Homeland Security Degrees and Careers
(found programs from 101 schools)

Since the specter of terrorism hit home on 9/11, homeland security has been a thriving career field for anybody who is interested in protecting the country from foreign threats. A bachelor’s degree in homeland security often covers such concepts as theft prevention and border security, and provides in-depth training in how to make quick decisions and in crisis management. Those with a degree in homeland security may go on to work as a border patrol officer, a police officer, or a hazardous material removal worker. And such a degree can help boost your earnings, too, with the average border patrol officer earning more than $64,000 per year. It’s also a fairly promising career field, with employment in the homeland security sector expected to grow faster than average over the next four years.

Homeland Security Job Description

Hundreds of community colleges, universities, and postgraduate programs offer degrees and certificates in emergency preparedness, counterterrorism, and security. Those pursuing a program in homeland security should expect to study how to dispose of hazardous material, forensic science, crime scene investigation, criminal justices, and bioterrorism. Graduates are often prepared to work in crisis situations and make quick, precise decisions. You may learn how to provide protection for schools, government agencies, families, and other institutions through criminal disarmament, negotiation, and other skills.

Homeland Security Requirements

The curriculum often also includes studies in political science, psychology, engineering and biotechnology. While full degree programs are not yet widespread, schools such as The Ohio State University, George Washington University, and Northeastern University offer concentrations in homeland security; certificates in crisis and disaster management, telecommunications, and national security; and programs on the law enforcement side of homeland security. Such programs are more common at community colleges that often train first responders such as police officers, emergency medical technicians, and firefighters.

For a full degree program, a typical curriculum includes a core of introductory courses covering topics relating to crisis management, ethics, safety, prevention and preparedness, and response and recovery. Other required courses might include domestic terrorism, cyber-terrorism, bio-terrorism, counter-terrorism, natural disaster management, and emergency planning. Students may also be expected to take electives in the social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, communications, and humanities.

Field experience is also an important component of a homeland security degree program, and may include an internship working with law enforcement, military, and other homeland security professionals.

Useful Homeland Security Resource Links

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• US Department of Homeland Security
• White House page on Homeland Security - news and updates
• Wikipedia Entry on Homeland Security
• National Homeland Security Consortium
• American Board for Certification in Homeland Security

Homeland Security Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Homeland Security programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 101 schools across the country.

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