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Online Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security

Program Length:
Customizable
Credit Hours:
36
Total Classes:
12
Cost Per Credit:
$2,163

What are the program start dates?

Fall 2025
August 25

Spring 2026
January 12

Summer 2026
May 11

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At a Glance

Shape Policy to Fight Global
Terrorism

Prepare to excel as a homeland security specialist in top roles in government and private agencies.

In our online MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security program, you’ll be educated by the same professionals our entire nation looks to when examining topics such as national security law and policy, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and the causes of political violence — the same issues you’ll study throughout your program. Their insider perspective expands your learning experience.

Coursework builds strong interdisciplinary skills and expertise in terrorism as a social and psychological phenomenon and delivers a unique focus on national and international law enforcement. Topics are updated regularly to reflect emerging trends, so you will always learn the most current information. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to build your resume and earn a Certificate in Analytics and Management.

You will graduate as an effective researcher and intelligent consumer of research, knowing how to develop strategic, policy-based security solutions at all levels of government with the analytic writing skills needed to present them in front of members of the intelligence community.

Front of Kerwin Hall

Recruitment Events


Browse our graduate recruitment events to meet SPA on campus, on the road, or through one of our virtual sessions!

Learn More

Program Objectives

Keep Your Fellow Citizens Safe

Instructors, who are experts in their fields, help you step into the ever-changing, challenging world of homeland security and counter-terrorism. Graduates of the program will be able to:

  1. Spot and Analyze Security Issues

    Analyze and discuss national and homeland security problems through the application of acquired knowledge of criminology, social science, legal systems, policy, terrorism studies, and intelligence analysis.

  2. Develop Public Policies and Programs

    Formulate, evaluate, and communicate public policies and programs related to counter-terrorism while using acquired analytic frameworks and methodological skills, including statistics, economics, criminology, and law.

  3. Provide Solutions to Threats

    Apply empirical and data-driven solutions to analyze domestic and international threats to U.S. homeland security.

  4. Solve Policy Challenges

    Apply acquired skillsets, expertise, and values to real-world policy problems in a collaborative manner.

Program Rankings

See How We Set the Standard
 

  1. Learn From Experts

    Coursework is developed and taught by intelligence professionals with decades of experience and industry connections.

  2. Get Personalized Attention

    Faculty lead small classes and remain dedicated to your success. As industry experts, the are ever ready to answer questions and mentor you throughout the program.

  3. Build Valuable Experience

    You will build real-world experience throughout your courses that will make you stand out in the interview process.

A Top-Ranked Online MS

number 11

Homeland Security & Emergency Management Program

U.S. News & World Report, America’s Best Colleges 2023

Selected
Admission Requirements
Curriculum Description
Careers and Outcomes
Faculty
Student Experience

Admission to American University’s online Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.

Applicants will need to submit the following:

*The application fee is typically waived if the application file is complete within a three-week period.

Online Merit Scholarships

$18,000 — No Separate Application Required
 

Prospective students can qualify for an online merit scholarship of up to $18,000 based their undergraduate or prior graduate academic record, or based on their active-duty experience in the military.

As part of your application process, your academic history and military experience will be reviewed to determine if the merit scholarship can be applied; there is no separate application to complete.

You will be notified of the scholarship amount and disbursement modality upon admission to the program, or shortly thereafter.

In our online MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security program, you will learn directly from the same voices our nation looks to in times of a homeland security crisis. Your instructor’s expertise ensures you receive a quality online learning experience that offers practical, real-world knowledge that reflects the latest thinking on essential counter-terrorism and homeland security issues. You will connect with real-world leaders in the optional residency, build experience in your internship, and be ready to step into the fast-paced world of intelligence once you graduate.

Details can be found on our Program Curriculum page.

Earn a Certificate in Analytics and Management

Have you considered adding Analytics and Management credentials to your graduate degree?

