Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree with a Specialization in Homeland Security and Crisis Management

Online Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security

Examine how our nation is protected from threats both domestic and foreign by studying for an online degree in homeland security. American InterContinental University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Homeland Security degree program has a strong criminal justice foundation and takes a deep dive into terrorism and crisis management.

Our online homeland security degree program offers a research-driven, hands-on criminal justice education with a focus on the methodologies and operations of the homeland security sector. The curriculum has a strong criminal justice foundation that thoroughly explores crime theory, the U.S. legal system, crime victim studies, and constitutional procedure.

Next start date
Program Credits
180
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Online, Atlanta, Houston,

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Classes start on Jul 30, 2025

Program Outline

Upon successfully completing an online homeland security degree at AIU, students should know how the U.S. borders and other critical infrastructure are kept safe through intelligence gathering and by leveraging innovative technologies. AIU’s online homeland security degree program is designed to help you grasp key criminal justice concepts and understand national security policy, counter-terrorism methods, and crisis management. Study laws, national security principles, and policies governing homeland security for efficient disaster management and threat relief.

This online degree is designed to provide comprehensive disaster relief education with FEMA modules, exploring risk analysis and emergency planning. An AIU education combines real-world experience and faculty members who have been in the industry for many years.

Our homeland security online courses offer flexibility to earn your degree at your own pace. Mobile-friendly coursework helps you study toward your online homeland security degree while accommodating all your other responsibilities. There are no prerequisites to enroll in AIU’s online degree in homeland security. Your dedicated Graduation Team is available to support you along your academic journey, from enrollment to graduation.

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Courses

Course Name & Number
Course Number
Credits
General Education
English Composition I ENGL106

In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.

In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.

ENGL106 4.5
English Composition II ENGL107

In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.

In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.

ENGL107 4.5
General College Mathematics MATH125

An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success.

An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success.

MATH125 4.5
Academic and Professional Success UNIV103

This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings.

This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings.

UNIV103 4.5
Technology and Information Literacy UNIV106
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
UNIV106 4.5
Interpersonal Communication UNIV109
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.
UNIV109 4.5
General Education Elective (1 Course) 4.5
Humanities (2 Courses) 9
Natural Sciences (2 Courses) 9
Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses) 9
58.5 Total Credit Hours 58.5 Total Credit Hours

Core
Criminal Justice Today CRJS102
This course provides an introduction to the contemporary criminal justice system and some of the issues faced by that system today. Emphasis will be on traditional and non-traditional careers in criminal justice, the criminal justice system from the local perspective, as well as issues driving reform in the criminal justice system today.
This course provides an introduction to the contemporary criminal justice system and some of the issues faced by that system today. Emphasis will be on traditional and non-traditional careers in criminal justice, the criminal justice system from the local perspective, as well as issues driving reform in the criminal justice system today.
CRJS102 4.5
Introduction to Criminology CRJS203
This course is an overview of criminology. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore the nature, causation, and etiology of crime. Students will be introduced to criminological theory and its use in the development of policy and programs to improve detection of crime and strategies to reduce crime, relapse, and recidivism.
This course is an overview of criminology. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore the nature, causation, and etiology of crime. Students will be introduced to criminological theory and its use in the development of policy and programs to improve detection of crime and strategies to reduce crime, relapse, and recidivism.
CRJS203 4.5
Introduction to Criminal Law CRJS205

This course furnishes a concise but comprehensive introduction to the substantive criminal law. It offers an understanding of the legal environment in which criminal justice professionals must function and helps students to gain a clear understanding of the principles of the law that will be vital to success in the field of criminal justice.

This course furnishes a concise but comprehensive introduction to the substantive criminal law. It offers an understanding of the legal environment in which criminal justice professionals must function and helps students to gain a clear understanding of the principles of the law that will be vital to success in the field of criminal justice.

CRJS205 4.5
Introduction to Law Enforcement CRJS210

This course explores the historical development of policing, reform efforts, and political and economic factors shaping American policing. Additionally, this course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of report writing.

This course explores the historical development of policing, reform efforts, and political and economic factors shaping American policing. Additionally, this course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of report writing.

CRJS210 4.5
Introduction to American Court System CRJS215

This course covers the structure and organization of the Federal and state court system with special attention to the criminal courts. The basic functions of the courts will be examined.

This course covers the structure and organization of the Federal and state court system with special attention to the criminal courts. The basic functions of the courts will be examined.

