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Master of Professional Studies inHomeland Security – Counterterrorism Option

Summary Courses Careers Costs and Aid

Build an understanding of terrorist organizations and their motives, threats, recruitment strategies, and operational tactics. This online master's degree program option also covers the evolution of counterterrorism in the U.S. and abroad.

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Complete your Penn State course work at your own pace and 100% online.

Apply by December 1 to start January 13

33 Credits$1,027 per credit

Gain Skills to Work in the Field of Counterterrorism with a Homeland Security Degree

  • Understand the conditions that give rise to terrorism.

  • Identify and evaluate basic counterterrorism operations.

  • Plan and execute programs for intelligence gathering.

  • Collect and analyze data and turn it into actionable information using critical thinking and analytical skills.

  • Use strategic, policy-based, and practical solutions to terrorism within the government and private and nonprofit sectors.

This homeland security program provides you with an understanding of terrorism, terrorist threats, and counterterrorism strategies and policies. You’ll also study terrorism data analysis, security and intelligence assessment, threat management, counterterrorism briefing, and anti-terrorism assessment strategies.

The counterterrorism option course work includes:

  • the cause and sources of contemporary terrorism and terrorist groups
  • the history of counterterrorism and its contemporary application
  • the data, tools, and methods used to study and evaluate terrorism and counterterrorism
  • radicalization and de-radicalization
  • a culminating experience in which students apply their skills and knowledge to investigate and better understand a policy topic of their choosing (the Capstone course experience)

All students will be enrolled in the HLS Orientation (noncredit) course, as this orientation provides an overview of the HLS program and the field of homeland security.

Required Courses (9 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Foundation for understanding homeland security history, the development of homeland security policies and organizations, and current management approaches.

  • 3
    credits

    This course will examine the social, political, legal, and ethical issues that arise in the context of homeland security.

  • 3
    credits

    Provides an overview of the domestic and global issues related to homeland security.

Counterterrorism Option Prescribed Courses (12 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    Investigates the role economic, political, and social factors play in determining patterns of international and domestic terrorism and terrorist activity.

  • 3
    credits

    Surveys the history, evolution, strategies, techniques, tools, and contemporary issues related to counterterrorism in the world today. The course has a comparative focus, examining both U.S. counterterrorism and counterterrorism in other states and contexts. The course makes use of specific case examples of counterterrorism and engages normative/ethical debates on counterterrorism.

  • 3
    credits

    Introduces students to the various resources and analytical techniques available to terrorism and counterterrorism experts today. It introduces them to the major sources of data on terrorist groups, terrorist incident reports, risk climates, and legal and criminal justice data surrounding terrorism and counterterrorism. It provides students with critical data-gathering and analysis skills useful to practitioners and engages them in reporting and threat-briefing exercises.

    • Prerequisite

      Students must complete PLSC 569 or PLSC 836 or PLSC 837 BEFORE taking PLSC 838

  • 3
    credits

    Provides a comprehensive summary of the factors that promote the radicalization process, as well as the theoretical and practical foundations of efforts at counter-radicalization and de-radicalization.

Electives (select 9 credits)

Students choose 9 credits from an approved elective list in consultation with adviser.

  • 3
    credits

    Analysis of political terrorism as a violent alternative for peaceful change and traditional warfare in the nuclear age.

  • 3
    credits

    Fundamentals of Homeland Security provides foundational knowledge about homeland security policy, strategy, organization, and legal issues in the U.S. context.

  • 3
    credits

    A survey of traditional and contemporary conceptual frameworks and theoretical approaches for the analysis of international relations.

  • 3
    credits

    Principles of American foreign policy; processes of policy formulation; roles of the President, Congress, the State Department, and other government agencies.

  • 3
    credits

    The course will address international cooperation in homeland security, compare select national approaches, and teach related practical methods of analysis.

  • 3
    credits

    Provides an overview of the homeland defense mission and defense support of civil authorities during disasters, and the distinctions between the two.

    • Prerequisite

      HLS 801

  • 3
    credits

    This course assesses the controlling authorities that pertain to homeland security, from the U.S. Constitution to major federal statutes, court decisions, and executive directives.

  • 3
    credits

    The application of cultural geography in the intelligence analysis and synthesis process by identifying prominent threats to civil security.

  • 3
    credits

    This seminar provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of disaster communication across phases of a disaster.

