Homeland Security and Emergency Management is a Master Degree program (100% Online) offered by Keiser University in Fort Myers, FL. The program takes 22 Months to complete, with tuition of $17,404 per semester.
Program Overview
Keiser University’s Master of Arts degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management provides an intensive study of topics related to protecting the U.S. from threats to Homeland Security. The program fosters independent learning and enables students to contribute intellectually to the areas of homeland security, border patrol and cyber security. Students learn to work in areas such as border patrol, airports, seaports and waterways; research and development of the latest security technologies; responders to natural disasters or terrorist assaults; analysis of intelligence reports, and other timely areas related to homeland security and emergency management. Graduates demonstrate a conceptual understanding of homeland security and topics related to protecting the U.S. from threats to homeland security and critically analyze and solve problems based on applied research methods.
Program Goals
Keiser University’s MAHS & EM program enables students to contribute to the homeland security profession and fosters independent learning. Upon completion of this program students are able to:
- Develop the knowledge and expertise to critically evaluate an agency’s ability to prevent, detect, or respond to local, regional, state, and national incidents and emergencies.
- Build skilled professionals who are equipped to Evaluate, research, and critically analyze gaps or deficiencies in approaches/strategies to national safety and security.
- Develop effective leaders who possess the skills to manage and communicate in a professional and ethical manner across safety and security settings in the public and private sector.
What sets this Program apart
Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Homeland Security and Emergency Management Career:
- Strategic planning and resource planning
- Emergency preparedness and disaster management
- Hazard management and recovery operations
- Critical infrastructure and infrastructure protection
- Crisis management activities and emergency plan development
- Leadership skills and public administration
- Research methods and data analysis
- Homeland security policies and national security frameworks
- Transportation security and border security operations
Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.
Admission Requirements and Process
Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and ensures availability of classroom space. Applications for Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.
Credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcript directly from the previous institution by the end of a student’s first semester. Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete at least one third of the credit hours required for any graduate or post-baccalaureate professional degree through instruction offered by Keiser University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum one third of a program at any time through the University. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from all former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Keiser University does not make any blanket assurances or guarantees regarding the acceptance or transferability of credits from other institutions. Each credit evaluation is conducted on a caseby-case basis in accordance with university policy.
Keiser University may accept transfer credits from a college or university recognized by the by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). Coursework must be equivalent in content, level, and credit hours to the corresponding Keiser University course/s.
Qualified, accepted master’s degree seeking students may transfer a maximum of 12 graduate level credits, but no more than two-thirds of the total credit hours (whichever is less), required for the program unless otherwise specified by a programmatic accreditor.
Acceptable courses will be equivalent to a B grade or higher unless otherwise specified by programmatic requirements. Courses represented with a Pass or Satisfactory grade may be transferable at the discretion of the program chair and/or appropriate program Dean.
General Requirements
- Baccalaureate or Master’s TranscriptSubmission of an unofficial baccalaureate or master's transcript from an accredited school. If transcripts are in a foreign language, student must provide proof of Foreign…
- Official Transcript DeadlineFailure to provide an official transcript by the end of the first semester will lead to dismissal from the program and Graduate School.
- Minimum 3.0 CGPAMinimum 3.0 CGPA
- Resume or Curriculum VitaeResume or Curriculum Vitae
- Personal Statement (if CGPA is below 3.0)If CGPA is < 3.0, Keiser University’s Graduate School requires the submission of a Personal Statement. This personal statement should include an explanation regarding the factors…
- Supplemental Documents (optional)Supplemental documentation may be included to support a prospective student’s application. Supplemental documents may include: ▪ Letter of Recommendation ▪ GMAT or GRE Test Scores
- Baccalaureate Degree RequiredCandidates for admission to the MACJ and MAHS & EM programs are required to hold a four-year baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution.
- Any Undergraduate MajorAn undergraduate degree in criminal justice is not a requirement; qualified students from all backgrounds are encouraged to submit applications.
- Admission DecisionAn admission decision is based on a combination of a student’s undergraduate and/or graduate academic performance, professional experience, and supplemental documents.
Application Process
- 1Contact an Admissions CounselorContact one of Keiser University’s friendly admissions counselors.
- 2Attend an Open House or Campus VisitAttend an Open House or plan a campus visit.
