Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's M.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership and Executive Management program with a specialization in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination focuses on the development of leadership, critical thinking, and organizational skills while offering study in criminal justice, emergency management, and public policy processes. Topics of discussion in specialization courses include response strategies to potential terrorist threats, public policy development and implementation methods, constitutional rights within homeland security legislation, public health implications of terrorism, emergency planning procedures, and leadership theories. Reviews of current case studies and issues in the field are integrated into the curriculum. The core program addresses criminal behavior theories, organizational management, communication methods, human resource management, and research methodologies in criminal justice.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should hold a bachelor's degree or higher in criminal justice or a related area. Experience in law enforcement, security, or emergency response is helpful but not required. Applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Course Requirements?

To earn this degree, you must complete 61 quarter credits, which consist of 45 credits in core courses, 15 credits in the area of specialization, and a one-credit foundation course. Courses are taken sequentially as shown below, with two courses taken in each of the program's first six quarters and one course in the final quarter. Estimated time to completion is 21 months. Time to completion may vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable.

Course Requirements

Core Courses

• Foundations of Graduate Study
• The Nature of Crime and Criminology
• Controversies in Criminal Justice
• Organizational Management and Leadership
• Criminal Justice Research
• Ethics and Social Justice
• Strategic Planning: Collaboration, Cooperation, and Coordination
• Finance and Budgeting for the Public Sector
• Human Resource Management
• Applied Communications

Specialization Courses

• Public Policy Implications of Terrorism Legislation and Policies
• Terrorism: A Systemic Approach for Emergency Preparedness
• Critical Incident Planning and Leadership

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Options

As a graduate of this program, you could be eligible to assume leadership roles in various federal or state government agencies. You could also seek employment in private security firms, corporate security departments, or emergency response organizations. You might also pursue an academic career at a college or university. Positions you could pursue include:

• Public safety director
• Corporate security director
• Director of homeland security
• Homeland security policy analyst

Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.