CRJS215 4.5
Foundations of Corrections CRJS220

This course is an introduction to the correctional process and interventions designed to prevent and control adult criminal behavior. This course will address the philosophy and goals underlying the correctional interventions, types of criminal sentencing, and penal sanctions including community-based corrections, institutional corrections, and parole.

This course is an introduction to the correctional process and interventions designed to prevent and control adult criminal behavior. This course will address the philosophy and goals underlying the correctional interventions, types of criminal sentencing, and penal sanctions including community-based corrections, institutional corrections, and parole.

CRJS220 4.5
Crime Victim Studies CRJS310

This course presents the scientific study of crime victims and public policy responses to victims and their situations. It also looks at the different types of victimizations, how victimization rates are measured, and what attempts the government has made to increase the involvement of victims' role in the criminal justice system.

This course presents the scientific study of crime victims and public policy responses to victims and their situations. It also looks at the different types of victimizations, how victimization rates are measured, and what attempts the government has made to increase the involvement of victims' role in the criminal justice system.

CRJS310 4.5
Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Theory CRJS315

This course explores and defines the important components of the juvenile justice system in the United States. This course examines the theories associated with juvenile delinquency, and explores the treatment interventions that are being employed, and the current societal responses to juvenile delinquency.

This course explores and defines the important components of the juvenile justice system in the United States. This course examines the theories associated with juvenile delinquency, and explores the treatment interventions that are being employed, and the current societal responses to juvenile delinquency.

CRJS315 4.5
Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures CRJS330

This course examines procedural law and its role in criminal prosecution. It compares criminal procedure and evidence law in the federal and state courts systems, and analyzes the social, political and historical significance of the evolution of Constitutional law. Additionally, this course addresses the way in which laws and legal institutions function.

This course examines procedural law and its role in criminal prosecution. It compares criminal procedure and evidence law in the federal and state courts systems, and analyzes the social, political and historical significance of the evolution of Constitutional law. Additionally, this course addresses the way in which laws and legal institutions function.

CRJS330 4.5
Evidence CRJS355

This course examines the various types of evidence admissible by law, including real, demonstrative and documentary evidence. This course addresses the roles lay witnesses and expert evidence play in the legal setting as well as during a criminal trial.

This course examines the various types of evidence admissible by law, including real, demonstrative and documentary evidence. This course addresses the roles lay witnesses and expert evidence play in the legal setting as well as during a criminal trial.

CRJS355 4.5
Research Methods & Statistics for Criminal Justice CRJS405

This course is an introduction to social science research methods generally with an emphasis on applying them to the field of criminal justice. Students should leave the course with a sound understanding of the scientific method, the terminology of research, how to conduct research, and various methodological and statistical techniques used to answer research questions.

This course is an introduction to social science research methods generally with an emphasis on applying them to the field of criminal justice. Students should leave the course with a sound understanding of the scientific method, the terminology of research, how to conduct research, and various methodological and statistical techniques used to answer research questions.

CRJS405 4.5
Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice CRJS499

This course offers a comprehensive and systematic analysis of key contemporary criminal justice issues through a close review of the theories and policies guiding many crime-fighting strategies. By applying critical thinking and analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, and information systems skills, students will learn of the complex nature of crime and society's response to criminality. This course serves as the Criminal Justice capstone class and involves the student preparing a project agreed upon between the student and the instructor. Each project will require research, report writing, oral presentation, and interactive teamwork.

This course offers a comprehensive and systematic analysis of key contemporary criminal justice issues through a close review of the theories and policies guiding many crime-fighting strategies. By applying critical thinking and analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, and information systems skills, students will learn of the complex nature of crime and society's response to criminality. This course serves as the Criminal Justice capstone class and involves the student preparing a project agreed upon between the student and the instructor. Each project will require research, report writing, oral presentation, and interactive teamwork.

CRJS499 4.5
54 Total Credit Hours 54 Total Credit Hours
General Electives

Select 10 undergraduate Elective courses

45 Total Credit Hours 45 Total Credit Hours

Homeland Security and Crisis Management
Foundations of Crisis Management CRJS225

This course introduces students to various concepts and strategies involved in crisis management. Students will learn of different types of disasters (natural and manmade), organizational responses, preparedness, mitigation and recovery techniques.

This course introduces students to various concepts and strategies involved in crisis management. Students will learn of different types of disasters (natural and manmade), organizational responses, preparedness, mitigation and recovery techniques.

CRJS225 4.5
Terrorism and Homeland Security CRJS370

This course presents an overview of the key security issues facing the United States in both the areas of Homeland Security and Terrorism. It introduces students to the changing dynamics of homeland security at both the national and state levels. Students will explore the various dynamics of providing security in different settings. Additionally, the history and future of terrorism will be examined.

