Best PhD Programs in Homeland Security

The admissions process varies for doctoral degree programs in homeland security based on the institution. For instance, some programs offer a direct-entry route, as well as an evaluation route. In general, students need to carefully examine the admissions requirements and submit the appropriate application(s) and materials. Some of these programs require students to take and submit their GRE scores and/or may have a minimum GPA requirement, which typically varies by school. It is common for applicants to need to submit a range of materials with their application and the designated fee. Depending on the school, students could be asked to submit letters of reference, transcripts, and/or a personal statement. There are also some programs that require an interview process based on the admissions committee's findings.

The educational and professional prerequisites vary from homeland security program to homeland security program. Applicants to these programs typically need to have at least a bachelor's degree and may need to meet the school's minimum GPA requirement. Although it can vary, several programs have a minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0. Some programs that offer direct entry into the program and an evaluation track have different educational requirements. Students may be eligible for direct entry into a business-related homeland security program if they hold a master's degree in a business-related field or hold a bachelor's degree in business and a master's in any other field. Students who do not meet these requirements are subject to additional coursework under the evaluation track to ensure they are ready for doctoral study in the field.

In addition to regional accreditation from organizations such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), some doctoral programs in homeland security carry more subject-specific, program-level accreditation. However, most of the program-level accreditation available is tied to degrees that offer homeland security as a concentration. For example, some business-related PhD programs, such as a PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in homeland security leadership and policy, may hold accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This means that programs have met more business-specific academic standards, which may stand out to employers. Some homeland security programs may also align their curriculum to meet standards of security-related organizations, such as the Center for Homeland Defense and Security, but this is not accreditation.

Some doctoral programs in homeland security, especially those that are available in online formats, allow students to complete their degree program in as little as 3 years. Some programs require that students finish their degree in 7 years. The time to degree completion may vary based on factors such as whether a student already holds a master's degree, if students enroll full- or part-time, and how long it takes to research and write a dissertation.

Doctoral degree programs in homeland security may vary from 60 credits of coursework to 100 credits of coursework. The coursework for these programs generally consists of core courses in business or criminal justice, research, and specialization courses in homeland security. Some programs may include electives and/or other additional requirements, such as internships and residencies. Core coursework mostly varies by the type of degree. For instance, PhD programs in business administration, criminal justice, or management will have core courses in those respective areas, while a DPS in Homeland Security has core courses in homeland security and then electives. In general, core courses aim to equip students with foundational theories, concepts, and methods in a given area. Depending on the type of degree, students may take core courses in disaster management, policy and analysis in criminal justice, management and ethics, critical infrastructure, business leadership, and more. Core research courses typically cover topics in statistics, data analysis, and research design that students will later apply to their dissertation.

Preparing Your Homeland Security Dissertation

A dissertation is a large research project, and most PhD programs in homeland security require one. Typically, students will take a range of courses that help prepare them for developing a hypothesis and planning how to collect data and analyze it for their dissertation. In addition to the research design and methods courses, some programs may add a dissertation capstone course that helps prepare students for the process of writing their dissertation, as well as dissertation writing courses. They also usually pass qualifying exams after completing all of their coursework. Typically, programs help students begin the dissertation process after their exams by requiring a dissertation proposal or prospectus. This allows students to present their ideas and research methods to their dissertation committee in order to receive feedback and insight. Once approved, students may spend a year or more collecting data, analyzing data, and writing their dissertation. The dissertation usually includes multiple sections, such as a literature review, a methods section, findings, discussion, and conclusion. Students are eligible for graduation after they successfully defend their dissertation and complete any additional corrections.

Homeland security degree programs, as well as programs in related areas, including emergency management and criminal justice, are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These degree programs provide students with advancing knowledge in the field with each degree level. Graduates of these programs are prepared for various careers working to protect citizens and responding to emergencies. Flexible formats are common for these degree programs to accommodate working professionals. Find out what programs are available at each degree level here.

Homeland Security Associate Degrees

Homeland security associate degree programs are available as Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees. Many of these programs are available in online formats, and related degrees are also offered, such as associate degree programs in emergency management. These short, 2-year programs are meant to provide students with an overview of homeland security to prepare them for entry-level careers. The programs also include general education courses that can commonly be transferred to a 4-year degree program fairly easily.

Homeland Security Bachelor's Degrees

Bachelor's degree programs in homeland security are available online, on-campus, or in hybrid formats and are usually offered as Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. Some of these programs accept up to 90 transfer credits and usually require around 120 credits, which means that students with an associate degree may be able to finish these 4-year degrees in only 2 years. Depending on the program, students may gain hands-on experience through projects and learn from guest speakers.

Homeland Security Master's Degrees

Students can pursue a Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MS) degree in homeland security. Some of these programs include additional areas in their focus, such as degrees in homeland security and emergency management. Students can commonly find online degree programs to fit their schedule, and most master's programs can be completed in 2 years or less. Depending on the program, students may be able to choose from additional concentration areas, such as counter-terrorism, criminal justice, intelligence, or transportation security.

