Homeland Security Bachelor's Degree Completion Program

These requirements must be fulfilled to earn the bachelor’s degree – a total of 120 credit hours earned in three parts:

• 60 credit hours of core coursework at GW in Homeland Security

• 38 credits in elective courses

• 22 transferable credits in general education courses (may be completed at any regionally accredited institution), including:

  • Mathematics or Statistics (3 credits)

  • Natural or Physical Science with Lab (4 credits)

  • Arts or Humanities (3 credits)

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credits)

  • Written Communication or Composition (6 credits)

Note: Acceptable transfer coursework must be successfully completed from a regionally accredited institution and earned with a grade of C or higher (C‐, D and F do not transfer)

PSHS 3150: Transnational Threats and Security
Prepares students to recognize established and emerging security issues that are largely transnational in nature. The course will focus on how terror organizations and criminal groups challenge long-held norms and how global threats impact U.S. national security interests.

PSHS 3151: Combating Domestic Terrorism
Provides an in-depth look at the methods used to conduct attacks within the Nation’s borders. Topics include lone wolf, directed and coordinated attacks.  The Alt-Right Movement, Eco-Terrorism, Homegrown Violent Extremism and the Sovereign Citizens Movement will be examined and students will analyze the complex challenges of developing strategies to counter these threats.   Legislative responses such as the U.S. Patriot Act and the U.S. Freedom Act will be examined to understand how the U.S. government perceived and responded to acts of terrorism. 

PSHS 3152: Cyber Terrorism
Enhances the students’ understanding of the various cyber threats that exist and learn the latest in cyber security countermeasures. Students will analyze cyber terrorist tactics and how terrorist organizations have effectively used the Internet and social media platforms to spread propaganda, radicalize and recruit vulnerable people to fight for their cause. This course also focuses on the technological threat that places critical infrastructure, public and private industries, and personal information at risk of being compromised for political, religious or ideological purposes.

PSHS 3160: Crisis and Emergency Planning
Introduces the students to modern emergency management protocol and best practices. This course includes the phases of emergency management (prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery). This course focuses on the assessment of risk in urban areas and human-caused hazards. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the incident command system and the National Incident Management system. 

PSHS 3161: Intelligence Data Analysis
Introduces the students to the basic concepts related to data analysis and information sharing among the intelligence community. Students will examine the best practices, successes, and failures related to intelligence gathering and sharing and the implications of failed policy and procedures.  This course will examine human intelligence, signals intelligence, measure and signal intelligence and geospatial intelligence. 

PSHS 3162: Crime Scene Investigation
Students will learn crime scene procedures such as note taking, sketching and photography, as well as the basic steps that minimize the omission or contamination of evidence. Students also learn overall crime scene management, chain of custody, the importance of following proper procedure and protocol when searching, collecting and packaging crime scene evidence and courtroom procedures.

PSHS 3170: Infrastructure Protection
Focuses on the analysis of security measures that can be utilized for the protection of critical infrastructure, public facilities, large gatherings, and open spaces. Students will explore concepts that relate to the prevention of and response to intentional acts of harm.

PSHS 3171: Introduction to Forensic Science
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of forensics and its role in investigations. Evidence analysis and preservation techniques are examined in detail. Students learn how different law enforcement and forensic disciplines collaborate to ensure proper evidence presentation in the courtroom. 

PSHS 3172: Computer Crime Investigation
This course is designed to introduce the students to the investigation of computer-based crimes and its importance to the law enforcement community on a national level. The course material will review the history of computer crime, associated terminology and the types of crimes committed in cyberspace. Other topics include legal issues in cyberspace, the proper collection and preservation of digital evidence and an overview of live forensic investigations. This is not a technical course and no advanced computer skills are required.

PSHS 4180: Security Threat Assessments
Examines the risk assessment, threat, and vulnerability assessment processes. Students will study the methodology used for the identification of potential threats, the analysis of potential impacts and the identification of potential countermeasures that will mitigate harm to people and assets. Students will identify security vulnerabilities of specific critical infrastructure, identify the international, domestic, and cyber threats, analyze intelligence data and apply these measurements to a security risk assessment.

