Homeland Security Degree

Homeland Security is primarily concerned with protecting the country against any kind of threat that it may be faced with, be it terrorism or other potential hazards. The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for overseeing all the relevant anti-terrorism and anti-state activities.

How does the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operate?

Around 240,000 people are serving under the department in various agencies to provide security to the public, ensure resilience and facilitate customs and economic exchange. These people ensure that public security and safety is maintained, essential services are provided, the required technologies are developed and deployed, and emergency threats are effectively dealt with.

Homeland Security Mission

There are essentially 5 core homeland security missions

1) Preventing terrorist activities
2) Ensuring security at borders
3) Enforcing and administering immigration laws
4) Safeguarding the cyberspace
5) Managing disasters.

What Homeland Security degrees are offered?

Formal education and training is an important prerequisite for pursuing careers in Homeland Security. There are a number of degree programs that are particularly geared towards providing relevant knowledge and training.

These programs are available at different levels. The one that you opt for will depend upon prior education, and future career aspirations. The BA/MA programs are based on concepts and issues related to Homeland Security, such as:

  • BA & MA in Emergency and Disaster Management
  • BA & MA in Intelligence Studies
  • Associate degrees in areas such as Counterterrorism Fundamentals, Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness, and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.
  • BA & MA in Criminal Justice
  • BA&MA in Criminal Justice, with concentration in Homeland Security
  • BA in Psychology and Sociology of Disasters and Methods of Risk Communication
  • BA in Public Security Management

  • The courses offered are as diverse as the challenges that homeland security personnel are faced with everyday. While some of these degrees are intended for aspiring professionals, others may be taken up by those who wish to progress in their careers and enhance their understanding of the latest developments in this constantly evolving field.

    What will you learn?

    The program content will vary depending on the institute that you enroll in. However the coursework generally provides knowledge of:
  • Intelligence community

  • Various bodies of law
  • International political, legal, social, and cultural environments
  • Cultural and political causes of terrorism, and the principles and procedures for finding solutions
  • Effective crisis management and problem solving
  • Evaluation of homeland security measures from an ethical standpoint.

  • What courses will you study?

    Examples of the type of courses that may be offered in a homeland security degree include:

  • The American Constitution
  • American National Government
  • International Relations
  • Ethics & Homeland Security
  • Emergency Response to Terrorism
  • Emergency Planning
  • Counter Terrorism & Intelligence Analysis
  • Introduction to Cyber Crime
  • Research & Analysis in Homeland Security

  • What careers can you pursue in the department of Homeland Security?

    Homeland Security is a very diverse field with many career options. If you have the relevant level of education and the required work experience, you’ll be eligible to apply for a position with any of the agencies that fall under the department of homeland security.

    Types of Jobs:

    The types of jobs that are available with DHS fall into four main categories:

    1)Law Enforcement Careers
    Roles and responsibilities include:

  • Protecting the head of state, president, and vice president
  • Safeguarding the country’s borders
  • Interagency law enforcement
  • Ensuring transportation and infrastructure security

  • Relevant Agencies:

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
  • U.S. Secret Service
  • Federal Protective Service
  • Federal Law Enforcement Training Center

  • 2) Immigration and Travel Security Careers
    Roles and responsibilities include:

  • Protecting the country’s transport system
  • Overseeing the implementation of immigration laws
  • Relevant Agencies:

  • Transportation Security Administration
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

  • 3) Prevention and Response Careers
    Roles and responsibilities include:

  • Safeguarding the country’s and public’s economic as well as security interests in maritime regions
  • Protecting the nation from any kind of hazard it may come across
  • Minimizing the incidences of loss to life and property

  • Relevant Agencies:


    Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • U.S. Coast Guard

  • 4) Mission Support Careers
    Roles and responsibilities include:

  • Human resources
  • Science and technology
  • Procurement
  • Medical
  • Planning and Coordination
  • Fraud detection

  • Relevant Agencies:

  • Management Directorate
  • Science and Technology Directorate
  • Domestic Nuclear Detection Office
  • Office of Health Affairs
  • Office of Operations Coordination and Planning
  • Privacy Office

  • DHS programs for recent graduates with a Homeland Security degree

    There are three different programs specifically designed to induct fresh graduates into the department, provide them with workplace-related training and build on the knowledge gained in the degree programs.

