The best security MPA degrees are versatile graduate degrees that train individuals for roles in Public Administration. For someone who is looking to advance in a security career, a Master’s in Public Administration is a great choice. The degree can lead to various career paths, including those with government homeland security organizations. Another benefit of studying public administration is that a person can find other jobs outside of homeland security. The masters in public administration rankings are high for any area of study in this field. A person can choose to specialize at a master’s degree level and earn a master’s in public administration with a concentration on homeland security.
A master’s in public administration is valuable because a person is trained in regard to the inner workings of the public sector. Of the benefits of studying public administration with a concentration on homeland security, a person gets to learn about various areas of homeland security, including cyber security and border patrol. A professional can advance in their current career, or it can help a person find a career that they enjoy while making a lucrative salary.
How We Ranked the Best MPA in Homeland Security Programs
A Homeland Security MPA is a highly specific, highly specialized degree, so Security Degree Hub editors were mindful of seeking out only accredited reputable programs. These provide graduates with the peace of mind that their time and energy will not be wasted. Programs are ranked according to their cost, alumni salary, and reputation.
1. George Mason University
George Mason University offers one of the best MPA in Homeland Security programs. In the Emergency Management and Homeland Security program, the university offers students everything they need to pursue a degree that will qualify them to work in this sector of the government. Homeland Security careers require a skill set that involves budgeting, analytical skills, communication, and management. Additionally, students explore every aspect of a Master of Public Administration degree. For students who are looking for the best MPA in Homeland Security, George Mason University is one of the top choices.
George Mason University is ranked nationally when it comes to offering one of the MPA programs in Home Security. The university is one of the most well-known when it comes to programs geared toward policy and government. For individuals who are looking to enter politics or serve their communities in any type of government role, George Mason University is a top choice.
Degree: MPA – Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Format: Campus
2. University of North Florida
The University of North Florida offers a National Security concentration MPA degree program to mid-career Navy officers interested in moving forward. With a Master of Public Administration, students can pursue career opportunities in a variety of positions in the Department of Homeland Security. Students receive the resources and tools they will need to provide effective management, budgeting, and other skills that will make them effective leaders in their field. The University of North Florida has one of the best MPA Homeland Security degree programs available in the southeastern United States.
The University of North Florida is one of twelve universities that make up the State University System of Florida. The university offers many degree programs that allow students to choose the one that best suits their individual career needs. By providing these in-depth MPA in Homeland Security programs, the University of Florida is able to have a positive impact on both its students as well as the community.
Degree: MPA – National Security
Format: Campus
3. Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus has one of the best MPA in Homeland Security degree programs in Pennsylvania. The MPA plus Homeland Security Certificate online program offers students who are already on the job to get the skills they need to advance. Obtaining the certificate provides students with not only the leadership qualities they need but also the skills they will need to be effective managers as well. Students will be able to choose from opportunities in both government and non-government areas.
Penn State World Campus offers experienced faculty members and degree programs that have been developed by professionals who have excelled in their chosen career fields. Students will benefit from the University’s 120-plus years of experience in providing the highest quality of education possible.
Degree: MPA plus Homeland Security certificate
Format: Online
4. University of Texas at El Paso
The University of Texas at El Paso offers students the best MPA in Homeland Security programs available in the Southwest. The program provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and values students need for a career in Homeland Security. Curriculums are flexible to allow students to get the most out of their education while being able to pursue their chosen careers at the same time. The best MPA in Homeland Security degree programs offers students at the University of Texas at El Paso a chance to be successful working in a job they love.
The University of Texas at El Paso is designed to offer students the education they need to be able to work as professionals in nonprofit organizations, government offices, and other occupations that require leadership and effective management skills. Students are able to choose programs that will allow them to remain on the job while earning their degrees.
Degree: MPA – Homeland Security
Format: Campus
5. American Military University
The American Military University provides students with an online MPA degree program focusing on Security Management or National Security. The degree programs offered by the University offer the skills and training that students need to become, not only leaders but professionals in their chosen careers. They are able to manage, budget, and develop new protocols that will have a positive impact on the communities they serve. The American Military University has developed one of the best MPA in Homeland Security degree programs for students who want to serve their country as well as their community.
The American Military University offers over 200 certifications and degree programs that allow students to choose the one that offers them the courses and experience they need to succeed. The online classes have been designed to provide students with the highest quality of education that will provide them the opportunity to work at their own pace and maintain their current employment.
