What is an Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security?
If you are considering a bachelor’s degree, homeland security could be a field to think about studying. Professionals who work in homeland security are experts with skills and knowledge that the government uses to help keep the country safe from a variety of threats. These threats can either come from nations (human threats) or from catastrophic natural events such as weather disasters and wildfires. Some threats have the potential to compromise the entire country’s security.
While some professionals in homeland security decide to pursue an educational path in law enforcement training or a field like international studies, it’s also possible for people to study the field specifically. If you choose to study homeland security post-secondary school, then you can ultimately use your degree to get a job in the homeland security field that feels most interesting or important to you.
When people choose to earn a degree in homeland security, they have the option to pursue online homeland security degrees. When you earn a bachelor’s degree online, you’ll not only have completed your college degree, but you’ll also have the educational background required to work right away.
You can complete your schooling from the convenience and comfort of your own home, on your own schedule. Flexible schooling allows you to structure your degree program in a way that works for you and your life—so earning your degree only enhances your life and expands your knowledge.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Homeland Security?
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a department of the United States federal government with responsibilities in public security, border protection, immigration, and customs enforcement, homeland security prevention, cybersecurity, and response.
Within this vast homeland security system, there are many careers that can be pursued for those who have an interest in our nation’s safety. To pursue these careers, it helps to have an advanced education which can be useful in the field of homeland security.
One of the greatest benefits of a bachelor degree homeland security is the prestige it has in this community. It means a lot to other citizens that some people earn a living trying to keep us all safe. When seeking employment in your chosen field, having a degree can be helpful.
With a degree in homeland security, you will study the more technical side of keeping us safe. You will learn to protect against terrorism and cyber security threats. You also learn how to prepare for and respond to man-made and natural disasters. In addition, you will heavily study social studies and world history to have an understanding of the cultures and the issues throughout the world that can impact us.
After earning a degree in homeland security, you may be prepared to work for the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), the Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Many people with degrees in homeland security end up working with businesses in the private sector, government agencies at the local, state, or federal level, or nonprofit organizations.
Many careers in homeland security require other advanced training or certification, or licensure, so it is important to research your career choices thoroughly and select one that feels right for you personally.
When pursuing a degree in homeland security, it is important to be aware of the different programs and accreditation for homeland security degrees. There are many online degree programs in homeland security that will prepare you for a career. However, it is important to seek out accredited colleges and universities so that you can be sure your hard work will be recognized, even if you wish to pursue additional higher education down the road.
Unlike most other degrees that are considered academic degrees, a homeland security degree does not focus exclusively on theoretical studies. Because the field of study is very new and dynamic, students immerse themselves in the field and have a chance to participate in hands-on activities and simulations from their own home computers. This can create a valuable investment for students since it allows them to put their knowledge into practice.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Degree Cost?
If you are planning to get your online bachelor’s in Homeland Security, you’ll have to pay tuition to a school that has a specialized program in the field. The program at every school may cost a different amount. However, students can expect to pay anywhere from $13,000 (for an accelerated program requiring fewer credits) to $55,000 for a full-time, four-year online bachelor’s program.
The key to obtaining a degree in homeland security is to find the right institution that is the right fit for you. Many students will decide on an online school because it can be more convenient. However, some students may choose to attend an online school because it is more affordable.
It can also be difficult to determine what the exact cost is for a degree in homeland security will be. The tuition rate is often just the beginning of your educational investment. There are many other costs that will factor into your overall budget, including technology, books, school supplies, and fees.
The costs for an online degree in homeland security can vary widely by institution. Some schools are more expensive than others, and the tuition rates alone may not tell the whole story. Some schools may offer generous financial aid packages, reducing the cost of an online degree in homeland security within your reach. It is also important to research whether there are other costs that may apply, including application fees.
While researching your options for an online degree in homeland security, it is important to compare cost and value. While the tuition rates at some schools may be higher, they may also offer more services and have better technology that can aid you in your studies. Whether it is the tuition or additional costs, you should compare these to be sure you are getting a good value for your investment.
Average Salary for an Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security
If you end up working in the official United States Department of Homeland Security, you can expect to make around $80,000 per year on average. Homeland security professionals usually make an additional $2,000 per year in bonuses. There are many positions you can hold within the sphere of homeland security. Depending on what job you have, your salary may be greater or less than the average salary.
