Master’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security Emphasis

Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Offered By: Colangelo College of Business

35%

Estimated job growth for information security analysts from 2021 to 20311

Prepare for Leadership Roles With a Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Emphasis

The Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Homeland Security and Emergency Management degree focuses on the role of leadership and the immediate application of ethical and practical leadership skills. This master’s in emergency management and homeland security degree also focuses on disaster preparation, emergency crisis management and alleviating environmental issues. As a graduate of this degree, you will be armed with the necessary skills to become an adept leader, able to organize and mobilize forces for good.

The MS with a homeland security and emergency management emphasis covers four learning sectors that aim to empower students to become operational leaders at every level:

Understand Strategies for Improved Self-leadership

Practice self-reflection and self-awareness skills, develop emotional and social intelligence to interact effectively and discover how to adapt quickly in the midst of emergencies and changing circumstances.

Develop Competencies for Coaching and Leadership

Analyze theories of leadership, evaluate strategies, practice coaching and guiding methods to encourage growth in others.

Learn To Create and Manage Systems for Organizational Growth

Learn to encourage organizational growth, improve outcomes for stakeholders and create systems for managing organizational changes.

Practice Applying Leadership Skills in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Organizations

Apply leadership skills in emergency organizations, create plans for areas impacted by large-scale disasters and build professional ethics into emergency management practice.

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What You Will Study During a Master’s in Emergency Management Degree Emphasis

GCU’s master’s program in homeland security focuses on leadership skills, emergency planning, economics and human issues, and law and legal issues. As a homeland security and emergency management student, you will:

  • Practice self-evaluation skills to develop your personal and professional abilities while gaining the competence required to be an effective leader
  • Learn to positively influence others to advance your own professional and leadership skills
  • Utilize collaboration and communication skills to achieve common goals
  • Learn to create compelling vision and drive innovative change to encourage organizational growth and improved outcomes for all involved
  • Apply leadership skills in emergency organizations and participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of emergency-response plans and practices

Benefits of GCU’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Degree Emphasis

In this master’s in homeland security and emergency management degree program, you will learn leadership skills while integrating our Christian worldview principles. You will be able to articulate the responsibilities of leadership in a Christian context, including your own moral and ethical obligation as an emergency manager, to serve the public with justice and integrity. 

A master’s in emergency management emphasis through GCU serves to further your education, skills and reach of influence. You will benefit from rigorous courses, experienced professors and an excellence-oriented university. With a masters in homeland security and emergency management, you will be prepared to take action in the most critical times.

The Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Homeland Security and Emergency Management degree at GCU is offered online; a flexible, ideal format for working professionals. Online learning at GCU provides many benefits to online learners. Aside from the high-quality education that GCU provides, you can look forward to interactive courses, online support and various resources you need to be successful in your program. 

Earning your online master’s in emergency management and homeland security emphasis degree is the next step you need to propel your career and establish a future in keeping others safe through leadership, collaboration and education.

Gain the skills, knowledge and experience needed to make a career in homeland security. To apply to GCU’s homeland security and emergency management degree, read through and follow the graduate admission requirements.

Career Opportunities for Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management Degree Graduates

Grand Canyon University’s Master of Science in Leadership with an Emphasis in Homeland Security and Emergency Management equips graduates to enter with confidence into many professions. Graduates from this master’s degree program may find themselves applying for jobs including:

  • Business operations specialist
  • Industrial productions manager
  • Social and community service manager
  • Training and development manager
  • Compensation, benefits and job analysis specialist

This master’s degree creates the opportunity to apply your knowledge and leadership skills to various industries to make a measurable difference within an organization.

Master’s in Emergency Management and Homeland Security FAQs:

Our frequently asked questions are here to provide you with more insight into furthering your career by earning your master’s in emergency management and homeland security emphasis degree.