Degree: MPA – Security Management or National Security
Format: Online
6. Post University
Post University has an MPA with an Emergency Management and Homeland Security Concentration degree program that is second to none in the New England area. This online degree program focuses on not only the security and management aspects of the field, but also the policies, organization skills, and protocols that are necessary for this line of work. Each degree program offers as much flexibility as possible to allow students to remain in the workforce and support their families while continuing their education. Post University provides the best MPA in Homeland Security program for students who want online courses.
Post University offers traditional classes, online courses, and hybrid degree programs that allow students an opportunity to combine the two. The University is dedicated to providing students with the highest level of education possible so they can easily pursue their career goals.
Degree: MPA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Format: Online
7. Troy University
Troy University offers an advanced MPA in National Security Affairs that can be completed either online or by attending the campus. The degree program offers opportunities for students to gain the experience they need to work with Homeland Security or other departments that deal with issues concerning the safety of the country. Students will learn several skills, including budgeting, management, and the development of policies and protocols that can be effectively used to protect both communities and the country. Troy University provides some of the best MPA in Homeland Security degree programs in the southern states.
Troy University is well-known throughout Alabama and the surrounding states for providing in-depth and valuable educational programs that allow its graduates to excel in whatever career path they choose to follow. Students who attend the online classes are able to pursue their education and at the same time, gain valuable experience they will need to advance in their careers.
Degree: MPA in National Security Affairs
Format: Online or Campus
8. Wayland Baptist University
Wayland Baptist University has an MPA in Homeland Security/Emergency Management degree program that can be completed online or by attending the campus. Students entering this degree program receive both practical skills and the knowledge they need to work with advanced levels of technology. They are able to manage a variety of systems while developing and putting into action response plans that are extremely effective. Wayland Baptist University provides online students with one of the best MPA in Homeland Security/Emergency Management degree programs available in the area.
Wayland Baptist University works diligently to provide its students with an education that will allow them to reach their career goals and become successful professionals in their chosen fields. Students have the option to attend classes on campus or through an online portal. With the online degree programs, they are able to remain on the job, attend school, and continue to care for their families.
Degree: MPA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Format: Online or Campus
9. Marywood University
Marywood University provides students with an online MPA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management degree program they can use to advance their careers while still maintaining a job. Students who choose this degree program will receive both hands-on experiences as well as the practical knowledge that is needed to allow them to succeed. They will earn the skills they need to navigate their way through complex situations and reach positive outcomes that will be beneficial for both their community and their country. Marywood University offers the best MPA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management in Pennsylvania.
Marywood University is well-known for its strong leadership programs and exceptional faculty members who are constantly pushing their students to succeed. The University’s online programs are meant to provide the education that students need and the convenience they want.
Degree: MPA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Format: Online
10. Columbia University
Columbia University provides an MPA in International Security Policy degree for students who want to attend their campus. The University provides a solid course program that allows the student to learn a variety of skills that are necessary for International Security. These include negotiation, planning, military strategy, conflict management, and intelligence issues. Students attend class and receive hands-on experience in dealing with many issues that they will have to face in their careers. Columbia University is known for offering the best MPA in Homeland Security and International Security Policy degree programs in the area.
Columbia University strives to lay the groundwork for students who are looking to pursue a career in International Security. The campus and faculty are second to none at providing a positive learning environment. The University is known for its dedication to its students and its ability to provide the highest quality of education for students who are pursuing a degree in international security.
Degree: MPA in International Security Policy
Format: Campus
11. Clemson University
Clemson University offers the best MPA in Homeland Security with online courses and a certificate in Homeland Defense and Security. The online program offers a variety of skills that are necessary for careers within the Department of Homeland Security. The courses provide students with the knowledge they need to be able to manage, plan a budget, and develop protocols and policies that are needed to keep our country secure. By offering an online MPA program in Homeland security with a certificate in Homeland Defense and Security, Clemson University is able to meet the needs of students who may not be able to attend a traditional classroom setting.
Clemson University has a long-standing tradition of offering the highest quality course materials taught by experienced faculty members. By providing this level of education in online course programs, students who need to provide for their families can still do so while they are earning their degrees.
Degree: MPA with a certificate in Homeland Defense and Security
Format: Online
12. Upper Iowa University
Upper Iowa University offers an MPA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security degree program for students who prefer to study on campus. The MPA program offers students a chance to study politics, both inside and outside of the government while providing skill sets and tools each student will need to perform specific job-related tasks. Upper Iowa University offers the best MPA in Homeland Security degrees available to students in a campus setting.