Capstone Experience (3 credits)

  • 3
    credits

    The Capstone serves as the culmination experience for the option. Students work closely with the capstone course instructor to write an original research paper on a counterterrorism topic of their choice. Each student is responsible for creating a project that articulates a research question, surveys relevant literature and scholarship, and analyzes data to test hypotheses. In addition, students work closely with the other students enrolled in the course through collaborative activities and extensive peer review.

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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The growth of global and domestic terrorism has brought about a heightened demand for educated professionals who can proactively create counterterrorism policies and swiftly respond to potential or realized acts of terror.

Job Titles Related to This Degree

The following roles are often held by people with this type of degree:

  • Anti-Terrorist Analyst
  • Counterintelligence Analyst
  • Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
  • Public Safety Director
  • Threat Intelligence Analyst

Employment Outlook for Occupational Fields Related to This Degree

Estimates of employment growth and total employment are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and are subject to change. While these occupations are often pursued by graduates with this degree, individual outcomes may vary depending on a variety of factors. Penn State World Campus cannot guarantee employment in a given occupation.

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

1.5%
employment growth (10 years)
107,400
total employment

Emergency Management Directors

3.3%
employment growth (10 years)
11,290
total employment

Career Services to Set You Up for Success

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From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.

  • Opportunities to connect with employers
  • Career counselor/coach support
  • Occupation and salary information
  • Internships
  • Graduate school resources 

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by December 1 to start January 13. How to Apply 

Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.

Graduate Tuition

Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.

2024–25 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2024, spring 2025, and summer 2025 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,027 per credit
12 or more$12,325 per semester

2025–26 Academic Year Rates

Tuition rates for the fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters.
How many credits do you plan to take per semester?Cost
11 or fewer$1,037 per credit
12 or more$12,448 per semester

Financial Aid and Military Benefits

Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Federal financial aid may only be used to pay for credits used to satisfy program requirements.

Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.

Additional Cost of Attendance Details

To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:

Technical Requirements

Review the technical requirements for this program.

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Show mastery of specific subjects before your degree is complete. Thanks to shared courses across programs, students can often earn a certificate along with their degree in less time than if they earned them separately.

Certificate Program Related to This Degree

The following certificate can be earned while completing this degree program:

Gain the skills to implement proactive counterterrorism policies and effectively respond to potential or realized acts of terror with the course work offered through this online counterterrorism graduate certificate program.

Learn more

Who Should Apply?

Federal, state, and local emergency management officials, law enforcement personnel, members of the military, and employees connected with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies — as well as individuals in the private sector — may find this program valuable to their careers.

A Degree for the Public and Private Sectors

The need for qualified homeland security professionals is expanding at state and local levels, as well as internationally. Public-private partnership has also made homeland security an important focus for private sector employers in fields such as technology, finance, insurance, and public health.

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Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.

Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser. 

To Finish Your Degree in One to Two Years

  • Take 3–4 courses each semester

To Finish Your Degree in Two to Three Years

  • Take 2–3 courses each semester 

To Finish Your Degree in Three to Four Years

  • Take 1 course each semester

Timelines may vary based on course availability.

Convenient Online Format

This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.

A Trusted Leader in Online Education

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Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.

Information for Military and Veterans

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Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, and application instructions.

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Apply by December 1 to start January 13

Application Instructions

Deadlines and Important Dates

Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.

  • Spring Deadline

    Apply by December 1 to start January 13

  • Summer Deadline

    Apply by April 15 to start May 19

  • Fall Deadline

    Apply by August 1, 2025, to start August 25, 2025

Steps to Apply

  1. For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.

  2. Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:

    Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.

    Test Scores — Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not required.

    English Proficiency— The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.

    References (3) — You will need to initiate the process through the online application by entering names, email addresses, and mailing addresses of three references. Upon submission of your application, an email will be sent to each reference requesting they complete a brief online recommendation regarding your commitment for success in an online program. Please inform all recommenders they must submit the form in order for your application to be complete.

    Program-Specific Questions/Materials

    Résumé — Upload your résumé to the online application.

    Statement of Purpose — A statement of no more than 500 words explaining to the admissions committee how your professional experience and goals relate to the program to which you are applying. Your statement could include aspects such as the following: your reasons for pursuing the degree, why you feel you are a good candidate for the program, and any information you would like the admissions committee to know about you personally and/or professionally.

  3. To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.

    Create a New Penn State Account

    If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

    Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.

