Homeland Security

Keiser University’s Associate of Arts in Homeland Security examines the various elements involved in protecting the nation from both international and domestic terrorism, responding to natural disasters, and managing public health crises. Coursework for the homeland security degree explores the criminal justice system, emergency preparedness, cyber terrorism, bio terrorism, hazardous materials, and the incident command system. Students also investigate constitutional law, ethical frameworks, risk assessment, and the relationship between security and civil liberties while developing communication skills and interpersonal relationships essential for working across various agencies within the homeland security enterprise.

Program Mission

The mission of the Homeland Security program is to educate students about homeland security organizations at the federal, state, and local government levels and interagency coordination. The program promotes learning for cooperative emergency management efforts between government agencies and the private sector, government and business continuity planning, and the relationship between security and civil liberties. The program prepares students for entry-level employment in the field and/or continuation to a Bachelor’s level program.

Program Goals

Students in the homeland security program will be prepared to:

1. Develop understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of homeland security.
2. Understand the history of terrorism, man-made, and natural disasters, including their impact on society.
3. Demonstrate a capacity to think critically about issues involving homeland security.
4. develop skills that are necessary for careers in homeland security and related fields and have students uphold the ethical standards of homeland security professionals.

Prerequisites

None. The associate degree in homeland security requires no prerequisites for major courses, making this program accessible to recent high school graduates, career changers, working professionals, military veterans, and adult learners seeking to enter the homeland security industry.

Program Highlights

• Small class sizes provide personalized attention from experienced faculty with backgrounds in law enforcement, emergency management, and national security.
• The curriculum covers both theoretical frameworks and practical knowledge needed to work within the homeland security field.
  Students explore topics from international terrorist organizations and the intelligence community to emergency planning and risk management.
• The program prepares students for careers protecting critical infrastructure, responding to terrorist attacks, managing emergency response plans, and serving within various homeland security threats scenarios.
• General education courses build critical thinking, communication skills, and analytical skills that apply across the criminal justice degree and homeland security related careers.
• Flexible learning options: online, on-campus, or hybrid formats to fit your lifestyle.

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Accreditation Statuses

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. . While the homeland security program does not require specialized programmatic accreditation, the program offers a robust curriculum designed to equip students with knowledge and real world skills needed for successful careers in homeland security, emergency management, and related fields. In addition, the SACSCOC accreditation ensures Keiser University meets rigorous quality standards, which is crucial for students as it affects access to federal financial aid, the transferability of credits to other accredited schools, and recognition of degrees for graduate programs and employers. This accreditation signifies that the institution adheres to standards that ensure educational quality and institutional effectiveness.

Gain Job Ready Skills for a Homeland Security Career

• Strategic planning and ethical decision making
• Risk analysis and threat assessment techniques
• Emergency preparedness and response plans
• Communication skills for interagency coordination
• Understanding of the criminal justice system and criminal law
• Knowledge of international relations and domestic terrorism
• Familiarity with federal agencies and the intelligence community
• Understanding of infrastructure protection and transportation security
• Risk management and ethical frameworks

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 includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

Keiser University students take one class at a time. Keiser University term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 20 months and 60 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus, Online, and Hybrid.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
• Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
• Education fee — $550.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

The curriculum pairs 24 credit hours of homeland security major courses with 36 credit hours of general education. Representative major courses are listed below.

Graduates of Keiser University’s homeland security degree program prepare for entry-level employment in the homeland security field, as well as positions in emergency management, law enforcement, the private sector, and federal agencies. This science degree supports students seeking careers that protect critical infrastructure, respond to natural disasters and terrorist attacks, and serve local communities through public safety roles. The program also provides a strong foundation for students planning to continue to a bachelor’s degree program or master’s degree in homeland security.

Career Pathways in Digital Forensics and Incident Response

• Emergency management professional
• Border patrol agent
• Transportation security officer (TSA)
• Intelligence analyst
• Emergency management director
• Customs agent

• Law enforcement officer
• Coast Guard officer
• Federal emergency management agent (FEMA)
• Security specialist for the private sector
• Threat assessment analyst

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for AA Homeland Security.

Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.

How to Apply

1. Submit your online application
2. Speak with an admissions advisor
3. Provide transcripts or transfer credits
4. Enroll and choose your start date

Keiser University’s homeland security program prepares students for careers protecting our nation from terrorist threats, natural disasters, and other homeland security threats through associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degree programs. With flexible online and on-campus options, our programs align with your career goals in emergency management, law enforcement, border security, and national security. Whether you’re looking to enter the homeland security field, advance to supervisory positions, or pursue graduate certificates and master’s degrees, Keiser provides the education and practical insight needed to make a lasting impact protecting local communities and critical infrastructure in the digital age.