Program Format - Master's Degree

The 36 credit-hour Master’s degree in Security and Safety Leadership curriculum has been tailored to address to the strategic issues of national homeland security policy as it relates to regional and local concerns.

The program combines classroom-based and online instruction delivered via Blackboard, GW’s web-based educational platform. The online component allows students to fit a full course load into their busy schedules, making it possible to complete the degree in about 16 months.

Semester One
PSSL 240 Political Violence and Terrorism (3 credits)
PSSL 241 Globalization of Threats and International Security (3 credits)
PSSL 242 Civil Liberties and Security (3 credits)

Semester Two
PSSL 243 Intelligence and Strategic Analysis (3 credits)
PSSL 244 Information Systems Protection (3 credits)
PSSL 260 Methods of Analysis in Security (3 credits)

Semester Three
PSSL 250 Strategic Planning and Budgeting (3 credits)
PSSL 251 Inter-Agency Cooperation (3 credits)
PSSL 252 Emergency Management and Crisis Communication (3 credits)

Semester Four
PSSL 253 Managing the Politics of Leadership (3 credits)
PSSL 254 Strategic Change Leadership (3 credits)
PSSL 270 Capstone Project (3 credits)

Program Format - Graduate Certificates

Graduate Certificate in Fundamentals of Strategic Security (18 credits)

Semester One
PSSL 240 Political Violence and Terrorism (3 credits)
PSSL 241 Globalization of Threats and International Security (3 credits)
PSSL 242 Civil Liberties and Security (3 credits)

Semester Two
PSSL 243 Intelligence and Strategic Analysis (3 credits)
PSSL 244 Information Systems Protection (3 credits)
PSSL 260 Methods of Analysis in Security (3 credits)

Graduate Certificate in Safety Leadership (18 credits)

Semester One
PSSL 250 Strategic Planning and Budgeting (3 credits)
PSSL 251 Inter-Agency Cooperation (3 credits)
PSSL 252 Emergency Management and Crisis Communication (3 credits)

Semester Two
PSSL 253 Managing the Politics of Leadership (3 credits)
PSSL 254 Strategic Change Leadership (3 credits)
PSSL 260 Methods of Analysis in Security (3 credits)

Program Schedule

• Students can be admitted during Fall and Summer terms. Please see admissions page for more details.
• All classes are three credit hours.
• All classes meet from 6:00pm-9:00pm.
• Students will attend class two nights per week during the first half of the semester and one night per week during the second half of the semester. With this schedule, students will complete three courses per term.