The University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) has recently announced a new online Master of Science in Homeland Security designed to prepare new graduates and professionals to lead in an increasingly complex security environment shaped by cyber threats, natural disasters and public health emergencies.
The fully online graduate program builds on UMFK’s long-standing strengths in criminal justice and public safety while providing a flexible pathway for working professionals seeking to advance their careers in law enforcement, emergency management, intelligence, military service and cybersecurity.
Students will develop a broad understanding of the homeland security landscape, including intelligence analysis, emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity policy and counterterrorism. The curriculum emphasizes applied research, policy analysis and strategic problem-solving, preparing graduates to assess risks, analyze emerging threats and develop informed solutions across public, private and nonprofit sectors.
“Through the leadership of our faculty in building on UMFK’s long-standing strengths in criminal justice and public safety, we have developed a graduate program that expands access to advanced education while preparing professionals to lead in complex security environments,” said UMFK President Deb Hedeen. “This program reflects UMFK’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality graduate education while preparing leaders who can strengthen public safety and serve their communities.”
Through collaboration with the University of Maine at Augusta for three courses, students will also gain graduate-level experience in cybersecurity, cyber law and incident response—skills that are increasingly essential for today’s homeland security professionals.
A culminating capstone project allows students to synthesize their learning and demonstrate professional competencies through real-world security challenges.
“Our goal is to give students the tools to think strategically about complex threats and to respond effectively in high-pressure situations,” said Matthew Curran, criminal justice lecturer and faculty lead for the program. “Whether they are working in law enforcement, emergency management, or intelligence, graduates will be better prepared to analyze risk, coordinate across agencies and protect the communities they serve.”
Designed for schedule flexibility, the program is delivered fully online through asynchronous courses offered in both seven-week and fifteen-week formats. Students may complete the degree in as few as 12 months, depending on their course schedule.
Graduates of the program may pursue careers with agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Transportation Security Administration, as well as state and local public safety agencies and private-sector security and risk management organizations.
The UMFK Admissions office is now accepting applications for Fall 2026 enrollment. Learn more and apply at the Online MS in Homeland Security page.
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