Best Online Master’s in Security Programs
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A master's in security prepares you for leadership and management careers in law enforcement and security organizations. The training typically runs for two years and equips learners with administrative, problem-solving, and operations skills. You also gain knowledge of laws, policies, and corporate security protocols.
Similar to a criminal justice degree at this level, a master's in security provides access to many protective service positions, including leadership and senior-level positions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the addition of more than 409,500 protective service jobs between 2022 and 2032. The median annual wage for this field was $47,760 in May 2023.
When choosing a graduate school, prospective students often look at program costs and fees, which averaged $20,513 in 2021-2022, as per the (NCES). Here, we highlight some of the other considerations you should think about. We also look at the best master's in security programs from the top online schools, as well as career outlooks and expectations.
Popular Online Master's in Security Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Accredited Online Master's in Security Programs
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Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
University of Denver
Denver, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, SC - 2 years
- Online + Campus
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 University
Saint Louis, MO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
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What Can I Expect From an Online Master's in Security Program?
Every online master's in security is a little different, but the programs typically feature 30-45 credits and last two years. The training often includes the history and principles, research, theoretical examinations, and practical applications of security.
Security master's programs teach students how to lead in a protective service organization. In addition to the criminal justice-focused studies such as psychology and criminological theory, students build administration, risk management, and other leadership skills. They also take specialized training in subjects such as cybercrime, profiling, and justice and security.
When preparing for graduate school, prospective students should think about the degree type they want. Schools may offer an MA or MS degree in this discipline. These degree types may result in similar outcomes, but they often emphasize different aspects of the training. MA programs, for example, focus on interdisciplinary leadership training. MS programs emphasize technical and analytical approaches.
In some cases, security training comes as a specialization within a criminal justice program. Students may, however, get to specialize even further to focus their training. Specializations may include homeland security, crime analysis, criminal justice, or leadership and administration.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Master's in Security Program?
- Issues in Public Safety: In this course, students learn about the most pressing issues in the field of public safety. Topics include the use of force, changing legal standards, technology use, and the latest best practices.
- Criminal Law: This course teaches students about the histories, purposes, and structures of laws. They examine various laws, the common defenses, and the processes for prosecution.
- Surveillance and Security: Students in this course explore national security, its potential threats, and the laws related to it. They also examine the growth in surveillance and the balance between individual freedoms and national security.
- Criminology: In this course, learners study the sociological perspectives of crime and criminals. They look at the criminal justice system, the causes of and reactions to crimes, and the effects of corrections, incarceration, and rehabilitation.
- Cybersecurity: This course explores the cybersecurity field, providing students with knowledge of the types of cybercrimes, their motivations, and detection and protection methods.
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What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Security Program?
The admission requirements for an online master's in security can vary by program, but they usually include a bachelor's degree at a minimum. More competitive programs may require a minimum undergraduate GPA and specific bachelor's degrees, such as a criminal justice degree.
Online programs typically feature the same applications as on-campus programs, along with any technological requirements. The following section provides details on the most common application components, as per our graduate admissions guide.
- Application: The standard college application requires students to fill out their personal information and indicate which program they are most interested in. At the graduate level, prospective students usually apply directly to the school of their choice. Although, they may apply to multiple schools at once through one of the college application systems.
- Test Scores: Schools often require prospective graduate students to submit standardized GMAT and GRE test scores in their applications. These tests help distinguish between applicants during the admissions process. Not all schools require students to submit test scores. But applicants can still improve their admission chances with adequate test scores after completing GMAT prep and GRE prep.
- Letters of Recommendation: Most college applications require three letters of recommendation. These letters usually come from former teachers or employers. They provide insight into the candidate's work and education history and potential. The more relevant the references are, the better chance the letters will improve the application.
- Resume and Work Experience: A resume often accompanies an application, though it does not need to highlight relevant work experience. Instead, a college application resume provides more details about the candidate's professional journey and strengths. In some cases, however, work experience may be required, particularly for programs with practical requirements.
- Essays: Grad school essays help applicants paint a clearer picture about themselves and their study interests. Prospective master's degree students may need to write about a provided topic in their essays. Or they may need to address why they chose the school and program and describe their research and postgraduate interests.
