The Homeland Security Program at St. John’s University focuses on protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and populace from terrorism, criminal acts, and natural disasters. With most of this infrastructure (energy, transportation, telecommunications, agriculture, etc.) controlled by private industries, an unparalleled working relationship has developed between various levels of government, the private sector, and international partners.
Our program offers a solution-oriented approach, exploring these essential partnerships and providing a deep understanding of the complex issues in the homeland security field. By joining, you'll gain a comprehensive education that prepares you for a dynamic and impactful career in homeland security.
Choose St. John’s University for an unparalleled education in Homeland Security and become a key player in safeguarding our future.
- Degree Type
- BS
- Area of Interest
- Law, Policy & Government
- Associated Colleges or Schools
- Program Location
- Queens Campus
- Required Credit Hours
- 120
Program Contact
We are here to answer any questions you may have about the Homeland Security program and admission process.
Curriculum
Our program provides a comprehensive and diverse curriculum designed to offer a professional edge in both the managerial and technological aspects of homeland and organizational security. Dive into critical topics such as terrorism, asset and facility protection, intelligence and investigation, global security issues, and border protection.
Specialize your education by choosing one of our five focused tracks:
- Organizational Security
- Emergency Management
- Intelligence
- National Security
- Cyber Security
To obtain this degree, 120 credits must be completed. A minor in Homeland Security is also available.
University Core Curriculum
Required Courses and Tracks
Major Area Requirements: 36 Credits
Required Coursework: 18 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1001 | Introduction to Homeland Corporate Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1003 | Introduction to Organizational Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1004 | Introduction to Emergency Management | 3 |
| HLS | 1008 | Global Threats to Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1010 | Introduction to Intelligence | 3 |
| HLS | 1016 | Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Protection | 3 |
Major Area Elective Coursework: 18 Credits from any HCS elective including:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1002 | Contemporary Legal Issues in Private and Public Protection | 3 |
| HLS | 1005 | Crime Prevention and Security Consulting | 3 |
| HLS | 1006 | Security Concepts and Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| HLS | 1007 | Security Investigations | 3 |
| HLS | 1009 | Internship in Homeland Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1011 | Intelligence Planning, Collection and Processing | 3 |
| HLS | 1012 | Internship in Homeland Security II | 3 |
| HLS | 1013 | Internship in the Protection Technology Industry | 3 |
| HLS | 1014 | Advanced Internship in Commercial Security or Governmental Public Safety | 3 |
| HLS | 1015 | Legal Aspects of Modern Security Investigation | 3 |
| HLS | 1017 | Public Safety Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies | 3 |
| HLS | 1018 | Intelligence Analysis, Production and Dissemination | 3 |
| HLS | 1019 | Homeland Security Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism | 3 |
| HLS | 1020 | Terrorism and Emergency Management | 3 |
| HLS | 1021 | Emergency Management and Homeland Security Law | 3 |
| HLS | 1022 | Sociology of Disaster | 3 |
| HLS | 1023 | Computer Applications in Emergency Management | 3 |
| HLS | 1024 | Introduction to CBRNE | 3 |
| HLS | 1025 | Border, Transportation and Maritimes Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1026 | Comparative Homeland Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1027 | International Security Cooperation | 3 |
| HLS | 1090 | Selected Topics in Homeland Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1100 | Homeland Security Capstone | 3 |
Business and Computer Science Area: 12 Credits
Required Coursework: 3 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUS | 1102 | Software Applications | 3 |
And 9 Credits from:
| Course | Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC | Accounting | 3 |
| BLW | Business Law | 3 |
| ECO | Economics | 3 |
| MGT | Management | 3 |
| MKT | Marketing | 3 |
Free Electives: 12 Credits
Other Liberal Arts Requirements: 24 Credits
18 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG | 1007 to 1073; not 1040 | English | 3 |
| MTH | 1003 | Introduction to College Mathematics I | 3 |
| MTH | 1021 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| PSY | 1001 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC | 1001 | General Sociology | 3 |
| SOC | 1002 | Sociology of Institutions | 3 |
To earn the Bachelor of Science Degree in Homeland Security (Intelligence Track), students complete 120 credits, including core, major-sequence and elective courses as outlined below.
Major Area Requirements: 36 Credits
Required Coursework: 21 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1001 | Introduction to Homeland Corporate Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1003 | Introduction to Organizational Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1004 | Introduction to Emergency Management | 3 |
| HLS | 1008 | Global Threats to Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1010 | Introduction to Intelligence | 3 |
| HLS | 1016 | Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Protection | 3 |
| HLS | 1100 | Homeland Security Capstone | 3 |
Intelligence Required Courses: 9 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1011 | Intelligence Planning, Collection and Processing | 3 |
| HLS | 1018 | Intelligence Analysis, Production and Dissemination | 3 |
| HLS | 1019 | Homeland Security Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism | 3 |
Elective Coursework: 6 Credits from any HCS course
Business and Computer Science Area: 12 Credits
Required Coursework: 3 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUS | 1102 | Software Applications | 3 |
And 9 Credits from:
| Course | Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC | Accounting | 3 |
| BLW | Business Law | 3 |
| ECO | Economics | 3 |
| MGT | Management | 3 |
| MKT | Marketing | 3 |
Free Electives: 12 Credits
Other Liberal Arts Requirements: 24 Credits
18 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG | 1007 to 1073; not 1040 | English | 3 |
| MTH | 1003 | Introduction to College Mathematics I | 3 |
| MTH | 1021 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| PSY | 1001 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC | 1001 | General Sociology | 3 |
| SOC | 1002 | Sociology of Institutions | 3 |
To earn the Bachelor of Science Degree in Homeland Security (National Security Track), students complete 120 credits, including core, major-sequence and elective courses as outlined below.
