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Online Master of Arts in Homeland Security: Counterterrorism Investigations, Master's

Overview

Students in the MAHS: Counterterrorism Investigations program are typically interested in working for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or in Law Enforcement. 

These positions include support, analyst, and operations jobs that require knowledge of investigative techniques, working with intelligence, understanding terrorist motivations and response to terrorist incidents.

The emphasis of the program is on investigative techniques, understanding and responding to terrorism. Students may also consider pursuing a concentration in Counterterrorism Digital Forensics, or the option of no concentration.

What’s Different About DeSales?
  • Our faculty are nationally-recognized professionals in the field. You’ll be taught by professionally active advanced practice faculty who connect textbook theory with real-world application of tools, processes, and methodologies.
  • The flexibility of online. Our online format allows you to continue your professional work while obtaining the skills needed to advance your career.
  • DeSales University’s Center for Homeland Security provides hands-on, science-based, and practitioner-informed training, research, and educational opportunities. 

Admissions Requirements

Admissions to the MAHS program are on a rolling basis, with no standardized exam requirements.

Requirements for admission are:

  • A bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges) or its equivalent from a foreign institution with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher
  • Background or interest in the field of criminal justice or homeland security.
  • Two (2) Letters of recommendation

Applicants who lack one or more requirements may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis. Individuals with special needs or goals may be considered for admission to the program.

International applicants must contact Leslie Bartholomew, Designated School Official, at 610-282-1100, ext. 1859 or Leslie.Bartholomew@desales.edu to inquire about international admission requirements.

Apply Now

Start Dates: See Academic Calendar

Application Information

  • Deadline: Rolling
  • Standardized Exam Required: No
  • Official Transcripts Required: Yes
  • Personal Statement Required: No
  • Letters of Recommendation: 2 Required for MAHS, none for Certificate Program
  • Resume Required: No

Curriculum

The MAHS program consists of 10 classes.

6 Core Required Courses (18 credits)

  • HS 501 Foundations of Homeland Security
  • CJ 502 Research Methods
  • CJ 503 Privacy, Ethics, Diversity and Human Rights
  • HS 505 Contemporary Issues in Homeland Security
  • HS 507 Capstone (Master Project Seminar)
  • HS 550 Advanced Counterterrorism

4 Concentration Courses (12 Credits)

  • HS 559 Domestic Terrorism and Extremism
  • CJ/HS 508 Investigation of Terrorism
  • CJ/HS 551 Hostage Negotiations
  • HS 555 Post Blast and Terrorist Attack Crime Scene Investigation

Total: 10 courses (30 credits)

Academic Catalog

Course Requirements

 

Tuition & Fees

Program Costs

  • Tuition/credit hour: $850*
  • Graduation Fee: $120

Total cost of the Master's Degree program = $25,500

Total cost of the Graduate Certificate Programs = $10,200

*Tuition/credit hours listed are for 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice.

  • Returned Check Service: $30
  • Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) fee – 30% of course tuition charge

Note: Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice.

View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and graduate program information sheets

More information

DeSales University is proud to offer actively employed criminal justice professionals a 20% tuition discount for this Master's level program.*

This discount covers tuition only, and is not applicable towards textbooks or other fees.

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The Center for Homeland Security (CHS)

Unique to the region, The CHS inspires homeland security students and professionals with education, training, and networking opportunities that are hands-on, science-based, and practitioner-informed.
The Center for Homeland Security
20 percent MCJ Tuition Discount ad image

20% Tuition Discount

DeSales University is proud to offer actively employed criminal justice, homeland security, first responder, and emergency management professionals a 20% tuition discount for this Master's level program.*

*This discount covers tuition only, and is not applicable towards textbooks or other fees.

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Online Learning at DeSales

Attending classes from an off-campus location can be an excellent option for many busy students. Distance education at DeSales encompasses everything from video conference courses to hybrid (a combination of in-class and online) to online courses. 


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Learn About Online Learning at DeSales

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Master of Arts in Homeland Security
Brisson Hall