Find Now
Related Links

Associates Degree in Homeland Security

The Associate in Homeland Security degree program primarily equips students for a career with the US Department of Homeland Security. Other fields that can be pursued include law enforcement, public and private security management/consultation, etc.



Coursework typically covers areas like criminology, psychology, security planning and management, terrorism, disaster planning, biosecurity, law enforcement, interrogation techniques, emergency management, self-defense techniques, investigation methods, surveillance systems, intelligence gathering and cyber-security, etc.

If you feel that a career in homeland security or law enforcement is for you, then getting an Associate in Homeland Security degree can help you in your goal. Go through this piece to find out what the program is about and how you can benefit from it.               

What Is Homeland Security?

Homeland security (or national security) is related to the important task of keeping America safe from all internal and external threats. This vital responsibility is mainly shouldered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that works around the clock to neutralize any and all threats facing the nation. The organization employs in excess of 240,000 people who work in areas like border security, aviation safety, emergency response, chemical facility management and cyber-security, etc.     

What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Homeland Security?

With an Associate in Homeland Security degree, you can go for different jobs in law enforcement, homeland security or other related sectors. These include Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer, Border Patrol Officer, Immigration Service Agent, Detective and Criminal Investigator, Correctional Officer, Jailer, Security Specialist, Immigration Officer, Asylum Officer and Federal Coordinating Officer, etc.

Information about compensation for a few of these occupations is provided in the section that follows. All the data has been gathered from the most recent available records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers

Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers are responsible for enforcing local, county, state and federal laws within their jurisdictions. Their usual duties include overseeing traffic, investigating crimes of different types, chasing and apprehending criminals, etc.

Annual Median Salary, 2019

$63,150

Job Outlook, 2018-2028

5% (Police and Detectives)

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$67,600

State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019

California

72,380

State with the Highest Salary, 2019

California

$105,220

 

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Detectives and Criminal Investigators carry out investigations into violations of local, state and federal laws to prevent crimes.

Annual Median Salary, 2019

$83,170

Job Outlook, 2018-2028

5% (Police and Detectives)

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$86,030

State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019

Texas

16,810

State with the Highest Salary, 2019

Alaska

$113,420

 

Correctional Officers and Jailers

Correctional Officers oversee incarcerated individuals who are awaiting trial or have been sentenced to serve time behind bars. Jailers are responsible for guarding inmates in prison, during court hearings, and at other times.

Annual Median Salary, 2019

$45,180

Job Outlook, 2018-2028

-7% (Correctional Officers and Bailiffs)

Annual Mean Salary, 2019

$50,130

State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019

Texas

47,160

State with the Highest Salary, 2019

California

$78,510

 

What to Expect from an Associate Degree in Homeland Security?

The Associate in Homeland Security degree normally takes two years to complete. Credit hour requirements and course contents may vary from one school to another. In general, the curriculum adopted by most institutions includes courses in Law Enforcement, Criminology, Terrorism, Security Management, Psychology, Interrogation Techniques, Biosecurity, Disaster Planning, Investigation Methods, Self-Defense, Intelligence Gathering, Surveillance Systems and Cyber-Security, etc.   

How to Choose an Associate in Homeland Security Degree Program?

The most important consideration when choosing a degree program at a particular school is its accreditation status. For the Associate in Homeland Security program, the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) provides specialized accreditation. The US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) also oversee accreditation-related matters for schools at the national/regional level. 

Some other factors that you need to consider before making a decision include fee structure, curriculum and format of the program, available student resources, online study options, admission requirements and campus location. 

Associate in Homeland Security Admission Requirements

The admission criteria tend to vary from one institute of higher learning to another. In general, however, an Associate in Homeland Security degree program requires a High School Diploma or the alternative GED (General Educational Development) Certificate for entry.

Frequently Asked Question(s)

Q:What important topics will I learn in a Associate In Homeland Security program?

