Master’s in Security Studies

Prepare to confront and overcome security challenges and threats

From homeland to international threats, East Carolina University’s Master of Science in Security Studies program will provide you an interdisciplinary approach to understanding and addressing the dynamic challenges to U.S. security.

Complete ECU’s security studies master’s degree 100% online, at your pace while balancing school, work, and family. Connect with professors in engaging virtual courses that advance your critical thinking skills. In ECU’s innovative online learning community, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the global and multicultural contexts of the security field. Graduate with the knowledge and abilities to give you a competitive edge in the security-related job market.

You can choose one of four areas of emphasis for the elective courses to tailor your master’s in security studies curriculum to meet your goals:

• International Security
• Homeland Security Policy
• Science and Technology Security
• Environmental Health and Occupational Safety

Advance your career at your pace

Are you a busy working professional or current full-time student? The ECU certificate in security studies is another convenient option to take your career to the next level without disrupting your life demands. Our certificate in security studies is a 15-hour program that does not require you to complete the GRE or be admitted into a master’s degree program.

Take classes as they fit your schedule, and earn a competitive edge in the security field with our online certificate in security studies.

Why earn a master’s in security studies at ECU?

Do you want to work for the federal government in the national security field or advance your military career? Make a rewarding impact by meeting the growing need for well-trained security professionals who are devoted to building stronger, safer communities. Our security studies degree program enables you to evaluate situations and develop responses at the international, national, state, and local levels.

Real-world skills

Build practical knowledge and strategies that prepare you to compete in this high-demand field.

Comprehensive view

Develop a holistic approach to the study of security and the development of responses to security threats.

Affordable, valuable degree

East Carolina University’s 100% online security studies master’s program offers a flexible format that fits your budget and schedule.

Courses you will take in the East Carolina University security studies master’s program

Our master’s in security studies program goes beyond theory by examining the many different disciplines that are involved in identifying and solving security problems.

Balance the demands of work and family while earning your security studies degree and advancing your industry knowledge from coursework that includes:

●      Weapons of Mass Destruction

●      Cyber Warfare and Security

●      Covert Action and Hybrid Warfare

●      Fundamentals of Environmental Health

●      Transnational Crime

In addition to virtual classroom study, you’ll gain hands-on field experience through an internship. Our students have interned with the U.S. Department of State, the NC State Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the NSA, the Joint Forces Staff College, the Hudson Institute, and more. The internship requirement can be waived for students who are currently employed in a security-related field.

What can you do with your master’s in security studies?

Build writing, communication, and analysis skills that are critical to working in the security field.

ECU location provides opportunities

East Carolina University is close to several major military bases and within driving distance of Washington, D.C. Many of our students are active military personnel based in North Carolina. There are also many federal agency offices in the state.

Where are security studies graduates working?

ECU’s security studies degree program aims to produce professionals who pursue successful careers in the broad fields of security:

• Military service
• Intelligence agencies
• Law enforcement
• Emergency management
• Journalism/media
• Foreign service
• Private security companies
• Cyber and internet security companies
• Financial institutions
• Multinational corporations

Security-related career opportunities are expected to increase through 2030, according to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Information security analysts—projected to grow 30%
• Police and detectives—projected to grow 7%
• Emergency management directors—projected to grow 6%

Median annual wages of security-related careers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Information security analysts—$102,600
• Police and detectives—$66,020
• Emergency management directors—$76,730

Get started on your security studies master’s degree

Take the next step toward earning your ECU security studies degree. Whether you want to pursue your security studies master’s degree or earn the certificate in security studies, we have the resources to answer all your questions and help you get started.

Programs and certificates related to ECU’s security studies degree

Considering the ECU master’s in security studies but would like to explore similar programs? You may be interested in the following graduate degree programs and certificates:[CBM1]

• Master of Public Administration
• Master of Business Administration
• MA in International Studies
• MS in Technology Management
• MS in Criminal Justice
• MS Occupational Safety
• Cyber Security Professional Certificate (PDF)
• Public Management and Leadership Certificate

Accreditation for East Carolina University

East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.