This course presents an overview of the key security issues facing the United States in both the areas of Homeland Security and Terrorism. It introduces students to the changing dynamics of homeland security at both the national and state levels. Students will explore the various dynamics of providing security in different settings. Additionally, the history and future of terrorism will be examined.

CRJS370 4.5
Critical Infrastructures CRJS380

Understanding the concepts pertaining to critical infrastructure in fighting terrorism is a core component of Homeland Security studies. The student will learn how to identify the different sectors of critical infrastructure, and the assets within various sectors that must be protected. Various strategies utilized to protect key assets will be covered.

Understanding the concepts pertaining to critical infrastructure in fighting terrorism is a core component of Homeland Security studies. The student will learn how to identify the different sectors of critical infrastructure, and the assets within various sectors that must be protected. Various strategies utilized to protect key assets will be covered.

CRJS380 4.5
Homeland Security & Crisis Management Planning CRJS416

This course will provide students with the necessary tools for planning and responding to Homeland Security threats and disasters, and for managing emergency situations. Students will be introduced to the ''how to'' aspects of planning.

This course will provide students with the necessary tools for planning and responding to Homeland Security threats and disasters, and for managing emergency situations. Students will be introduced to the ''how to'' aspects of planning.

CRJS416 4.5
Communication and Crisis Planning CRJS426

This course combines primary areas of homeland security /crisis management, i.e., intelligence, strategic planning, critical infrastructure, research and analysis, technology and strategic communications to provide students with a basis for developing a coordinated response. Students will develop an emergency plan to address preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery.

This course combines primary areas of homeland security /crisis management, i.e., intelligence, strategic planning, critical infrastructure, research and analysis, technology and strategic communications to provide students with a basis for developing a coordinated response. Students will develop an emergency plan to address preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery.

CRJS426 4.5
22.5 Total Credit Hours 22.5 Total Credit Hours

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Foundational Knowledge: Integrate the concepts of law enforcement, correlates of crime, due process, law and the courts, corrections, and accountability into daily operations, communications, and problem-solving.
  • Law and Ethics: Resolve legal and ethical issues in contemporary criminal justice context with honesty and integrity.
  • Problem Solving: Defend proposed solutions to societal problems within the criminal justice system based on critical thinking and research using quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Communication: Facilitate the transfer of critical information to public safety processes between agencies and individual professionals through clear, concise, and professional written and oral communication.
  • Diversity: Overcome challenges of incorporating diversity in contemporary public safety contexts.
  • Technology: Critically analyze the development and implementation of innovative technology and data tools for use in a variety of public safety applications.

Classes Overview

  • Foundations of Crisis Management

    This course introduces students to various concepts and strategies involved in crisis management. Students will learn of different types of disasters (natural and manmade), organizational responses, preparedness, mitigation and recovery techniques.

  • Terrorism and Homeland Security

    This course presents an overview of the key security issues facing the United States in both the areas of Homeland Security and Terrorism. It introduces students to the changing dynamics of homeland security at both the national and state levels. Students will explore the various dynamics of providing security in different settings. Additionally, the history and future of terrorism will be examined.

  • Critical Infrastructures

    Understanding the concepts pertaining to critical infrastructure in fighting terrorism is a core component of Homeland Security studies. The student will study how to identify the different sectors of critical infrastructure, and the assets within various sectors that must be protected. Various strategies utilized to protect key assets will be covered.

  • Interagency Collaboration and Homeland Security

    This course is designed to introduce students to national security policies, the nature of the collaboration that exists between the various agencies involved in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Federal, state, and local agencies all play a role in Homeland Security and Crisis Management, and this course is structured to assist students to understand how the various agencies interact with each other and work together to protect the nation from all types of hazards and threats. The importance of interagency and intra-agency communication and coordination will be covered.

  • Psychosocial Dimensions of Terrorism

    This course is designed to guide students into examining the motivations behind terrorist groups and the psychosocial impact of terrorist attacks. The course is structured to assist students in understanding the impact of fear and government response to terrorism in the media. The students will explore various ways that these responses shape public perception and attitude towards terrorist threats and attacks.

  • Communication and Crisis Planning

    This course combines primary areas of homeland security /crisis management, i.e., intelligence, strategic planning, critical infrastructure, research and analysis, technology and strategic communications to provide students with a basis for developing a coordinated response. Students will develop an emergency plan to address preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery.

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Classes start July 30, 2025

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