Online Homeland Security Degree Programs

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers a variety of jobs for those who want to pursue a federal career in law enforcement and/or public administration. Public Safety degrees can prepare you for a challenging and rewarding career working in areas that include national security, hazardous materials, disaster relief, emergency medical assistance, corrections, or law enforcement. Whether you're planning a career locally or internationally, you can contribute to public safety while working in the field of homeland security.

Choose Career Training According to Professional Goals

No matter which degree program you select for your homeland security career, you'll complete universal or "core" college courses in subjects including math, English, humanities, and social and physical sciences as well as more specific courses in public relations, public safety system integration, critical incident management, organizational research, and terrorism preparedness. Due to the wide variety of job opportunities within the category of homeland security, career training requirements can vary from completion of some college work through graduate degrees in fields including criminal justice, psychology, public administration, medicine, and public safety. Rapid changes in law enforcement, international affairs, and technology suggest that you'll likely continue your career training while working. Law enforcement and governmental agencies often provide tuition assistance benefits for employees who want to advance their careers.

Homeland Security Jobs Require Interpersonal and Organizational Skills

Your courses help you learn strategic planning in situations involving terrorism and natural disasters. In addition, many programs combine courses in business administration, fiscal management, and leadership. It is also possible to earn a Terrorism and National Security Management Certificate. In addition to completing public safety and management training, you need solid skills in communication, managing personnel, and policy administration.

Occupational Outlook Solid for Homeland Security Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports steady employment in all areas of public safety. Due to the broad array of jobs within the context of homeland security, it's difficult to generalize estimates of job security due to various jobs in law enforcement, investigation, national security and intelligence, and public safety and administration. Homeland security is less likely to suffer major budget cuts than other government agencies, and retiring employees typically offset requirements for personnel cutbacks within federal government agencies. Average salaries range from about $42,150 for a police officer to $88,174 for criminal investigators. Senior administrators, health care providers, and other specialized professionals earn more. These figures are reference points, and may not reflect the salaries of all homeland security personnel. Government employees can also receive incentive pay depending on their positions and seniority.

A great many professions offer opportunities to work in homeland security. Nurses, first responders, public administrators, psychologists, political scientists, criminal justice professionals, and translators are examples of jobs that support homeland security.

• Homeland Security
• Criminal Justice