A Homeland Security degree offers specializations and resultant career paths in a number of different sectors. Most programs utilize a multi-pronged approach that incorporates concepts from criminal justice, public safety and security, business management, law and order, cyber security, emergency care, and social policy, etc.
With regard to employment, some professions will experience tremendous growth. For instance, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that jobs for Information Security Analysts will grow by a whopping 32% in the decade from 2018 to 2028. This is much faster than the projected growth for other occupations. As a result of this increase, 35,500 new vacancies will be created.
If you are interested in pursuing post-secondary education in homeland security, then this piece is for you. Read on to learn about the entry requirements, coursework, and career outlook associated with a Homeland Security Degree.
What Is Homeland Security?
Homeland Security refers to America’s national efforts to safeguard against anything that harms national interests and endangers people’s lives. These include threats of terrorism, natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, etc.), and organized crime, etc.
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the primary organization overseeing such matters. It regularly works in coordination with other law enforcement agencies to neutralize any threats to American sovereignty.
What Is Transcription?
Transcription is typically defined as the process of converting voice recordings into written transcripts. Usually, transcription is quite common in healthcare, law, and translation services sectors. Medical transcriptions are made by converting physicians’ voice notes into text format.
What Can You Do With a Homeland Security Degree?
With a Homeland Security Degree, you can pursue employment in many different places. Popular occupations for graduates in this field include Transportation Security Officer, Cyber Security Analyst, Police Officer, Federal Air Marshal, Fraud Investigator, US Postal Inspector, Secret Service Agent, Emergency Management Director, Border Patrol Agent, and FBI Agent, etc.
Below is the salary information for some of these professions. All the data has been gathered from the latest records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Information Security Analysts
Information Security Analysts set up security mechanisms for the protection of computer systems and networks within an organization. Their duties have evolved rapidly in recent times and this will continue to be the case in the future as cybercrime becomes more commonplace.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $99,730 | 32% | $104,210 | Virginia | 15,010 |
| New York | $121,750 |
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $91,090 | 5% (Police and Detectives) | $94,950 | New York | 13,230 |
| California | $158,120 |
Emergency Management Directors
Emergency Management Directors come up with plans to respond to various natural disasters and other emergencies. They design safety protocols, coordinate with different entities (public officials, government departments, nonprofit organizations, etc.), and usually lead the response in the event of a calamity.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | State with the Highest Salary, 2019 |
| $74,590 | 5% | $82,530 | 760 | California |
| District of Columbia | $120,680 |
What to Expect from a Homeland Security Degree Program?
During your Homeland Security Degree program, you will take courses in National and Foreign Policy Frameworks, Legal Challenges in Homeland Security, Infrastructure Protection, Emergency Response Planning, Terrorism, Cyber Security, Homeland Security Administration, Response and Recovery Mechanism, Politics and Security Policies, etc.
How to Choose a Homeland Security Degree Program?
You need to keep a few things in mind when deciding on a Homeland Security degree program. The most important among these is accreditation status. Make sure that the program at your chosen school is fully accredited and recognized by the relevant body. Other considerations include fee structure, curriculum, campus location, available majors, and research opportunities.
Homeland Security Degree Admission Requirements
Admission criteria tends to vary from one educational institution to another. Of course, there will be different requirements for different degree levels. For example, a Bachelor’s program in homeland security will demand that entrants possess a High School Diploma or GED (General Educational Development) Certificate while also having a good enough SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) or ACT (American College Testing) score.
In the same way, entry to a graduate program will depend on your GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) score. There is usually a minimum GPA requirement (undergraduate) as well.