    Secretary's Honors Program (SHP)

    It’s a highly competitive program that is open for graduates and undergraduates with exceptional academic backgrounds. Participants will be provided rigorous on-the-job training, professional development instruction, and department rotations. Fellowships available within SHP include:

  • Information Technology Fellows
  • Cyber Fellows (Bachelor’s) and Cyber Fellows (Master’s)
  • Honors Attorney
  • Policy Fellows
  • Management Fellows
  • Emergency Management Fellows

  • The salary for this position ranges from $51,630 to $74,872 per year

    Accounting:

    It’s a three year program after which students are placed into one of the following permanent full-time positions:

  • Contract Specialist
  • Program Manager
  • Logistician
  • Systems Engineer
  • Industrial Engineer/Cost Estimator
  • IT Acquisition Specialist

  • Candidates are paid a salary of $42,631 per year

    Presidential Management Fellows:

    This two-year program is targeted at graduate-level students who intend to work in the area of public policy and management. To be eligible for the program, students should be nominated by the dean or the academic director, and pass the Office of Personnel Management administered assessment process.

    The salary for this position ranges from $41,000-$60,000 per year

    *All the above salary figures have been taken from the DHS website

    Private Industry Workers

    The field of homeland security has undergone massive expansion over the last couple of years. In addition to the positions in various agencies within the DHS, there are many career opportunities in the private sector and not-for-profit organizations.

    Graduates with relevant qualifications are often hired to safeguard companies against any type of potential threats to employees, clients, and assets, including both information-based and physical ones. Some graduates go on to work for academic institutions and research companies where they undertake research related to issues and developments in homeland security.

    Some areas that students may seek employment opportunities in the private sector in include:

  • Infrastructure Protection
  • Physical Security
  • Intelligence Analysis
  • Law Enforcement

  • According to O*Net Online, in 2012, security management

    specialists earned a median annual wage of $66,090.

    Frequently Asked Question(s)

    Q:What are the career options after Homeland Security programs?

    A:The career prospects after completion of the Homeland Security programs may include: * National security * Hazardous materials * Corrections * Law enforcement * Disaster relief * Emergency medical assistance

    Q:Which areas do the students get training in with Homeland Security degrees?

    A:With Homeland Security degrees the students get training in National security, Hazardous materials, Corrections, Law enforcement, Disaster relief and Emergency medical assistance.

    Q:What are the different types of homeland security degrees offered in the US?

    A:You can earn an associate, bachelors or a master's degree in homeland security. There are different specialization subjects offered at various accredited universities that may include terrorism management, infrastructure security or digital and network security. The degree you want to earn must be in line with your career goals so that you can easily secure a job in that discipline.

    Q:What types of homeland security degree programs are available?

    A:There are various homeland security degree programs being offered. These degree programs can be pursued at the Associate, Bachelor and Masters Level. You could choose from different areas of specializations offered to pursue these degree programs.

    Q:Is there any difference in the course structure of the Homeland Security Studies online?

    A:The course structure of the online Homeland Security Studies is the same as that of the on-campus degree programs. However, there may be slight variations designed to make the studies more convenient for the online variant.

    Q:Which is the most comprehensive homeland security online degree available to students?

    A:We have a range of universities offering online degrees to students in homeland security. The most comprehensive degrees offered in this field are the 4 years bachelors degrees followed by the two years master's degree in the field, which allow students to specialize in their desired area and become a leading professional in the field.

    Q:What is the difference between a homeland security degree online and on-campus?

    A:An on-campus degree is a regular degree where you attend regular classes at a university or college campus. An online Degree in Homeland Security lets you complete the degree from the comfort of your home and lets you attend classes at your own convenience. All the course work is taught and completed over the internet. If received from an accredited online institute, an online degree hold the same value as a regular degree in the job market.

    Q:Deciding on what kind of degree for Homeland Security mentioned distance learning programs. What are the advantages associated with this type of education?

    A:Distance learning programs would be mentioned when deciding on what kind of a degree for homeland security. Distance learning is specifically designed for students who are already employed. These programs are comparatively inexpensive with students saving money on travel and accommodation. Online curriculum is comprehensive with every aspect of the subject discussed in detail. Prospective students are advised to search our website for a list of institutions offering this qualification.

    Q:Which are the best universities that offer homeland security degrees online?

    A:Names and links to some of the best colleges and Universities That Offer Homeland Security Degrees in the entire United States are available on our page. Whether you are looking for an online degree or an on-campus one, our page will guide you to the perfect college or university according to your preferred courses and location.

    Q:What will I study in coursework when I apply to one of the best universities offering homeland security degrees?

    A:You must understand that each institution will have its own teaching methodology and the coursework they teach may differ in some finer aspects. However generally speaking the courses you will be studying include constitutional law, intelligence gathering, leadership, healthcare management and emergency management. The courses at Best Universities Offering Homeland Security Degrees provide students with a theoretical understanding of what is needed of them in times of stress and how they should respond.

    Q:In colleges that offer homeland security degrees what are the main courses that are taught?