  4. You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.

    • Choose Enrollment Type: "Degree Admission"
    • Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus

    Checking Your Status 
    You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form. 

  5. 5. Complete the application.

    Penn State Fox Graduate School Application

Admissions Help

If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].

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Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.

For questions related to the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security — Counterterrorism Option, please contact:

Andrew Vitek, Ph.D.
Assistant Teaching Professor, Counterterrorism Option Director
Political Science Department
217 Pond Laboratories
University Park, PA 16802
[email protected]

Allison Haas
Political Science Department
220 Pond Laboratories
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-863-8110
[email protected]

The Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security – Counterterrorism Option is offered in partnership with the Department of Political Science in the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts. Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty who have special training and experience teaching in an online environment.

Faculty

  • Nazli Avdan

    • Ph.D., Political Science, Duke University
    • M.A., Political Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    • B.A., Political Science and International Relations, Bosphorus University, Istanbul

    Dr. Nazli Avdan is an associate professor of political science at the University of Kansas, where she also directs the graduate program. She studies international migration and border policies, the security migration nexus, and international security and political violence, including specifically the causes and consequences of terrorism. Dr. Avdan’s work has been published in many of the leading political science and international relations journals. She teaches courses on foreign policy, terrorism, and migration policies.

  • Justin Conrad

    • Ph.D., Political Science, Florida State University
    • M.A., Latin American Studies, University of California
    • B.A., International Affairs, Florida State University

    Dr. Justin Conrad is an associate professor of international affairs. He studies international security issues, including terrorism and interstate conflict, and his research has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense. Dr. Conrad's work has been published in many of the leading political science, security studies, and international relations journals. He has also worked in the international private sector and served as a U.S. military officer.

  • James Piazza

    • Ph.D., Politics, New York University
    • M.A., Middle East Studies, University of Michigan
    • B.A., Political Science, Loyola University

    Dr. James Piazza is a liberal arts professor of political science at Penn State. His research and teaching focus on terrorism, counterterrorism, and the politics of the Islamic world.

  • Itai N. Sneh

    • Ph.D., American History, Columbia University
    • LL.B., Faculty of Law, McGill University
    • M.A., Eastern European Jewish Studies, McGill University
    • B.A., Jewish History, Hebrew University, Israel

    Dr. Itai N. Sneh's research and teaching focuses on the history of human rights; American presidential, diplomatic, legal, and political history; international law; terrorism; genocide; Israel; and the Middle East. He is currently working on two books:Torture through Ages of Injustice: Oppressive Power Regimes, Anti Reconciliation, and Untruthsand The Encrusted Underside of Glory: Injustice, Inequality, and Struggles in American Legal History.

  • Andrew Vitek

    • Ph.D., Political Science, State University of New York at Albany
    • M.A., Political Science, State University of New York at Albany
    • B.A., Political Science and Philosophy, McGill University

    Dr. Andrew Vitek is the director of the Counterterrorism Option and an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Political Science. His research focuses on terrorism, political violence, security studies, and pedagogy. He teaches courses on terrorism, homeland security, and comparative politics.

  • Jason Warner

    • Ph.D., African Studies, Harvard University
    • M.A., Government, Harvard University
    • M.A., African Studies, Yale University
    • B.A., International Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Dr. Jason Warner, assistant professor at the Military Academy at West Point, teaches in the Department of Social Sciences and is an associate in the Combating Terrorism Center, where he directs research on terrorism and counterterrorism in Africa. His research focuses on terrorist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State in Africa, terrorism, counterterrorism, and political violence. He is the co-author or co-editor of three books and has published in leading academic journals in political science, security studies, and African studies.

  • Dr. Christopher P. Willis

    Visiting Assistant Professor

    • Ph.D., Political Science, Penn State
    • M.A., Political Science, Penn State
    • M.A., Political Science (International Relations/Comparative), Central Michigan University
    • B.S., Political Science and Religion, Central Michigan University

    Dr. Christopher P. Willis is a visiting assistant professor in the Department of Politics & International Affairs at Wake Forest University. He studies conflict and civilian victimization with a focus on sexual violence, specifically different factors that lead to constraints in the perpetration of violence. Dr. Willis has been published in leading international relations journals. He teaches courses on international politics, civil war, sexual violence, and terrorism.

Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State master's degree?

Apply by December 1 to start January 13. How to Apply 

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