BEST PH.D. IN HOMELAND SECURITY ONLINE: STUDENTS BEFORE PROFITS
Featured Programs
Nonprofitcolleges.com proudly promotes institutions that put students before profits. With these colleges, education—not money—is the bottom line. In this article, we evaluate online homeland security Ph.D.s.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has one of the most vital functions in government—to keep our nation safe. The department employs nearly a quarter of a million professionals at all levels. A few Homeland Security efforts include:
- Assisting during national disasters
- Protecting the US borders
- Stopping terrorism and Homeland Security threats
- Protecting the US economy
- Securing critical national security infrastructure and cyberspace
The schools we’ve gathered for online Ph.D. in security studies are all nonprofit, accredited academic institutions. They are ranked according to affordability. With this list, you will discover each program’s tuition and accreditation. Plus, we’ve given a brief overview of each.
Do I Need To Pursue an Online Ph.D. in Homeland Security to Work in the Field?
At some schools, there are specific Ph.D. homeland security programs. But some listed schools do not offer doctoral degrees in Homeland Security. However, they may offer Homeland Security as a concentration. For example, you might pursue a P.h.D in criminal justice with a concentration in Homeland Security. In many instances, you can choose a concentration that matches your career objectives. A few specializations available for a homeland security doctorate may include:
- Legal Studies
- Criminal Justice
- National Security
- Public Safety
- Law
- Forensic Science
- Law Enforcement Administrations
- Public Policy
- Leadership
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Homeland Security Doctorate Degrees
Homeland Security is a fascinating field of study. Especially for doctoral students who already have an interest in this line of work. An online homeland security Ph.D. combines intelligence operations with effective defense tactics. Finishing these programs can advance your career in Homeland Security and national defense.
Additionally, scholars can pursue fulfilling careers with federal, state, and local governments. There are a lot of Homeland Security careers to choose from. You can break into this field with only a bachelor’s degree. Yet, many roles require a Homeland Security master’s or doctoral degree. We’ve included just a few of the many careers you might train for with a Ph.D. in Homeland Security.
Best Careers With a Doctoral Degree in Homeland Security
| Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Political Scientist | $53-$103k |
| Emergency Management Specialist | $56k – $104k |
| Criminal Investigator | $48k – $117k |
| Security Engineer | $83k – $156k |
| Information Security Analyst | $66k – $136k |
| Postsecondary Professor | $54k – $167k |
| Urban Planner | $54k – $110k |
| Security Manager | $49k – $134k |
| Cybersecurity Manager | $79k – $175k |
| Security Consultant | $77k – $143k |
What Do Students Study During an Online Ph.D. In Homeland Security Program?
A Ph.D. in Homeland Security is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest level of education you can obtain in this field. As a result, students pursuing doctoral degrees in Homeland Security typically focus on leadership and research in their studies. A doctoral program in Homeland Security is sometimes also called a phd national security studies online. Some of the courses you can expect to take in a ph.d Homeland Security program may include:
- Intelligence for Homeland Security: Organizational & Policy Challenges
- Homeland Security Enterprise
- Ethical Leadership: Principles and Practices
- Critical Infrastructure: Vulnerability Analysis and Protection
- Theories and Concepts of Security
- Preparedness and Response
- Homeland Security – Enterprise Risk Management
- Advanced Research Methods
- Organizational Behavior
- Organization Leadership and Development
- Police and Homeland Security Leadership
- Issues in Global Security
- Criminological Theory
- Global Terrorism
- Migration and Border Security
- Policy Formation and Analysis
- US Constitution and Homeland Protection
- Court Administration and Leadership
The Benefits of an Online Ph.D. in Homeland Security
There are multiple benefits to pursuing a Ph.D. Homeland Security online degree. An online doctoral program can save you money. And you can create a study schedule that gives you flexibility. Online degree programs offer the same academic experience as on-campus learning. Typically, you are not tied to a specific location. As a result, you can study from almost anywhere in the world. And while some programs require homeland security students to attend campus from time to time, this is usually flexible too.
Personalization is also a significant benefit of learning online. The proper teaching strategies let you take charge of your own education. Often, you can customize your program to your specific goals with various specializations. Online learning can benefit students from all backgrounds. And it may also remove some barriers to graduation.