Graduates with a homeland security degree can pursue various positions within protective service occupations. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not provide specific salary information for homeland security agents, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts had a median annual wage of $102,600 in May 2021.2

Homeland security is a dynamic and diverse career field that cuts across numerous disciplines. Upon graduating, students will enter the workforce with skills needed to find solutions and prevent threats at the local, regional and national levels. This creates job possibilities for people with all levels of education and experience, making a master’s in homeland security well worth the investment. 56,500 new jobs are estimated to open for information security analysts from 2021 to 2031.1

Homeland security analysts (also known as information security analysts) are heavily involved with creating an organization’s disaster recovery plan. This includes strict security measures to protect an organization’s computer systems and networks during and after a disaster. Emergency management directors are typically first on the scene to coordinate and implement these response programs by leading the command center in the field. They also assess damage and even request state or federal assistance to execute their emergency response plan.

While there is some overlap between the two areas of study, students earning a degree in homeland security learn about protective measures that governments have in place to minimize security threats, ranging from natural disasters to organized terrorist activities. Students in a criminal justice degree program learn more in depth about the specific law enforcement, courts and corrections that governments use to protect their communities from crime.

As with any degree, completing a course of study in homeland security and emergency management will take effort, patience and dedication. To lead into a rewarding high-level position, students should continually stay up to date on information technology security with a focus on terrorism and disaster relief.

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 and 2021 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well.  Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Information Security Analysts, retrieved on Jan 23. 2023. 

2 The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Information Security Analysts as of May 2020. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may also impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the BLS. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers from across the country with varying levels of education and experience and does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Information Security Analysts. It does not reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country. It also does not reflect a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. You may also wish to compare median salaries if you are considering more than one career path.

TOTAL CREDITS & COURSE LENGTH:
Total Credits: 34
Online: 8 weeks
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TRANSFER CREDITS:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
TUITION RATE:
Online: $640 per credit [More Info]

Course List

Major:
34 credits
Degree Requirements:
34 credits

Core Courses

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Business. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the College of Business, key concepts of leadership, and an overview of how the science of organizational behavior contributes to effective leaders and managers.

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership development and succession planning within organizations through the exploration of essential coaching, influencing, and mentoring strategies for effective leaders. It includes all underrepresented populations with a focus on gender, race, ethnicity, culture, generation, disability, veteran status, and religion.

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to synthesize the interdependent concepts of global business, cultural intelligence, self-awareness, and interpersonal relationships. It examines and applies contemporary global topics, diverse business and problem-solving perspectives, and effective cross-cultural communication skills to develop competent world leaders.

Course Description

This course is an exploration of the behavioral forces and relationships that influence organizational effectiveness and change. It also emphasizes the study of intervention strategy and application skills related to a foundational understanding of the role of project management in the context of leading change in organizations. The course provides insights into the leadership and management of people, processes, and best practices for successful change.

Course Description

This course is designed to teach students the planning and management processes and the issues involved in large-scale emergencies. The nature of natural and technological risk and emergency are explored via case studies. Public sector roles in contingency planning and response are also discussed and assessed.

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the strategic, political, economic, and human issues encountered in the management of disasters or major traumatic public events. This knowledge gives the emergency manager a realistic view of the issues to expect in a disaster, how to plan accordingly, and how to manage resources and people more effectively in emergency situations.

Course Description

This course analyzes the federal, state, and local legislation related to emergency management in various types of disasters. Guaranteed rights under the U.S. Constitution and the legal and ethical application of measures within the parameters of these rights in emergency situations are also discussed.

Course Description

This capstone course provides students the opportunity to synthesize their advanced knowledge and experiences in the field of emergency management through the development of a research or applied project focused on improving practice. Projects require students to demonstrate the critical thinking skills, professional acumen, and knowledge base that characterize successful leadership in the field. Prerequisites: EMM-600, EMM-605, and EMM-610.

Locations

GCU Online Student


Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere.

GCU Evening Student


Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom.

* Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change.

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