The School of Public Affairs Analytics and Management Institute (SAMI) offers zero-credit and one-credit skills courses for all students currently enrolled in our M.S. in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security. Whether for-credit as part of your degree program or non-credit – and thus tuition-free – in addition to your degree program, by completing any combination of three courses, you can earn a valuable Certificate in Analytics and Management. SAMI classes are available exclusively to current students in a School of Public Affairs online MSCTHS and are offered in a convenient online or hybrid format, with in-person and virtual sessions available on select weekends. To learn more, visit our SAMI course offerings and FAQs or speak to an advisor.

Step Into Law Enforcement and Intelligence Roles

American University’s online MS in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security prepares law enforcement and intelligence professionals with broad, interdisciplinary skills that are applicable to a wide variety of homeland security careers and counter-terrorism jobs.

Federal agencies and intelligence agencies in Washington, D.C., and in field offices around the nation and the world, look to hire our graduates for roles in law enforcement and intelligence operations.

The job growth related to these industries depends to some extent on the threat level and funding provided to these agencies. In 2022, the Intelligence budget was $89.8 billion.¹

Graduates of the program step into career titles such as:

  • Law Enforcement Federal Agent, state or local sworn officer, analyst, and support personnel
  • Intelligence Officer, analyst, and support personnel
  • Homeland Security analyst and support personnel
  • Criminal Intelligence Analyst, State-Level Department of Law Enforcement
  • Data Analyst protecting critical infrastructure
  • Intelligence Analyst, US Department of Justice
  • Federal Agent, DoD Criminal Investigative Entity
  • Section Chief, US Department of Homeland Security Component

For more career opportunities, explore the CTHS Career Guide.

Federal Pay Rates

In the federal government, salary levels are based on your education, experience level, and what step within the salary level your skills meet. Salaries are publicized annually in General Schedule (GS) pay tables.

GS-5

Entry-level for employees with only a bachelor’s degree and some internship experience. The GS-5 level has a salary range of $32,357-$42,068.

GS-7

For employees holding a degree in public administration or public policy and internship experience, entering at GS-7 is common. The salary range for GS-7 is $40,082-$52,106.

GS-9 and GS-11

Occasionally, an employee with more extensive internship experience will start at a GS-9 level. For benchmarking purposes, note that the Presidential Management Fellows program allows public servants with limited internship experience to enter at GS-9. They are automatically elevated to GS-11 in the second year of their fellowship tenure. The pay rate for GS-9 and GS-11 levels are up to $63,734 and $77,112 respectively.

GS-13

Employees with more significant work experience who enter at GS-11 can be promoted to GS-13 within a short period of time with a salary range of $85,456-$109.908.

Beyond the CIA: Federal Intelligence Agencies to Work For

The intelligence community is comprised of 18 agencies and offices that all need professionals with training and experience in homeland security.

  • Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI)
  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
  • National Security Agency (NSA)
  • Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Department of State – Bureau of Intelligence and Research
  • Department of Homeland Security – Office of Intelligence and Analysis
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Office of National Security Intelligence
  • Department of the Treasury – Office of Intelligence and Analysis
  • Department of Energy (DOE) – Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence
  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
  • National Reconnaissance Office
  • Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
  • Army Military Intelligence
  • Office of Naval Intelligence
  • Marine Corps Intelligence
  • Coast Guard Intelligence
  • Space Guard Intelligence

Career Services

American University’s Career Center offers its services to online and on-campus students as well as to all alumni, so you’ll continue to receive support for as long as you need it.

This means you’ll have access to resources for your job search, career advising, internships, and scholarships. You can also network, look for jobs, and apply for positions by making an account at AU Career Web, our online career search tool.

