Choosing a Homeland Security Program
Prospective students should consider several factors when researching online homeland security programs, including accreditation status, course delivery, and concentrations. The top homeland security degree programs hold regional accreditation. Accreditation expands employment, education, and financial aid opportunities for students.
Prospective students should also research course delivery options. Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which don't require set login times, while others require set class times. Students with professional and personal obligations may prefer the flexibility of asynchronous courses.
Additionally, learners should ensure that prospective programs offer concentrations aligned with their career goals. Potential homeland security concentrations include terrorism, emergency management, and cybercrime.
What is Homeland Security?
Homeland security focuses on protecting and defending national security. At the federal level, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responds to national security threats while working with other government agencies.
Homeland security professionals may investigate potential threats to national security, maintain safe conditions for airplane travel, respond to emergencies and natural disasters, and/or create plans to prepare and prevent national security threats. Specialists in emergency management, for example, design response plans and coordinate recovery efforts after a natural disaster or emergency.
Homeland security professionals need several key skills, such as strong decision-making skills, to effectively respond to emergencies. Critical thinking abilities help homeland security professionals anticipate problems and address national security threats. These professionals also rely on communication skills when interacting with other law enforcement officials and the public. A bachelor's in homeland security builds these skills while providing specialized training in the field.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Homeland Security?
A bachelor's degree in homeland security prepares students to investigate, prevent, and respond to national security threats. Graduates may work for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in roles such as police officer and detective. They can also work as emergency managers, intelligence analysts, and cybersecurity specialists. DHS has a hiring program for recent graduates.
During an online bachelor's degree in homeland security, students take courses on topics like emergency management, terrorism response and prevention, and intelligence analysis. Many programs also offer criminal justice classes and specialized coursework in areas like cybercrime and emergency planning.
After earning a bachelor's degree, students can also pursue a master's degree in homeland security to increase their employment opportunities and salary potential.
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Homeland Security Jobs
Homeland security jobs include police officer, emergency management director, and federal law enforcement officer. Homeland security professionals may also work in cybersecurity, intelligence, and transportation security. Many of these positions offer above-average salaries and career advancement opportunities.
| Median BLS Salary (2020) |
$92,970 |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) |
5% |
Police officers and detectives conduct criminal investigations, respond to emergency calls, and collect evidence at crime scenes. They also interview witnesses and suspects, write case reports, and testify in court.
Median Salary:
$92,970
| Median BLS Salary (2020) |
$76,250 |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) |
5% |
Emergency management directors lead the response to natural disasters and other emergencies. They coordinate with public safety professionals, elected officials, and government agencies to promote safety. Emergency management directors also create plans and procedures to respond to emergencies.
Median Salary:
$76,250
| Median BLS Salary (2020) |
$44,300 |
| Projected Job Outlook (2019-2029) |
1% |
Transportation security screeners inspect passengers, baggage, and cargo at airports. They must follow Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulations to promote the safety of air travel. Also called TSA screeners, airport security screeners, and flight security specialists, transportation security screeners operate security equipment, such as x-ray machines and hand wands.
Median Salary:
$44,300
