A homeland security degree could help get you ready for a career dedicated to serving your community and keeping people safe.
This is an exciting field of study in which you can learn about border security, terrorism, cybercrime, law enforcement, and disaster management. Earning a college degree in homeland security might help you get hired by a public safety or intelligence agency, or it could be an asset as you advance through the ranks of your organization.
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Read on to see what is involved in online homeland security degrees.
Online Homeland Security Degrees
You can get a college education focused on learning to protect your country and the people who live there. A bachelor’s degree in homeland security is designed to prepare students for careers in protection and public service.
Homeland security studies incorporate ideas from the fields of law, criminal justice, disaster management, and public safety. To earn a security bachelor’s degree, you might study the following topics:
- Community and national infrastructure
- Criminal law and the US Constitution
- Decision-making and leadership
- Domestic and international terror organizations
- Emergency response plans
- Intelligence tools
- Professional pathways in homeland security
- Research methods
- Risk assessment
- Weapons of mass destruction
The colleges you’re considering may offer homeland security as a standalone major. Alternatively, it may be paired with another topic, such as public safety. Also, some schools have homeland security studies as a concentration within a criminal justice program.
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As part of your studies, you might undertake a research project. For that, you’d apply the knowledge you’ve learned in school and prepare to be a problem-solver in the workplace. You might also get to do an internship with a law enforcement or homeland security organization.
Once you graduate, you can look for local or state policing jobs, or you can search for security positions in private organizations. You could also apply for federal employment with a safety or disaster management agency.
Homeland Security Careers and Salaries
If you’re studying homeland security in college, you probably have a desire to keep people and property safe and secure. There are many jobs through which you’d be able to do that.
Homeland security is closely related to law enforcement, so you could apply for local, state, or federal policing jobs. The options could include patrol officer, detective, and supervisor positions. Your homeland security background might prepare you for a specialized policing role. For example, you might be interested in a role as a transit police officer, an officer who patrols the border, or a fish and game warden.
Policing isn’t the only way to provide security services. For example, you could work as a screener at airports and other transit centers. Other ideas include being a private security guard or patrolling for illegal behavior at gambling facilities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary for protective service jobs is $45,450.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Information Security Analysts | $112,000 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $96,290 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $86,280 |
| Emergency Management Directors | $79,180 |
| Transit and Railroad Police | $69,150 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | $65,790 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | $59,500 |
| Transportation Security Screeners | $47,710 |
| Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators | $35,970 |
| Security Guards | $34,750 |
You may be required to gain additional training beyond your homeland security degree for various jobs with law enforcement departments. Each agency sets its own hiring requirements.
Intelligence is another field to consider. People in this line of work may be involved in tracking intelligence data or developing counterterrorism strategies. If you have tech skills in addition to your homeland security expertise, you might be involved with cybercrime investigations or data protection.
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Homeland security knowledge would also be relevant for a job in emergency management. That can include roles in both municipal and business settings. Emergency management personnel in private organizations are often known as business continuity managers.
In either setting, a master’s degree may be required for becoming a director, but a bachelor’s degree may be enough for entry-level positions.
Homeland Security Bachelors Curriculum & Courses
A degree in homeland security typically includes about 120 credit hours. You’ll take a variety of courses related to safety, security, threats, and emergencies. Here are some course examples:
- Administration and Leadership: This class will help equip you with management skills for heading up departments and organizations, particularly in public agencies.
- Border Security and Patrol: Topics that could come up in this course include travel, trade, immigration, terrorism, transportation methods, and coastal security.
- Cybersecurity: You might learn to solve cybercrimes, guard against cyberterrorism, and protect computer-based data.
- Emergency Management: In a class on disaster management, you might learn how to lead a government disaster response organization, and you might also discuss business continuity strategies.
- Infrastructure and Security: This course will focus on protecting infrastructure from attacks or disasters and responding appropriately when incidents do occur.
- Intelligence Analysis: You can learn how US officials gather, analyze, and apply intelligence data, and you might talk about counterintelligence too.
- Risk Assessment: This course is about conducting evaluations to determine the threat of terrorism or other disasters to particular places, resources, or infrastructure systems.
- Security Laws and Ethics: This course will cover legislation and policies surrounding intelligence, border protection, airport screening, and other homeland security matters.
- Terrorism: As you learn about domestic and international terrorism, you might discuss terrorist organizations and counterterrorism strategies.
