Online Homeland Security Degree Overview
Homeland security experts work in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment, helping to protect the nation against threats ranging from terrorism to natural disasters. Online homeland security degree programs prepare their students for the demands of this harsh and rigorous field through training and education in a range of disciplines.
Online Associate Degrees in Homeland Security
Online Associate of Art and Associate of Science in Homeland Security degree programs offer a solid introduction to the varied disciplines of homeland security including emergency response, counter-terrorism, and criminal justice. These programs are typically two years long and are intended as an introduction to the field prior to completing a bachelor's degree. The goal at the end of an associate degree program is to demonstrate understanding and knowledge of the core areas of homeland security and how disciplines such as history, political science, and criminal justice are applied to homeland security.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Homeland Security
An online Bachelor of Art or Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security degree is generally considered an entry-level requirement for employment in the field. A bachelor's degree program in homeland security provides a thorough grounding in the essential skills and knowledge areas of the field. Topics of study include critical infrastructure security, intelligence research and analysis, emergency management, and policy planning. Students should be aware that some universities offer homeland security as a concentration within criminal justice, public policy, or other related degrees rather than as an independent bachelor's program.
Online Master's Degrees in Homeland Security
An online master's degree in homeland security is intended to build on the skills and knowledge gained through a bachelor's degree. Like with the bachelor's degree, students may find that homeland security is an available concentration or specialization within a related master's program, such as criminal justice or public management. There are also master's degree programs that are more explicitly focused on a specific aspect of the field, such as digital forensics and cyber investigation, biosecurity, or emergency Management. A master's degree can open up higher-level positions and support career advancement within the field.
Online Doctorates in Homeland Security
Doctoral programs in homeland security are aimed at established professionals looking to expand their skills and qualifications. There are very few online or in-person doctorate programs explicitly in homeland security. More often students pursue a Ph.D. in a field related to homeland security, such as public policy or public management, with a specialization or concentration in homeland security. These programs offer more advanced instruction in key topics of the field. Students also complete an independent doctoral dissertation and defense as the final aspect of the program.
Online Certificates in Homeland Security
Online certificate programs in homeland security exist at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These programs may be more specialized than a bachelor's degree, focusing on a specific area of the field, such as cyber-security, or homeland security management. Graduate-level certificate programs are designed for mid-career professionals seeking to expand their skill sets while undergraduate programs have a broader audience, aimed at both current and future professionals in the field.
Homeland Security Specializations and Concentrations
Homeland security may be offered as a specialization within another program, such as criminal justice or public policy. However, concentrations and specializations within a homeland security degree do exist, they may include:
- Counterterrorism
- Intelligence and Counterintelligence
Curriculum/Course Work for a Homeland Security Degree
Students in a homeland security program study a diverse curriculum with many programs explicitly designing their curriculum around the standards of the Department of Homeland Security. Students study subjects such as counter-terrorism, risk management, critical infrastructure security, intelligence analysis, criminal justice, and national security. Possible course options include:
| Introduction to Homeland Security | Introduction to the theory and practice of homeland security at all levels of government. |
| Emergency Planning | Learn about skills of emergency planning including risk analysis, threat assessment, and formulation of a plan. |
| Intelligence and Homeland Security | An examination of the relationship between intelligence and homeland security. |
| Public Service Research Methods | Learn about the methods and philosophy of quantitative and qualitative research in public policy and service. |
| Public Service Ethics | Learn about the rules, values, and professional codes of conduct involved in public service and democratic government. |
Source; school websites
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in International Studies?
On average, an online homeland security bachelor's degree requires 120 credit-hours of study to complete over 4 years of full-time study. These credit hours are split between a core of major-specific courses, electives, and a general education curriculum. Students may shorten this time by taking summer classes or with transfer credits from an associate degree program. Many online degrees offer flexible study programs to accommodate students' needs and work pace. Programs also offer credit for existing training in law enforcement or corrections.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Homeland Security Degrees
A university's accreditation is an important measure of the quality of its programs. In the United States, accreditation is overseen by the federal Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); these agencies approve accrediting bodies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
The federal government requires that a student be enrolled in an accredited university to qualify for federal student aid so it is critical to make sure that an online degree program is provided by an accredited university when deciding on a course of study.
How to Choose an Online Homeland Security Degree Programs
Students should weigh a variety of concerns when choosing an online degree program. These concerns include cost, accreditation, and curriculum. Students should compare tuition and fee costs as well as the availability of financial aid between various programs. They should also make sure that their online program has the proper accreditation before applying. Finally, they should examine the curriculum and specialization options of each program to find the best fit for their interests and career aspirations.
