Political Science, Homeland Security Track Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Overview

The Political Science, Homeland Security Track at Indiana University of Pennsylvania provides students with a robust foundation in the mechanisms of national defence and emergency management. This programme focuses on the administrative and policy-making aspects of security to prepare graduates for leadership roles in protecting citizens.

Students explore how federal agencies interpret security policies and how these frameworks transition from concepts into enforceable laws. The curriculum emphasises critical thinking, enabling learners to anticipate evolving domestic and global threats while developing effective systems to mitigate man-made and natural disasters.

The department fosters a supportive academic environment where faculty advisors work closely with students to align coursework with professional goals.

Why Political Science, Homeland Security Track at Indiana University of Pennsylvania?

This programme stands out due to its flexible structure, allowing students to easily incorporate a second major or minor in fields like Cyber Security or Criminology. The university provides specialised facilities within the History, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies Department for collaborative learning.

Teaching is led by expert faculty who provide deep context in core political science subjects, ensuring students understand the broader implications of homeland security. Distinctive features include regular departmental coffee breaks for networking and the opportunity to join Pi Gamma Mu, an international social science honour society.

Students benefit from strong institutional links that facilitate high-impact internships, coordinated by dedicated faculty supervisors. These placements offer between 3 and 12 credits, providing practical experience and professional networking opportunities that are vital for career progression in the public and private sectors.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 11592 per year
• National fee: USD 11592 per year
• Local fee: USD 7994 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured around core requirements and specialised electives that allow students to focus on specific areas of interest. Modules may include:

• Political Science
• Homeland Security
• Homeland Defense
• Emergency Management
• Public Affairs
• Policy Analysis
• Administrative Management
• Budgeting
• Public Administration
• Disaster or Crisis Management

Careers with Political Science, Homeland Security Track

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles across law enforcement, military service, and private security firms. Common career paths include serving as intelligence analysts, criminal investigators, customs and border patrol agents, or emergency managers within various governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Many alumni find employment with prestigious agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Other opportunities exist in transportation security, risk analysis, geospatial analysis, and international diplomacy or think tank research.

The programme also provides a pathway to the Master of Public Affairs through an early admissions scheme. This allows high-achieving students to begin graduate-level seminars during their final undergraduate year, accelerating their journey toward senior roles in public administration and policy development.