Homeland Securityat George Mason University
Graduates earn $90,956/yr in their first year — about 78.0% above the national Homeland Security average. Base-case 10-year earnings $669K; scenarios range from $608K to $680K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at George Mason University
George Mason's prime location in Fairfax, VA, within the greater Washington D.C. metro area, is a significant driver of the strong financial outcomes for its Homeland Security graduates. This region is a global hub for federal agencies like the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, CIA, and countless defense contractors such as Leidos and Booz Allen Hamilton. The constant demand for skilled professionals in national security, intelligence, and emergency management creates a competitive labor market, pushing salaries upward.
The program likely benefits from deep ties to these organizations, offering unparalleled access to internships and full-time positions directly out of college. You'll find graduates moving into roles spanning intelligence analysis, cybersecurity policy, emergency preparedness, and federal law enforcement leadership. While AI can augment some tasks, the critical human judgment, strategic planning, and operational oversight inherent in these careers keep the AI risk moderate. Your key takeaway: aggressively pursue internships and networking opportunities within the D.C. ecosystem to capitalize on this unique regional advantage.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to George Mason University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Homeland Security
How George Mason University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at George Mason University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at George Mason University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Homeland Security offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Homeland Security trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Homeland Security at George Mason University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Homeland Security at George Mason University?
A score of 61/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Homeland Security field.
What makes George Mason University's Homeland Security program stand out?
Ranked #5 of 29 programs nationally, George Mason University lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.