Major Area Requirements: 36 Credits
Required Coursework: 21 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1001 | Introduction to Homeland Corporate Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1003 | Introduction to Organizational Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1004 | Introduction to Emergency Management | 3 |
| HLS | 1008 | Global Threats to Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1010 | Introduction to Intelligence | 3 |
| HLS | 1016 | Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Protection | 3 |
| HLS | 1100 | Homeland Security Capstone | 3 |
National Security Required Courses: 9 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1025 | Border, Transportation, and Maritime Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1026 | Comparative Homeland Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1027 | International Security Cooperation | 3 |
Elective Coursework: 6 Credits from any HCS course
Business and Computer Science Area: 12 Credits
Required Coursework: 3 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUS | 1102 | Software Applications | 3 |
And 9 Credits from:
| Course | Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC | Accounting | 3 |
| BLW | Business Law | 3 |
| ECO | Economics | 3 |
| MGT | Management | 3 |
| MKT | Marketing | 3 |
Free Electives: 12 Credits
Other Liberal Arts Requirements: 24 Credits
28 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG | 1007 to 1073; not 1040 | English | 3 |
| MTH | 1003 | Introduction to College Mathematics I | 3 |
| MTH | 1021 | Introduction to College Statistics | 3 |
| PSY | 1001 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC | 1001 | General Sociology | 3 |
| SOC | 1002 | Sociology of Institutions | 3 |
To earn the Bachelor of Science Degree in Homeland Security (Organizational Security Track), students complete 120 credits, including core, major-sequence and elective courses as outlined below.
Major Area Requirements: 36 Credits
Required Coursework: 21 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1001 | Introduction to Homeland Corporate Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1003 | Introduction to Organizational Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1004 | Introduction to Emergency Management | 3 |
| HLS | 1008 | Global Threats to Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1010 | Introduction to Intelligence | 3 |
| HLS | 1016 | Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Protection | 3 |
| HLS | 1100 | Homeland Security Capstone | 3 |
Organizational Security Required Courses: 9 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1002 | Contemporary Legal Issues in Private and Public Protection | 3 |
| HLS | 1006 | Security Concepts and Organizational Leadership | 3 |
| HLS | 1007 | Security Investigations | 3 |
Elective Coursework: 6 Credits from any HCS course
Business and Computer Science Area: 12 Credits
Required Coursework: 3 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUS | 1102 | Software Applications | 3 |
And 9 Credits from:
| Course | Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC | Accounting | 3 |
| BLW | Business Law | 3 |
| ECO | Economics | 3 |
| MGT | Management | 3 |
| MKT | Marketing | 3 |
Free Electives: 12 Credits
Other Liberal Arts Requirements: 24 Credits
28 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG | 1007 to 1073; not 1040 | English | 3 |
| MTH | 1003 | Introduction to College Mathematics I | 3 |
| MTH | 1021 | Introduction to College Statistics | 3 |
| PSY | 1001 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC | 1001 | General Sociology | 3 |
| SOC | 1002 | Sociology of Institutions | 3 |
To earn the Bachelor of Science Degree in Homeland Security (Emergency Management Track), students complete 120 credits, including core, major-sequence and elective courses as outlined below.
