The MA program in emergency management and homeland security is designed to assist the professional development of current or future practitioners as the next generation of leaders in these fields.

The program emphasizes a blended approach of practical knowledge and broader integrative thinking about the complex societal challenges of the 21st century. Its core values of collaboration between practitioners, faculty and students; public service; commitment to diversity; critical thinking and evidence-based assessment are all central to promoting informed and effective leadership.

One of the unique features of this program is its breadth of content coverage. The program offers the following five distinct concentration areas: emergency management, homeland security, community resilience, biosecurity and threat management, and cybersecurity policy and management. These subject area specializations underscore the program's commitment to strategic thinking about current and future challenges. Likewise, the program has a number of learning opportunities from an international perspective.

When students enroll in this program, they are encouraged to choose one of these area specializations. Students can enroll in the degree program without declaring a concentration; however, selecting a concentration is advisable because doing so assists in developing knowledge, skills and abilities pertinent to an intended career path.