Best Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs

by TBS Staff

Updated October 19, 2022

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An online associate in homeland security degree prepares learners for entry-level positions in areas like policing, transportation security, and border patrol.

Graduates can also pursue further study with a bachelor's degree in homeland security or a related field, like criminal justice or cybercrime.

Students interested in homeland security and related fields enjoy strong job prospects. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects roles for information security analysts to grow 32% between 2018 and 2028. These professionals typically need a bachelor's degree, and they made a median salary of $98,350 in 2018.

Best Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs

#1 Best Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs

Keiser University

  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A leader in online education, Keiser University supports 13 online associate degree programs, including its AA in homeland security. The program prepares students for the demands of the homeland security field through foundational and advanced coursework. Students seeking further education can apply their homeland security credits toward a bachelor's degree.

While enrolled, homeland security students can access college resources geared toward student success. Other institutional resources include virtual library services and academic tutoring.

The college notes that 89% of all students receive financial aid awards, with 69% receiving loans.

Keiser University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $19,808

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $19,808

Transfer Credit Accepted: Accepted

Average Tuition
In-state
$19,808
Out-of-state
$19,808
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
19,567
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs

Campbell University

  • Buies Creek, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Campbell University's AS in homeland security is one of eight associate degree programs offered remotely. Students in the homeland security program prepare for the demands of the field through instructive study and industry-relevant coursework. Typically, students can apply their associate degree credits toward future educational endeavors, like a bachelor's degree.

A leader in student success, the college connects students with career services, academic advising, and other resources. Distance learners can access other resources such as virtual library services and academic tutoring.

The institution reports that 99% of all enrollees receive financial aid and 49% receive student loans.

Campbell University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Location: Buies Creek, North Carolina

Admission Rate: 78%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $32,380

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $32,380

Average Tuition
In-state
$32,380
Out-of-state
$32,380
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
6,185
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
15% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs

Hawaii Pacific University

  • Honolulu, HI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Distance learners looking for a flexible online associate degree program in homeland security should consider Hawaii Pacific University. The associate of science program builds foundational knowledge in homeland security, preparing graduates for entry-level careers in the field. Students can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree.

Students receive guidance throughout the duration of their program and can access career services and academic advising. The institution also provides online enrollees with virtual library services and academic tutoring resources, including writing tutoring.

The college notes that 98% of all students receive financial aid awards, with 32% receiving loans.

Hawaii Pacific University at a Glance:

Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Admission Rate: 75%

Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $27,000

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $27,000

Average Tuition
In-state
$27,000
Out-of-state
$27,000
Retention Rate
58%
Admission Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
4,170
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
39% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 Best Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs

Tidewater Community College

  • Norfolk, VA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Located in Norfolk, Virginia, Tidewater Community College provides online education across eight associate degree programs, including its associate of applied science in homeland security program. Students in the program prepare for the demands of the homeland security field through instructive study and industry-relevant coursework. Students can also transfer their credits toward a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.

Throughout the program, students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources. Distance learners can benefit from other resources, such as virtual library services and academic tutoring.

Typically, students are awarded $5,343 in financial aid. The college reports that 73% of students receive financial aid, with 19% using student loans.

Tidewater Community College at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Norfolk, Virginia

Student-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,680

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,978

Average Tuition
In-state
$4,680
Out-of-state
$9,978
Retention Rate
58%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
19,064
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
46% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs

Community College of Allegheny County

  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • 2 years
  • Online + Campus

Looking for a flexible associate degree program in homeland security? Consider Community College of Allegheny County's online AS in homeland security. Enrollees gain foundational knowledge and skills relevant to the field through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. After graduation, students can apply their college credits toward a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.

While enrolled, students can access college resources geared toward student success. Further resources available to online students including virtual library services and academic tutoring.

The average financial aid award, the college reports, is $5,253. Approximately 63% of all incoming students receive financial aid, with 16% taking out student loans.

Community College of Allegheny County at a Glance:

Type of School: Public, two-year

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Student-Faculty Ratio: 18-to-1

Undergrad Tuition In State: $6,960

Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $10,440

Average Tuition
In-state
$6,960
Out-of-state
$10,440
Retention Rate
58%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
16,031
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Best Online Programs

Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs Ranking Guidelines

We selected the following degree programs based on quality, curricula, awards, rankings, and reputation.

What Is Homeland Security?

Homeland security refers to the protection of a country from domestic and international threats such as terrorism, natural disasters, and man-made disasters.

Homeland security refers to the protection of a country from domestic and international threats such as terrorism, natural disasters, and man-made disasters. Professionals who earn an online degree in homeland security can work in a variety of fields, including immigration, travel security, and policing. Some professionals work on the frontlines of national security by serving in the FBI or CIA, while others combat digital crimes using cybersecurity technology.