Homeland Security Graduate Certificates

Students can pursue a range of related graduate certificate programs that could be applied to homeland security, such as behavioral science graduate certificate programs or certificates specifically in homeland security. Many of these certificate programs are offered online and are typically designed for students who have not yet earned a master's degree. Students can commonly apply credits from the certificate towards a master's degree and usually complete the program in 1 year or less. Students could be required to take around 12 to 15 credits of coursework.

There are diverse homeland security jobs and jobs that require homeland security certification available. Some graduates may go on to become homeland security specialists for the government or other high-ranking leadership positions. Graduates can also pursue careers in related areas, such as careers in criminal justice law enforcement or criminal justice safety studies. Other graduates may pursue careers as consultants, postsecondary educators, business executives, and more. Below are just a few examples of available careers for graduates with their PhD in Homeland Security.

Become an Emergency Management Director

Graduates with their degree in homeland security who are interested in responding to emergencies and disasters may pursue a career as an emergency management director or another upper-level leader in the field. These directors typically have to have at least a bachelor's degree, but the degree can be in fields such as emergency management, business, or public health. It is important for these managers to have several years of work experience in an emergency management field. Professional certification may also be required for these positions, such as the Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) from the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM).

Emergency management directors oversee the planning and response to a range of emergencies, including natural disasters. They try to identify potential hazards and minimize the risk to people as much as possible. Their plans help organize a range of public officials to work together for an effective response. These directors can also apply for federal funding to help pay for resources.

Become an Information Security Analyst

Homeland security graduates who are more interested in the technology side of the field may pursue a career as an information security analyst. These professionals need at least a bachelor's degree, but some employers may want these professionals to hold a master's degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These analysts also need to have some prior experience in information technology (IT) and can pursue professional certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) credential to stand out to employers.

Information security analysts' primary duties pertain to protecting an organization's information and data from cyberattacks. Those that are trained in homeland security may work for governmental agencies or other groups. These analysts research and install protections against attacks and carefully monitor an organization's systems for any breaches. If breached, these professionals must identify and correct the issue, as well as work to ensure it never happens again.

Become a Top Executive

Top executives include a wide range of job titles that could be connected to homeland security through the government or security-related organizations. These executives include governors, mayors, city managers, presidents, and executive directors. Top executives usually need at least a bachelor's degree, but an advanced degree may be required or preferred, depending on the employer. They also typically have extensive prior work experience, usually 5 years or more of experience, in an area related to their position. Depending on the position, professional certifications may be available.

The job duties of top executives depend on a number of factors, including title, employer, size of the organization, and more. Most often, these professionals are responsible for overseeing the work of others and setting big-picture goals for their organization. They also generally oversee budgets and help make financial decisions for their group.

There is an array of organizations that are involved in homeland security. Some of these professional groups provide information to the public and professionals alike, while others are related to specific positions in the field and may offer membership. In general, these groups aim to promote the field and help keep citizens of the U.S. safe. Some of these organizations may help professionals in the field connect with one another through professional development opportunities and events. Below are a couple of examples of professional organizations associated with homeland security:

• Department of Homeland Security- Although the DHS is not an organization that provides membership, the department still provides the public and professionals with a range of resources. For instance, professionals can browse the organization's news updates to see what is happening in the field, as well as get involved through the organization's various initiatives.
• International Association of Emergency Managers- The IAEM is an international group for various kinds of emergency managers that provides resources and updates in the field. The organization offers professional certification, events, student chapters, job information, and more.

While it usually costs a lot to earn a doctoral degree in homeland security, the exact price depends on a wide range of factors. Students should begin calculating the cost of their degree by checking tuition rates and fees for their institution. Some schools charge a particular tuition rate for each credit hour, but this rate can vary by students' residential status or other factors. Typically, tuition does not include fees, such as technology fees or the cost of the residency portion of an online degree program. Students need to also think about or research what kinds of books and materials they need for their coursework, as well as the cost of living.

Several doctoral programs in homeland security help students offset these costs by offering various forms of funding. Most commonly, programs will have assistantships available; however, the number of assistantships is usually limited. Students who cannot secure an assistantship can still qualify for a variety of financial aid options. While doctoral students are still eligible to use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they may want to check if their school or other outside organizations offer scholarships or other forms of aid that do not have to be repaid like loans. For instance, some schools provide tuition discounts for military students, employer tuition reimbursement, grants, or full-tuition scholarships. There are also scholarships available from a range of outside organizations, some of which may pertain to homeland security and others that may offer general scholarships based on demographics, financial need, or other factors. One example of a homeland security scholarship is the Indiana Homeland Security Foundation Scholarship Program. The award is open to full- or part-time students at accredited Indiana schools who meet the GPA requirement and volunteer for a public safety organization.