- Official Transcripts: Almost all schools require transcripts as part of the application package. These records provide details on the prospective student's former studies and how they fared. As per our transfer guide, transcripts can also lead to transfer credits and help satisfy course prerequisites.
What Can I Do With Online Master's in Security Degree?
Career Paths
Security Guards
Security guards protect an organization's people and property. They conduct patrols and surveillance, monitor suspicious behaviors, and deter criminal activities. They also alert police and other first responders in the case of an emergency.
Median Annual Salary: $37,070
Gambling Investigators
Gambling investigators specialize in casino and gambling operations. They may work for casinos, providing security and monitoring illegal behavior. They may also work for law enforcement and investigate illegal activities by casinos and gambling operations.
Median Annual Salary: $35,970
Police and Detectives
Police and detectives respond to calls, patrol areas in their jurisdiction, and enforce laws by issuing citations and arresting offenders. Detectives and investigators may specialize in specific crimes, collecting evidence and monitoring suspects. Security graduates may need to complete academy training to qualify for these positions.
Median Annual Salary: $69,160
Security Manager
Security managers oversee the security teams and operations for organizations. They may be in charge of setting up security technology, planning and evaluating operations, and ensuring staff have the appropriate security training and follow regulations. Security managers may need to collaborate with management and law enforcement personnel.
Median Annual Salary: $80,396
Continuing Education
In addition to the professional opportunities, a master's in security can lead to various continuing education paths. Graduates can, for example, continue their training in a doctorate in security or doctorate in criminal justice program.
They can also pursue an interdisciplinary field, which would expand their career options. One of the most common continuing education paths for graduates in this field is a law enforcement academy program. Many agencies require candidates to complete their internal training programs to qualify for employment.
Security Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.
How Do I Choose an Online Master's in Security Program?
- Cost: When looking at school and program costs, prospective students may want to start by comparing online and on-campus program costs. They should also compare private and public school costs and in-state and out-of-state program costs. They can calculate the true program cost by considering how their studies will impact their income.
- Program Format: Prospective students should think about program format to ensure they get the ideal learning experience for their needs. They can, for example, compare synchronous and asynchronous studies and the experience of part-time and full-time students. If their schedule allows it, they may want to consider accelerated programs.
- Location: After choosing between online and on-campus programs, prospective students should think about location. If they plan to study on campus, they need to find a school within traveling distance of where they currently live or plan to live. Online learners need to ensure they can visit campus if they must complete residency requirements.
- Accreditation: According to our accreditation guide, accreditation is one of the most important considerations for students. Institutional accreditation can impact financial aid, transfer credits, and employment. Security and criminal justice programs may also receive programmatic accreditation from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences.
- Student Support: Schools and programs offer many different types and levels of student services. For online learners, the learning experience can be considerably impacted by the online student services provided. Prospective students can look for career services and academic support programs, along with mentorship programs and internships and practicums.
Certifications and Licenses for Master's in Security Graduates
Basic Analyst Classification
Intended for beginning professionals who are not yet certified, this classification verifies that the holder is familiar with the basics of the profession. It does not grant the right to call oneself certified, but shows employers that you are serious about getting your eventual certification.
(ISC)2 Certifications
(ISC)2 is a leader in cybersecurity, and these certifications are taken seriously by employers and professionals around the world. Students can choose from multiple certifications for different specializations, such as certified cloud security professional, as well as for different points in their career, such as information systems security management professional.
GSHNSP Homeland Security Certifications
The Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals offers several certifications for those interested in careers with the Department of Homeland Security and related organizations. These verify that the holder has the skills, knowledge, and training required to perform in such roles. Certifications exist for both established professionals and those wishing to enter the field.
Resources for Graduate Security Students
- Defense One: This online magazine focuses on defense-related issues, such as new technology, threats, and current events. The site is available to anyone who wishes to learn more about defense and national security.
- Perspectives on Terrorism: This bimonthly academic journal sponsored by the Terrorism Research Initiative and the Center for Terrorism and Security Studies focuses on academic analysis of issues pertaining to terrorism, security, and anti-terrorism tactics and efforts.
