Graduate Program in Homeland Security

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The Graduate Program in Homeland Security was launched at SDSU Imperial Valley in 2021 in a partnership with the pre-existing San Diego-based program, the first graduate-level Homeland Security program offered in the United States. The mission of HSEC-IV is to produce leaders from a variety of educational and professional backgrounds who can effectively and efficiently identify, design, and mobilize the appropriate community resources to prevent, deter, preempt, defend against, and respond to critical incidents and emergencies at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

Homeland Security involves 1) identifying, analyzing, synthetizing, and disseminating information about threats and critical incidents; 2) demonstrating an ability to appropriately use and develop new technological and science-based research to contribute to Homeland Security on a regional, national, and global basis, and; 3) articulating strategies for the optimization of Homeland Security principles for the benefit of the nation and its global partners. HSEC-IV provides a learning environment where scholarly, educational, and research endeavors are applied to real-world challenges. Faculty and students actively work with community partners on Homeland Security and Emergency Management related issues.
HSEC-IV follows a cohort model that begins every two years and is designed for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree. Structured coursework is paired with independent study, internship activities, and a study abroad course to give students a well-rounded education, allowing graduates to establish a variety of skillsets to be applied in their future careers.

HSEC-IV cohort members take courses related to Cyber Security, Emergency Management, Terrorism, Science and Technology, Law Enforcement, and more. Additionally, students will participate in an internship with a Homeland Security-related agency (e.g., the American Red Cross, U.S. State Department, etc.), go on a study abroad trip (e.g., infrastructure security tour in Iceland), and complete a thesis project on a specific Homeland Security-related topic (e.g., regional cybersecurity measures, responding to school shootings, creating a regional disaster recovery plan, etc.).  

In addition to current Homeland Security-related practitioners wishing to advance their careers, HSEC-IV appeals to recent college graduates interested in expanding their career opportunities. Graduates are prepared for a successful future in a variety of professional settings, including governmental and nongovernmental agencies.

Click image above to download the SDSU Imperial Valley Graduate Program in Homeland Security (HSEC-IV) brochure

The SDSU Imperial Valley Graduate Program in Homeland Security is operated in partnership with the SDSU Graduate Program in Homeland Security