency
  2. A B.A. or B.S. from an accredited U.S. college or university or equivalent degree from a foreign institution and relevant professional experience or achievement.
  3. A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above; students with a GPA between 3.0 and 2.0 may be provisionally admitted given relevant professional experience and achievement.
Apply for the program

Tuition & Financial Assistance

$670 per credit hour (includes tuition and fees)

Military and civilian financial assistance is likely available, which may include grants, scholarships, loans and other aid. Contact us for help determining which assistance is available and what your best option may be.

Learn more about tuition and fees on the KU Edwards Campus tuition and fees webpage.

Learn more and apply

Related Programs

HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM CONTACTS

Paul Cope
Director, Master of Science in Homeland Security: Law and Policy Program

509 Green Hall
paul.cope@ku.edu
785-864-2348

Lucas Schmalbeck
Academic Advisor, Homeland Security: Law and Policy Program
120 Dickman Avenue
Fort Leavenworth
lschmalbeck@ku.edu
913-897-8568
 

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