- Council on Foreign Relations: Since 1921, the CFR has provided an independent, bipartisan look at the global context in how the United States operates, with the stated goal of better educating Americans on what is going on in the world. The website hosts writing on various topics, such as defense, health, and human rights.
- National Counterterrorism Center: Founded after the 9/11 attacks, the NCTC remains dedicated to leading the counterterrorism effort through collaboration, information sharing, research, and intelligence. This government agency is under the direction of the Director of National Intelligence. Its website hosts various resources such as the counterterrorism guide.
- National Security Research Division: The National Security Research Division of the Rand Corporation serves as a leader in security and intelligence research, working with multiple government and private groups. The website provides a variety of news, writing, and opinion pieces by thought leaders in the security, intelligence, and defense communities.
Professional Organizations
Even before you complete your master's degree in security and risk management, joining a professional organization offers many benefits. These groups can help you connect with other professionals, find a job, and even get funding toward your degree. Many also offer valuable certifications at discounted rates for members. See below for just a few of the organizations you might find useful.
- Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals: GSHNSP promotes information sharing between organizations to aid in securing the country through collaboration, education, and peer review. The group offer certifications, professional development, and networking opportunities to ensure that security professionals hold up the highest ethical and professional standards.
- Information Systems Security Association: ISSA is a nonprofit that promotes networking, education, and the professional development of cybersecurity professionals. The organization offers conferences, publications, seminars, local chapter meetings, newsletters, and other communications to connect professionals.
- International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts: Founded in 1981 to represent analytical professionals working with local; state or province; and federal law enforcement agencies, IALEIA promotes professionalism, certification, training, and research.
- International Association of Crime Analysts: Founded in 1990 to help criminal analysts around the world share knowledge and expertise, IACA offers training, networking, and publications to help members grow professionally.
- Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professionals: Established in 1986, SCIP brings analysts together across academia, the government, and the private sector to collaborate and build a stronger profession. While focused on competitive intelligence, SCIP offers plenty to professionals working in the public sector, with chapters around the world geared toward students and professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Security Programs
Is a master's in security worth it?
A master's in security allows graduates to enter various protective service fields. This gives them the opportunity to help their communities and the people in them.
An online master's in security also provides the added value of an online degree. Through online learning, students can expand their school and program searches to find more suitable training and program costs. Online learning can also provide a more accommodating schedule for working professionals and busy learners.
What can I do with a master's in security?
After completing a master's in security, graduates can enter the workforce directly. They may choose a security position or look for a law enforcement career. Both paths may require them to complete extra training programs, such as a police academy program.
Graduates can also pursue a more advanced degree. They may, for example, tackle a doctorate in security or a related discipline. They can also choose to complete a postgraduate certificate, such as a criminal justice or criminology certificate.
Are security graduates in demand?
Yes. For the protective services field, the BLS projects 8% growth and the addition of about 286,000 new professionals between 2020 and 2030. This is roughly the same as the projected growth rate of 8% for all occupations.
For the security profession specifically, the BLS projects 15% growth between 2020 and 2030. The expansion of legalized gambling and remote surveillance technologies will play a large role in this growth.
How much money can I make with a master's in security?
The salaries available to graduates with a master's in security vary by many factors. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for protective services occupations was $46,590 in 2021. Yet, master's degree graduates can qualify for the highest-paying positions in these fields.
While the median annual wage for security guards and gambling surveillance officers was $31,470 in May 2021, the top 10% of gambling surveillance officers earned more than $56,730. The top 10% of security guards made over $50,040. State government gambling surveillance officers made median annual wages of $75,490.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in security?
The highest-paying jobs for graduates with a master's in security depend on their specific employer and location. However, the position with the highest median annual wage, according to the BLS, belongs to police and detectives.
In May 2021, these professionals made median annual wages of $66,020. The top 10% of earners made more than $105,540. The wages also varied depending on what level of government employed them. For example, federal employees made median annual wages of $93,970, state government employees made $72,280, and local government employees made $64,610.