Major Area Requirements: 36 Credits
Required Coursework: 21 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1001 | Introduction to Homeland Corporate Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1003 | Introduction to Organizational Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1004 | Introduction to Emergency Management | 3 |
| HLS | 1008 | Global Threats to Security | 3 |
| HLS | 1010 | Introduction to Intelligence | 3 |
| HLS | 1016 | Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources Protection | 3 |
| HLS | 1100 | Homeland Security Capstone | 3 |
Emergency Management Required Courses: 9 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| HLS | 1020 | Terrorism and Emergency Management | 3 |
| HLS | 1021 | Emergency Management and Homeland Security Law | 3 |
| HLS | 1024 | Introduction to CBRNE | 3 |
Elective Coursework: 6 Credits from any HCS course
Business and Computer Science Area: 12 Credits
Required Coursework: 3 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUS | 1102 | Software Applications | 3 |
And 9 Credits from:
| Course | Course Area | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC | Accounting | 3 |
| BLW | Business Law | 3 |
| ECO | Economics | 3 |
| MGT | Management | 3 |
| MKT | Marketing | 3 |
Free Electives: 12 Credits
Other Liberal Arts Requirements: 24 Credits
28 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENG | 1007 to 1073; not 1040 | English | 3 |
| MTH | 1003 | Introduction to College Mathematics I | 3 |
| MTH | 1021 | Introduction to College Statistics | 3 |
| PSY | 1001 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC | 1001 | General Sociology | 3 |
| SOC | 1002 | Sociology of Institutions | 3 |
Core Requirements: 42 Credits
36 Credits from the following courses:
| Course | Course # | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNY | 1000C | Discover New York | 3 |
| FYW | 1000C | First Year Writing | 3 |
| ENG | 1100C | Literature in a Global Context | 3 |
| HIS | 1000C | Emergence of a Global Society | 3 |
| PHI | 1000C | Philosophy of the Human Person | 3 |
| PHI | 1020 or 2200 series | Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI | 3000C | Metaphysics | 3 |
| SCI | 1000C | Scientific Inquiry | 3 |
| SPE | 1000C | Public Speaking for the College Student | 3 |
| THE | 1000C | Perspectives on Christianity | 3 |
| THE | 1040 Series | Theology | 3 |
| THE | Any THE Elective | 3 |
And: Modern Foreign Language/Cultural Studies: 6 Credits from:
6 Credits from any second language or:
| Course | Course # | TItle | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ART | 1000C | The Creative Process | 3 |
| LAC | 1000C | Language and Culture | 3 |
One of the original undergraduate homeland security programs created in the aftermath of the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Program Objectives
Develop Comprehensive Knowledge of Homeland Security Frameworks:
- Equip students with a deep understanding of the key concepts, policies, and frameworks that underpin homeland security. This includes knowledge of terrorism, emergency management, cyber security, and border protection, as well as the legal and ethical considerations involved in homeland security operations.
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills:
- Train students to critically assess and respond to various threats to national security by analyzing data, assessing risks, and developing strategies to mitigate potential risks. This includes the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of current security measures and propose improvements.
Enhance Leadership and Operational Skills:
- Prepare students for leadership roles within homeland security agencies and the private sector by developing their operational skills in crisis management, decision-making, and interagency coordination. Emphasis is placed on real-world scenarios, teamwork, and the practical application of learned skills to ensure graduates are ready to lead in dynamic and high-pressure environments.
Internships
Internships in the Homeland Security Program provide outstanding opportunities for students to apply academic content in a practical, real-world environment. Eligible juniors and seniors may earn three to six credits interning in various governmental security agencies and some of the most dynamic corporate security organizations in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. Students receive valuable experience while making important industry contacts, which may lead to future career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
The homeland security field has been one of the fastest-growing industries in recent years. Government and corporate-sector employers are turning to qualified security professionals to protect valuable resources, combat losses, and mitigate hazardous threats. You can prepare for an exciting career in this field through this Bachelor of Science degree program at St. John’s University. Offered through The Collins College of Professional Studies, the Homeland Security Program prepares students for executive leadership careers in the homeland security sector.
Fast Track your way to a master’s degree in MPS Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership
Accelerate your career with our Fast Track program! Earn your master’s degree quicker through our combined degree option. Click here to learn more.
New St. John’s Partnership to Create Institute for Border Security and Intelligence Studies
St. John’s University has partnered with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) New York Field Office to launch the Institute for Border Security and Intelligence Studies, housed within CCPS. This initiative, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding will create new opportunities for our students and faculty to engage with real-world challenges in homeland security and intelligence.
Labs
St. John’s offers access to outstanding academic resources. Facilities include high-tech classrooms, laboratories and our 1.7 million-volume University Library. Our new D’Angelo Center is a five-story, 127,000-square-foot University and Student Center with classrooms, lecture halls, a Starbucks Café and a full-service food court.
Check out the Homeland Security Simulation lab on the CCPS Centers and Laboratories page. This advanced classroom-based simulator immerses students in realistic scenarios involving natural and man-made disasters, as well as critical incidents faced by the criminal justice system.
Student Experiences and Honor Society Information:
The Homeland Security Students Association at St. John’s University bridges academic studies with real-world opportunities by sponsoring an array of interesting events and providing unique resources for all students interested in the homeland security field. From dynamic guest presentations to memorable educational excursions, the Homeland Security Students Association is a vital part of the educational experience at St. John’s University.
The Collins College of Professional Studies offers membership in the following honor societies:
- The Collins College of Professional Studies Honor Society: Recognizing undergraduates who demonstrate academic excellence and involvement in campus, church or community activities. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credits (30 in CPS) with an index of 3.5 for all coursework.
- Alpha Phi Sigma: The Alpha Epsilon Rho Chapter of this criminal justice honor society, for students with a 3.2 overall index (including transfer credits) and a 3.2 index in the Criminal Justice major.
- Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society for Homeland Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management, Cyber and Information Security, and all Protective Security Disciplines inducts homeland security students with an overall 3.25 index.
Admission
For more information about admission to this and other acclaimed undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission online. Or contact us directly at the campus of your choice:
Admission Office - Queens Campus
718-990-2000
[email protected]
Scholarships
Please click here to learn more about available scholarships.
Advance your Degree
Continue your education with a Master of Professional Studies degree in Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Leadership.
Featured News
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St. John’s University students and graduates are using the latest technologies to meet the nation’s homeland security challenges.
