Possess the Right Background

• Those interested in obtaining a master's degree in threat reduction need to possess a background in law enforcement or political science. Lay the groundwork for your graduate study by understanding criminology and human psychology. Studying different cultures, languages and religions is key for programs with a global bent. Master's programs in this field are competitive, so improve your chances of succeeding by having a solid undergraduate program under your belt.
  
  

Get Professional Advice

• Seek internships or obtain job experience in the security field. Learning the basics of surveillance and stake-outs in the field, if possible, and get hands-on advice and career insight from professionals. Assessing the level of threat, whether from an individual or group, takes a lot of research and patience. Make sure you have the temperament and tenacity for this type of work. Studying this field will position you to work in dangerous and challenging environments.
  
  

Response and Recovery

• Mitigating threats begins with good preparation. Be ready to supplement your classroom knowledge with regular and repetitive drills. Many master's degree programs devote considerable time reviewing procedures and timing responses to everything from mock explosions to the simulation of chemical attacks. Be prepared to review tedious data and listen to recordings for variations or suspicious patterns. Shelve your personal life and be prepared to work nights and weekends as you complete your course of study.
  
  

Consider Work Opportunities

• Master's degree programs in threat reductions can help you whether you want to work for the Federal government's Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Central Intelligence Agency or your state or local government's equivalent departments. Corporations are also seeking consultants to mitigate threats to sensitive internal documents and employee files. In the worldwide marketplace, information is a commodity that can be manipulated and abused.