Comparisonsmaster
Why You Should Study Homeland Security
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Taking courses in Homeland Security and/or getting a degree is a good option for those looking to start a career, change their career or advance their career. A degree in this field can open the door to numerous types of opportunities, in many locations – both nationwide and even in foreign countries. In addition to it being an exciting career field, it also serves a very noble purpose – the protection of human lives.
Taking courses in Homeland Security and/or getting a degree is a good option for those looking to start a career, change their career or advance their career. A degree in this field can open the door to numerous types of opportunities, in many locations – both nationwide and even in foreign countries. In addition to it being an exciting career field, it also serves a very noble purpose – the protection of human lives.
Variety and Quantity Of Degrees and Schools
Studies in Homeland Security can lead to all of the following types of degrees: Associate, Bachelors and even a Masters degree. Plus, there are areas of specialization ranging from simple police work to exotic and cutting edge cyber-security and counter-terrorism. A Bachelor’s will open the door to work in this field for most people and positions. A Master’s, combined with some related job experience, can lead to management and high profile jobs.
There are dozens of schools and degree programs available. Many of them are accessible to you no matter where you live thanks to distance learning. A good selection of these programs are available online. Of course, you should make sure that the school is properly accredited and it should offer some sort of job placement service. Good examples of such schools offering these degrees online are listed below.
Embry-Riddle University
Embry is a private university that allows students to focus on a career specialization and utilize real world experience. It is also possible to complete both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in just five years of study.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
123 credits
Tuition: $447 per credit
Mercer University
Mercer offers their online students good flexibility and convenience – they have five different start dates per year and their courses are compacted into only eight week blocs.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
120 credits
Tuition: $485 per credit
SUNY at Canton
Part of the world famous public New York university system, this school’s program focuses on natural disasters and terrorism. Many of its graduates go on to jobs with the various federal security agencies and departments.
Degree: Bachelor of Technology in Homeland Security
122 credits
Tuition: $295 per credit (NY resident); $353 per credit (non resident)
Excelsior College
Excelsior’s online program allows for a student to individually craft their own concentration or specialization, with the approval and coordination with the department’s faculty. This school is also reported to have a generous college credit transfer policy.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
120 credits
Tuition: $510 per credit
National University
NU is a trailblazer in breaking the mold on traditional college education. Students take only one course at a time, lasting for four weeks. They also do this for their online degree courses. Plus, they offer many different start dates during the year, no need to wait till September or January.
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
180 quarter credits
Tuition: $370 per quarter credit
Multiple Types Of Job Opportunities
While of course there are job opportunities with DHS itself, a degree in this field can also lead to a position with one of the following:
Transportation Security Administration (TSA – the “airport police”)
The United States Capitol Police
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The United States Customs Services
The United States Marshals Service
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
There are also may types of jobs available with these various agencies, including:
Emergency Management Specialist
Special Agent
Cyber-security Manager
Safety Manager
Disaster Recovery Coordinator
Emergency Response Coordinator
Intelligence Analyst
Infrastructure Protection Analyst
Security Analyst
Counter-terrorism Analyst
Plus, most of these jobs are located across the nation, with some being located in foreign countries.
Career Growth and Salaries
There are over 200,000 people who work directly or indirectly for DHS, both domestically and internationally. Job growth in this field averages about 5% per year, with specialist positions ( such as computer crimes, counter-terrorism analysts and other related hi-tech areas) having higher job growth. Because of the large number of employers and positions, there is also good “job portability”.
The median salary for enforcement officers in this field is over $50,000 per year, with the median salary for an analyst going to $100,000+ per year. In addition, most of the employing agencies in this field offer a very generous and broad based benefits package.
Homeland Security and Natural Disaster Response Jobs
Many people are unaware that the Department of Homeland Security is also responsible for coordinating responses to natural disasters: storms, tornados, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, even nuclear accidents. Therefore, homeland security studies are extremely useful for anyone looking to go into the fields of disaster preparation, prevention, or mitigation. Unfortunately, the United States has multiple natural disasters to contend with each year, so this is a solid career path. It also has a strong focus on helping people in need. For those looking for work beyond the borders of the US, international agencies such as the UN and International Red Cross and private agencies have postings all over the world.