- US Homeland Security: This course might cover the history of national security programs and introduce you to the branches of the Department of Homeland Security.
Before graduating with your online degree in homeland security, you may also complete a capstone project that synthesizes your learning.
Admissions Requirements
Colleges with homeland security or counterterrorism degrees often allow you to apply online. During the admissions process, you may be asked to present the following materials:
- Application form
- Interview with an admissions counselor
- Test scores — ACT or SAT (not always required by online colleges)
- Transcripts showing that you have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
The path to admission looks different at every college. Some schools have additional requirements, such as letters of reference, resumes, personal statements, or writing samples.
Degrees in Homeland Security Accreditation
Regional accreditation from one of the seven regional accrediting agencies in the US will assure you that you’re attending a reputable college.
Many of the organizations that hire people with public safety or national security degrees are interested in choosing the best of the best. Having a regionally accredited college education on your resume is one way to show that you’re prepared for a job in homeland security.
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Accreditation has academic benefits too. Courses taken at a regionally accredited school may transfer to another program. A regionally accredited bachelor’s degree is a common admissions requirement for graduate programs like an online masters in homeland security or PhD in Homeland Security online or on campus.
Homeland Security Majors Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid programs may help you pay for your college education. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to get started. This form could connect you to government loans and grants. Your eligibility will be tied to your income level and financial resources.
States often have student aid programs similar to those of the federal government. You may qualify to use both types of assistance. Scholarships are a valuable way to pay for your schooling. Some scholarship programs may be intended for students pursuing the noble calling of serving their communities.
Other scholarships may be administered by the college and offered to students with financial need or academic promise. There are programs at some workplaces to help employees pay for education. This benefit might cover a portion of the tuition each semester.
Homeland Security Professional Organizations
It can be beneficial to connect with students and professionals whose interests are similar to yours. Joining a professional organization would provide opportunities to learn from others in homeland security.
Here are some professional organizations related to the field of homeland security:
- International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
- National Homeland Security Association (NHSA)
- Women in Homeland Security (WHS)
You could go to a meeting or a conference put on by one of these groups. Also, becoming a member might put you on the newsletter list or give you access to discounts or online resources.
What Is a Homeland Security Bachelor’s Degree?
A bachelor’s in homeland security degree is for people who want to study public safety, criminal justice, disaster management, and terrorism at the college level.
As a bachelor’s degree program, this field of study usually takes about 4 years and includes around 120 credit hours. Crises and disasters, cyberterrorism and intelligence, and border security are examples of course topics you might take for a homeland security degree.
You’ll get to know the Department of Homeland Security, and you’ll study federal laws dealing with privacy, immigration, and disaster response. There might also be an internship or a research project included.
What Can I Do with a Homeland Security Degree?
If you study homeland security, you can consider a career in law enforcement. You might want to work in your local community or for a state or federal agency. Having a bachelor’s degree might help you qualify for a supervisory role in your organization.
Transportation safety is another relevant line of work. You might think about being a transit police officer or an airport security screener. Private sector jobs could include being a gambling surveillance officer or a security guard for a business.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Online Degree?
Within 3 to 4 years, you could have your homeland security bachelor degree. Full-time students often earn undergraduate degrees in 4 years.
Online programs may be a bit shorter, especially if they hold classes throughout the year instead of taking a long summer break. Classes that last just 8 or 12 weeks each can also help with speedy degree completion. If you’ve been to college before, a school that accepts transfer credits might allow you to graduate more quickly than normal. Some schools will allow you to bring in up to 75% of the credits required for graduation.
What Homeland Security Degree Jobs Can I Get?
Homeland security graduates may become law enforcement officers. For some, that means working in a local police department as a detective or a first-line supervisor. Others work for state or federal agencies. Being a private security guard is another option.
Many people are interested in Department of Homeland Security jobs. Relevant agencies include US Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Transportation Security Administration, and the US Secret Service.
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Some graduates join the intelligence community. They might gather classified information or fight terrorism. Information security analysts help guard important data against breaches.
How Much Money Can You Make with a Bachelors in Homeland Security?
Salaries in homeland security vary based on the job title, the employer, and how much education and experience you have. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that emergency management directors can earn between $46,920 and $147,870 annually. Private organizations usually pay more than state or local governments.
The median salary for detectives and criminal investigators is $86,280, and police supervisors might make between $54,070 and $155,760. Federal law enforcement personnel usually make more than those at the local or state level. Work in cyberintelligence and data security pays a median of around $112,000 each year. Some jobs in that field pay over $174,540.