See also: WHY STUDY ONLINE?
Online Ph.D. in Homeland Security Methodology
This list of the top online Homeland Security Ph.D. programs is designed to make your search easier. We chose the programs using a scoring system based on tuition and length. The programs are ordered from highest to lowest scores. Each school is accredited, and we have also verified its nonprofit status.
*Tuition rates are based on cost per credit. Therefore, some programs may have additional fees.
BEST PH.D. IN HOMELAND SECURITY ONLINE
| School | Score |
| TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY | 100 |
| UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA | 97.5 |
| AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY | 95.0 |
| LIBERTY UNIVERSITY | 92.5 |
| UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI | 90.0 |
| CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA | 87.5 |
| JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY | 85.0 |
| WALDEN UNIVERSITY | 82.5 |
| INDIANA UNIVERSITY – BLOOMINGTON | 80.0 |
| COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY | 77.5 |
| UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO COLORADO SPRINGS | 75.0 |
| UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO | 72.5 |
| NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY | 70 |
| CAPELLA UNIVERSITY | 67.5 |
| SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY | 65.0 |
| NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY | 62.5 |
| NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 60.0 |
| PENN STATE – HARRISBURG | 57.5 |
| ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY | 55.0 |
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#1 TEXAS A&M INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
LAREDO, TEXAS
Located in Laredo, Texas, Texas A&M International University is a public university. It is part of the Texas A&M University System. Founded in 1969, TAMIU enrolls 8500 students each semester. The university offers over 70 degree programs.
Texas A & M International University offers a unique online hybrid P.h.D. program. Students will earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice degree. With this program, you finish your first semester on campus. But you can complete the remaining semesters online. You will need 49 credit hours to graduate.
The application requires:
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- GRE score
- Two letters of recommendation
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $3,350
Score: 100
#2 UNIVERSITY OF NORTH GEORGIA
PH.D. IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE WITH CONCENTRATION IN INTELLIGENCE
DAHLONEGA, GEORGIA
The University of North Georgia is a public senior military college. It was established in 2013 and is located in Dahlonega, Georgia. The university has nearly 20,000 students, making it Georgia’s sixth-largest public university.
UNG offers a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice that is entirely online. Students can also opt for a concentration in Intelligence. You must earn 54 credit hours to graduate, including 15 credit hours from a dissertation. To apply, students must have a graduate degree in a related field, have a minimum GPA of 3.2, and take the GRE test.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $4,140
Score: 97.5
#3 AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF GLOBAL SECURITY
CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA
American Public University is a private online institution located in Charleston, West Virginia. It was founded in 1991. The university offers more than 200 degrees and certificates. In addition, ASU offers asynchronous online classes. These flexible classes allow adult learners to customize their own schedules.
An online Doctor of Global Security program is offered by American Public University. Each course lasts eight weeks. Fifty-eight credits are needed to graduate. In addition, students must have proof of a master’s degree in a related field and a 3.0 GPA. They also need a resume, three references, and an essay. There’s also an online Homeland Security master’s degree program at American Public University.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $6,660
Score: 95.0
#4 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
ONLINE PH.D. IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE – HOMELAND SECURITY
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
Liberty University is a private Christian university in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was founded in 1971. It’s one of the most prominent Christian universities in the world. It’s also one of the most recognized nonprofit universities in the country. Even though the campus is in Lynchburg, most homeland security students are online.
Liberty University offers an online Ph.D. in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security. Students can expect to complete this degree in approximately three years. A total of 60 credits are needed to earn this online phd homeland security degree. Students can transfer up to 15 credits into this program. Courses last eight weeks and cover topics like critical infrastructure and counterterrorism.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $7,847
Score: 92.5
#5 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
ONLINE PH.D. IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI
The University of Southern Mississippi started as Mississippi’s first teacher’s college in 1910. Located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, it is a public research university. USM is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity”.
