If protecting your community and country from disasters, terrorism, and cybercrime interests you, consider a degree in homeland security. A bachelor’s degree in homeland security equips holders with the knowledge to work in disaster management, law enforcement, and public safety positions.
The degree offers a path to many innovative and lucrative careers. For instance, many information security analysts hold a homeland security degree, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that information security analysts will see a 28% employment increase from 2016 to 2026 — far above the national average rate of 7%. In our complicated world, careers open to homeland security degree holders constantly need to keep up with changing security and hazard needs.
This page provides both an overview of what to expect from a typical bachelor’s degree in homeland security and some tips on selecting the right program for you.
Should I Get a Bachelor’s in Homeland Security?
How you use a bachelor’s in homeland security depends on your specific interests and academic history. While some students seek out an on-campus homeland security bachelor’s immediately after high school, others opt for an online degree to change careers. For instance, someone with a background in computers might pursue a homeland security degree to prepare for a information systems security career. Likewise, a law enforcement officer might pursue a bachelor’s in homeland security to qualify for a more specialized position. A working professional or second-time student will likely feel more suited for an online bachelor’s in homeland security than a first-time undergraduate student.
A degree in homeland security equips students with skills in teamwork, critical thinking, and information systems literacy. The teamwork skills you gain from this degree allow you to network with colleagues and faculty. The ability to look at information with a critical eye enables you to pick and choose which relationships and connections help you with your desired career. Graduates also find that information systems literacy skills provide them with a competitive edge in finding technology jobs.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Homeland Security?
Homeland security degree holders find themselves in positions related to cybersecurity, law enforcement, and emergency management. While the majority of jobs may occur at the local, state, and federal government levels, many private companies and nonprofits welcome this degree. Students often find that a bachelor’s degree in homeland security offers more options than previously thought. The unique set of skills offered by a homeland security degree holder proves useful in many professions, including ones as diverse as fire-fighting and information system security.
