Manchester Students: We are not admitting students to the Manchester Campus Homeland Security program at this time. You can apply for the same degree offered at our .
WHAT IS HOMELAND SECURITY?
From political violence and terrorism to natural disasters and climate change, today鈥檚 homeland security enterprise (HLS) is complex, dynamic, and relevant to most realms of human existence. Today's HLS incorporates issues such as community-level human security, data security, cybersecurity, climate change, crisis-related migration, pandemic preparedness, disaster resilience, corporate/private sector security and national security intelligence - just to name a few.
Students in the 樱花动漫 homeland security program build the analytical, decision making, technical and strategic skills to create and sustain more resilient organizations and communities and a more secure nation. This broad, interdisciplinary field requires professionals who possess critical thinking, problem solving, analytical and communication skills. At 樱花动漫, HLS students are empowered to identify and address challenges of national and international significance and to pursue diverse and rewarding careers in the public and private sectors.
WHY STUDY HOMELAND SECURITY AT 樱花动漫?
Fully available on both the Manchester and Durham campuses, the HLS program prepares you with a wide array of skills and best practices in leadership, decision making, strategic planning, emergency management, cybersecurity, open-source intelligence production and risk assessment, professional writing and public speaking. Our nationally recognized program offers substantive interdisciplinary flexibility and career-specific preparation because all HLS majors combine a B.S. in HLS with a dual or double major, 2 minors or an associate degree.听 Students earn a competitive advantage through their degree combination and real-world learning in both the classroom and the field through our internship and capstone experiences. Rigorous academic study combined with experiential learning by subject matter experts from across the nation gives students unique skill sets that are directly relevant to employers.
POTENTIAL CAREER AREAS
- Civil or foreign service (U.S. State Department)
- Corporate or sports security
- Criminology or justice studies
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Cybersecurity and information security
- Emergency management, resilience, and preparedness
- Environmental security
- Forensics (biological or digital)
- Intelligence collection/analysis and/or national security policy/analysis
- Law enforcement (Local, State or Federal)
- Law school or legal support functions
- Military service
- Risk management and asset protection
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education
Our homeland security program earned 樱花动漫 its designation as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
Graduate in four years with an education specialized around your interests. Interested in foreign affairs? Add a minor in political science or political economy. Computer science? Get an additional B.S. in analytics or computer information systems. Business-savvy? Double-major in business, or minor in entrepreneurship and communication arts.
New England Residents
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont do not offer a bachelor's-level homeland security program in their public universities, so students from these states can enroll at a reduced tuition rate.
Accelerated Master's
Diligent students can complete a B.S. in homeland security and a master鈥檚 degree in , or in as few as five years by taking graduate-level courses during senior year.
Curriculum & Requirements
Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, program admission has been paused for the Manchester campus.
Available on both Durham and Manchester campuses, the 樱花动漫 Homeland Security program is built upon the expertise and advice of subject matter experts from around the nation. Its proven curriculum includes practical experiences, service and experiential learning opportunities, and applied projects and mentored research that together empower students to manage programs and to lead people. HLS provides students with an impressive array of tools including how to do strategic planning, how to build emergency management and continuity plans, how to perform an organization-wide security and risk assessments, and how to design and evaluate exercises. The 4-year curriculum is flexible and incorporates the ability for students to complete coursework of 鈥渂readth鈥 as either two minors, a double major, or a minor and study abroad experience. Students transferring with an associate鈥檚 degree automatically satisfy the breadth requirement. Ultimately, the Homeland Security program empowers students to be successful on the job market or in graduate school in a broad array of security-related fields.
Homeland security is a broad-铿乪ld, applied liberal arts degree teaching students critical thinking, writing and analysis skills. As a result, HLS creates several graduate school opportunities and opens students to dozens of career paths in both the public sector (i.e., local, state or federal government), and the private sector or the military. Students will 铿乶d diverse and rewarding career opportunities in cyber security/ information assurance, intelligence analysis, civil or Foreign Service, diplomatic security, law enforcement at the local, state or federal levels, emergency and disaster management, immigration, border and transportation security, policy making, corporate security, risk management, critical infrastructure protection, human security and more.
This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. Undergraduate students will develop individual academic plans with their professional advisor during the first year at 樱花动漫.
