Opinions on Homeland Security Options

My workplace sponsors the homeland security programs listed below. I'm trying to get some opinions on the schools/programs before I decide. Which do you think is best in terms of reputation - or which would you choose if you were deciding? All input is appreciated.

University of Colorado at Colorado Springs - MPA with concentration in homeland security

Virginia Commonwealth University - MA in homeland security and emergency preparedness

Long Island University - MS in homeland security management

 

I know very little about those schools but based on what I know I'd say that Virginia Commonwealth has the best overall reputation (please don't hate me Colorado!) You might also want to know that one of the big Australian universities has a huge security department. If you're open to a non-US degree I'll dig up the link.

 

I believe the one you're thinking about is Macquarie University. Master of Policing, Intelligence, and Counter Terrorism --> https://www.open.edu.au/wps/portal/oua/what-study/qualification?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/migration/OUA2/What+to+study/Qualifications/Qualification_Data/MAQ_PIC_MAS&WT.ti=Master%20of%20Policing,%20Intelligence%20and%20Counter%20Terrorism


It's also one of the rare one year master's programs out there. Hope this helps!

 

Thanks Kizmet and Soupbone, but I'm limited to the programs listed. Those are the programs that my workplace will reimburse.

 

Since I really don't know anything about the programs all I can offer is an opinion on name alone. Out of the three I have only heard of the UoC program. For me it would be a toss up between UoC and VCU. I like how VCU throws HLS and EM together, but I also like how the UoC program is both an MPA with a little HLS thrown in. To it would come down to which curriculum had the most courses you are interested in taking.

 

I would also favor the UoC MPA program. The MPA is going to give you more utility than a more focused MA degree.

 

That was my assumption, too. The MPA seems to be the degree of choice for those at the state and local levels. I am currently working for the DoD, but it is always nice to have other options in the future.

For a little background, this will be my second masters - I will also have a MS in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. I work in the operations section of a military organization involved in homeland defense and disaster response.

My list of possible options actually started much larger. My criteria for selection was that the degree must have a research methods course, allow a thesis (my MSOM is non-thesis), and have some type of government course. The options listed come pretty close, although I did have to eliminate some reputable schools with programs more applied in nature.

This is a tough decision because all three have their strengths and weaknesses. The Long Island program has a very strong curriculum. The U of Colorado program has great utility and is from a great school of public affairs (the SPA is shared between all of the Colorado campuses). VCU has a very balanced curriculum and decent name recognition.

This will be a tough choice. I appreciate all the feedback!