A Brief History of the Homeland Security Major
With the rise in terrorist threats around the world, homeland security is becoming more available in colleges and universities across the United States. You can now find accredited programs for emergency management degrees as well as undergraduate and graduate degree options in Homeland Security. The field is a rapidly evolving one, as it is still relatively new. As is the case with most new fields, homeland security is still in the process of adapting and figuring out what works. Students can expect a dynamic and interesting learning field where they get to explore the latest events and developments. Current affairs will certainly influence homeland security education to some degree. Still, the novelty and high demands for experts in the field make it one of the fastest growing new markets. An education in homeland security imbibes students with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for leadership in national security, including international and domestic terrorism, infrastructure protection, strategic planning for security, international relations, intelligence operations and evaluation and program management. Homeland security degree holders can expect to gain employment with many public and private establishments that deal with law enforcement and national security.
Delving Into the Homeland Security Major
Many online colleges and universities offer degrees in homeland security, thus making it easier for students to add a new career to their resume or bolster existing certifications. Online schools offer degrees at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s level. Homeland security is a relatively new field, so the curriculum is constantly evolving. Still, those working toward a degree program are guaranteed to learn about the logistics behind maintaining national security. Students will explore the processes that inform disaster management, criminal justice, intelligence operations, and transportation security, among other security issues. The curriculum will offer skills and knowledge needed to become leaders in security matters. The study can sometimes resemble a movie rather than an academic pursuit, as college students try to meet a rising demand for workers trained in national defense areas. Homeland security majors will someday be charged with the duty of protecting the population of the United States, and the coursework of many online programs will reflect this responsibilty. Many of the courses combine existing topics like biosecurity and terrorism. The focus of homeland security education is not limited to fighting terrorism. The instruction also puts emphasis on natural disaster, and cyber-security.
Degree Levels:
Associate
The Associate of Arts degree in homeland security provides students with a strong foundation in emergency planning, implementation and management within an organization. Instruction at this level offers a comprehensive overview of the Department of Homeland Security agencies and laws. Students can expect to explore courses in hazardous material indetification and handling. Coursework may include topics that deal with emerging topics in homeland security and introduction to industrial security. This program prepares students for entry-level positions in law enforcement, national security, protective services, and other such careers on local, state, or federal level. Coursework at this level is specifically selected to give students a basic understanding of security and defense topics. Many students will go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in homeland security.
Bachelor’s
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Homeland Security Management seeks to prepare students for the rising demand for professionalHomeland Security personnel in local, state, and federal jurisdictions. This program is designed to reflct the integrated nature of the myriad of disciplines that fall under the auspices of the Homeland Security umbrella. In addition, the bachelor’s degree offers an in-depth education that blends these disciplines into one robust curriculum. The homeland security bachelor’s degree draws from elements of emergency management, security,and intelligence analysis to give students a broad understanding of the field while preparing them for the specialized nature of their future careers. Some programs offer opportunities to acquire a minor in areas like international studies and occupational safety. Courses at this level may include: Origins of Terrorism & Ideologies, Environmental Security, Introduction to Industrial Security, and Risk Analysis.
Master’s
The master’s curriculum is designed with future homeland security issues in mind. Students at this level learn the analytic skills they will need to tackle those challenges. Master’s candidates are expected to master the principles and techniques specific to confronting core security issues within their own jurisdictions and organizations. They will also learn problem-solving methods that enhance their effectiveness as graduate-level professionals. Some students at this level already hold positions at security firms or within the Department of Homeland Security. Courses may include: Policy Analysis and Research Methodology, Technology for Homeland Security, and Vulnerability Analysis and Protection. Many online colleges and universities offer the master’s degree program exclusively on the web. The program can be completed in anywhere from 18 months to two years.
Supplementing Your Homeland Security Major
A degree in homeland security equips students with the knowledge to tackle homeland security issues at home and abroad. Students can tailor the homeland security degree to further match their career needs. Degree holders can do this through certification programs that allow students to gain additional expertise in areas such as disaster planning & management and emergency preparedness. These additions often open new employment doors. Employers typically desire candidates with broad knowledge in various related fields. Students can boost their homeland security degree with complementary courses in criminal justice, social psychology, political science, terrorism, and criminal law. These constitute valuable additions to a professional resume. Of course, each degree program is unique and the school and level of the degree will largely determine the academic curriculum.
Learn More About the Homeland Security Major
- American Foreign Policy: Past and present
- Globalization, Migration, and International Relations
- Causes and Prevention of War
- American National Security Policy
- Journal of Homeland Security
The Homeland Security Major in the Job Market
Those hoping to work in the homeland security field will find a wide range of jobs available to them in the coming years, as even with stretched budgets agencies work to add more homeland security programs with the chief aim of improving public safety. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has a unit specifically devoted to university programs in this area. Each year, the federal government awards millions of dollars in grants to colleges and universities with research in national defense and on science and engineering related to homeland security. Upon graduation, homeland security degree holders find themselves attractive to government agencies, defense firms, and private security companies. Their job description may include everything from devising emergency plans to designing gas masks. In addition, graduates of a homeland security program can expect to work for the Federal Department of Homeland Security and other federal bodies. Opportunities for work may also exist at the local, state, or federal level. Some are recruited for a wide range of tasks like protecting borders, public and private transportation security, securing the national infrastructure, creating disaster plans and interpreting government intelligence. Because spending has increased steadily over the past few years for jobs in these fields, the prospects for finding work should be fairly positive for new graduates. Those who have undergone additional training, have military or law enforcement backgrounds or have more experience will likely be in high demand. Graduates with additional training may gain employment as immigration officers, border patrol agents, detention and deportation officers, and import specialists. Scurity-related careers are also available with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Those seeking employment in homeland security should visit usajobs.gov for job openings.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