PSHS 4181: Incident Management
This course will introduce students to basic concepts related to the management of critical incidents, beginning with the historical birth of the National Incident Management System and its reformation in the aftermath of 9/11 in Homeland Security Directive #5 (HSPD-5). Using case studies, video lectures, peer discussions and independent studies, students will examine the successes and failures related to incident management and their implications in shaping future processes and procedures.

PSHS 4182: Emergency Public Health Issues
Best practices in public health emergency management are continuously evolving based on new experiences and expertise. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to public health emergency preparedness and response, including bioterrorism events/threats and prepares students to recognize, respond and manage natural and unnatural public health emergences.

PSHS 4190: Capstone Project
Students will apply the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired in the Homeland Security BPS program by working through a computer-based simulation of an emergency management scenario. Students will analyze the simulated threat, conduct analysis, interpret evidence and properly respond to the series of events that unfold throughout the simulation. 

PSHS 4191: Ethical Dilemmas in Policing
This course provides and in-depth perspective on ethical dilemmas facing law enforcement and addresses misconduct typologies forms of corruption, issues with the use of force and civil liberties. Students will learn from case studies and will apply their judgment to various scenarios. 

PSHS 4192: Media, Public Relations and Crisis Management
Prepares law enforcement and security professionals to understand media and public relations key principles and practices. By understanding and applying these concepts to their own work, law enforcement and security professionals can develop better relations and ultimately better public perception. This course also establishes a foundation in crisis communication concepts. Students will learn best practices for spokesperson techniques and strategic messaging.

• Students are required to complete 38 credits of elective coursework as part of the degree requirements.
• Students complete elective courses at a regionally accredited institution of higher education or from the College of Professional Studies.
• Students should direct questions about elective coursework selection to their program director.
• Elective coursework taken outside of GW can be transferred and counted towards the degree requirements, following an official review process.

Note: Acceptable transfer coursework must be successfully completed from a regionally accredited institution and earned with a grade of C or higher (C‐, D and F do not transfer)

By studying online, students complete the core coursework in less than two years by taking three courses per semester for five semesters. The program plan’s structure allows you to focus on two courses at a time, by offering the courses in a staggered format. 

Fall Semester: Year 1

As a student in the Homeland Security program, you will learn from expert faculty with extensive experience in homeland security, state and federal law enforcement, the legal profession, and other allied fields.

• Dr. Adrian Black
• Brian Cedar
• Jeff Delinski - Program Director
• Dr. Lorrie Flores
• Bernard Hall
• Kathleen Harasek
• Elaine Lammert
• Simon Mantel
• Eric Martin
• George Nader
• Eva Vincze
• Geoffrey Weidner
• Keith Williams

The Advisory Board members of the GW Master of Professional Studies and Bachelor of Professional Studies in Homeland Security programs are senior-level professionals with extensive operational and leadership experience with homeland security.  They provide support and advice to the programs, their curriculum, and the development of new initiatives.

• Damon Alexander, Deputy Director of Security, Acuity International
• Bobby R. Baker, Jr., Principal CBRNE Training Specialist
• Robert Crane, Project Manager – Energy Sector, Institute for Homeland Security at Sam Houston State University in Texas
• Nairi Simonian Gruzenski, Associate Counsel, USCIS, Office of Chief Counsel, Strategic Litigation Division
• Greg Morgan, Lieutenant, Los Angeles Police Department
• Joshua Pena, Communication Strategy and Operations Officer, United States Marine Corps
• Vincent Politte, Lions of Leadership
• Nick Reese, Co-founder and COO at Frontier Foundry
• Alex Wibe, Defense Acquisitions Professional & Retired Naval Aviator 

Please use this information as an estimate based on current tuition rates and fee structures. Total tuition and fees will vary according to the courses taken and the timeframe in which you complete your coursework.
 

2024-2025 Rates in Effect for Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 Terms

Before beginning your application for financial aid, please check financial aid deadlines and watch this video about the undergraduate financial aid process.

More Information:

• Guidance on Undergraduate Financial Aid Opportunities
• GW's Office of Student Financial Assistance

GW's Military & Veteran Services provides wide-ranging resources and support to the military community, including GW scholarships and assistance with benefits: 

• VA Chapter Benefits;
• Yellow Ribbon Program;
• GW scholarships.

Since Military and Veterans Services was created in 2008, GW has been an annual recipient of the Military Friendly Award and is also annually recognized as a Military Times “Best for Vets” higher education institution.