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A Homeland Security major is ideal for protecting the country from domestic and foreign threats and keeping peace and order. Essentially a public service career, Homeland Security involves working in situations involving emergency management, law enforcement, and national security.
Foreign relations and international security all fall under the umbrella of national security, which encompasses national defense.
While anchored on Liberal Arts and the Humanities, a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security online highlights the scientific and technological aspects of the discipline.
This crucial field, which also applies the principles of the criminal justice system, develops students’ skills in identifying, examining, managing, and responding to corporate and national security threats. They also gain transferable skills like communication, decision-making, and critical thinking.
The Lowdown
With the promise of a high-paying and stable career trajectory, an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security program produces uniquely skilled graduates who take on important roles in national security, emergency response management, and international and domestic terrorism or cyberattack response.
This academic major highlights the fundamentals of the discipline to prepare students for these crucial roles.
Methodology
Today, numerous schools offer online Homeland Security programs! On this list are high-quality online programs offering distance education, each of which is hailed for its excellent standards based on the following criteria:
- Offered as a 100% or partial online bachelor’s degree program to highlight convenient learning,
- Hosted on a robust learning management platform through which online learners access their coursework, attend webinars, or participate in online discussions, confident in the 24/7 online assistance,
- Features comprehensive coursework on the fundamentals of Homeland Security principles and practices, preparing students for a master’s degree,
- Equips students with the unique set of skills required for relevant occupations as a fraud investigator, cybercrime specialist, disaster recovery professional, or intelligence analyst, and similar roles,
- Develops in each student the ethical and moral skills needed to serve in homeland security, disaster relief, and antiterrorism operations,
- Taught by renowned figures in Homeland Security, including terminal degree holders and professionals,
- Promotes financial aid support like scholarships, grants, veteran discounts, and military tuition assistance,
- Accredited regionally, providing quality education in full compliance with high academic standards that an online Homeland Security program must adhere to.
For more details about our school rankings, visit our Methodology page.
Today’s Best Online Degrees in Homeland Security
University of Maryland Global Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
The online Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security at the University of Maryland Global Campus delivers a unique perspective of the discipline in many areas, including the areas of risk assessment, threat assessment, intelligence gathering, emergency response, strategic planning, and emerging technologies for terrorism, cybercrimes, global pandemics, intelligence operations, and natural disasters.
This Homeland Security bachelor program’s prerequisite courses cannot be taken in the same session as subsequent courses. Several factors affect a student’s academic plan, including credit transfers. Students must consult with their academic advisor to structure their bachelor’s program.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Homeland Security students at the University of Maryland Global are taught the specific skills of mediating risks, creating safety and security strategies, and recovering from operational failures.
Did You Know?
Students acquire coursework based on the faculty’s expertise working in a federal emergency management agency.
As a result, students are uniquely qualified for positions that enable them to recognize terrorist and cyber threats. They identify the critical roles they play alongside homeland security partners and stakeholders.
Penn State World Campus
Online Undergraduate Minor in Homeland Security
Penn State World Campus offers an Undergraduate Minor in Homeland Security. Often leading to occupations in security and protective services, this program prepares students for higher career options in homeland security.
Minors in criminal justice, political science, law, nursing, and organizational leadership are available to all interested undergraduates at the World Campus who meet the prerequisites. The 18-credit coursework covers security administration, emergency management, infrastructure management, and border security.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students are provided a broad glimpse of homeland security policies and operations. They gain knowledge of emergency management and become experts in recovering from, preventing, and responding to natural and man-made disasters.
Did You Know?
Earning a Homeland Security minor at Penn State is a way to explore this unique field of study or pursue a personal interest. Students often combine this minor with other fields for a well-rounded education.
Wichita State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
Wichita State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security degree featuring specialized courses in emergency management, terrorism studies, and cyber security.
This program’s core courses combine with general education requirements, providing pre-service and in-service students with a comprehensive education in all aspects of Homeland Security.
What Makes this Program Unique:
This online BS program produces the next generation of professionals with unique expertise in operational, management, and policy roles in Homeland Security.
Did You Know?
Wichita State takes pride in its strong transfer credit program. Students are paired with an academic advisor who helps them develop an online study plan, taking into account their credit transfers.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security program provides students with a solid foundation in the discipline for success in professional work within the sector.
Here are some concentration options that online students can choose from:
- Military Science
- Emergency Management
- Global Conflict Studies
- Forensic Accounting
- Terrorism Studies
- International History
What Makes this Program Unique:
Students learn about US military intelligence and how to contribute to this critical sector. Consequently, graduates emerge with highly marketable skills in risk analysis, emergency management planning, and critical infrastructure protection, making them fit for crucial positions in relevant agencies or offices.
Did You Know?