- 3Meet With Your Admissions CounselorSchedule a convenient time to meet with your admissions counselor to determine if Keiser University is right for you.
- 4Submit an ApplicationSubmit an application and complete your enrollment profile and application.Apply Now
- 5Review Program RequirementsReview the Graduate School admission requirements for your program.
- 6Upload Your Admission DocumentsIn the Student Enrollment Portal, click on “My Documents” and upload the corresponding documents to fulfil the admission requirements. Then submit the Letter of Recommendation Form and your Personal Statement.
- 7Schedule Your Financial Aid AppointmentYour admissions counselor will connect you to your dedicated Financial Aid Officer to schedule your appointment and receive assistance completing the FAFSA. Collect your prior-year income tax returns in preparation. Keiser University’s FAFSA school code is 015159.
- 8Class RegistrationOnce you have accepted your financial aid funding plan, the registrars will schedule your courses throughout your entire degree plan from start to completion. Exceptions may apply if you have transfer credits.
- 9Order BooksYour admissions counselor will assist you in ordering your books through the online bookstore. Standard receipt is 3–5 business days unless you order priority.
- 10Attend OrientationOnline programs offer a self-paced orientation through Blackboard, or a scheduled live session before each class start date with a second option afterwards. For campus programs, speak with your admissions counselor about orientation requirements at your location.
- 11Begin ClassesThe class week runs Monday through Sunday, midnight EST. You must log in by Wednesday of week one to confirm attendance, and participate a minimum of three logins per week in the Blackboard classroom for each course. Campus students should see their academic team for attendance requirements by program.
Program Schedule
Courses in the MAHS & EM program are eight weeks in length.
Keiser University publishes this program as 30.0 graduate semester credit hours, approximately 22 months in length (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).
Keiser University’s Graduate School Academic Calendar runs three semesters a year, beginning in January, May and August, and each semester is made up of two eight-week terms — six start dates a year.
- October 26th, 2026
- January 11th, 2027
- March 08th, 2027
- May 10th, 2027
- July 05th, 2027
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
Keiser University charges tuition and education fees per semester, based on scheduled credit hours. Each semester is 16 weeks. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure for the Graduate School, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.
This program is charged at the rate for Master’s degree and graduate-level certificate programs.
| Semester credit load | Tuition per semester |
|---|---|
| Full time (12+ credits) | $17,404.00 |
| Three-quarter time (9 to 11.99 credits) | $13,053.00 |
| Half time (6 to 8.99 credits) | $8,702.00 |
| Less than half time (3 to 5.99 credits) | $4,351.00 |
An education fee of $750.00 per semester is charged for all graduate-level programs. One-time charges on enrolment are an application fee of $55.00 and a registration fee of $145.00.
Curriculum
Required Courses
| Subject # | Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Career Outcomes
Career Pathways in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Graduates of Keiser University’s online master’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management prepare to pursue leadership roles across federal and local government agencies, law enforcement, emergency management programs, and the private sector. This graduate program supports criminal justice professionals and emergency managers by strengthening their ability to analyze security risks, conduct research, develop homeland security policies, and coordinate recovery operations at every level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for emergency management directors and homeland security professionals continues to grow as organizations seek qualified leaders capable of managing natural and manmade disasters, terrorist threats, and global threats to public safety.
- Customs Agent
- Border Patrol Director
- Coast Guard Director
- Immigration and Naturalization Service Agent
- Federal Emergency Management Agent (FEMA)
- Homeland Security Program Manager with the DHS
- Emergency Management Professional
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- National Security Specialist
- Emergency Management Director
What to expect as a Keiser University student
Keiser University’s graduate program in Homeland Security and Emergency Management prepares experienced professionals to advance through master’s study with flexible online delivery and a career-focused curriculum. Built to align with the goals of emergency management professionals, criminal justice professionals, and homeland security professionals alike, the program develops the leadership skills, practical skills, and foundational knowledge needed to pursue senior roles across government agencies and the private sector. Whether the goal involves leading disaster response, shaping homeland security policies, or directing emergency management programs, Keiser provides the quality education and professional development needed to make a lasting impact.
School Information
Campus Address
Why Accreditation Is Important
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist and doctorate degrees.
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Credits earned toward a respected credential
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