Guide to a Quick Online Masters in Homeland Security

What is Homeland Security?

For those who make a career in homeland security will learn to develop and implement emergency preparation, including anti-terrorism response programs and create emergency response guidelines, which are set by the US Department of Homeland Security. Many homeland security specialists are former military personnel, law enforcement officers, or emergency responders. Those in this field will also research, analyze, and adhere to changes in the development of new security techniques in order to be better prepared in emergency situations. These may include natural disasters, border violations or terrorist attacks.

Some basic tasks that are performed by homeland security specialists are: 

For those choosing to start a career in homeland security should have good interpersonal, IT skills, and technical skills. It may also help to have strong problem solving skills, organizational skills, and be able to communicate well with colleagues and supervisors alike. Homeland Security Specialists in this field should also be able to stay calm under emergency situations, familiar with several state and federal regulations, make decisions quickly, and Be reliable to others around them. 

Is a Homeland Security job worth It? Why should I Get my Homeland Online?

Homeland Security

Homeland Security is one of the fastest growing careers throughout the nation today. There are many areas of interest within the field as well. Most employers of homeland security look for skilled professionals to fit the position with their company or agency. There is also a high job growth rate with a competitive edge on compensation for those in the field of homeland security. For these reasons, many career seekers in homeland security believe that it will also be well worth the effort to venture into this field.
Although some work experience may help get you started in the job at an entry level, most skilled professionals will need to earn a higher education degree to become successful in the field. In fact, earning an online homeland security degree is often easier to achieve and can offer more flexibility if you are already working in the field. Also, many homeland security programs are already 100% online and some schools can provide low tuition rates for eligible students. Some schools may also offer active-duty military personnel a discounted tuition rate as an extra benefit. One of the best benefits of online certificates and programs in homeland security is that students have the opportunity to work at their own pace.

Types of Degrees and Specializations in Homeland Security

There are several types of degree studies and specializations with the homeland security field. Some students will focus on intelligence studies, while others may consider national security and counter terrorism. Another area of interest is emergency management, where graduates can work along FEMA. The field is very diverse with many options for graduate students to dive into. 

What Will I Learn in a Homeland Security Program?

Most students taking a Homeland security course will require a multidisciplinary approach to both domestic and international threats to our national security.  They will learn to respond to and recover vital information from critical threats. Each course should also provide the most relevant information and knowledge of today’s technological changes. Courses in Homeland security may also offer flexible schedules, such as six to eight week courses, and weekly class projects. The program will teach you how to develop new science and technological approaches related to homeland security, collaborate with community stakeholders as it pertains to security, recognize and protect against terrorist threats, and develop strategies for prevention, deterrence, defense, and emergency response. In fact, many instructors are current professionals working in federal, state, and local levels of government agencies that protect national security. 

Careers and Salary

There are several areas of interest that many graduates of a homeland security degree can apply their skills to. Each career path provides a student with the expertise needed to be successful in the field. Especially with promotional opportunities once they excel at the entry level position. Some homeland security salaries are also higher than other similar employment positions. Getting two to five years of on-the-job training and experience working as an agent or government officer will also help. Below are just a few of the many opportunities that are available to a graduate student. 

Common Homeland Security Careers

Security/Intelligence Analyst:

A security/intelligence analyst works alongside national security, law enforcement, and military intelligence. They often collect and analyze information from a variety of sources. These include open-source intelligence, classified documents, and human intelligence. They must have good decision-making skills, as well as analytical skills, critical thinking, and knowledge of geopolitical events to help identify potential security threats. The average pay for security intelligence analysts are $102,000 per year, according to the BLS.

Emergency Management Specialist/Director

These are the experts that prepare the plans and procedures for emergency personnel that respond to natural disasters or other emergencies, like FEMA. Most positions will require 5 years or more experience and completion of a BS degree in homeland security. However, earning a master’s degree will improve your chances of higher pay rate. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for emergency management directors is about $77,000.

Disaster Recovery Coordinator

This position requires a candidate to have at least five years experience in disaster relief and recovering assistance, provide guidance, oversight, and basic programmatic assistance in emergency situations. They should also be in compliance with applicable state and federal grant management policies and procedures, as well as identify potential impacts, lead meetings and briefings, and perform quality control review procedures that support the management’s goals and performance in each case. The average salary wage range for a DRC is between $80,000 to $100,000, annually.

Cybersecurity specialist

A cybersecurity professional will detect cyberthreats, implement changes, and troubleshoot security solutions and security policies. As part of their security operations team, a cybersecurity specialist is just one of the several tiers of cybersecurity professionals can apply their skills in. They will be responsible for monitoring, directing, containing and remediating IT threats. The average salary for a cybersecurity specialist at entry-level is around $61,000; however, an advanced professional can make as much as $160,000 per year.

