Resilience Studies
Master's
The online Master of Science in Resilience Studies is a first-of-its-kind program that equips you with the technical and policy skills needed to help build stronger communities—before disaster strikes.
Program overview
Help strengthen communities
Communities, companies, and countries face serious threats—from terrorism, cyberattacks, and natural hazards to migration, climate change, and pandemics.
The online Master of Science in Resilience Studies is a first-of-its-kind graduate degree program that focuses on maximizing systemic and societal resilience. Because you’ll learn from both technical and policy experts, you’ll gain a new perspective on security challenges and the cutting-edge skills needed to prepare for, withstand, and recover rapidly in the face of disasters.
With industry-aligned electives and expert instructors who have track records in resilience work, you will gain valuable expertise needed to advance your career and keep communities safe.
Communities, companies, and countries face serious threats—from terrorism, cyberattacks, and natural hazards to migration, climate change, and pandemics.
The online Master of Science in Resilience Studies is a first-of-its-kind graduate degree program that focuses on maximizing systemic and societal resilience. Because you’ll learn from both technical and policy experts, you’ll gain a new perspective on security challenges and the cutting-edge skills needed to prepare for, withstand, and recover rapidly in the face of disasters.
With industry-aligned electives and expert instructors who have track records in resilience work, you will gain valuable expertise needed to advance your career and keep communities safe.
- Choose from flexible part- and full-time options.
- Learn from and collaborate with respected experts in resilience studies.
- Help solve real-world problems with local agencies, companies, and nonprofits through collaborative research, Experiential Network (XN) projects, and other opportunities.
- Build experience and get paid while you earn your master’s with an optional full-time co-op.
- Network with alums in influential roles at top companies, impactful organizations, and key governmental bodies.
Specialize with electives in administration management and policy, counterterrorism and conflict studies, cybersecurity policy, resilient cities, or criminal justice.
You can work one-on-one with a faculty member or join a larger research team or lab. Our program works with a number of on-campus research centers, including:
- Global Resilience Institute
- Boston Area Research Initiative
- Center on Crime and Community Resilience
- Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy
- Social Impact Lab
Admissions
Apply to the program
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.
Fall Term
| Final deadline for international applicants: | June 15 |
| Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international): | August 15 |
| Deadline for special student applicants (non-international only): | August 15 |
Spring Term
| Final deadline for international applicants: | October 1 |
| Final deadline for domestic applicants (non-international): | December 15 |
| Final deadline for Special Student applicants (non-international only): | December 15 |
Application
Application fee
Personal statement
Resumé
Three letters of recommendation
Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the
by country.)
English proficiency for international applicants
Program objectives
Prepare for success
Gain the skills and experience to address dangers and make organizations and society resilient to ever-evolving challenges.
Help solve real-world problems with local agencies, companies, and nonprofits through collaborative research, Experiential Network projects, and other opportunities.
Our resilience studies program focuses on administration management and policy; counterterrorism and conflict studies; cybersecurity policy; resilient cities; and criminal justice.
Our graduates work in the public sector at organizations like FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Boston City Hall, and in private sector companies including Cadmus Group, United Health Services, and Capital One.
You’ll have the option to engage in a six-month full-time work experience through our signature cooperative education (co-op) program, and apply your skills to a diverse array of work environments.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$32,416 - $34,442Tuition in USD
Estimated Total Tuition
This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.
For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.
There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.
Visit tuition & financial aidTotal Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.
Your education, your way
Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.
#8
Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)
53.5%
Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses
(NCES, 2022)
97%
Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education
(BestColleges, 2024)
Connect with us
Want more information?
We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team.