    A:Colleges That Offer Homeland Security Degrees have quite comprehensive curriculums that train the students in the theoretical underpinning of their related fields and also offer them valuable insights into the working of the real world. Some of the courses that are taught are cyber security, international terrorism, criminal law, analyzing intelligence and diplomatic procedures.

    Q:What are some of the degrees homeland security study offers?

    A:There are plenty of options that you can pursue if you want a Degree in Homeland Security. You can either apply for a four year bachelor's degree or an associate program and both require a high school degree for application. Moreover you can also go for advanced degrees in homeland securities which give you an in-depth knowledge of the dynamic workings of the institution.

    Q:Is it true that homeland security degree if earned online is less expensive than campus based programs?

    A:IYes, it is true that online degree programs are less expensive than campus based programs. On the other hand, transportation costs, material costs, and books costs also eliminate, automatically reducing expenses even further. Online education has become a popular mode of attaining higher education due to vast number of benefits it brings along.

    Q:What kinds of skills do students acquire while enrolled in homeland security online degree programs?

    A:Homeland security online degree programs not only provide students with knowledge of homeland security, but also focus on personal skill development. These skills are important and useful for a career in homeland security. A few skills have been mentioned here: communication skills, technical writing skills, critical analysis skills, decision making skills, and problem solving skills.

    Q:Can I apply for high paying jobs with Homeland Security Online Degrees?

    A:Yes you can apply for a number of high paying jobs in various homeland security departments if you have attained a master's degree in this area. The job will depend on the area you have chosen for specialization. Immigration, customs department, transportation security, border protection, citizenship immigration services, and coast guard are just a few of the agencies you can work in.

    Q:Why should I opt for an online homeland security degree?

    A:Online degree programs are very popular these days due to the ease of manageable study schedule, cheaper education and that fact that it allows professionals to get higher education without putting their careers on hold. A number of online accredited schools and colleges also offer homeland security degrees. Due to this a lot of colleges are offering degree programs in homeland security. This is ideal for professionals in this field since most are already employed in law enforcement work and want to pursue this degree to reach the next level of professionalism.

    Q:What options for specialization are available in the homeland security degree programs?

    A:The scope of homeland security degrees is quite expansive. Students interested in pursuing this degree not only have a wide choice of career options, but the prospects of furthering their academic and career options are also wide. Some of the choices offered for specialization are: Infrastructure security Emergency management Digital and network security Terrorism management

    Q:I have heard that i will study emergency management in homeland security degrees online, can you tell me a bit about this course?

    A:Homeland security degree programs entail a number of courses and subjects relevant to the field. You will study emergency management in these programs as well. This course basically teaches students how to manage local and national emergency situations. The course takes into account risks, hazards, threats, and all other kinds of emergency possibilities.

    Q:What are online homeland security degrees designed for?

    A:Online homeland security degrees are programs that focus on giving information and training regarding public safety services, combating terrorism, and developing strategies to make the country a safer place. In this regard, students learn about the theoretical concepts for risk evaluation, developing appropriate plans to combat any danger, handle a disaster event, and create management strategies for the execution of these plans.

    Q:Can you tell me about the course for online homeland security degree programs?

    A:The course for online homeland security degree programs would includes subjects that focus on all aspects of the field. It includes subjects such as study regarding terrorism, emergency situation, analysis of risks, disaster management, security polices and laws, and homeland security administration. The subjects can vary according to the level of the degree.

    Q:Can you explain how to become a homeland security agent in America?

    A:First of all you have to be a U.S. citizen if you want to be a homeland security agent. A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferable but not mandatory. The Department of Homeland Security details that applicants should have investigative experience, physical fitness, strong communication skills and a higher level of education. If selected you will undergo training for twenty two weeks at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

    Q:What are the courses that are covered in degrees in Homeland Security?

    A:A degree in homeland security will focus on different aspects of the field depending on the type of you degree. Some examples include Homeland Defense, Consequence Management, Weapons of Mass Destruction Incident Command, Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Hazards, Intelligence and Homeland Security, Emergency Response to Terrorism, Legal and Constitutional Issues in Homeland Security, Disaster Preparedness/Emergency Planning, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Professionalism and Ethics in Criminal Justice Agencies, Domestic and Global Terrorism and Principles and Practices of Hazard Mitigation etc.

    Q:What is Homeland Security Degree?

    A:A homeland security degree is designed to provide students with in-depth information about homeland security issues. Students learn about the policies and safety measures used for securing borders, waterways, airports and seaports. The degree also helps prepare students for, and respond to, any natural or man-made threats. Students learn about various law enforcement techniques and counter-terrorism measures used by security agencies. Along with giving students a broad understanding of national security issues, the degree focuses on three vital components of homeland security; critical infrastructure protection, intelligence sharing, and disaster preparedness and response.

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