Students at USM can pursue a Ph.D. in International Development online. This program is an effective way for working adults to earn their terminal degrees. With an International Development Ph.D., students can explore so many avenues. For example, they will learn how communities and nations develop and interact. To do this, students will integrate the most current research and theory. There are 7 on-campus meetings during the year, but all coursework is online.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Tuition: $9,094
Score: 90.0
#6 CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
ONLINE DOCTORATE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CALIFORNIA, PENNSYLVANIA
California University of Pennsylvania was founded in 1852. The school is a member of the Pennsylvania state higher education system. It is located in the city of California in the state of Pennsylvania.
California University of Pennsylvania offers an Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security. This program of study is made available partially online. A total of 42 credits are needed to complete this program of study. This program prepares students for various careers in the criminal justice system.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $9,288
Score: 87.5
#7 JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF SCIENCE IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
JACKSONVILLE, ALABAMA
Jacksonville State University is known for being the “friendliest campus in the south.” It was founded in 1883 and is located in Jacksonville, Alabama. Currently, JSU has six different schools and about 100 clubs and organizations. According to the ECA, JSU is one of the top Fulbright producers.
JSU offers an online Doctor of Science in Emergency Management program. It is a 60-credit terminal degree. The program focuses on policy, practice, and ways to do research with stats. Some of the electives include:
- risk communication
- crisis leadership
- nonprofit disaster management
Students will take online courses. However, they’re also expected to go to a weeklong seminar on campus every year. An applied research dissertation must also be submitted within ten years. This allows students to achieve terminal distinction at JSU.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $9,600
Score: 85.0
#8 WALDEN UNIVERSITY
PH.D. IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE, HOMELAND SECURITY POLICY AND
COORDINATION SPECIALIZATION
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
Walden University is a private online for-profit university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1970 as a doctoral college. Today, the university offers online graduate degrees in:
- Education
- Business Administration
- Philosophy
- Public Health
- Criminal Justice
The online Ph.D. in Criminal Justice has an optional concentration in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination. Sixty-eight credit hours are needed to graduate. But with the fast-track options, you can take three courses instead of two. All phd. in homeland security applicants must apply on the website with their transcripts.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $9,651
Score: 82.5
#9 INDIANA UNIVERSITY – BLOOMINGTON
ONLINE DOCTORATE IN HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA
Indiana State University is a public university located in Terre Haute, Indiana. It was established in 1865 as the Indiana State Normal School. The university enrolls over 12,500 students today.
Indiana University offers a doctorate Homeland Security and Emergency Management online. The program helps students become experts on the various threats facing the nation. They will also learn how to neutralize these threats and handle an emergency. There are 60 credits required to earn the homeland security degree.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $9,909
Score: 80.0
#10 COLORADO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF MANAGEMENT – HOMELAND SECURITY
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
Established in 1965, Colorado Technical University is a private, for-profit school. It is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. CTU first offered online education in 1995.
CTU offers an online Doctor of Management with an emphasis in Homeland Security. To graduate, students have to finish 100 credits and write a dissertation. In addition, students must:
- Write an entrance essay
- Submit official transcripts
- Go through a doctoral interview
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: 13,683
Score: 77.5
#11 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO COLORADO SPRINGS
ONLINE PH.D. IN SECURITY
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
The University of Colorado Springs is a public research university. It is part of the University of Colorado system. The school is classified among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity.” UCCS opened in 1945.
University of Colorado – Colorado Springs offers an online Ph.D. in Security. This degree program has received designations from the National Security Agency. And also from the Department of Homeland Security. The Ph.D. in Security curriculum focuses on:
- Homeland Security
- Cybersecurity
- Physical Security
Those who complete this degree will become experts in Homeland Security. But they will also be highly proficient in other facets of security. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this program of study.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $13,854
Score: 75.0
#12 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
ONLINE PH.D. IN CRIMINOLOGY, LAW, AND JUSTICE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
The University of Illinois Chicago is a public research University. The school enrolls over 33,000 Students. The school was established in 1982. And it is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity.”
The University of Illinois Chicago offers an online degree in criminal justice. The program teaches students about the justice system and its functions on Homeland Security. A total of 60 credits are required. Those who complete this program will be prepared for numerous HS careers.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $13,927
Score: 72.5
#13 NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL SECURITY – LEADERSHIP,
MANAGEMENT AND POLICY
JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY
New Jersey City University was founded in 1927 and is in Jersey City, NJ. They offer 41 undergraduate programs and 27 graduate programs. The institution currently enrolls 7,550 students.
