Concentration Overview
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Partnering with the Heavin School of Arts, Sciences and Technology, the John S. Watson School of Public Service's Master of Science degree in Homeland Security, with a concentration in Cybersecurity, provides students with the applied knowledge and skills needed to secure and defend information systems and digital assets. Students will learn important theoretical concepts combined with real-world applications and hands-on experience. Our innovative curriculum is designed with input from an advisory board of cybersecurity experts from industry and government. Courses are taught by scholar-practitioner faculty who are experts in the field of cybersecurity.
Credit Distribution
I. Core Courses (18 Credits)
| HLS-5050 | Foundations of Homeland Security | 3 |
| MPL-5100 | Research Methods in Public Service | 3 |
| HLS-6110 | International Legal and Ethical Issues | 3 |
| HLS-6250 | Technology and Information Security | 3 |
| HLS-6400 | Funding and Program Administration for Homeland Security | 3 |
NOTE: MPL-5100: Research Methods in Public Service should be taken within the first 12 credits of the degree.
Students select one of the following
| MPL-5200 | Program Analysis and Evaluation | 3 |
| MNP-5150 | Leading Strategic Change in Public Service | 3 |
II. Concentration (12 Credits)
| CYB-5100 | Cybersecurity Foundations | 3 |
| CYB-5200 | Network Defense and Security | 3 |
| CYB-5600 | Cyber Forensics and Investigation | 3 |
| CYB-5700 | Cyber Risk Management and Incident Response | 3 |
III. Homeland Security Electives (3 Credits)
Select one of the following:
| CYB-5800 | Cybersecurity Strategy, Governance, and Ethics | 3 |
| HLS-5000 | Terrorism and Homeland Security in the U.S. | 3 |
| HLS-5010 | Natural Disasters and Security Planning | 3 |
| HLS-5100 | Protecting the Homeland: Balancing Security and Liberty | 3 |
| HLS-6100 | The Psychology and Sociology of Disaster | 3 |
| HLS-6200 | Homeland Security Preparedness: Prevention and Deterrence | 3 |
| HLS-6300 | Protecting the Homeland: Response and Recovery | 3 |
NOTE: Students who want to earn the Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity while completing the degree can take CYB-5800: Cybersecurity Strategy, Governance, and Ethics as their area of study elective. For additional homeland security elective course options, students should contact an academic advisor.
IV. Capstone in Homeland Security (3 Credits)
Total Credit Hours: 36