All homeland security professionals must take an oath to uphold the Constitution. They also need keen attention to detail, a commitment to seeing work through to the end, and strong communication and collaboration skills.

What Is an Associate in Homeland Security Degree?

Many homeland security jobs require professionals to possess a bachelor's degree, but an associate degree can prepare students for support roles or further study at the bachelor's level. An online associate degree in homeland security includes general education and major-specific courses, and typically takes two years of full-time study to complete.

In these programs, learners study the methods that homeland security organizations use to protect communities and explore the foundations of the country's criminal justice and homeland security systems. Major courses cover weapons of mass destruction, criminology, cybersecurity, terrorism, and biosecurity.

Applicants typically must hold a high school diploma or GED and submit official transcripts. Some schools may also request a statement of purpose or letters of recommendation.

Where Can an Associate Degree in Homeland Security Take Me?

Graduates with an online associate degree in homeland security can pursue a bachelor's degree in homeland security or a related field. We cover several common types of bachelor's programs for homeland security below.

Bachelor's in Homeland Security

Bachelor's in homeland security programs build on the skills and knowledge gained in an associate degree, examining advanced concepts in areas such as cybersecurity, criminology, domestic and international terrorism, and emergency management.

Many bachelor's in homeland security programs include an internship that allows learners to gain practical experience in the field. Some schools offer a standalone bachelor's in homeland security, while others offer a criminal justice degree with a concentration in homeland security.

Bachelor's in Emergency Management

Bachelor's in emergency management programs teach students how to manage natural and man-made disasters. Graduates can work as emergency management directors, management analysts, law enforcement supervisors, and environmental health and safety managers.

Learners study topics like project management and budgeting for emergencies and disasters, risk perception awareness, and GIS for emergency and disaster management. These professionals need strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

A bachelor's in criminal justice is an interdisciplinary degree that examines concepts in forensic science, criminology, homeland security, and cybersecurity. Learners study topics like criminal law and procedure, ethics in criminal justice, and leadership in law enforcement.

Some programs include concentrations that allow students to tailor the degree to their interests and goals. Common concentrations include corrections, rehabilitation, law enforcement, and research methods. Graduates can work as corrections managers, crime scene investigators, and FBI agents.

Bachelor's in Cybercrime

Bachelor's in cybercrime programs examine the ways that technology and criminal justice intersect. Students learn how to recognize and address fraud, digital infiltration, and security breaches.

Common course topics include virtualization and cloud security, advanced ethical hacking, incident response and malware analysis, and security information and event management.

Graduates can work as security software developers, security consultants, cryptographers, and security analysts.

Homeland Security Jobs

Graduates with a homeland security degree can pursue many fields, depending on their interests and background. The most obvious option is to work for the department of homeland security, but there are other options, too. Several common jobs and potential salaries for homeland security graduates are listed below.

Police Officers

Police officers work to enforce local laws and monitor communities. They may patrol a specific neighborhood, make traffic stops, arrest suspects, and respond to emergency calls. Officers may also track and observe suspected criminals and collect evidence.

Some precincts require or prefer officers to hold a college degree, while others only require a high school diploma. All candidates must graduate from a police training academy before beginning work. Police officers need strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Median Annual Salary

$63,380

Projected Growth Rate

5%

Information Security Analysts

Information security analysts protect the digital components of a business or government agency. They conduct scans for security breaches, install encryption and firewall software, and contract with ethical hackers to find weak points of entry.

These professionals typically need a bachelor's degree, though some hiring managers prefer a graduate degree. Information security analysts must be detail-oriented and have strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Median Annual Salary

$98,350

Projected Growth Rate

32%

Emergency Management Directors

Emergency management directors create and implement response plans for man-made and natural disasters. They assess potential emergencies, work with other public safety professionals, share resources, and develop emergency response training programs.

These detail-oriented professionals must consider catastrophes from every angle to create sophisticated response procedures. Emergency management directors need a bachelor's degree and relevant experience.

Median Annual Salary

$74,420

Projected Growth Rate

5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Homeland Security?

Homeland security focuses on domestic and international terrorism.

What Is an Associate in Homeland Security Degree?

An associate in homeland security is a two-year degree that provides learners with the cornerstone skills and knowledge needed to both excel in entry-level positions and pursue further study after graduation.

What Can You Do With a Homeland Security Degree?

Graduates with a homeland security associate degree can pursue entry-level roles in areas like security, infrastructure, surveillance, and emergency preparedness, or they can enroll in bachelor's programs.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Homeland Security?

It typically takes two years of full-time study to earn an associate degree.

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