Online Homeland Security Degrees

Why pursue homeland security degrees? As a homeland security agent you would be responsible for protecting public spaces and employers' investments, enforce laws on the property, and deter threatening activity through surveillance and computer systems.

Homeland security specialists are different from security guards in that they are not only a physical presence, but the also track communication and information through written mediums, telecommunications and cyberspace. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) coordinates the activities of several branches of the United States government so as to more effectively handle the threat of terrorism. The success of the DHS depends on the cooperation of several other agencies federal agencies and federal, state, and local governments. The DHS and related agencies are also responsible for intelligence analysis, emergency preparedness, and also disaster management.

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Selected Online Homeland Security Degrees

You can complete your degree in homeland security associates, bachelors or masters degree in homeland security from these accredited colleges and universities. Request additional information on online and campus-based homeland security degrees from the universities and colleges below.

Capella University - Online

• BS in Public Safety - Homeland Security

• Master of Public Administration - Homeland Security Policy
• Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination

Strayer University

• BSCJ: Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Diploma: IS: Homeland Security & Info Systems
• Undergrad Cert in IS: Homeland Security and Information Systems

• Homeland Security, AA (Online)
• Homeland Security, BA (Online)

Kaplan University and Kaplan University - Online

• BSCJ / Homeland Security

Everest University

• Homeland Security (Associate Degree)
• Homeland Security (Bachelor Degree)

• Criminal Justice Associate - Homeland Security
• Criminal Justice BS Degree - Homeland Security Emphasis (Online Only)

Eastern Kentucky University

• Certificate in Homeland Security
• MS in Safety, Security & Emergency Management - Homeland Security

• BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security
• BS in Homeland Security and Public Safety

Homeland Security Education and Training

More than 300 colleges have some type of Homeland Security degrees. This trend has been growing, especially since 2001 and will continue to grow. Some homeland security programs are part of a criminal justice degree while others are a stand-alone degree. Most states require that security personnel must be licensed after their homeland security training. To be licensed, you should be at least eighteen, complete a background check, and coursework in classes such as property rights, emergency procedures and detention of suspects.

Drug testing often is required and is usually random and ongoing. The area that sets this industry apart is the immense specialization within which may require other short certification programs all the way up to a Bachelor's degree. Be sure to check with each school to find out what additional courses are required, if any, to become a homeland security agent.

Homeland Security Careers

Accredited homeland security degrees prepare you for a career as trained safety and security workers in businesses, airports, home building associations, stadiums, public safety, security police officers, FBI, Secret Service, State Police Officers, Drug Enforcement Officer, US Marshall's, Special Agents, Customs Investigators, and Diplomatic Security and Homeland Security Special Agents to mention a few careers. If a career in law enforcement intrigues you, a specialization in homeland security may be a career option.

Various agencies that hire homeland security graduates are:

• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• The United States Customs Services
• The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• The United States Capitol Police
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• The United States Coast Guard
• The United States Marshals Service

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

As a qualified homeland security specialist, you can expect to earn anywhere from $13,000 to $143,000 a year depending on your level of education, where you work and your rank. The need for homeland security specialists will be higher than most jobs over the next decade. Private security is also becoming a growing industry as businesses hire or contract private providers. Earning campus or online homeland security degrees increases your opportunity for career advancement and increase in income.