Homeland security has many officers that work in the public to keep people safe. These positions include Transportation Security Officer, Immigration Officer, Border Patrol Agent, and Customs Officer. Salaries for these jobs start lower than that of the average homeland security job and can range from the mid $40,000s annually to over $100,000 annually.
Jobs that require more specialized knowledge and hands-on training may have a higher salary than homeland security officers. These positions include intelligence analysts, IT managers, cybersecurity specialists, security engineers, and biologists who understand biological warfare and widespread disease. The salaries for these officials often start at the high $50,000s per year and can reach above $125,000 annually.
What Is the Job Outlook for Online Bachelor in Homeland Security Holders?
When you earn an online bachelor’s in homeland security, you can expect to find a job easily. That is because homeland security is an expanding field, and there is an ever-evolving and growing need for more experts to keep the country safe. Experts predict that between now and 2026, the field will expand by 5%. There will be a continual need for more trained professionals in the industry. If you get your degree in homeland security, you may hold one of the following jobs:
- US Coast Guard
- US Secret Service
- Customs and Border Protection
- Infrastructure Protection
- Biological Scientist
- Import Specialist
- Asylum Officer
- Immigration Officer
- Intelligence Operations Expert
- Policy and Program Analyst
- Computer Scientists
Courses in Online Bachelors in Homeland Security Degree Programs
When you study for your online bachelor’s in homeland security degree, you will take courses that cover a wide variety of topics related to national security. Classes cover everything from technology to infrastructure to leadership and beyond. Here are some courses you can expect to take while earning your online bachelor’s in homeland security:
- Introduction to Homeland Security
This course provides an introduction to the field and terminology associated with homeland security.
- Terrorism in the United States
In this course, students may go over the history of terrorism in the US as well as the different types of terrorism.
- Legal Issues in Homeland Security
Students get an introduction to what areas of the law homeland security deal with and how they are handled.
- The Politics of Homeland Security
In this course, students will get the viewpoints of the two major political parties in the US and how they view the purpose and role of homeland security.
- Public Safety Leadership
This course will go over the different types of leadership, explore their pros and cons, and how they best apply to public safety.
- Strategic Planning for Homeland Security
In this course, students may learn different planning methods and a history of the strategies used to deal with different situations.
- Public Safety Policy
In this course, students will be introduced to public safety policies on a national level and how they are enforced.
- Foundations of Oral Communication
This is a course that covers how to speak to people as well as the different types of oral communication and its purpose.
- Mathematical or Statistical Literacy
This is a course to help students gain an understanding of math and statistics to help them understand what reports mean and how to interpret them.
- Computer Literacy
This is a basic computer science course to allow students to have a basic understanding of how to use various programs and to have a basic knowledge of them.
- Introduction to the Humanities
This course is part of a core curriculum for all majors to provide a background to better understand forms of psychology and sociology.
- Introduction to Biological and Physical Science
This introductory course allows students to have a better understanding of the human body as well as the world around them for fieldwork.
Students may take this course to give them a better understanding of how terrorism is funded and what drives the economy of the world.
- Homeland Security Critical Response to Emergencies and Events
In this course, students will begin to get an understanding of how to respond properly to events and what actions to take based on the event.
- Infrastructure’s Role in Homeland Security
This course provides an introduction to what infrastructure is and what role it plays in homeland security.
This course covers a variety of topics, from communication to interpreting and gathering facts.
- Security Management
Students will learn how to protect information and the best way to convey it to each other to protect it.
This course will cover what happens if information falls into the wrong hands and how to react if it does.
- Justice and Terrorism
In this class, students may gain an understanding of what happens to those who are accused of and convicted of terrorism.
- Counterterrorism Law
This course provides an introduction to the laws regarding counterterrorism, including what it is and what the outcomes may be.
- Domestic Terrorism
Students receive an introduction to domestic terrorism, what it entails, and how to identify it.
- Cyber Threats
This course provides students with a background into what a cyber threat is and how to react to them.
- Cybersecurity Basics
This introductory course defines what cybersecurity is and its purpose.
