Best Online Master’s in Security Programs

Johns Hopkins enrolls over 26,000 students annually, many of whom earn their credentials remotely. The graduate catalog contains an online master of arts in global security studies that emphasizes policy analysis and development. Distance learners may complete a fully remote curriculum or engage in hybrid learning by taking some classes in Washington, D.C.

Core requirements include classes in global political economy; military strategy; and energy, security, and defense. Master's in security candidates personalize their degree plans by choosing five electives, which they can use to pursue a concentration in strategic studies or energy and environmental security. Full-time students can graduate in 16 months.

Applicants should hold a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must also submit a 1-2-page statement of purpose, two recommendations, a current resume, and a five-page academic essay that responds to a designated prompt.

UT Austin delivers remote programs using the Canvas platform. Distance learners can enroll in an online master of science in information security and privacy program. Candidates gain a broad perspective on national and global security issues concerning public policy, law, technology, and communications.

Students complete 30 credits of classes, including risk and benefit analysis, business governance and controls, and information management and repositories. They also delve into the anthropological study of information and societal norms. Students also gain experience in a professional setting. This master's in security program culminates with a capstone project.

Distance learners enroll in the fall and generally earn their degree in 21 months. Prospective students need to send in GRE/GMAT scores, a two-page personal statement, three recommendation letters, and a resume or CV.

DU provides a variety of remote certificate and degree options through its University College department. Offerings include an online master of science in security management program that learners can complete in 18 months. DU builds the 48-quarter-credit curriculum with input from ASIS International, training students to protect customers, organizations, intellectual property, and physical assets.

Master's in security candidates pick from four concentrations, including information security, emergency planning and response, and organizational security. They may also pursue a supply chain management track, learning about business functions of security and assets protection. Candidates round out their graduate education with a practicum and a capstone project.

Applicants need a regionally accredited bachelor's degree earned with a minimum 2.5 GPA. They must also submit a personal statement, a resume, and two recommendations. DU does not require standardized test scores.

ECU maintains its flagship campus in Greenville, North Carolina, serving more than 28,000 students each year. Its academic catalog contains almost 90 graduate degrees, including an online master of science in security studies. After completing this program, graduates are prepared to occupy leadership positions at think tanks, multinational corporations, and intelligence agencies.

Required coursework covers topics like weapons of mass destruction and policy/practice of security. This online master's in security program allows candidates to choose from four emphasis areas: technology security, homeland security, international security, and environmental health and occupational safety.

ECU requires applicants to hold a minimum 2.7 GPA and adequate GRE/GMAT scores. However, the university waives testing requirements based on one of four criteria, including relevant career experience.

John Jay delivers 13 remote degrees and certificates. These distance options include an online master of science in security management that totals 36 credits. With eight-week classes and a fully asynchronous format, distance learners enjoy ample flexibility.

Core classes include protection management systems and models/applications for private security. Students also learn to apply organizational theories and analytical methods for IT security. The remaining credits are dedicated to electives, with options like business continuity planning, design of fire protection systems, and event and executive protection.

This online master's in security program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Prospective learners must submit a 500-word personal statement, GRE scores, and 2-3 recommendation letters. They also need a minimum 3.0 GPA.

The Citadel powers distance education with Blackboard, offering 20 remote certificates and degrees. Its graduate catalog includes an online master of arts in intelligence and security studies program that teaches students best practices for information collection and analysis. The Citadel is recognized by the Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

Totaling 36 credits, this degree plan contains core classes like homeland security and organizational leadership. Online master's in security candidates take advanced coursework in a cybersecurity or leadership concentration. The former track covers topics like advanced operating systems, principles of computer security, and data communications and networks.

Applicants must send in GRE or MAT scores. They also need to submit a resume/CV and an academic writing sample that demonstrates strong communication and critical thinking skills.

Webster is a longtime leader in distance education. The university provides over 50 remote academic programs, including a master of arts in business and organizational security management. Candidates may complete an entirely online curriculum or create a hybrid learning experience by taking certain classes at select campuses across the U.S.

The curriculum totals 36 credits and contains courses like business assets protection and emergency planning. Students also examine pertinent legal, ethical, and behavioral issues in security management. This program holds specialized accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Applicants should hold a minimum 2.5 GPA; however, some candidates who do not meet this requirement may still enroll on a provisional basis. For students who want to expand their education, Webster offers a dual-degree track that allows learners to earn an online master's degree in security and an MBA in about three years.

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, NSU serves over 20,000 students every year. Distance learners can enroll in an online master of science in national security affairs and international relations program. Through a 36-credit degree plan, candidates learn to assess terrorism threats.

Required coursework covers topics like border protection and applied research methodologies. Master's in security candidates personalize their curriculum with 15 elective credits, choosing from options like civil liberties, American government and domestic security, and bioterrorism. They can also use their electives to complete an optional cybersecurity concentration.

Prospective students need a regionally accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA. They must submit a 500-1,000-word personal statement, a resume/CV, two recommendation letters, and an academic writing sample.

UMass Lowell oversees more than 100 graduate programs. Options include an online master of arts and an online master of science in security studies. These programs teach students the research, communication, and program administration skills needed to tackle global threats.

Course topics vary based on which master's in security track a candidate chooses. The MA option prepares candidates for careers with defense contractors by providing concentrations in homeland defense, international security, and industrial/economic security. Alternatively, students who enroll in the MS program can focus their training on cybersecurity, learning how to conduct forensic analyses and develop information security standards for diverse organizations.

Admission criteria include a minimum 3.0 GPA and adequate GRE scores. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose and two recommendation letters.

BU enrolls about 9,000 students in over 80 academic programs each year. Candidates may earn an online master of science in security management through a fully remote curriculum or a blended learning format. By completing this 36-credit program, graduates prepare to occupy leadership roles in government agencies and private security firms.

Major requirements include classes in terrorism and homeland defense fundamentals, critical infrastructure, and cybersecurity and information protection. Candidates also learn to identify security vulnerabilities and evaluate risks. This online master's in security program emphasizes hands-on skill development and requires distance learners to complete four group projects.

BU requires applicants to hold a regionally accredited bachelor's degree and a minimum 2.5 GPA. The university provides a variety of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships based on academic merit and extracurricular achievements.