Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership degree program, set in dynamic New York City, offers a unique blend of professional security education and criminal justice studies. This program, ideal for those pursuing security graduate degrees, prepares you for leadership roles in homeland security, law enforcement, and urban security training. Designed for working professionals, it provides flexible online and on-campus learning options, ensuring a balance between public safety master’s studies and professional commitments. As a student here, you are equipped with the skills for national security roles and are ready to excel in security and justice leadership in both the public and private sectors.
- Degree Type
- MPS
- Area of Interest
- Law, Policy & Government
- Associated Colleges or Schools
- Program Location
- Queens Campus
- Online
- Required Credit Hours
- 36
Learning Outcomes
- Upon graduation, you may opt to further your education in homeland security by applying for the St. John’s Doctor of Professional Studies (D.P.S.) in Homeland Security degree program, enhancing your credentials in criminal justice leadership.
- You acquire in-demand skills in cybersecurity and forensics, essential for developing organizational policies and advancing in careers related to law or legal expertise.
- The Master of Professional Studies degree equips you for a new career or advancement in your current role within law enforcement, offering a pathway to graduate roles in New York and the broader US.
Integrating Vincentian Traditions and Values
This program combines leadership in criminal justice and homeland security with St. John’s Vincentian values, preparing you to tackle injustice and promote safety, embodying the principles of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice studies.
Career Outcomes
You are well prepared for a challenging career in homeland security, criminal justice, and law enforcement, benefiting from a comprehensive education that includes aspects of criminal justice leadership and forensics degree knowledge, and the skills needed for protecting our nation.
Whether you target a career in law enforcement or cybersecurity—or as a distinguished graduate in New York’s security sectors—our program equips you with the skills for prominent roles in homeland security or national security, while offering insights into the crucial aspects of criminal justice in New York and the broader US. Aspiring lawyers, law enforcement professionals, or those interested in a forensics degree find our curriculum integrates key elements of Homeland Security and Criminal Justice studies, setting a solid foundation for those seeking to achieve a master’s degree from prestigious graduate schools in New York like St. John’s University.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Police Agencies: Local and State
- New York Police Department (NYPD)
- U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
- Office of Inspector General (OIG)
- Correctional Agencies
- Probation Departments
- Parole Agencies
- Victim Services Agencies
- District Attorneys’ Offices
- Juvenile Justice Agencies
- Court Systems: Federal, State and Local
- Sheriffs’ Departments
- Counterterrorism Agencies
- Corporate Security Departments
- Non-Profit Ex-Offender Organizations
Online Learning
Earn Your Degree Online
St. John's University offers a flexible online M.P.S. degree in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership, allowing you to engage in high-quality learning and access significant resources remotely, supporting your journey to becoming a leader in criminal justice and homeland security.
A Fully Academic Experience
You also enjoy the outstanding services available to all St. John’s students, for example:
- Eligibility for scholarships and financial aid
- Tuition and fees identical to those for on-campus courses
- Access to library collections, career services, mentoring, and other academic resources.
Please note that California residents in online programs at out of state nonprofit institutions, like St. John’s University are ineligible for all forms of federal aid, including federal student loans based on current federal state authorization rules.
Unique Benefits
Ranked "Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs": #30 tie (U.S. News and World Report, 2024)
Build More Connections
Students have access to St. John’s extensive alumni relations network.
Students employed in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Agencies are granted a 33% Public Service Scholarship.
Build Your Own Path
Students obtain assistance in career planning provided through the University Career Center.
Outstanding Faculty
Students participate in classes taught by outstanding faculty, all of whom have been practitioners and leaders in their respective fields.
- Associate Professor
- Assistant Professor
- Assistant Professor
- Associate Professor
Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership Curriculum
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HLS 301 | Police and Homeland Security Leadership | 3 |
| HLS 203 | Critical Issues in Correctional Administration | 3 |
| HLS 302 | U.S. Constitution and Homeland Protection | 3 |
| HLS 304 | Criminal Justice Policy Formation and Analysis | 3 |
| HLS 202 | Leadership in Public Administration | 3 |
| HLS 106 | Ethical Leadership: Principles and Practices | 3 |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HLS 401 | Introduction to Research Methods | 3 |
| HLS 400 | Applied Research Project: The Capstone | 3 |
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| HLS 308 | Selected Topics: Criminal Justice | 3 |
| HLS 307 | Leadership Issues in Critical Incident Management | 3 |
| HLS 311 | Criminological Theory | 3 |
| HCL 301.2 | Leadership Topics I | 3 |
| HCL 301.3 | Leadership Topics II | 3 |
| HCL 301.4 | Seminar in Stress Management | 3 |
| HLS 305 | Seminar in Global Terrorism | 3 |
| HLS 303 | Issues in Global Security | 3 |
| HLS 308 | Selected Topics I | 3 |
| HLS 312 | Court Administration and Leadership | 3 |
| HCL 302.6 | Contemporary Legal Problems in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| HLS 309 | Selected Topics II | 3 |
| HCL 304 | Police Leadership: A Global Perspective | 3 |
| HCL 500 | Applied Seminar in Leadership Practicum | 3 |
| HLS 232 | Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| HLS 280 | Organizational Development | 3 |
Program Benefits
- Enroll in courses that are conveniently scheduled to accommodate working professionals
- Take courses in three delivery modes: Conventional Classroom; Online; and Hybrid Classes
- Participate in classes taught by outstanding faculty, all of whom have been practitioners and leaders in their respective fields
- Attend classes with other professionals with similar interests and goals
- Join a diverse student body
- Attend full-or part-time
- Receive one-on-one academic advisement
- Participate in internships
Watch Our Video
Student Stories
St. John’s Fuels Doctoral Student’s Passion for Homeland Security
Julia has found it to be a valuable learning experience to work alongside her peers who are very seasoned professionals.
Julia Varvaro ’18TCB, ’20MPS The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional StudiesHighlight
Julia has found it to be a valuable learning experience to work alongside her peers who are very seasoned professionals. “I have been able to listen to their advice and learn from their service, since I lacked their practical and tactical experience,” she said. “But they have also leaned on me for advice, as they have returned to school for the first time in years after a long career. By leveraging our strengths and weaknesses with each other, we have grown extremely close.”
Careers in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership
"Duty, honor, country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be." - Gen. Douglas MacArthur
Additional Information
On September 11, 2001, first-responders and those who work in the American Criminal Justice System recognized instantly that their professions had changed dramatically. From that fateful and horrific day forward, it was apparent that America’s public safety system and network had to be reconceptualized and expanded; it had to be reengineered at the local, state, and federal levels of government to address new and emerging terrorist threats. This, of course, was a complex task that involved extensive planning and the coordination of numerous emergency management agencies, law enforcement departments, and private sector organizations. It also involved our government having to make several legislative and policy decisions to balance the frequently conflicting demands of freedom versus order.
An entirely new and equally pressing demand was placed on the St. John’s University Criminal Justice faculty to reengineer its existing Criminal Justice Leadership Program to reflect and respond to the rapid changes that were taking place in homeland security, the police service, the courts and the correctional service.
The result of all this fine-tuning and curriculum reengineering is the new and creative Graduate Program in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership.
Office of Graduate Admission
Michelle Bae
Graduate Admission Representative
[email protected]
Karen Mangan
Graduate Admission Representative
[email protected]
Sasha Velez
Graduate Admission Counselor
[email protected]
718-990-2025
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