A:An associate degree in homeland security is a two year pre bachelor program. It aims at building a foundation of knowledge in a certain study field. The associate degree in homeland security will comprise of important topics such as international terrorism, biosecuri9ty, criminology, emergency management, disaster planning, customs security, immigration etc.

Q:What sort of training will I get through the curriculum for associate in homeland security?

A:The Curriculum for an Associate degree in Homeland Security will allow you to create emergency management plans, coordinate disaster recovery efforts, combat terrorism and handle criminal and civil justice cases. Moreover you will learn how to convert this academic understanding of your relative field into practical expertise that will help you to tackle real life situations.

Q:Which courses are taught in associate degrees in homeland security?

A:Students enrolled in associate Degrees in Homeland Security are given training for protection of civilian and public properties and to counter threats of terrorism. Some of the courses that you will study in the associate degree are bio-security, criminology, international terrorism, disaster planning and emergency management. These will provide you with detailed knowledge and practical training in most of the relevant fields of homeland security.

Q:What are the admission requirements for enrolling in an associates degree in Homeland Security at an Online Criminal Justice School?

A:An associate degree in the most basic qualification you can acquire in homeland security. It is a pre bachelor degree program that has a duration of two years. To be eligible for this program you must have completed high school, you must submit your high school transcript, a letter of recommendation, and receipt of the admission fee.

Q:Can you tell me a little about the aa homeland security curriculum being offered nowadays?

A:Associate degrees in homeland security are undergraduate programs that help students build a basic foundation of knowledge regarding this field. The program covers fundamental areas such as the following: introduction to homeland security, network leadership, research writing, technology for homeland security, organizational and policy changes, and more. The curriculum contents may vary slightly from institute to institute.

Q:Tell me about 2 year associates in homeland security program?

A:A two year associates in homeland security is a foundational study that gives you introductory information on internal and external threats faced by a country. You would study about emergency management, detecting and analyzing potential dangers, emergency medical care, and safety management. A basic overview of criminal behavior and the legal system is also given.

Q:what are the different career options with a degree in criminal justice and homeland security emergency management?

A:With a degree in criminal justice and homeland security, students can apply for jobs in a variety of fields. Some of these include national security, corrections, emergency medical assistance, law enforcement and disaster relief. The career choice is not limited to these jobs alone. Since the scope of this degree is quite broad, individuals can pursue a career according to their own needs and career goals.

Q:Where can I find an associates degree in homeland security and criminal justice in usa?

A:Homeland security is a fast growing field due to rising security concerns. A number of accredited institutes have started offering homeland security degrees. You can pursue this academic principle at associate level as well. The program will provide you with fundamental knowledge of homeland security policies, criminal justice, law enforcement agencies, and different types of security issues faced by the nation.

Q:How much time will need to successfully earn an associate of arts in homeland security?

A:Usually, an associate degree takes around two years to complete. There are a number of institutes offering associate degree programs in homeland security. You can also consider an accelerated degree, which takes less than the usually time. The curriculum of the program may vary from college to college. Browse through our page for more detail.

Q:Can I do associates degree in homeland security online?

A:Yes, you can. There are a number of universities that offer associates degree in homeland security online. You will only need to do a quick search on your preferred universities and their choice of associate programs in homeland security. By choosing to pursue this online you will be saving on fees as well as stress by setting the pace of your degree yourself.

Q:What can I study after finishing my associate degree in homeland security?

A:An associate degree is normally seen as pre-bachelors degree as it covers the first two years of an undergraduate degree. Students can move on to a bachelor's degree in programs ranging from homeland security to criminal justice and law enforcement. You might also be able to get an entry level position at a security organization with just your associate's degree.

Q:Can I enroll in homeland security associate programs with a GED?

A:Yes, you can. The requirements for an associate program in homeland security are the completion of a high school diploma or the equivalent GED qualification. Aside from that you might have to give the SATs and score a decent score. Students applying to community colleges may be exempted from the SAT requirement.

Ask your Question

* All Fields are Required
Call Now(877) 721-2529