Sample Course Sequence
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| 贰狈骋尝听401 | First-Year Writing | 4 |
| 贬尝厂听410 | Introduction to Homeland Security | 4 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| Spring | ||
| PSYC听402 | Statistics in Psychology | 4 |
| HLS听415 | Fundamentals of Corporate Security | 4 |
| HLS听455 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 4 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HLS听480 | Professional Skills in Homeland Security | 4 |
| HLS听505 | Political Violence and Terrorism | 4 |
| HLS听605 or JUST听501 or PSYC听502 | Disaster Research Methods or Research Methods or Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| Spring | ||
| HLS听510 | Fundamentals of Emergency Management | 4 |
| HLS听515 | Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience | 4 |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HLS听520 | Homeland Security Law and Policy | 4 |
| HLS听650 | Topics in National Security Intelligence | 4 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| Spring | ||
| HLS听580 | Environmental and Human Security | 4 |
| HLS听770 | Internship in Homeland Security | 4 |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| HLS听760 | Strategic Planning and Decision Making | 4 |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| Discovery Course | 4 | |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| Spring | ||
| HLS听790 | Capstone in Homeland Security | 4 |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| Breadth Area Course | 4 | |
| 听 | Credits | 16 |
| 听 | Total Credits | 128 |
Degree Requirements
All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.
Major Requirements
All courses within the major must be completed with a grade of C- or above and an overall GPA of 2.0 or above in major courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Major Requirements | ||
| 贬尝厂听410 | Introduction to Homeland Security | 4 |
| HLS听415 | Fundamentals of Corporate Security | 4 |
| HLS听455 | Introduction to Cybersecurity | 4 |
| HLS听480 | Professional Skills in Homeland Security | 4 |
| HLS听505 | Political Violence and Terrorism | 4 |
| HLS听510 | Fundamentals of Emergency Management | 4 |
| HLS听515 | Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience | 4 |
| HLS听520 | Homeland Security Law and Policy | 4 |
| HLS听580 | Environmental and Human Security | 4 |
| HLS听605 | Disaster Research Methods | 4 |
| or听JUST听501 | Research Methods | |
| or听PSYC听502 | Research Methods in Psychology | |
| HLS听650 | Topics in National Security Intelligence | 4 |
| HLS听760 | Strategic Planning and Decision Making | 4 |
| HLS听770 | Internship in Homeland Security | 4 |
| or听HLS听799 | Senior Thesis in Homeland Security | |
| HLS听790 | Capstone in Homeland Security | 4 |
| Total Credits | 56 | |
Breadth Requirement
In addition to the core HLS courses, students must complete 40 additional credits from either Durham or Manchester campuses, or both, in one of five ways:
- two minors;
- a minor and a "coherent block"/self-designed concentration (i.e., ROTC credits, or credits earned from another major). The coherent block needs to be approved by the HLS coordinator;
- a second major or a 樱花动漫 dual degree;
- an associate's degree transferred in to 樱花动漫;
- some other combination of coursework with consent of the HLS program coordinator.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Conduct research and work collaboratively to deliver professional, written papers, presentations, and briefs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary or emergent threats, challenges or issues including natural manmade and technological hazards.
- Apply knowledge and tools gained throughout the HLS program to complete a capstone project.
- Complete an internship in HLS (or a senior thesis in HLS).
- Recognize the concepts of ethics and professionalism in the homeland security enterprise.
Explore Program Details
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Associate ProfessorAssociate Professor of AccountingEmail: Yvette.Lazdowski@unh.eduPhone: (603) 641-4374
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Associate ProfessorAssociate ProfessorEmail: Terrence.O'Sullivan@unh.edu
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Senior LecturerTerrorism Studies Minor CoordinatorEmail: Sonic.Woytonik@unh.eduPhone: (603) 641-4135
rogram Summary:
HLS 656 Comparative Homeland Security Systems is a faculty-led spring break study abroad program focused on culture, conflict, and security that allows students to earn 1 credit while touring Dublin Ireland, Belfast Northern Ireland, and London England over spring break. Highlights include meeting with Loyalists and former IRA members in Northern Ireland, seeing the infamous Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin, behind-the-scenes tours at the Churchill War Rooms and Imperial War Museum in London.
Open to students in all years and all programs of study! This program is perfect for anyone with an interest in the culture and history of Ireland and the UK, international relations and security in the region, or who would like to go abroad for a shorter period of time than a semester or yearlong program.