Immigration/Customs officer

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers protect the nation from the cross-border crimes and illegal immigration, which may threaten our national security and public safety. ICE professionals focus on legal and safe immigration enforcement, terrorism prevention, and combat transnational criminal threats. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Salary Estimate is $62,012.

Do I Need a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security?

Some employers may still hire a person without a master’s degree, as long as the individual provides a bachelor’s in the field, along with work experience. However, your chances will be greater if you do earn your masters degree in the field. 

Choosing the Best Program for Me

There are many four-year colleges and universities that offer the homeland security masters degree program. Choosing the right one can be challenging, especially since many offer top-notch curriculums, experienced instructors, and a variety of field studies to help you succeed once you graduate. The first step is the admission process.

Admissions

In order to apply for a masters program in homeland security, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree in the like, or similar field of interest. This will also help you advance in your career, even before you graduate. Courses that will also be in the program are Psychology, Forensics, and Criminology. Getting a master’s degree in the field can also help set you apart from other candidates. Next is accreditation.

Accreditation

When applying for a masters degree, search for one with the best accreditations, widely accepted, or regionally recognized as one of the top schools for higher learning in criminology, forensics, and security. Now, let’s talk about scholarships and financial aid.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

There is a big difference between a bachelors and a master program when it comes to cost. Most bachelor’s degrees will offer financial aid or scholarships to those eligible. However, not many masters programs do. As an applicant, you may be eligible for certain financial aid options, but scholarships are somewhat tricky. Some schools will give an applicant one if they had kept a high GPA or shown exceptional work during their four-year degree.

Certifications and Licensure

There are several types of certifications and licensures offered in the field of homeland security. Here are some examples:

Degree Programs available in Homeland Security

Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers both a MA in Global Security and a MA in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Which is perfect for perspective students wanting to enhance their careers. The degree programs are interdisciplinary in nature and will prepare security professionals in becoming effective leaders in complex situations, from international terrorism, cybersecurity, or natural disasters. The emergency management master’s degree provides five concentrated areas, allowing students to choose the right program to fit their professional development goals.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

The MS in Homeland Security at Northwestern State University of Louisiana that offers graduate students with the opportunity to gain exceptional knowledge in the field. Students will learn how to analyze and comprehend the many challenges of security conditions that evolved in our nation over the past few decades. Changes are constantly evolving, when it comes to security measures, both on the homefront and on the international stage. Yet, the course at Northwestern addresses each one in great detail for the graduate student. 

Purdue University Global

MS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at Purdue University Global will help graduates excel in the field by providing essential courses to be successful. Students will study the legal, social, business, economic, and political aspects of homeland security, as well as, getting hands-on training. The curriculum is project-oriented and focuses on problem-based coursework. Students will also gain insight from experienced professionals already working in the homeland security field.  Students will need 15 hrs of course effort over the 10-week class. Total credits of the program is 55 credits, taking about 1.5 years to complete. 

Towson University

Towson University has a MS in Integrated Homeland Security Management program, designed for graduate students interested in national security and on the homefront of our nation. The program will help students in proficient knowledge of research, development and analysis of security strategies; including formulating and executing integrated, rapid responses to crisis situations. The course program will also focus on team leadership and cooperative planning while in the field. Students will need a minimum of 36 credits to graduate. 

Virginia Commonwealth University

MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at Virginia Commonwealth University offers graduates with an interdisciplinary viewpoint of the field. Students will learn both theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing them for the private or public sector within the field of security. The curriculum focuses on international and domestic security, preparedness in relation to terrorist threats, and policy-making and implementation aspects of the field. A final research project will be required for completion. The master’s degree is available completely online, for distance-learning students. 

Professional Organizations in Homeland Security

Here are several common agencies that those who are interested in Homeland security will find employment with. Some will offer career opportunities at a bachelor’s degree level for entry-level positions:

Homeland security has always existed. It has just changed in the last twenty years or so because the technology has caught up, and made surveillance easier to do and easier to spot. Surveillance is a good thing, it keeps citizens safe. It has the potential to be used for ill purposes though. There are a lot of theories surrounding surveillance and homeland security. Is it bad? Is it good? For all of the pain it can causes for citizens, HS is still a necessity to many. With globalization, international trade, and human trafficking on the rise, citizens need the extra protection that it provides. Homeland security is not going away, it will only get better. Hopefully with minimal intrusion on citizens. Citizens want to feel safe and secure; they do not want to be watched and made to feel like criminals; or like they have no freedom or live in a prison. However, overall, it is still a great career choice for many. Government agencies that provide security are important throughout the nation. And choosing to enter into homeland security is one of the top career jobs out there.

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