Best Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs
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 33% between 2023 and 2033. These professionals typically need a bachelor’s degree, and they made a median salary of $124,910 in 2024.
Best Online Associate in Homeland Security Programs
Keiser University
Fort Lauderdale, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$19,808
- Out-of-state$19,808
- In-State$27,162
- Out-of-state$27,162
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled19,567
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
Campbell University
- Buies Creek, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$32,380
- Out-of-state$32,380
- In-State$13,330
- Out-of-state$13,330
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled6,185
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
Hawaii Pacific University
- Honolulu, HI
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$27,000
- Out-of-state$27,000
- In-State$20,250
- Out-of-state$20,250
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled4,170
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Tidewater Community College
- Norfolk, VA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$4,680
- Out-of-state$9,978
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled19,064
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
Community College of Allegheny County
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
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
- In-State$6,960
- Out-of-state$10,440
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled16,031
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Programs
Associate in Homeland Security
2022
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. 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.
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.
