Learn More About the Program

The Cyber Defense and Homeland Security degree is different from Criminal Justice and Computer Science-related degrees and is not heavily technical. This degree focuses on protecting the whole of society and the U.S. critical infrastructure through operational and strategic knowledge. It encompasses governmental, private sector, economic, financial, and societal concerns. Courses align with academic programming advanced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Center for Homeland Defense and Security. 

View Degree Requirements
Study Abroad: International Human Rights Law
Meet Dr. Chris Dolan
Dr. Chris Dolan teaches a homeland security class

Two Components, One Major

Cyber Defense Component

Protect against threats including terrorism and extremism. Focus on cyber management, risk analysis, and planning and management of systems for critical infrastructure protection.

Homeland Security Component

Learn about intelligence operations, open-source intelligence analysis, and disaster planning and emergencies. This part of the program emphasizes resilience in protecting security sectors including elections, the environment, financial institutions, healthcare, defense, utilities, education, immigration, and more.

Learn from a Cyber Defense Expert

Program director Dr. Chris J. Dolan is a two-time Fulbright Scholar selected as a U.S. Department of State Cyber Defense Specialist in Kosovo for the Spring 2024 semester. He has written six books on U.S. national security policy.

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#1 Job
Intelligence Analyst (100 Best Jobs of 2022, U.S. News & World Report)
32%
Projected job growth for information security analysts (2022-2032, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
$112,000
Median annual pay for information security analysts with less than five years experience (2022, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Intelligence & Security Studies Master’s

Pursue a career immediately after graduation or enroll in LVC’s Master of Science in Intelligence & Security Studies Program (MSISS) to add to your credentials. LVC’s MSISS puts you at the forefront of national security policy and intelligence analysis. This online-only program gives you the flexibility to complete a degree in as fast as one year, if you’re enrolled full-time.

Learn More About Intelligence & Security Studies
Career Opportunities

There is a cyber defense workforce shortage of almost 4 million in the U.S. and more than 400,000 job openings yearly in protective services.  

  • Criminal Intelligence Analyst
  • Intelligence Specialist
  • Program Analyst
  • Intelligence Research Analyst
  • Cyber Crime Investigator
  • Homeland Security Officer
  • Disaster Response Coordinator
  • Media Exploitation Analyst
  • Fraud Prevention Specialist
  • Chief Information Security Officer
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Cyber Security Analyst
  • Border Patrol Agent
  • Government Policy Advisor

In Their Words

Preparation
With hundreds of thousands of job openings in government, law enforcement, and private sector businesses, our Cyber Defense and Homeland Security Program prepares students for the job of today and tomorrow. Our students are trained to write and think critically, analyze complex topics, and use next-generation technologies and open-source intelligence tools to understand and counter cyber and physical threats to the U.S.
Dr. Chris Dolan, Program Founder and Director
With hundreds of thousands of job openings in government, law enforcement, and private sector businesses, our Cyber Defense and Homeland Security Program prepares students for the job of today and tomorrow. Our students are trained to write and think critically, analyze complex topics, and use next-generation technologies and open-source intelligence tools to understand and counter cyber and physical threats to the U.S.
Dr. Chris Dolan, Program Founder and Director