Security Studies

Security Studies is an interdisciplinary graduate program offered by the College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, and coordinated by faculty in the School of Criminology and Justice Studies. Student can earn a 30-credit Master of Arts or Master of Science degree in one of the following concentrations.

Master of Arts Degree Concentrations

Visit the Security Studies website for more application, alumni, and class schedule information. 

Homeland Defense

Students pursuing this area of concentration will develop competencies and knowledge relating to homeland security strategy and policy development, critical infrastructure protection, regional and national security intelligence, land and maritime border protection, and the use of new technologies in homeland security. Emphasis is placed on integrating a “big picture” policy perspective with an understanding of human behavior, systems, and intelligence analysis.

Degree Pathways:

Industrial and Economic Security

Students pursuing this area of concentration will focus their studies and research on topics related to the private sector, including energy security, computer network and facility security, and the defense industry. Courses will also examine global trafficking, economic crime, and the policies and legal frameworks for combating these threats.

To see courses, view the degree pathway.

International Security

In this area of concentration, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of complex, intersecting global threats like organized criminal and terrorist networks, and the various policies, strategies and mechanisms to combat these threats.

To see courses, view the degree pathway.

Admission and Application Information

Applications to the Graduate Program in Security Studies are accepted and processed year-round. Students accepted into the program can begin their courses in the fall, spring or summer terms. A qualitative assessment of each applicant’s transcript and other application materials will contribute to any admissions decision for either the MA or the MS degree program.

Admissions Requirements for the MA Degree in Security Studies

  1. Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education, with a final cumulative GPA of at least 3.000. A wide variety of undergraduate bachelor’s degree programs will qualify, particularly those in the behavioral and social sciences (such as political science, sociology, criminal justice, psychology, history, international relations, and many others). 
  2. Official score from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) result is optional.
  3. International students must submit TOEFL with acceptable scores.
  4. Please see the Office of Graduate Admissions for more information about the basic requirements for all master's and doctoral programs at UMass Lowell.

Admissions Requirements for International Students

  1. International students apply through the regular admissions process. Please see the Office of Graduate Admissions for specific information about the basic requirements for all master's and doctoral programs at UMass Lowell.
  2. Please see the Graduate Admissions Office website for International Students, which describes the Test of English as a Foreign Language requirement for all master's and doctoral programs at UMass Lowell.
  3. International students can also enroll online and complete all requirements to earn a Graduate Certificate without having to meet the admissions requirements for master's or doctoral degree programs.

Bachelor's to Master's Program

Juniors and Seniors at UMass Lowell who have a 3.000 GPA or better are eligible to apply for the B.S./M.A. (or B.S./M.S.) program. This program allows for completion of both degrees in five years if desired. As part of the program, two graduate classes may be counted toward both the 120 credit hour for the B.S. degree and the 30 credit hours required for the M.A. or M.S. degree. More information about this program is available from the Office of Graduate Admissions.   

Transfer Students

If transferring from another graduate program, applicants must have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.500. Transfer students are those who come to UMass Lowell with prior graduate work. They are allowed up to 12 credit hours (with a grade of B or better) from another institution toward the completion of the master's degree at UMass Lowell. Only graduate courses taken from an accredited graduate school in the United States or Canada within a five-year period prior to the date of admission to the degree requirement may be considered for transfer. More information on the university policy is available online.

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