Lead in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Gain the analytical and leadership skills to protect communities and tackle complex security challenges with the nation’s first-of-its-kind online Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, ranked No. 6 nationally.
Take the first step toward applying
Bachelor’s degree required. Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more and start your application.
Take the first step toward applying
Bachelor’s degree required. Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more and start your application.
100% Online, Built for Working Professionals
Complete coursework on your schedule and access classes, assignments, and discussions from anywhere — without putting your career on hold.
Finish in as Few as 18 Months
This streamlined program helps you move forward without unnecessary delays, allowing you to earn your degree sooner and begin applying new skills in real-world settings.
Learn From Practitioners in the Field
Learn from faculty with frontline experience in homeland security, emergency management, and public safety — gaining real-world perspective and practical insights you can apply immediately.
Take on Leadership Roles in Emergency Preparedness
Develop career-relevant skills for roles across government, public safety, and private-sector security organizations, with the right guidance to take your next professional step.
Prepare To Lead in High-Stakes Environments
VCU’s online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the nation’s first program of its kind, prepares professionals to make informed decisions in complex, high-pressure situations. Through applied coursework and expert-led instruction, you’ll build the strategic and leadership skills needed to respond to evolving security challenges.
Graduates are prepared to take on planning and leadership roles responsible for coordinating response efforts, managing risk, and strengthening community resilience. This program is designed to help you move forward with confidence as you take the next step in your career.
Get StartedTurn Your Expertise Into Leadership
Advance your career while making an impact on emergency management in your community.
Lead Critical Efforts To Protect Communities
Develop the knowledge and practical skills to respond to crises, coordinate emergency response efforts, and help safeguard communities.
Gain Skills Employers Demand
Build a diverse set of practical skills valued across government, private, and nonprofit sectors — preparing you to address complex response challenges.
Open Doors to Leadership Roles
Whether advancing in your current field or pivoting careers, this program prepares you for leadership, higher-paying roles, and long-term career growth.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Prospective students who apply by the final term deadline may qualify for the Dean’s Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Graduate Student Scholarship. No additional application is required for this scholarship. Contact your enrollment advisor with questions about this opportunity.
Why VCU’s Wilder School
VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs ranks No. 6 nationally among homeland security and emergency management programs (U.S. News & World Report, 2024), preparing professionals to lead in complex security and crisis-response environments.
As home to the nation’s first master’s program in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, VCU equips students with the management and leadership skills needed to strengthen preparedness planning through:
- An interdisciplinary curriculum focused on applied learning
- Courses led by experienced practitioners in homeland security and emergency management
- Case-based learning that provides practical, real-world insights
Guidance From Application to Enrollment
Our admissions team is here to guide you through each step of the application process. Connect with an enrollment advisor to get the information you need and take the first step toward advancing your career in homeland security and emergency preparedness.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Yes. Students have a variety of options to fund their education. Request more information, and an enrollment advisor will contact you to answer your questions.
Students in the online Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness program are required to take 12 classes for 36 credit hours. On average, students can earn their degree in 1.5–2 years.
Connecting with an enrollment advisor will help you:
- Understand the program admissions criteria and know whether you are eligible to apply
- Gain insight into application best practices and how to submit a strong application
- Know what to expect in your online classroom, including the level of faculty interaction, program outcomes, and more
- Have an immediate line of support in the event you have questions or need clarification about the online Master of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Move Forward With Your Career
Prepare to advance your career in homeland security and emergency preparedness. Connect with an enrollment advisor to learn more about the program and receive guidance on next steps, including how to apply.
Get Started Today