Upper Iowa University places a strong emphasis on emergency management and has created a degree program that will meet or exceed the expectations of the students who attend class on campus. The University continually works to make sure each degree program fulfills all of the requirements needed for a student to excel in their chosen career field.
Degree: MPA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Format: Campus
13. University of Colorado Denver
The University of Colorado Denver offers an MPA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security on campus. Students who attend classes on campus have access to the University’s resources and faculty members. The MPA program offers leadership and management skills, as well as valuable knowledge that is needed for students to develop new policies that will affect their communities. While there are online options available, students who attend campus have a more structured learning environment.
UC Denver has a powerful learning environment for students who choose to attend classes on campus. The University is second to none in terms of faculty and degree programs that are designed to provide each student with exactly what they need in order to be successful in a Department of Homeland Security position.
Degree: MPA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Format: Campus
14. Anna Maria College
Anna Maria College offers an online MPA in Homeland Security degree program that allows students an opportunity to pursue their education in their own time. The MPA program offers students the skills they need to ensure the security of the nation. With the knowledge provided in the MPA degree program, students are taught to anticipate and effectively deal with a variety of threats, both domestic and foreign. Online classes give students an opportunity to begin working in their chosen career field while still earning their degrees. Anna Maria College offers the best online MPA in Homeland Security degree programs in the New England area.
Anna Maria College offers both online and campus-based degree programs to provide each student with the perfect educational option for their individual needs. Each student is different. Students who benefit the most from an online degree program are those who are already employed and are looking or new ways to advance their careers.
Degree: MPA in Homeland Security
Format: Online
15. University of Delaware
The University of Delaware offers an MPA in Emergency Management that can be completed either online or on campus. Students receive the skill sets needed to pursue a career in public management, emergency management, nonprofit management, and public policy analysis. Courses are designed to provide both knowledge and resources so that each student has what they need to immediately enter the workforce after they obtain their degree. The University of Delaware offers the best MPA in Homeland Security programs online and in the classroom.
The University of Delaware has a prestigious reputation for providing students with educational opportunities that are unrivaled when it comes to Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Students have the option of taking their classes online at their convenience or on campus where they can experience a more hands-on type of learning,
Degree: MPA in Emergency Management
Format: Online or Campus
Visit the program
16. Northcentral University
Northcentral University provides students with an online MPA in Homeland Security degree program that allows them to earn their education while continuing to work. Its online MPA program offers leadership and management skills in addition to insight into how to effectively work with both public and private sectors when it comes to ensuring homeland security and minimizing potential threats. Students have access to both online learning, as well as campus-based programs. Northcentral University provides the best MPA in Homeland Security online programs available to the northern tier states.
Northcentral University brings together the convenience of online learning with the best resources and faculty available. The university has developed an online degree program that not only educates students but also offers them a variety of opportunities once they have completed their coursework and are ready to enter the workforce.
Degree: MPA in Homeland Security
Format: Online
17. Illinois Tech
Illinois Tech offers a Security, Safety, and Risk Management specialization as part of its MPA degree program as well as a standalone Certificate in Security, Safety, and Risk Management through their on-campus degree program. These programs provide the most current ideas, tools, resources, and skills related to the Department of Homeland Security. The certificate verifies that the student has met the requirements of the class and will be able to successfully develop security strategies, manage emergency preparedness programs, and effectively use their leadership skills in situations that present themselves.
Illinois Tech provides the best MPA in Homeland Security and related certificate programs for students in the Midwest. The school has a strong reputation for offering its students opportunities that will allow them to succeed in whatever career path they choose. Students who are pursuing job opportunities in Homeland Security can benefit from the degree and certification programs offered by Illinois Tech.
Degree: MPA with Security, Safety, and Risk Management specialization and Certificate
Format: Campus
Visit the program or Certificate
18. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University offers a Master of Public Service and Administration – Homeland Security degree program online for students who are interested in pursuing a career in Homeland Security or a related field. The online degree program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work with nonprofit organizations, public management, or various types of security organizations. Students are able to take the skills they develop and transition immediately into a position they are qualified for. With the best MPA in Homeland Security offered by Texas A&M University, students can complete their courses online and continue to work gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Texas A&M University is second to none when it comes to online degree programs that have to do with Homeland Security and related areas of service. The University takes great pride in being able to provide students access to the best faculty and online resources available. Students who choose the online degree programs offered by the University, do so because it allows them to get the experience they need to get the jobs they desire most.