Homeland Security Licensing & Certification
Most positions in the field of homeland security require a security clearance issued by the federal government. Some positions within the homeland security field may require further certifications depending upon the state, such as a Certified Emergency Manager (CEM), or Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP). The CEM is issued by the International Association of Emergency Managers, while the CBCP is issued by the Disaster Relief Institute International (DRII).
Students specializing in cyber and information security may wish to earn the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) designation. This certification is offered by (ISC)2 an international non-profit association of cybersecurity professionals.
Homeland Security Career Information
Homeland security professionals work in a wide variety of career paths. The Department of Homeland Security alone includes such diverse careers as border patrol officer, chemist, immigration officer, attorney, federal coordination officer with the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), or criminal investigator.
Outside of the Department of Homeland Security, there are wide career opportunities as homeland security specialists. These can include information security specialists, emergency management directors, CIA agents, intelligence analysts, or military intelligence analysts. They may also join the FBI, state or local police agencies, or emergency response organizations. Homeland security careers can be found in every state, the District of Columbia, and abroad.
| Information Security Specialist | Customs and Border Protection Officer | Emergency Management Director | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree | Bachelor's | Bachelor's | Bachelor's |
| Advanced Degree | Master's or Ph.D. | Master's | Master's or Ph.D. |
| Certification/Licensure | CISSP | Border Patrol Entrance Exam | CEM or CBCP |
| Salary | $99,730 per year | Pay is based on the Federal pay scale, with salaries ranging from $49,016 (Entry Level) to $124,676 per year | $74,590 per year |
| Job Outlook 2019-29 | 31% | N/A | 4% |
Sources; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
How to Become a Customs and Border Protection Officer
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers are one of many types of homeland security officers. They serve at the various ports of entry to the United States to enforce customs, immigration, and agricultural laws and regulations. They prevent the illegal trafficking of people, narcotics, and contraband into the United States. CBP officers work throughout the United States and all over the world
There are multiple paths to becoming a CBP officer. Students just out of university may enter the CBP Pathways program to become a trainee officer, veterans are also encouraged to apply for careers as CBP officers. All applicants must be U.S. citizens, with a valid driver's license, under 37 (with a waiver for veterans), and U.S. residents for 3 of the last 5 years.
Applicants must pass an entrance exam for further consideration and those that are accepted must complete a course at the CBP Field Operations Academy. At the academy, they are trained in the legal, investigative, tactical, and physical requirements of being a CBP officer.
How to Become an Emergency Management Director
Emergency Management Directors prepare and implement plans to respond to emergency and disaster situations. To prepare for disaster situations they conduct research on best practices and analyze the resources available to a disaster response effort. They coordinate and direct first-responders and other disaster relief personnel to provide the best responses in a wide range of situations. Within private organizations, such as hospitals, universities, or businesses, Emergency Management Directors may be referred to as Business Continuity Professionals.
An Emergency Management Director requires at minimum a bachelor's degree and several years of experience in emergency response. This experience could come from work as a firefighter, EMT, police officer, or another first responder, as well as time in the military, or other emergency response organization. Some employers require or prefer that applicants possess a CEM or CBCP designation.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Homeland Security Degrees
Students interested in a Homeland Security Degree have several options for financial aid available, including Federal and private loans, scholarships, grants, and fellowships.
The first step to gaining financial aid is to complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. The FAFSA is used to determine your financial eligibility for federal loans, grants, and need-based scholarships.
Students who go on to work for the federal government may be eligible for loan forgiveness programs after a certain number of qualifying payments.
The Department of Homeland Security also offers a variety of scholarships and internships for students interested in the field. For students interested in the intelligence and analysis aspects of homeland security there is the Office of Intelligence and Analysis Internship Program, which offers students valuable on-the-job experience in the professional aspects of intelligence and analysis. The Department also offers its Cyber Student Internship Program for students with an interest in cybersecurity.
Professional Organizations in Homeland Security
| International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) | The IAEM is an international non-profit organization that promotes the principles of emergency management. It has over 6,000 members worldwide in the Emergency management field. Membership provides access to their network of emergency management experts and resources as well as the CEM certification. |
| (ISC)2 | (ISC)2 is an international organization of information security professionals. They offer their members a network of fellow professionals, certification programs, and professional development opportunities. Members may also access advanced training courses in cutting edge technologies and field best-practices. |
| Disaster Relief Institute International | This international nonprofit supports disaster relief and disaster preparedness for organizations around the globe. They offer 15 certification courses including the CBCP certification for professionals in the field. They also provide a variety of training and professional development opportunities for their members in order to promote excellence in the field including advanced courses, networking opportunities, and international conferences. |
Sources; Organization Websites