Alumni Employers

As passionate change-makers, our alumni are responsible for using their policy skills to make an impact. You can find some of them working at these outstanding organizations: 

  • U.S. Senate
  • U.S. Navy
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs
  • Enforcement 
  • U.S. Department of Justice
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • Interpol 
  • FBI
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons
  • Defense Advanced Research Project Agency

We’re especially proud of our faculty—prominent scholars and real-world professionals at the top of their fields who value mentoring students as much as they value excellence in the classroom. Through their teaching, scholarly achievements and first-hand experience, you’ll gain a special entry point to counter-terrorism and homeland security.

Visit our Program Faculty page to learn more about our faculty. 

Learning Online

American University welcomes its online students as a part of its community. As an online student, you’ll learn from the same outstanding faculty and be held to the same learning standards as students who attend courses on campus. On-campus and online programs deliver the same outcomes, and important support systems, like career resources, are set up for online learners as well. The only difference is you’re allowed to learn when and where it’s best for you so you can earn your degree and advance your career without putting the rest of your career and life on hold.

We Bring AU to You

Our digital campus was intentionally designed based on extensive research behind what makes online learning successful. We combine advanced technology, hands-on experiences, and full access to the American University community. Here, you’re not an online student, you’re an AU student.
 

Rigorous Courses

Online courses are as challenging as their on-campus counterparts and taught by the same connected faculty members and prominent lecturers.

100% Support

New-student orientation, 24/7 help desk for technical issues, a student services coordinator, financial aid advisers, and more are all available to ensure your success.

Expert Faculty

Home to some of the most acclaimed scholars and thought leaders in the world, you’ll learn from award-winning scholars and policymakers, diplomats, authors, artists, attorneys, scientists, journalists, and more.

Collaborative Learning

Use virtual tools to talk about your coursework, work in teams with classmates, build strong connections, network with others and ask your professor questions and turn in assignments.


 

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Military Education Benefits

American University is dedicated to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.

As an online student of the Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security program, you can transform your military experience and leadership skills into new career possibilities as you earn your degree, regardless of where you live or are stationed.

We support a full range of military education benefits such as:

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill®
  • Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB)
  • Tuition Assistance (TA)
  • Yellow Ribbon Program

Additionally, if you’ve served in any branch of the U.S. military on active duty within the past three years, you’re eligible for an application fee waiver. We accept transfer credits from military coursework, have a dedicated Office of Veterans Services to help connect you to benefits, and maintain an active Veterans Services Support Network.

We welcome you to learn more about our military benefits and how to apply for them.

Disclaimer: GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website: Education and Training Home (va.gov)

Take Your First Step Today

Become an American University student. A passion for public service, an emphasis on active leadership, and a global outlook are the hallmarks of the American University learning experience. We create graduates who stand out from their peers as active, socially aware, and compassionate leaders who work toward creating meaningful change in our world.

Join Us.

To learn more about American University’s Master of Science in Counter-Terrorism and Homeland Security program, request more information, request an appointment, or call us toll-free at 855-725-7614.


Program FAQs

For admissions-related questions, browse our graduate admissions FAQs.

Counter-terrorism includes the practices, tactics, techniques and strategies that government, military, law enforcement, business, and intelligence agencies use to combat or prevent terrorism.

Sample job titles graduates may pursue include law enforcement and intelligence officers, analysts, and support personnel positions. Target employers often include U.S. federal government agencies and intelligence communities, though federal agency jobs are highly competitive and sometimes take years to gain entry.

Yes. It is not a requirement to have an undergraduate degree in homeland security or counter-terrorism.

The program can be completed in 24 months at a full-time pace of two courses each semester. Taking more than two courses per semester is not recommended due to the rigor of the program.

The internship can be completed in your local area if you wish. The internship helps you to further connect coursework to real-life opportunities and get back valuable feedback to your performance. It helps to build your resume and can increase the GS status you receive if you work for the government. Internship sites include research centers, police departments, cybersecurity, and Federal Government agencies such as DHS, the CIA, and FBI.

Yes, online students can easily request a Student ID online to take advantage of all the same resources as our on-campus students.