Security Studies

Bachelor of Science

Empire State University

  • Designated As
    Plus Program
  • Delivery Mode
    100% Online
  • Total Credits
    124
  • Degree Level
    Bachelor of Science
  • Contact Us
    800-847-3000

Earn your bachelor degree online

You will earn the same diploma as our on-campus students

  • 100% online
  • 124 credits | $295 per credit hour
  • Ideal for  public service, emergency services, law enforcement, and homeland security professionals, and those interested in these careers
  • 5 foundations: broad security studies, historical and comparative perspectives, research methods, ethics, and information security
  • Transfer in more credits or earn credits for prior learning evaluation examination
  • International politics, counterterrorism, homeland security, legal and ethical foundations, crime and digital terrorism, cybercrime, and disaster response courses


Overview of Empire State College Security Studies BS - Online

The Security Studies B.S. at SUNY Empire State College is designed to serve students currently working in public service, emergency services, law enforcement, and homeland security positions, as well as those interested in these career paths.


The bachelor's degree in security studies is a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary program that teaches students about the key dimensions of security in the 21st century. Students will learn about the global security context, approaches to protecting the homeland, counterterrorism, and legal and ethical dimensions of security. Rather than just focusing on a single factor, the program explores the security implications of climate change, international politics and relations, public policy, sociology, and cybersecurity to prepare graduates to step up to the challenge of promoting security while recognizing human rights, diversity, and the complexity of the security world.


Students will work with a mentor to individualize the program to prepare for careers in public service, NGOs, law enforcement, or private industry.


Courses in the program

Security studies courses in the program are:

  • Intro to Security Studies
  • Intro to Homeland Security
  • Intro to Digital Crime and Digital Terrorism
  • International Politics & Relations
  • Cyber Crime and Computer Forensics
  • Legal and Ethical Foundations of Public Service
  • Counterterrorism in a Changing World
  • International Dimensions of Security
  • Privacy, Security & Freedom: Social Concerns for the 21st Century

Optional Electives:

  • Crime and Intelligence Analysis
  • Strategic Planning for Emergency Services
  • Security Implications of Global Climate Change
  • Disaster and Society
  • Perspectives on Terrorism

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What's a bachelor's degree?
A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years to complete as a full-time student and mixes general education courses with specific courses tied to your major.
  • What's it like to earn this degree online?

    Let's put your mind at ease about online learning

  • 100% Online
    This program is presented 100% online. You will not be expected to attend any classes on campus.
  • Same faculty as on-campus
    The faculty that teach online classes are the same faculty that students learn from on-campus.
  • Personal concierge
    You will have one person who acts as a single point of contact for any and all questions you may have.
  • Credit for prior knowledge
    Get college credit for experience that you have already gained at school or in the workforce.
  • SUNY Online Plus Program
    In addition to the features listed above, this SUNY Online Plus program includes holistic student support, incorporates industry-leading teaching practices, and targets an area of high employer demand in New York State and beyond.
  • REQUEST MORE INFO

How do I enroll?

Follow these steps to start your application

  1. Go to the online application
  2. Create an account
  3. Complete the forms or save for later
  4. Pay the application fee (if applicable)
  5. Submit any supplemental materials, if required
  6. Send in your academic records
  7. APPLY NOW

Interested in learning more about this program?

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