An Online Homeland Security degree will prepare you for service in the newest United States national security component. The Department of Homeland Security was established in 2003, after the devastating terrorist attacks of 9/11 made it apparent that more focus needed to be made on protecting the United States from acts of violence and aggression. Since the department is still very young, it is continually hiring to fill new positions and for expansion. If you are security minded, and are looking for an exciting career with the Department of Homeland Security, then a degree in Homeland Security is what you need!
Online Homeland Security degrees are available at many colleges, but they are also available on the Internet. Getting your degree online can even help you to acquire your degree without quitting your current job.
Program Courses: Overview
You will get to experience a number of different types of courses while completing your Online degree on Homeland Security. Some of these courses may be more general, but you will also need to choose a specialization. Some specializations that you might consider are crime scene investigation, cyber crime, corrections, law enforcement, or juvenile justice. As far as courses go, you may find yourself studying courses like:
- Politics and Terrorism
- Public-Private Partnerships in Emergency Preparedness and Homeland Security
- Security and First Response
Some Homeland Security positions only require a 1 or 2 year degree, while others may require a bachelor’s degree, or even experience in the field.
Skills Taught
The types of skills you learn while getting a degree in Homeland Security are as diverse as the jobs available within the department. Some of these skills might include:
- Law Enforcement
- Disaster Preparation
- Basics of Investigation and Information gathering
- Writing and Math
- Constitutional Law
- Cyber Crime-fighting techniques
Benefits of Earning a Homeland Security Degree
There are many benefits to a degree in this field. The face of crime is continually changing, which means that the government will be looking for professionals in the field to combat the ever changing threats plaguing humanity and civilization. Once you get a degree in Homeland Security, you will be much more likely to be able to acquire a job that not only pays great, but that will also provide you with access to benefits and a great retirement plan.
Popular Career Paths
Getting a degree in Homeland Security will prepare you for an exciting career with one of the newest, most cutting-edge departments in the world. As a graduate with a Homeland Security degree, you will be eligible for positions in several career fields. Some of the jobs open to you might include:
- Security Officer
- Hazardous Material Removal Worker
- Border Patrol Agent
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Unites States Coast Guard
- The United States Customs Services
- The United States Marshals Service
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation
Field Outlook and Salary Information
Getting a degree or certification in Homeland Security prepares you for career paths with not only the Department of Homeland Security itself, but also with other agencies or services within it and other departments. For example, with a degree in Homeland Security, you might be able to find a job with The United States Capitol Police, the transportation Security Administration, or others. The salaries for the available career paths differ greatly in respect to how much schooling you have and what type of job it is. However, most of them pay over $20,000 per year, and almost all include benefits.
Continuing your Education
You can continue your degree in Homeland Security with up to a Bachelors or even a Doctorate in some cases. Plus, there is almost no limit as to how many certifications and different specializations you can receive.
