M.A. in National Security Studies – Homeland Security

Equip Yourself to Serve, Protect & Defend

From domestic terrorism to natural disasters, it is important to identify and deter future threats. Regent’s online and on-campus Master of Arts in National Security – Homeland Security examines historical and contemporary homeland security issues, and equips you to identify, analyze potential threats to the U.S.

Locations: On Campus, Online

Total Credit Hours: 36-38

Next Session Start: January 13, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

Learn to Lead Strategically

Broaden your knowledge of grand strategy, national security, disaster response and cybersecurity to analyze risk, identify future threats, and develop strategic action plans.

Access Faculty Experts

Be mentored by renowned scholars and practitioners committed to national service – and to your success.

Expand Your Resources

Join our global alumni network of government officials, consultants, policymakers and security professionals in safeguarding America.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). We have also been recognized as a Military Friendly Top 5 School by Military Friendly®, 2024-25, and among the Top 10 Best for Vets Colleges: Online & Nontraditional by Military Times, 2020.

Presented from a Christian perspective, this degree is supported by our respected faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Top 25 Best Master's Programs in Virginia, 2024, UniversityHQ.

Career Opportunities

On completing the M.A. in National Security Studies – Homeland Security degree, you can:

Provide sophisticated homeland security analysis.
Forecast and diffuse potential threats by developing and implementing strategic action plans.
Apply a moral and ethical mindset when addressing and influencing policy.

Career Opportunities

National Security Analyst
Homeland Security Administration
Homeland Security Specialist
DoD, CIA, DIA, FBI, NSA
Military & Law Enforcement

33%

Projected Employment Growth for Information Security Analysts U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020

Featured Courses

Featured Courses
Code	Name	Credits
GOV 601	International Relations & Cyber Politics	3	Considers applicability of traditional IR theory paradigms to description and analysis of cyber conflict and cyber international relations. Considers issues of political economy associated with globalization and cryptocurrencies. Introduces cyberspace actors and institutions and prospects for global conflict and conflict resolution. Cross-listed with GOV 701.
GOV 606	Social, Political & Theological Implications of Technology	3	Introduces key debates in philosophy of technology, considers impacts of new technological developments from political, philosophical, theological, psychological and sociological perspectives. Considers transhumanism, Big Data and implications of autonomy and surveillance for democracy.
GOV 608	Public Information Systems Management	3	The application of information systems concepts and tools to challenges and opportunities in the public sector focusing on information system trends; managerial use of information systems; hardware, software, and telecommunications; systems development processes and practices; strategic and policy issues in IS, and ethical and moral issues surrounding information system management.
GOV 609	Critical Infrastructure Protection & Resilience	3	Addresses the all hazard approach to critical infrastructure protection with a specific focus on cybersecurity and the use of cyber/IT tools in progressing concepts of risk management, mitigation, preparation, and response and recovery efforts. Includes current National Infrastructure Protection Plan Critical Infrastructure/ Key Resource Sector Specific Plans and the use of the Incident Command System in all hazard emergency management disaster response as per the current National Response Framework. Cross-listed with GOV 709.
GOV 642	Maritime Security	3	Develops an understanding of how national security experts consider key maritime security issues and their trade-offs with other national security priorities as well as how the elements of national power (diplomatic, information, military, economics) are related to U.S. objectives in dealing with threats and vulnerabilities in the maritime sector. Cross-listed with GOV 742.
GOV 654	International Trafficking in Persons	3	Overview of the global problem of trafficking in persons for purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labor. The course examines the issue of trafficking from several perspectives: (i) the various international conventions that prohibit trafficking in persons; (ii) regional examples of trafficking and factors that contribute to it such as civil unrest and governmental corruption; and (iii) the United States legislative and foreign policy response to trafficking in persons. This course will focus on trafficking in persons as a human rights violation and the treatment of trafficked persons as a victim of a crime. Cross-listed with LAW 735. Law Student Prerequisites: Completion of first year. Recommended: LAW 683, 684, and 784.
GOV 660	Intelligence & National Security	3	Explores the role of the various U.S. intelligence agencies in assessing foreign and domestic terror threats, developing effective counterterrorism strategies, and thwarting terrorist aggression. Topics include intelligence collection and analysis, domestic vs. foreign intelligence, uses and limits of intelligence for counterterrorism, ethical issues in intelligence, and intelligence oversight and reform.
GOV 662	Cybersecurity Policy & Affairs	3	Introduces basic concepts and vocabulary for pursuing additional training in cybersecurity policy and affairs. Examines issues such as: how does encryption work? What is code? What is a blockchain and what is critical infrastructure? Also, suitable for students not wishing to pursue a concentration or certificate but wishing to acquire familiarity with these issues. Cross-listed with GOV 762.
GOV 677	Terrorism & Homeland Defense	3	Broadens individual understanding of the ever-changing nature of international terrorism and its consequences on American society at large. It covers the present-day US domestic and external responses to terrorism and focus on the rise of the US Homeland Security Agency. Also, there is a focus on trends in modern terrorism, especially the proliferation of WMD and what the US can do (or is doing) to counter such trends. Cross-listed with GOV 777.
GOV 678	Crisis & Disaster Consequence Management	3	Policies and procedures to mitigate, prevent and respond to disaster, the literature of risk, regimes for safety and risk reduction, the ethics of care and compassion, and mechanisms for measuring threat and recovery.
GOV 681	Intergovernmental Relations	3	Relationships among national, state and local governments, the theory of federalism, intergovernmental cooperation and conflict, municipal and state collaboration, regional relationships and unfunded mandates.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