Student testimonials:
"The Comparative Security Study Abroad is such a unique and valuable opportunity to gauge the political and cultural climate of three cities in one week. There is no better way to learn the histories of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the United Kingdom than through experiencing the climates created there. Traveling abroad is truly a one-of-a-kind experience and can enrich your education in more ways than you realize; join the program that interests you in pursuit of a journey you will remember forever."
Delaney, HLS UK Study Abroad Alum, 2024
"Before this trip I had never been out of the country, and I was waiting for an opportunity. The news for this trip came along and I felt like I needed to go. Despite being nervous it was the best out-of-country experience I could have asked for. Not only did I feel extremely comfortable with my peers and especially the chaperones, but I felt comfortable within the cities we visited. I learned and experienced so many things I never thought I'd see, and I highly recommend this trip to anyone who is contemplating doing something they usually wouldn't. I took the leap of faith, and I've come out a new and enriched person who is eager to do more traveling!"
Juliana, HLS UK Study Abroad Alum, 2026
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Our campus is in the heart of the region鈥檚 cultural, economic, entertainment and government activity 鈥 putting unlimited internship opportunities at your doorstep. We鈥檝e partnered with local businesses to give you the real-world experience that sets you apart.
Homeland security majors have access to internships at many high-profile organizations in the area, including:
- American Red Cross
- Bechtel Corporation
- EMT and paramedic services
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Fidelity Investments
- Grainger Industrial Supply
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Local and state law enforcement agencies
- N.H. Homeland Security & Emergency Management
- N.H. Department of Corrections
- N.Y. Port Authority
- Seabrook Station Nuclear Power Plant
- Small to midsize private sector businesses
"The Homeland Security capstone course gave me the opportunity to gain real-world and professional experience. I also traveled abroad and studied security conflicts encountered by other nations."
Joey Fazzino, Regional Security Specialist, Google, Inc.
Within the 128 credits needed to graduate, all students are required to take 40 credits of breadth outside the homeland security program. This means, in addition to your B.S. in homeland security, you will graduate with an additional major or two minors. Here are a few minors that will complement your HLS degree:
The corporate security minor builds the foundation of business and strategies common to modem corporate security, from safeguarding the workforce to securing physical and digital assets.
The cybersecurity policy minor introduces students to the fundamentals of cybersecurity, risk management, critical infrastructure security and resilience.
The emergency management minor prepares you with knowledge of emergency management strategies, tools and policies essential to related careers in government, the private sector and nonprofit entities.
Enhance your degree and marketability with the forensic accounting minor, which gives you the skills and techniques to examine, detect and prevent fraudulent activity in a range of business, governmental and legal venues.
Actively engage in global issues while developing cross-cultural awareness through our global studies minor, which gives you the knowlege, skills and anlytical reasoning to analyze the impact of 21st century issues on regional, national and global communities.
History
An excellent complement to any degree, a history minor helps you build a foundational understanding of the political, social, economic and cultural forces that influence human life.
The threats to national and homeland security are seemingly in the news every day, and with it comes the need for an educated workforce. Our homeland security minor builds your skills in this complex field, preparing you to work in dynamic environments, form partnerships, think critically and solve today's challenges.
In our national security intelligence minor, you'll gain a composite view of national security intelligence and related topics that may support a career path in government, private sector, nonprofits and more.
Strengthen your understanding of foreign policy through our terrorism studies minor, which explores global and domestic politics and the origins, ideologies and goals of terrorist groups.
New England is a microcosm of the nation: Our challenges reflect the breadth and depth of needs for development and education across the country, and our location brings you to the doorstep of significant local homeland security talent.
"The Homeland Security program will train the next generation of homeland security practitioners who will help to keep our country safe, and provide students with real-world skills that will make them workforce ready."
Mike Beland, Businessman and Former Obama Appointee
In addition to in-demand graduate degree options in law, diplomacy, national security, international affairs and more, the projects positive growth in many homeland security related professions between 2012 and 2022. With expert faculty and hands-on experience in the classroom and in the field, our homeland security program prepares the next generation of heroes in intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, emergency management and more. Here are just a few of the many careers you'll be prepared for as a homeland security graduate:
- Aviation security
- Cybersecurity unit (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Nike, etc.)
