Homeland security and emergency preparedness
Plan for any scenario.
Learn the professional skills to anticipate, plan and respond to disasters and emergencies.
APPLY AND BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TODAY
Launched as the nation’s first homeland security and emergency preparedness program in 2005, we prepare students to manage the complexities of disaster planning and response.
Alumni often work in private and public-sector jobs related to emergency management, security or crisis planning, or pursue graduate study in fields such as government, international affairs, law enforcement, policy planning and law.
Apply to HSEP Undergraduate Program
Apply to HSEP Graduate Program
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We are proud to announce historic achievements in the 2024 U.S. News & World Report graduate program rankings. For the first time, the Wilder School has been recognized as the nation's sixth-leading institution for Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to academic excellence and innovation in public affairs.
This year, the Wilder School continues to be ranked among the nation's top schools:
- Ranked No. 39 in the top 40 Graduate Schools of Public Affairs
- Ranked No. 6 in Homeland Security Programs
- Ranked No. 33 in Public Management and Leadership Programs
HSEP master's program ranked #3 in the nation by Online Master's Degrees "Top Online Master's Degrees in Homeland Security."
The L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs of Virginia Commonwealth University was ranked “Best in the Southeast” among Intelligent.com’s Top 52 Homeland Security Degrees. Learn more.
Our programs were also featured on the 2020 Best Online Colleges for Value rankings!
2020 Best Online Master's Emergency Management Degrees: #16
2020 Best Online Master's Homeland Security Degrees: #21
Best Value Schools recently featured the Wilder School’s Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness as one of the 2021 Best Master's in Emergency Management Online program in the state.
Bachelor’s program (B.S.)
Gain knowledge and skills in emergency planning/management principles and practicalities, the nature and effects of natural disasters, domestic and foreign terrorist threats to the U.S., and ethical and constitutional issues related to terrorist prevention tactics.
Master’s program (M.S.)
This online program equips you with theoretical and practical knowledge related to security and preparedness issues addressing all hazards, including terrorist threats and natural disasters.
Program and degree requirements
Wilder School Request for Information
Want to learn more about the program and application process? Get in touch and request information with this form.
Graduate certificate program
Our online certificate program helps you develop managerial competencies in the homeland security and emergency preparedness field. Courses with grades of “B” or better are fully transferable to the master’s program.
Wilder School Request for Information
Want to learn more about the program and application process? Get in touch and request information with this form.
Minor
The homeland security and emergency preparedness minor requires 18 credits and allows you to gain theoretical and practical education in the field.
“The curriculum and professors are first class. They encourage you to develop intellectually while providing the tools you need to best serve your community.”
— Rachel Heinig, M.A., Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, 2015, Sergeant, Special Operations Group, Henrico County Police Division