Becoming a Homeland Security Professional
Homeland security professionals protect and serve the public in various roles within governmental agencies and the private sector. They work in fields as diverse as law enforcement, first responding, and information assurance.
Job opportunities for individuals with a homeland security degree continue to grow, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects a 5% job growth for police and detectives between 2019-2029. Police officers earn a median annual salary of $65,170, significantly higher than the $39,810 median annual salary for all workers. Many homeland security specialists, such as information assurance analysts, earn much higher salaries and enjoy an optimistic job growth projection of 31%.
A bachelor's degree in homeland security provides education and training for entry-level careers. The curriculum covers subjects such as criminal justice, cybersecurity, emergency management, and critical infrastructure protection. This guide provides information about homeland security careers and programs.
FAQ on Homeland Security Degrees
What kind of jobs can you get with a homeland security degree?
Homeland security professionals work in various settings. A bachelor's degree prepares students for entry-level careers including emergency management specialist, cybersecurity specialist, and special agent. Some careers require additional training.
Is there an age limit for homeland security jobs?
State and federal agencies establish age guidelines for some homeland security positions. Border patrol agents range from 18-40, and those aged 23-37 qualify for special agent positions with the FBI. The age limit for police officers varies by state.
What degree is needed for homeland security?
A bachelor's degree in homeland security prepares students for entry-level and early management positions. The degree also provides students with the foundation necessary for graduate education.
How much do homeland agents make?
Pay varies for homeland agents. According to January 2021 PayScale data, federal special agents make an average $115,300, while intelligence analysts make an average $75,810.
Recommended Schools
What Are the Goals of a Homeland Security Degree?
Homeland security degree curriculum typically includes general education courses, core classes, and a concentration for specialized training. Some schools focus on a criminal justice curriculum that explores subjects such as criminology, criminal procedure, and incident investigation and analysis. Others offer an interdisciplinary curriculum blending public safety, homeland security, criminal justice, and behavioral science coursework. Many programs offer concentrations or electives in areas such as emergency management, cybersecurity, and law enforcement.
Students apply lessons and demonstrate their proficiency when they complete capstone projects. Internships give students supervised experience with local law enforcement, the FBI, the CIA, and other organizations. Students typically complete 120-126 credits in homeland security programs. Some schools offer generous credit transfer policies, allowing learners to complete the degree faster and more affordably.
Why Get a Homeland Security Degree?
A homeland security degree opens doors to many well-paying and fulfilling careers. The degree also provides those already working in the field with the education and training necessary for career advancement. Below we list some benefits of pursuing a homeland security degree.
- Career Preparation:
Students pursuing a homeland security degree acquire the skills and training necessary for entry-level positions or graduate studies.
- Career Advancement:
Some schools design homeland security programs especially for those already working in law enforcement or homeland security. The degree provides these professionals with the education necessary to advance their career and update their skills. Some schools award credits for their experience, police or military training, and associate degrees.
- Hands-On Experience:
Employers value graduates with real experience. Some homeland security programs partner with local agencies for internship opportunities that build students' experience. Capstone projects allow students to apply lessons to solve real challenges and demonstrate their knowledge.
- Specialized Training:
Homeland security programs offer various concentrations. Students acquire training in areas including cybersecurity, disaster management, or public safety. This experience helps students focus their career or graduate studies on a specialization in a field with many career possibilities.
Employability Skills: Students develop strong critical thinking, analytical, communication, and technical skills necessary for successful homeland security careers. These skills transfer to other occupations in many fields.
What Are the Requirements for a Homeland Security Degree?
Entrance requirements for homeland security degrees vary by school. Recent high school graduates need test scores and transcripts for admission. Programs designed for nontraditional learners typically require college transcripts and a minimum 2.0-2.5 GPA. Some schools award credit for police and military training.
Many colleges develop a curriculum with law enforcement careers in mind. Others focus on the specialties discussed above. Careful planning ensures that students choose a homeland security degree suiting their career objectives. Students complete internships in their junior or senior year. The school may offer experiential opportunities at partnering organizations, or allow students to identify their own internship in the local community.
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