- Diplomatic security (U.S. State Department)
- Emergency management (county and state levels)
- EMT and paramedic services
- FBI, ATF, DEA Agent (U.S. Department of Justice)
- FEMA, Secret Service, TSA, Cybersecurity, CBP (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
- Information Security Analyst
- Law enforcement and fire services (local, state and federal)
- NSA, Defense Intelligence Agency (U.S. Department of Defense)
- Occupational Health & Safety Specialist
- Private-sector opportunities in risk management, security, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness
- Regional security (Amazon, Google, etc.)
- Security Specialist (Bechtel, Granger, etc.)
In partnership with the New Hampshire community colleges below, we've developed a pathway to show you which courses at your community college will transfer into 樱花动漫 Manchester's homeland security program.
Through the accelerated master鈥檚 program, diligent students can complete a B.S. in homeland security and a master鈥檚 degree in , or in as few as five years by taking graduate-level courses during senior year. You're eligible to apply for the accelerated master's program if you have a GPA of 3.2 or higher in your junior year or first semester of senior year.
Cybersecurity Policy and Risk Management
The online CPRM program blends strategy and policy to cultivate the strategic thinking, policy development and risk-management skills for a brighter cybersecurity future.
Global Conflict and Human Security
Online and truly global, the GCHS program prepares you to assess risk and threats to human security and promote social, economic and political development while building durable peace.
National Security Intelligence Analysis
The online NSIA program provides a deep conceptual understanding of national and international security issues, strategies and policies to prepare the next generation of intelligence professionals.
HLS Departmental Honors contact: Prof. Woytonik, sonic.woytonik@unh.edu
What is the HLS departmental honors program?
Departmental honors offers high-achieving students with a credential as well as access to a more rigorous, applied HLS curriculum. Students pursuing department honors take 3 HLS core courses as honors (usually 3 of the following: 480, 580, 760, or 790) in which they complete additional projects under the supervision of HLS faculty. Departmental honors students also complete a senior honors thesis through HLS 799H.
In some cases, students may petition the Honors liaison to take a different HLS course as Honors. Students with questions about which courses they can use to fulfill Honors should contact the Honors liaison.
Who is eligible for departmental honors?
Students who have a 樱花动漫 GPA of 3.5, and who have earned a B+ or higher in HLS 410 and HLS 415, are invited to join. Students should also know how they will complete the HLS breadth requirement prior to applying for departmental honors.
To remain in the honors program, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA and earn a grade of B+ or higher in HLS honors courses.
Is departmental honors open to students on both campuses?
Yes.
Is departmental honors the same as university honors?
No. Students may participate in departmental honors without pursuing university honors. However, students in university honors must complete the departmental honors track within the HLS major as a component of the university honors curriculum. More information about university honors can be found.
If I am in the departmental honors program, can I still do an internship?
Yes. While HLS 799H Honors Thesis will satisfy the professional experience requirement in the HLS curriculum, I always recommend internships for career exploration and building security-related work experience! The HLS departmental honors program offers more opportunities, not fewer.
I'm not yet eligible to join departmental honors but I'm interested for the future. What should I do?
Contact the Honors liaison Prof. Woytonik to start planning: sonic.woytonik@unh.edu.
What happens if a student in departmental honors loses eligibility?
Students participating in the HLS departmental honors program must meet certain requirements to remain in the program. Students who lose eligibility will receive a communication from the Honors liaison faculty with more information. Students will still receive credit for any Honors courses they have taken in the HLS core. Depending on circumstances, it may be possible for students to re-join departmental honors in a later semester if they meet eligibility requirements.
How does a student withdraw from departmental honors?
If a student wishes to stop participating in departmental honors, they should contact the Honors liaison faculty in writing as soon as possible. If withdrawal occurs mid-semester, the student will remain enrolled in any departmental Honors courses they are taking. If withdrawal occurs between semesters, students will be re-registered for the non-honors section of courses.
Can I take courses multiple times, if I already took 480 and now want to take 480H?
No, there is a mutual exclusion because these courses run concurrently and students may only receive credit once.
Can I join Honors if I am a transfer student?
Yes! Please connect with the Honors liaison and make sure that if you still need 410 and 415, those classes are in your first semester schedule. If you are transferring with an equivalent course to 410 or 415, you may still be able to join Honors.
Program & Campus News
