In today’s rapidly evolving security landscape, the demand for skilled professionals in homeland security is at an all-time high. Online homeland security programs offer flexible, accessible education paths for individuals aiming to enter or advance in this critical field.
These programs equip students with the knowledge and credentials necessary to pursue careers in federal agencies, local law enforcement, private sector security, and more.
This guide highlights the ten best accredited online homeland security schools, detailing their unique features, admission requirements, and potential career outcomes.
Online Homeland Security Schools
1. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide
Location: Daytona Beach, FL
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide offers an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security. Established in 1925, this institution provides major-specific courses like foundations of information security, studies in intelligence, and two homeland security capstone courses.
Students can choose between two minors or one minor plus a focused 15-credit block of courses. An accelerated path allows motivated students to begin master ’s-level courses during their bachelor’s program, potentially earning both degrees in five years.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
- Tuition: $250 per credit (active-duty military); $447 per credit (civilian)
- Credit Requirements: 123 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: 2.5 minimum
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Average Tuition:
- Undergrad: $10,728 (in-state and out-of-state)
- Graduate: $8,916 (in-state and out-of-state)
Other Details:
- Retention Rate: 64%
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Students Enrolled: 12,720
- Percent Online Enrollment: 98%
2. DeSales University
Location: Center Valley, PA
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
DeSales University offers an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security. This Catholic university’s program covers critical infrastructure protection, digital forensics, and cybercrime and cyberterrorism.
Students can transfer up to 75 eligible credits and qualify for credit based on prior learning assessments. A senior seminar is required for degree completion. The accelerated option allows students to start graduate courses during their undergraduate studies, completing both degrees in five years.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
- Tuition: $523 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Average Tuition:
- Undergrad: $39,500 (in-state and out-of-state)
- Graduate: $21,120 (in-state and out-of-state)
Other Details:
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Students Enrolled: 3,008
- Percent Online Enrollment: 45%
3. Mercer University
Location: Macon, GA
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Mercer University, founded in 1833, provides an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The curriculum includes ethics and public safety, intelligence gathering, and disaster effects on society.
Two field mastery courses offer hands-on experience. The program offers flexibility with five different start dates annually and eight-week course durations.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Tuition: $485 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: 2.25 minimum
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Average Tuition:
- Undergrad: $29,024 (in-state and out-of-state)
- Graduate: $15,244 (in-state); $15,531 (out-of-state)
Other Details:
- Retention Rate: 86%
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Students Enrolled: 8,851
- Percent Online Enrollment: 34%
4. Marian University
Location: Fond Du Lac, WI
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Marian University offers an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security. Located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the program includes courses such as introduction to homeland security, terrorism, and disaster perspectives.
The curriculum adheres to guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and Defense Education Consortium Association and offers transfer credits for military or related work experience.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
- Tuition: $470 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: 2.0 minimum
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Average Tuition:
- Undergrad: $28,660 (in-state and out-of-state)
- Graduate: $11,286 (in-state and out-of-state)
Other Details:
- Retention Rate: 65%
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Students Enrolled: 1,445
- Percent Online Enrollment: 34%
5. Angelo State University
Location: San Angelo, TX
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Angelo State University offers an online Bachelor of Security Studies in Border and Homeland Security. The program includes courses like introduction to Cybersecurity, wildlife crimes, and Critical Communications Infrastructure. For students with an associate degree or active-duty status, an online Bachelor of Border Security is also available.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Bachelor of Security Studies in Border and Homeland Security
- Tuition: $2,758 per semester (in-state); $8,893 per semester (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: No minimum specified
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Average Tuition:
- Undergrad: $5,619 (in-state); $17,859 (out-of-state)
- Graduate: $4,181 (in-state); $11,525 (out-of-state)
Other Details:
- Retention Rate: 73%
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Students Enrolled: 10,578
- Percent Online Enrollment: 49%
6. Keiser University
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Keiser University, located in Fort Lauderdale, offers an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security. The program covers foundational and advanced topics in homeland security, preparing students for careers at local, state, and federal levels.
Courses include Introduction to homeland security, Constitutional Law, terrorism response, and Disaster Issues.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
- Tuition: $9,504 per semester
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Average Tuition:
- Undergrad: $20,800 (in-state and out-of-state)
- Graduate: $29,632 (in-state and out-of-state)
Other Details:
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Students Enrolled: 18,800
- Percent Online Enrollment: 50%
7. Campbell University
Location: Buies Creek, NC
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, offers an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security. The curriculum focuses on intelligence and warning, border and transportation security, domestic counterterrorism, and emergency preparedness. The program allows for up to 12 transfer credits for military service members.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
- Tuition: $250 per credit (military); $450 per credit (non-military)
- Credit Requirements: 124 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: 2.0 minimum
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Average Tuition:
- Undergrad: $35,580 (in-state and out-of-state)
- Graduate: $14,041 (in-state and out-of-state)
Other Details:
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Students Enrolled: 5,259
- Percent Online Enrollment: 27%
8. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Location: Canton, NY
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online + Campus
SUNY Canton offers an online Bachelor of Technology in Homeland Security. The program prepares students to respond to natural disasters and terrorism, with career opportunities in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Justice. The curriculum includes fundamentals of homeland security, threats to homeland security, and emerging issues in homeland security.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Bachelor of Technology in Homeland Security
- Tuition: $295 per credit (in-state); $353 per credit (out-of-state)
- Credit Requirements: 122 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: 2.5 minimum
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Average Tuition:
- Undergrad: $7,070 (in-state); $16,980 (out-of-state)
Other Details:
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Students Enrolled: 2,863
- Percent Online Enrollment: 82%
9. Excelsior College
Location: Albany, NY
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online
Excelsior College in Albany, New York, offers an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program includes courses in emergency management, national security analysis, and a capstone project. Students can transfer up to 113 credits and work with advisors to develop an elective block in an area of emphasis.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
- Tuition: $510 per credit
- Credit Requirements: 120 credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: No minimum required
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Other Details:
- Students Enrolled: 14,584
10. National University
Location: San Diego, CA
Program Length: 4 years
Format: Online
National University, based in La Jolla, California, offers an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program includes courses in domestic security management, crisis management, and network defense. Students complete a supervised senior project addressing a modern security issue. The program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
Program Snapshot:
- Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Tuition: $370 per quarter credit
- Credit Requirements: 180 quarter credits
- Instruction Style: Asynchronous
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Admission Requirements:
- GPA: 2.0 minimum
- Standardized Tests: Not required
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the career prospects for graduates of online homeland security programs?
Graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including federal and state agencies, emergency management, cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, and private sector security roles. Positions such as homeland security officer, emergency management director, and cybersecurity analyst are common.
2. Can I transfer credits from another institution into an online homeland security program?
Yes, most programs allow students to transfer credits from accredited institutions. Some programs also offer credits for military experience or prior learning assessments. The number of transferable credits varies by institution.
3. How long does it take to complete an online homeland security degree?
Most bachelor’s programs are designed to be completed in four years. However, the duration can vary based on factors such as transfer credits, part-time enrollment, and accelerated course options.
Conclusion
Online homeland security programs provide a flexible and accessible pathway for individuals seeking to protect and serve their communities. These accredited programs offer rigorous curricula that equip students with the skills needed to address modern security challenges.
By choosing the right program, you can advance your career in this critical field and make a meaningful impact on national and global security. Whether you’re starting your education or seeking to enhance your qualifications, these top 10 programs offer excellent opportunities to achieve your professional goals.