Masters Degree in Homeland Security
Obtaining a masters degree in homeland security is strong option for those seeking quicker advancement or professional development within existing roles. Some simply pursue a homeland security masters degree in order to stay ahead of the pack with their formal education. A graduate degree in homeland security will make you eligible for roles with increased leadership, higher rank, and higher GS salary grades. You will also have increasingly higher levels of responsibility, which is what most people strive for as their career advances. Statistics show that those who earn a master’s degree in homeland security or criminal justice related study will work in the higher levels of the Department of Homeland Security, as well as the FBI and CIA.
Sponsored School(s)
Typical topics covered in the coursework include cyber security, criminology, intelligence management, counterterrorism and many different specialties within the forensic field.
Homeland Security Masters Prerequisites
The prerequisites for obtaining a master’s degree in homeland security include a bachelor’s degree in a related field. The specific type of related degree will depend upon the area you choose to specialize in, but in most cases, the following types of degrees will be acceptable.
A general degree in criminal justice is likely to make you eligible, but a more specific degree in one of the following may be a better option depending upon the type of employment you wish to obtain.
- Homeland Security
- Information Security
- Law Enforcement
- Homeland Security
- Emergency Management
- International Relations
- Counterterrorism
Online Masters in Homeland Security
Obtaining an online masters in homeland security is a great way to advance your career. You get the opportunity to work around your schedule. This is a great option for people who are already working in a similar field and want to advance their career or move it in a slightly different direction. Obtaining an online masters in homeland security is also a great opportunity for those who want to continue their education.
You are usually allowed to proceed through the coursework at your own speed. This allows you to continue to carry out your current responsibilities and study on nights and weekends when time is available.
Some of the topics included in the curriculum include urban terrorism, disaster psychology, technology of law enforcement, protection of critical infrastructure, and public preparedness training.
Masters in Homeland Security Courses
The specific courses that you will take at the master’s level will depend upon your specific area of concentration. Some of the potential homeland security courses at the master’s level include the following:
- Advanced Counterterrorism
- Advanced Surveillance and Counterterrorism
- Cults and Charismatic Leaders
- Terrorism Group Dynamics
- Double Agents, Denial & Deception
- Analyzing the Terrorist Mind
- Advanced Protection Operations
- Advanced Intelligence Collection
- Advanced Threat Assessment
- Explosives and Arson Security
- Cyberterrorism, Cyberwarfare & Cybercrime
- Advanced Surveillance and Counter Surveillance
- Advanced Intelligence Collection
- Counterespionage
- Advanced Domestic Terrorism
Potential Jobs with a Masters Degree in Homeland Security
The jobs with a master’s degree in homeland security are the high profile jobs you frequently hear about when you turn on the news. These are the jobs that have the most responsibility associated with them, but it also means they are the highest paying jobs.
Some of the more common jobs with a master’s degree in homeland security are shown below:
- Criminologist
- CIA Agent (senior level)
- Cyber Security Specialist
- Critical Infrastructure Volatility Analyst
- Biological Warfare Threat Specialist
- Forensic Psychologist
- US Air Marshall Team Leader
- FBI Agent (senior level)
- Counter Terrorist Specialist
- ATF Agent
- Disaster Recovery Officer
- FEMA Coordinating Officer
- Emergency Preparedness Officer
These types of jobs can be competitive and a masters degree may be required in order to be considered a competitive candidate.
Homeland Security Fact
The Department of Homeland Security is comprised of many different divisions, each have a different set of missions to ensure national security.
Visit the DHS website to view more career information & job openings.
Fast Fact:
A New Era of American Security
Established in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security combines formerly separate nonmilitary government agencies that are responsible for several functions related to American security.