Careers in homeland security could range from the government manager that drafts preparedness plans to the border patrol officer that keeps illegal aliens from crossing our borders. (8) Online homeland security programs are designed to provide these workers with an in-depth look at security measures and tactical strategies that must be used to prevent, prepare for and handle national crisis situations. (3-7) This career field is generally stable, and opportunities could be available in both the public and private sectors. (1, 2)
Online Homeland Security Program Overviews
When an international or national threat happens to compromise our government, homeland security professionals are usually the first to respond. (1, 2, 7) Online degree programs are available as an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree; however, students can also find certificate programs. These programs are available in homeland security, or as a concentration within a criminal justice program. Additionally, students can choose to concentrate within a homeland security program in areas like information security, public health or food defense, to name a few. Combining online courses in emergency management, terrorism, world conflict, infrastructure security and national defense with real-world simulations and projects, homeland security programs are designed to teach students the fundamental management skills and response tactics to prepare for and respond to global emergencies. (1, 3-7)
Career Options
The career options in homeland security could be vast. Associate’s and bachelor’s degree graduates could work as border patrol agents or law enforcement professionals for the federal government or a private security firm. (5-6) Graduate programs may open the door to management opportunities within homeland security or specific sectors. For example, master’s graduates may find a career as an intelligence analyst or emergency management director for the Department of Homeland Security. Doctoral graduates could earn senior leadership and academia positions. (3, 4, 7, 8)
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), protective service occupations are projected to see an eight percent increase in jobs from 2012-2022. (1) Additionally, the mean annual wages for this group as a whole were $43,510 in May 2013. However, those in management positions could expect to see higher wages. Profiled below are the May 2013 mean wages for five possible careers available to online homeland security graduates, according to the BLS. (2)
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators: $79,030
- Police Officers: $58,720
- Transportation Security Screeners: $37,400
- Transportation Managers: $91,220
- Emergency Management Directors: $67,150
Work Life
Homeland security professionals could find career opportunities in private security, government, law enforcement, homeland security agencies and health care. The work environment could be as varied as the field. Managers may work in an office setting, drafting reports and creating preparedness plans, while officers usually work out in the field, responding to emergencies and tracking down potential terrorists. Most positions may require travel; in some cases, this might be extensive. The work is typically physically demanding and stressful, since these professionals are likely called into action during crisis situations. Most individuals work full-time, and overtime is common. (1, 3-8)
Citations
1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Police and Detectives, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-2 (October 20, 2014).
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2014-15 Edition, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2013, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oes/2013/may/oes_nat.htm#33-0000 (visited October 20, 2014).
- Penn State Online, Graduate Certificate in Public Health Preparedness, on the Internet at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/public-health-preparedness-certificate/overview (visited October 20, 2014).
- Penn State Online, MPS in Homeland Security, on the Internet at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/homeland-security/overview (visited October 20, 2014).
- Capella University, BS in Homeland Security, on the Internet at http://www.capella.edu/online-degrees/bachelors-homeland-security/ (visited October 20, 2014).
- Everest, Online Homeland Security Associate Degree, on the Internet at http://www.everestonline.edu/online-degrees/homeland-security-as (visited October 20, 2014).
- Northcentral University, Online Homeland Security Leadership and Policy, on the Internet at http://www.ncu.edu/school-of-business-and-technology/doctor-of-philosophy-in-business-administration/homeland-security-leadership-and-policy (visited October 20, 2014)
- Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Jobs, on the Internet at http://www.dhs.gov/topic/homeland-security-jobs (visited October 20, 2014)