2024-25 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 9	Monday, August 19
Session B	Friday, October 11	Monday, October 21
Session C	Wednesday, January 8	Monday, January 13
Session D	Friday, March 7	Monday, March 17
Session E	Friday, May 2	Monday, May 12
Session F	Friday, June 13	Monday, June 23

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25 Tuition Rates

PART-TIME STUDENTS

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$695	6	$4,170
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)	$695	6	$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$900	6	$5,400

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$695	9	$6,255
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)	$695	9	$6,255
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$900	9	$8,100

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

2023-24 Tuition Rates

Part-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$695	6	$4,170
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)	$695	6	$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$900	6	$5,400

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA)	$695	9	$6,255
Master of Arts in Public Administration (MPA)	$695	9	$6,255
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$900	9	$8,100

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

FAQ

Whether you are a prospective student or a current student, your questions matter. Please take a few moments to skim our Frequently Asked Questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us.

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“Through the MPA program at Regent, I was chosen to participate in the Ph.D. Project ― an award-winning program designed to create diversity in corporate management. I learned that the pursuit of a doctoral degree is a challenging, yet rewarding experience.”

Theresa Judge, MPA, 2017 The Ph.D. Project

“All the time, when people hear I am studying public administration, they say, ‘Oh, we need more Christian leaders in government!’ It’s a perfect fit for Regent’s mission. And if you’re a Christian, you have something anchoring you to the decisions you make that affect an entire country.”

Sonya Mills, MPA, 2018 Human Resources Administrative Specialist, U.S. Department of Justice, Hawaii

“With core classes like American Political Thought in RSG, you realize these issues will come up again in your career. You gain a stance you can defend and confidence that you know what you’re talking about.”

Clarin Gniffke, M.A. Government, 2014 Owner, Alexandra Consulting, LLC

“"If I had to choose one highlight of my time at Regent, it would be my working experience with my professor as a research assistant. Working with him has taught me first-hand how to honor God with my mind."”

Nathan Gill, M.A. in Government, 2013

“My time at RSG was a rewarding experience! I was enlightened about the various ideas that influence the political, economic, and social agendas of the world. In addition, I built relationships with faculty, staff, and students and benefited from several RSG-sponsored opportunities.”

Takeshia Stokes, M.A., 2010