Homeland Security Degrees
Protecting our country from terrorism and from other hazards and natural disasters has become a focused effort of the US government as well as of private institutions. This goal spans many areas including counterterrorism, border security, disaster preparedness and recovery, immigration and cyber security. Homeland security programs provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to help in this effort.
Graduates of a homeland security program will find many career opportunities in both public and private sectors. Private businesses, airports, private security firms and federal agencies such as the FBI, Air Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) all hire graduates of homeland security programs.
Degree Options
- Associate's Degree – An associate's degree in homeland security will primarily prepare graduates for entry-level positions in private companies.
- Bachelor's Degree – A bachelor's degree will qualify graduates for many positions in federal agencies and other institutions that have homeland security responsibilities.
- Master's Degree – A master's degree program will prepare students for a wider range of homeland security positions in federal agencies and other private and public security institutions.
- Graduate Certificate – A graduate certificate in homeland security would be appropriate for someone already working in the criminal justice field who wants to transition to a career in homeland security.
Schools
Homeland security programs can be found at various community colleges, technical colleges, smaller four-year colleges and universities and many reputable online schools. Traditional schools often offer programs either fully or partially online.
Coursework
Coursework in a homeland security program will include courses such as those described below:
- Strategic and Tactical Planning – Covers strategies and tactical planning for major areas such as aviation, cyberspace, maritime defense and pandemics.
- Terrorism and Political Violence – Examines the role of political violence and terrorism and efforts to address threats to local communities and the nation.
- Public Health Preparedness – Explores approaches to limiting the impact of bioterrorism, pandemic influenza and other diseases. Covers disease transmission and surveillance, outbreak investigation, vaccination policy and prevention of disease spread.
- Emergency Communication and Management - Topics include communication between government agencies, communication hierarchy and protocol and communication with the public.
- Information Systems Vulnerability and Risk Assessment – Identification and risk assessment of inherent vulnerabilities within information systems are explored along with examination of countermeasures.
Aptitudes and Interests
There are wide variety of jobs in homeland security requiring different strengths and aptitudes. Some common aptitudes required in this field include good judgment, alertness and the ability to respond well in crisis situations. Many positions will require applicants be physically fit and all jobs in federal agencies require applicants be US Citizens and pass a thorough background investigation.
Career Options
There are many careers in both the private and public sector that graduates of a homeland security program may be well-suited for. Some of them are listed below:
- Detective or Criminal Investigator
- Emergency Management Specialist
- Risk Assessment Specialist
- Contingency Planner
- Immigration Officer
- Private Security Officer
- Air Marshal
Related Majors
- Criminal Justice - Program appropriate for law enforcement, corrections and parole and probation careers.
- Law Enforcement - Teaches law enforcement principles for those pursing this career.
- Emergency Management - Focuses on response to emergency hazards and disasters.
How To Evaluate Homeland Security Degree Programs
Below are some important considerations when choosing a homeland security program:
- Program Focus – Homeland security is a broad field and some programs may focus on one area while others may offer a broader spectrum of courses.
- Job Placement - Understanding what jobs past graduates found after completing school may help determine if the program will support the student's career goals.
- Flexibility - Some programs are designed for full-time students while others are geared for working students who want to take classes in the evenings, on weekends or online.
- Costs - The tuition, fees and other costs can vary substantially by program and should be taken into consideration when choosing a program.
- Accreditation - Schools or programs need to be accredited by an agency that is recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Resources
US Department of Homeland Security
Homeland Security Studies and Analysis Institute
Online Course Finder
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