Homeland Security, B.S. - CPS, UNHM

Undergraduate

Homeland Security

Though some administrative aspects of the Homeland Security major are managed in Manchester, NH, the program is delivered and academically supported in Durham, NH.

Degree

Bachelor of Science

Location

Manchester, NH

Courses

14*

Credit

128 hrs.*

Full-time

3-4 yrs.

Part-time

Varies

Apply now Request info Visit campus

College of Liberal Arts

The Homeland Security degree program at UNH gives you the tools to defend, protect, act and react to threats small and large, from bioterrorism to data breaches to natural disasters.

Though some administrative aspects of the Homeland Security major are managed in Manchester, NH, the program is delivered and academically supported in Durham, NH. Manchester Students: We are not admitting students to the Manchester Campus Homeland Security program at this time.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

Key Links

Tuition Costs

Contact Cards

Sonic Woytonik

Senior Lecturer

Sonic.Woytonik@unh.edu

Morrill Hall, Room B06, Durham, NH 03824

(603) 641-4135

WHAT IS HOMELAND SECURITY?

From political violence and terrorism to natural disasters and climate change, today’s 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 UNH 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 UNH, 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 UNH?

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. 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

Curriculum & Requirements

Program Description

Though some administrative aspects of the Homeland Security major are managed in Manchester, NH, the program is delivered and academically supported in Durham, NH.

Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, program admission has been paused for the Manchester campus.

The UNH 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 “breadth” as either two minors, a double major, or a minor and study abroad experience. Students transferring with an associate’s 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-ﬁeld, 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 ﬁnd 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.

Degree Plan

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Fall		Credits
ENGL 401	First-Year Writing	4
HLS 410	Introduction to Homeland Security	4
Discovery Course		4
Breadth Area Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
PSYC 402	Statistics in Psychology	4
HLS 415	Fundamentals of Corporate Security	4
HLS 455	Introduction to Cybersecurity	4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	16
Second Year
Fall
HLS 480	Professional Skills in Homeland Security	4
HLS 505	Political Violence and Terrorism	4
HLS 605 or JUST 501 or PSYC 502	Disaster Research Methods or Research Methods or Research Methods in Psychology	4
Breadth Area Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
HLS 510	Fundamentals of Emergency Management	4
HLS 515	Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience	4
Breadth Area Course		4
Discovery Course		4
	Credits	16
Third Year
Fall
HLS 520	Homeland Security Law and Policy	4
HLS 650	Topics in National Security Intelligence	4
Discovery Course		4
Breadth Area Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
HLS 580	Environmental and Human Security	4
HLS 770	Internship in Homeland Security	4
Discovery Course		4
Breadth Area Course		4
	Credits	16
Fourth Year
Fall
HLS 760	Strategic Planning and Decision Making	4
Breadth Area Course		4
Discovery Course		4
Breadth Area Course		4
	Credits	16
Spring
HLS 790	Capstone in Homeland Security	4
Breadth Area Course		4
Breadth Area Course		4
Breadth Area Course		4
	Credits	16
	Total Credits	128

Requirements for the Program

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 128 credits

Minimum Residency Requirement: 32 credits must be taken at UNH

Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*

Core Curriculum Required: Discovery & Writing Program Requirements

Foreign Language Requirement: No

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.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Core Major Requirements
HLS 410	Introduction to Homeland Security	4
HLS 415	Fundamentals of Corporate Security	4
HLS 455	Introduction to Cybersecurity	4
HLS 480	Professional Skills in Homeland Security	4
HLS 505	Political Violence and Terrorism	4
HLS 510	Fundamentals of Emergency Management	4
HLS 515	Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience	4
HLS 520	Homeland Security Law and Policy	4
HLS 580	Environmental and Human Security	4
HLS 605	Disaster Research Methods	4
or JUST 501	Research Methods
or PSYC 502	Research Methods in Psychology
HLS 650	Topics in National Security Intelligence	4
HLS 760	Strategic Planning and Decision Making	4
HLS 770	Internship in Homeland Security	4
or HLS 799	Senior Thesis in Homeland Security
HLS 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 UNH dual degree;
an associate's degree transferred in to UNH;
some other combination of coursework with consent of the HLS program coordinator.

Student Learning Outcomes

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.

National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

Our homeland security program earned UNH 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.

Learn more

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 .

Accelerated Master's

Diligent students can complete a B.S. in homeland security and a master’s degree in , or in as few as five years by taking graduate-level courses during senior year.

Explore Program Details

Spring Break Study Abroad

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.

Internships

Our campus is in the heart of the region’s cultural, economic, entertainment and government activity — putting unlimited internship opportunities at your doorstep. We’ve 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.

Minors

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:

Analytics

Learn essential skills through specialized courses in mathematics, computer science, and big data analytics—from statistical modeling and machine learning to data visualization and predictive analysis.

Global Studies

Enhance your major with an international perspective while gaining valuable global experience through study abroad programs and research opportunities.

Cybersecurity

Gain the skills to protect digital systems, data, and infrastructure in an increasingly connected world.

Data science

Explore essential training in data analysis and interpretation techniques. Here you'll be able to explore artificial intelligence, neural networks, and big data applications while gaining hands-on experience with real-world datasets.

Homeland Security

Receive an excellent glimpse at what it takes to keep the nation safe and resilient.

Career Opportunities

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.)

Learn more about career planning

Pathways Program for NH Community College Students

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 UNH Manchester's homeland security program.

Accelerated Master's Program

Through the accelerated master’s program, diligent students can complete a B.S. in homeland security and a master’s 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.

LEARN MORE

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.LEARN MORE

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.LEARN MORE

Departmental Honors FAQS

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 UNH 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 can 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 here.

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.

�鶹app