Degree: Master of Public Service and Administration – Homeland Security
Format: Online
19. Regent University
Regent University offers its students an online MPA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security that allows them easy access to some of the best faculty and resources available. Students gain insight into all aspects of emergency management and how it relates to Homeland Security. They also learn the leadership and management skills that are necessary for emergency situations. Each student is given every opportunity to explore their chosen career path. Regent University provides students with the best MPA in Homeland Security degree programs and employment opportunities available.
Regent University is built on integrity and professionalism. Throughout its existence, it has offered students educational opportunities that allow them to succeed when it comes to reaching their goals of building a better future. The university and its staff are continually working to develop online degree programs that will make a difference in the future of the students who attend there.
Degree: MPA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
Format: Online
20. Norwich University
Norwich University offers an online MPA in Public Administration Leadership and Crisis Management degree program for students who are interested in various positions in the Department of Homeland Security. The University’s MPA program was developed to provide strong leadership skills to those who deal with emergency and crisis situations. Students are able to learn from faculty members who have been involved with public administration and crisis management for many years. Norwich University provides the best MPA in Homeland Security programs possible.
Norwich University uses state-of-the-art technology to provide each student who enrolls in an online degree program, with the best possible learning opportunity available. Online degree programs make it possible for students to complete the program at their own pace and also get the hands-on experience they need.
Degree: MPA in Public Administration Leadership and Crisis Management
Format: Online
Do I Have to Take the GRE for an Online Security MPA?
The GRE, also known as the Graduate Records Examination, is a test for prospective graduate students. Some programs require that a person take the GRE as an entrance prerequisite. On the other hand, there are programs that don’t require a student to take the GRE as part of their MPA admissions requirements. These are usually schools that take work experience into consideration, assuming that actually working knowledge counts for more than test-taking.
One way to ensure a person doesn’t have to take this test is by searching “online MPA programs no GRE.” With a search for this or “masters in public policy online no gre,” a person will find various schools that don’t require this test. However, the search results may list schools that do require the test. Therefore, after a person searches “online MPA programs no GRE,” he or she should evaluate the MPA admissions page of each school and look for the MPA requirements.
A person may find one-year MPA programs that are part of the results for “masters in public policy online no GRE.” However, any MPA, including on year MPA programs, will have other MPA admission requirements that a person must adhere to in order to qualify.
Even if a school states in its MPA admission requirements that the GRE is necessary, this could benefit a person in the future.
Do I Need an Internship to Get a Security MPA?
Some programs do require public administration internships, such as a government internship program, as part of the requirement for an MPA. However, neither a government internship nor any other public administration internships are a requirement for some programs.
It doesn’t matter if an internship is not a requirement of a program; it could still benefit an individual to undergo one. During an internship, a person gets hands-on experience and gets to see firsthand how organizations in the public sector run. They get to perform tasks in a real scenario that gives them a one-up when compared to their competition. This is because an internship looks good on a resume. In fact, if a person searches, “where can a public administrator work,” any of the results will find an internship to be a valuable asset to a person’s work and educational background. That’s because anywhere listed for where can a public administrator work recognizes that there are certain areas of the profession that can’t be taught in a classroom setting; a person can only acquire these skills and knowledge from working in the field.
How Much Can I Make with an MPA in Homeland Security?
One vital aspect to consider when choosing an MPA degree is the MPA salary. The master of public administration salary varies greatly from position to position. For instance, sometimes the master’s in public administration salary is under $50,000. On the other hand, the MPA salary may be much higher for others. In fact, sometimes, the master of public administration salary is over $80,000.
Some of the public administration job titles include criminal investigators, city auditors, and consumer safety inspectors. Other public administration job titles include customs inspector and county manager. A master in public administration salary for a criminal investigator is around $81,920. There are also government jobs and roles in cyber security. This masters in public administration salary are equal to $40.88 per hour. On the other hand, the MPA degree salary for someone working in a law enforcement position is $63,380 per year. This MPA degree salary is the same as 30.47 per hour.
Related:
- Online Security Master’s Degree Programs
- 25 Campus Master’s in Security Studies Programs
- Top 25 Online Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management