New Jersey City University offers a Doctor of Science in Civil Security—Leadership, Management, and Policy. Students must earn 30 credits to graduate, 18 of them from a dissertation. In addition, a master’s degree and four years of experience are required, along with GRE, GMAT, or MAT scores. It’s primarily online. But there is a two-week residency in the summer and four weekends on campus during the year.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: 13,938
Score: 70.0
#14 CAPELLA UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
Established in 1993, Capella University is an online university headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was established in 1993 and currently enrolls more than 38,000 students. Students can take classes online in two different ways. With Capella’s GuidedPath, students learn in a structured but flexible way. There are weekly set deadlines, but you can still finish courses on your own schedule.
This homeland security program at Capella University is offered 100% online. During this program, students get to study all parts of the homeland security field. The students also learn about:
- emergency response
- recovery
- mitigation
Professional doctorate research seminars are offered during the program. This is to help students complete their capstone projects.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Tuition: $14,784
Score: 67.5
#15 SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTORATE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE WITH A SPECIALIZATION IN HOMELAND SECURITY
ST. LEO, FLORIDA
This Roman Catholic liberal arts university is located in Saint Leo, Florida. Saint Leo University was the first Roman Catholic college in Florida. And its roots go all the way back to 1881. It was also one of the first American colleges to offer distance learning.
Saint Leo University offers an Online Doctorate in Criminal Justice. In addition, the program has an optional specialization in Homeland Security. The program teaches many skills to help you succeed in a Homeland Security career. While primarily available online, students must visit the Saint Leo University campus. A total of 60 credits are needed to earn this homeland security degree.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $15,218
Score: 65.0
#16 NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY
ONLINE PH.D. IN HOMELAND SECURITY LEADERSHIP AND POLICY
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Northcentral University is located in San Diego, California. This private online university was established in 1996. It is a member of the National University system. Northcentral is classified among “D/PU: Doctoral/Professional Universities.”
Northcentral University offers an online Ph.D. in Homeland Security Leadership and Policy. Students will learn how to identify terrorist behavior and intervene in terrorist plots. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this program of study. Typically, students can complete this homeland security degree program in approximately 45 months.
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Tuition: $16,881
Score: 62.50
#17 NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR IN CYBERSECURITY MANAGEMENT
BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
A private research University, Nova Southeastern University, is located in Davie, Florida. It was founded in 1964 as the Nova University of Advanced Technology. Today, the university enrolls over 20,000 students and offers over 150 programs of study.
Nova Southeastern University offers an online Doctor in Cybersecurity Management degree. This program has received designations from the Department of Homeland Security. And from the National Security Agency. A total of 67 credits are needed to complete this program. Students in this program will learn about cybersecurity management related to Homeland Security.
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Tuition: $21,153
Score: 60.0
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#18 PENN STATE – HARRISBURG
ONLINE PH.D. IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
Penn State Harrisburg is a member of the Pennsylvania State University. It was founded in 1966 and is located in the capital city of Harrisburg. Penn State Harrisburg had become a significant player in professional education. This is especially true regarding its programs related to government.
Penn State Harrisburg offers an online Ph.D. in Public Administration degree program. Students of this degree program can choose a specialization in Homeland Security. Here’s another perk of attending this school: Penn State Harrisburg’s alumni network will help graduates anywhere in the world.
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $23,189
Score: 57.5
#19 ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES IN HOMELAND SECURITY
QUEENS, NEW YORK
St John’s University is a private Catholic university located in New York City. The school was founded in 1870 by the congregation of the mission. The school is under the patronage of Saint John the Baptist. It enrolls over 22,000 students.
St. John’s University offers an online Doctor of Professional Studies degree. Students must earn a total of 78 credits to complete this program. The remote program can be completed in about three years. A few of the courses include:
- Homeland Security Enterprise
- Disaster Management
- Theories and Concepts of Security
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Tuition: $30,666
Score: 55.0
THIS CONCLUDES OUR RANKING OF THE TOP ONLINE PH.D. IN HOMELAND SECURITY DEGREE PROGRAMS.
