Homeland Security Degree

Do you want to earn a degree that will get you in a career where your primary job will be protecting our nation? A homeland security degree will provide you with an educational framework in which you will analyze the logistical aspects of the field as well as the theoretical foundations and processes involved in keeping our country safe from a variety of threats including terrorism, fraud, and disaster preparedness.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, there has been a surge of organizational changes and newly formed job functions including the formation of the Department of Homeland Security. With a degree in homeland security, you may find yourself working in one of the many arms of this new organization. Homeland security careers in the field involve individuals from multiple backgrounds, skill sets, and career aspirations from law enforcement, border patrol, biologists, counterterrorism analysts, cybersecurity specialists, and much more. There are a variety of roles to be played, diverse employers, and work settings. There is; however, one commonality within these roles:  serving and protecting our country from threats.

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Homeland Security Education Options

The level of detail and depth of your homeland security courses will be determined by the degree level you are pursuing. One of the most common is to pursue a bachelors degree in homeland security. A bachelors degree is often a prerequisite for many careers in homeland security and will make you a more competitive job applicant. It is also an excellent educational foundation to set for your self to build upon as you grow and seek additional opportunities in your department or career.

If you are savvy on the computer and internet, you may want to purse a cybersecurity degree. Are you known for your instincts for criminal intent, possess an ability to discern inconsistent patterns in behavior? Perhaps, a border patrol agent is a good fit? If; however, you are looking for a comprehensive approach that will open a variety of doors, a homeland security degree or criminal justice degree provides a strong educational foundation.

Homeland Security Degree levels:

• Associates Degree in Homeland Security (*for those wishing to major in homeland security)
• Bachelors in Homeland Security
• Masters in Homeland Security
• Homeland Security Certificates & Diplomas

Homeland Security Degree FAQs:

Can I complete a homeland security degree online?

Yes, many colleges and universities now offer online homeland security degree options. Because this major is relatively new, many colleges still offer it formally as an online criminal justice degree and they give you the option of forming a concentration track.

What is a concentration track in homeland security?

A concentration track is a set of additional courses and curriculum geared towards a particular subfield within criminal justice such as: homeland security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, law enforcement, international intelligence, etc. Many schools with homeland security programs have come to realize that it is important to allow the student to form a particular focus within the broader field of criminal justice and homeland security. Be sure to ask school representatives about their particular programs and concentrations available.

Should I declare a major in homeland security? What about double majoring?

If you are seeking a highly specialized role in homeland security, you may want to double major or minor in homeland security. Discuss the best educational action plan with school representatives. For example, if you want to work in biochemical threats, you may want to double major or minor in criminal justice with a concentration in counterterrorism, then add another major or minor in biology, chemistry, or physics.