- Investigation of Terrorism
This course is an introduction to terrorism and the methods used to investigate it.
- Causes of Political Violence
This course goes over the history of different events of political violence and provides the reasoning behind the occurrences.
What Can I Do with an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland and Corporate Security?
Working for Homeland Security could be one route for those with this degree. However, online homeland security degrees can also be used in other fields. No matter if you work in a government agency or not, these are some of the potential career paths you can take.
Information Security Analysts
The 2021 median pay, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for an information security analyst was $102,600. With a bachelor’s degree, these individuals work in computer science planning and carrying out security system measures within an organization’s networks. From 2021 to 2031, there’s an expected need for 56,500 people in this field, which represents a growth rate of 35%, a level that’s much faster than average.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Working as a network and computer systems administrator often means managing the day-to-day responsibilities of computer networks within an organization. In 2021, the BLS reports the median pay for a network and computer systems administrator was $80,600 per year. There’s also a need for 11,300 more people in this field from 2021 to 2031, a 3% increase in job growth.
Computer Network Architects
Working as a computer network architect is another option for those with this bachelor’s degree. In 2021, a person working in this field earned a median pay of $120,520 per year, according to the BLS. There’s a need for 7,500 more people from 2021 to 2031, which is about a 4% growth in this industry. These individuals work to design and build data communications networks, including wide area networks, intranets, and local area networks.
Emergency Management Directors
An emergency management director prepares plans and procedures for the response to various emergency events. This could include natural disasters, wars, or outbreaks. They also help to lead the response after such events occur. The BLS reports that, in 2021, a person working in this field had a median pay of $76,730 per year. There’s an expected employment change of 300 people in this field from 2021 to 2031, a 3% increase.
A data scientist uses a variety of analytical tools and techniques to get information from data. They work in all levels of government and in private organizations. In 2021, the BLS reports the median pay for those in this field was $100,910. There’s also a very high demand for this field. From 2021 to 2031, there’s an expected need for 40,500 people, or 36% growth, which is much higher than average.
Licensure and Certifications
There isn’t a specific license required to work in many security positions like this. However, individual employers may require that a person maintain certain certifications. Here are some that may fall in line with this career path.
- Certified Homeland Protection Professional: The CHPP helps verify that a person has the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to work in the professional area of homelands security.
- Certified Homeland Protection Association: The CHPA Level 1 to 4 is designated as a person ready to begin their career or advance their career with Homeland Security.
Depending on the area in which you work, you may also benefit from computer language certifications, cybersecurity certificates, or software engineering certificates.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
Pursuing an educational path in homeland security at any level often means spending four years earning a bachelor’s degree. There could be opportunities to reduce those costs through financial aid, including some federal financial aid programs.
Additionally, there may be some scholarship offers available to qualified individuals. Scholarships are funds you do not have to repay. They can be competitive to obtain but are typically worth the work. Here are some examples that you may wish to pursue.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate: The DHS Scholarship Program is designed for STEM undergraduate students. It also requires a 10-week internship in the field.
- AFCEA Cyber Studies & Intelligence Scholarships: This scholarship awards funds to those studying cyber security, homeland security, or related programs.
- DHS Opportunities: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security offers a listing of scholarship and grant programs, as well as internships and fellowships associated with each of its focus areas, including health and science, cyber security, and legal paths.
It may also be beneficial to seek out scholarships and opportunities from state homeland security offices and programs. Some schools and professional organizations offer these programs as well.
Is an Online Homeland Security Degree Right for Me?
Earning online homeland security degrees can be a challenging path. There is no doubt that a bachelor’s in homeland security may be a necessary step for those who wish to pursue a path in this area. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before making that decision.
- Taking an online program may mean spending more time studying on your own. Are you disciplined enough to do so?
- Be sure to choose an accredited program. The more you know about the course offerings and the actual content you’ll learn, the better you may be able to determine if this path fits your specific needs and goals.
- When it comes to a bachelor’s degree, homeland security is not just about working for the actual department. You could use these skills in other areas, such as in corporate life. Consider alternative paths in case you may not be able to work with the department.
For those who are interested in science and math, this could be the ideal educational path to consider. Keep in mind that it may offer some challenges, and being good with people, is often a requirement.