Online Master of Security Management
Graduate (Masters)
Online Completion
Downtown Location
The Online Master of Security Management (MSM) is an innovative program developed in collaboration with leaders in security management. The goal of the online program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the continuously changing cybersecurity and global security environment.
UHD's MSM degree better prepares managers to reduce the risk to organizations by identifying
the threats, be they cyber threats or traditional criminal and terrorist threats.
Course discussions include mitigating the risks of cybercriminals, cyber terrorists,
extortion, multinational criminals, business continuity and leading teams of security
experts. Students will be versed on identifying emerging threats, making risk assessments
and implementing risk based security plans to better protect organizations.
- Our fully online program fits into your busy schedule
- 24/7 access to lectures
- Classes that can be done when you're available
Earning your Master's in Security Management can lead to careers in the following fields:
- Business Security
- Corporate Security
- Cybersecurity Management
Pursuing a Master of Security Management degree at UHD is the perfect step to advance your career.
Based on student and other stakeholder feedback, we have recently redesigned the program. You can now choose from three different pathways These include the Cybersecurity Certificate, Enterprise Security focus (certificate expected to be approved in Fall 2027), and one that allows you to choose the electives that will best help your career. All students take the following core courses:
MGT 6301 Leadership, Motivation and Communications for Security Executives
Leadership, motivation, and communication for executives in security organizations. Topics include one’s own managerial and leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and leading organizational change.
COMM 6306 - Crisis and Emergency Communication
This course merges communication theory and pragmatic application with modern crises,
issues management, and real-world experiences. All inquiry-based activities lead to
important learning through independent and collaborative work, research, investigations,
discussions, and presentations.
SM 6360 Enterprise Security Management
The management of the security function is examined through the study of management
strategies and case studies. Discussions and research will include policies and procedures,
fiscal management, audits and surveys and organizational structures and operations
and crisis management.
SM 6362 Risk Analysis and Abatement
This course surveys a variety of procedures, programs and policies used to form a
strategic business security plan to neutralize an organization’s vulnerabilities and
measure the effectiveness of its security. Strategies to prevent and reduce risks
inherent in the private business sector will be discussed and analyzed.
SM 6364 Legal Environment of the Security Executive
Criminal law, administrative law and extralegal contractual agreements that impact
security management including legal liabilities attached to arrest, search and seizure,
evidence, tort liability and personnel issues in industrial, corporate, retail and
private security.
SM 6365 Cyber Crime and Computer Forensics
This course will assess the current and changing landscape of cybercrime and expose students to advanced concepts in computer forensic analysis, as part of a response to the investigation of an incident. The methods of collection, preservation, analysis and presentation of digital evidence will be presented to properly conduct a computer forensics investigation.
*The University of Houston-Downtown, does not currently offer online courses to residents
of the following territories: American Samoa and Guam.