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor degree in homeland security is worth it for many students. If you dream of protecting your community or your country, this degree program could give you the tools to make it happen.
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be about 421,500 job openings in the protective service sector each year over the next ten years. A bachelor’s degree could put you in a position to compete for popular protective service jobs.
Universities Offering Online Bachelors in Homeland Security Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
American Public University online courses start monthly and are 8 or 16 weeks long. American Public University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security that requires 120 credit hours and accepts up to 90 credits. Students can choose 24 semester hours concentrations in Emergency Planning, Risk Communications, Port Security, and more.
APUS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Anderson University offers a Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Those interested in pursuing service careers in settings like government agencies, nonprofits, or the judicial system may find an excellent fit in the Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness concentration. The program requires the completion of 123 credit hours. The coursework can be completed entirely online.
Anderson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Campbell University offers a program for a Bachelor’s in Homeland Security. Depending on professional goals, it can be completed for a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Applied Sciences. Classes meet online and are typically 8 weeks long. On average, the required coursework can be completed in 4 years of full-time study.
Campbell University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
DeSales University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security. Many graduates pursue careers in fields like infrastructure protection, disaster preparedness and response, intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. Classes can be attended conveniently online, traditionally on campus, or via a hybrid format. Completion of 120 credits is required to graduate.
DeSales University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. Concentrations are available in Emergency Management, Terrorism Studies, Forensic Accounting, Military Science, and International History. The curriculum consists of 123 credits. Courses cover concepts like risk analysis, statistics, national security, intelligence, strategic planning, immigration, environmental compliance, and law.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Students who are passionate about supporting national security and preparedness may find an excellent option in the Homeland Security specialization. Classes are typically 8 weeks long and meet fully online. On average, the program’s 120 required credit hours can be completed in 3.5 years of full-time attendance.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Mississippi College offers a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. Graduates often pursue careers in law enforcement, security, emergency management, or intelligence analysis. Upon completion of their general education baccalaureate requirements, students must complete 36 credit hours of major-specific coursework. All classes can be attended conveniently online.
Mississippi College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National University offers a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The program’s online learning format is designed with working professionals in mind. The curriculum spans 180 quarter units. The program considers incoming applications year-round.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Pennsylvania Western University – California offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland and International Security. The program requires the completion of at least 120 credit hours to graduate. Common courses include Military Criminal Justice, Court Systems, Principles of Homeland Security, and Leadership and Ethics in Criminal Justice.
PennWest California is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Saint Leo University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The Homeland Security specialization is designed to prepare students for work in diverse cybersecurity, counterterrorism, immigration, and disaster preparedness roles. Classes meet online and on campus. The program’s 120 required credit hours can typically be completed in 4 years of full-time attendance.
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Counterterrorism. This program boasts a convenient online format, around-the-clock access to coursework, and a generous transfer policy. The curriculum spans 120 credits. Courses cover topics like history of terrorism, intelligence, crisis response, data analysis, ethics, and policy.
SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, Inc.
Thomas Edison State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Potential courses include Victimology and Criminal Behavior, International Relations, and Constitutional and Legislative Issues in Counterterrorism. The program is housed fully online. At least 120 credit hours must be completed to graduate.
Thomas Edison State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tulane University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security Studies. Graduates often pursue careers as special agents, cybersecurity managers, disaster recovery coordinators, counterterrorism analysts, or safety managers. The curriculum consists of 120 total credit hours. Classes are held on campus or in a blend of in-person and online coursework.
Tulane University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. The curriculum covers key topics like infrastructure, international relations, law and policy, public safety, leadership, strategic planning, and information systems. All courses are housed conveniently online. Up to 90 qualifying credits from outside institutions may be transferred in toward the program’s 120 required credits.
UMGC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Wichita State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. This program aims to provide students with the skills needed to thrive in a wide variety of operational, management, and policy roles. On average, the program can be completed in 4 years when attending classes full-time. All coursework can be completed online.
Wichita State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your BA in Homeland Security Degree Online
Homeland security and emergency management is a field of study that can make a powerful difference. You can learn valuable skills for protecting property, people, and information.
While not all jobs in this field require a degree, college studies could make your resume stand out from among a pool of applicants. You can earn your homeland security degree now, even while holding down a full-time job, by studying online. You could get a quality education in a way that works for your schedule and availability.
You could start exploring accredited homeland security colleges today to see which one might be the right fit for you.