Graduates become effective in developing continuity plans, devising strategies, and formulating emergency response plans for natural disasters and social challenges. This online degree meets the government and the private sector’s ever-changing needs concerning Homeland Security.
Keiser University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
Keiser University offers a web-based Bachelor of Arts degree in Homeland Security. This online degree emphasizes skills necessary for management in the critical Homeland Security field. In addition to providing management skills, the program emphasizes the unique competencies required to comprehend Homeland Security at different levels.
Some of the courses to take in this online degree are the following:
- Catastrophic Event Response Planning
- Emergency management
- Cross-cultural management
- Homeland Security Threat Strategy
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Homeland Security Policy and Law
- Issues in Disaster Response
What Makes this Program Unique:
In this online degree, students learn how to create emergency plans for multiple agencies using generally accepted management principles. Students can also formulate emergency plans for multiple agencies using generally accepted management principles.
Did You Know?
Homeland Security majors at Keiser gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues affecting society and the appropriate response and actions to take. They acquire specialized skills in recognizing, investigating, and responding to terrorism.
Mississippi College
Online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
If you are interested in a career in anti-terrorism, you can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security online. Offered through the Mississippi College Administration of Justice Department, this program provides a comprehensive foundation in Justice, along with electives focused on Homeland Security.
By enabling students to understand the institutions and their day-to-day operations that make up an orderly, peaceful, and safe society, this online program prepares graduates for the specific roles expected of Homeland Security professionals.
What Makes this Program Unique:
While emphasizing technical coursework such as data analysis and interpretation, this online Homeland Security undergraduate program also develops the soft skills required of professionals, including critical thinking, communication, and leadership.
Did You Know?
Mississippi College Homeland Security majors become distinctly qualified for critical roles like emergency response, law enforcement, national security, and intelligence analysis.
DeSales University
Online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
DeSales University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security program. A key element of this major is its affiliation with the University Partnership Initiative of the Center for Defense and Homeland Security. The curriculum is specially designed to meet employers’ needs.
Students can expect a long career in Homeland Security specializing in protecting critical infrastructure, preparing for disasters, analyzing intelligence data, and combating terrorism. Graduates learn the basics of coordinating federal, state, and local homeland security measures against any kind of threat.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Career outcomes for DeSales’ Homeland Security majors include emergency manager, risk manager, business continuity manager, intelligence analyst, and law enforcement officer.
Did You Know?
The DeSales Homeland Security online degree is a science-based and practitioner-informed education and training. Graduates demonstrate critical thinking, leadership, and ethical behavior.
Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy: Emergency Management and Homeland Security
The Arizona State University Bachelor of Science in Public Service and Public Policy – with a concentration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security is all about promoting safety and security. Students identify disasters, analyze them, and manage such situations.
As governments, businesses, and individuals become increasingly concerned about digital and physical disasters, this BS program and concentration equips students with the skills to protect assets, qualifying them for emergency management and public policy positions.
What Makes this Program Unique:
With a BS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security, students learn to build a holistic understanding of risks, manage public and private security threats, and organize recovery efforts.
Did You Know?
Upon completing their Emergency Management and Homeland Security degree, ASU students can complete opt for the accelerated master’s program to further their education and enhance their skills.
American Public University
Online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
American Public University offers a Homeland Security Bachelor’s degree that produces experts in homeland security, intelligence, and border security. The coursework emphasizes interagency and intergovernmental relationships, homeland security leadership, and US homeland security strategy.
This online Homeland Security bachelor’s degree program is taught by experts with real-world experience. Most instructors are professionals and important contributors to the fields of law enforcement, intelligence, emergency management, and customs and border patrol.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The APU System uses a variety of assessment tools and rubrics to determine whether students have met their program objectives. Students’ proficiency in meeting each program outcome is assessed through signature assignments, usually in the final semester of a program.
Did You Know?
Military families, active-duty service members, National Guard members, and reservists receive a tuition grant of $250 per credit hour at APU.
Thomas Edison State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
Thomas Edison State University comes with a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security & Emergency Management that is delivered online. It emphasizes a broad understanding of homeland security and emergency management issues, including policy considerations.
The coursework structure aligns with the recovery, prevention, response, protection, and mitigation facets of Homeland Security work.
Some of the program courses are:
- Emergency management
- Critical Thinking for Homeland Security
- Homeland Security: Preparedness, Prevention, and Deterrence
- Homeland security
- Business continuity
- Criminology
- Public Speaking
- Public safety
A total of 120 credits is required for completion.
What Makes this Program Unique:
By completing this Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, adults can change careers, advance professionally or pursue graduate studies. By studying general education disciplines in addition to specific applied areas of interest, students develop a broad knowledge of general education disciplines.
Did You Know?
Other regionally accredited colleges or universities may allow you to transfer your credits. Besides earning credit, the University offers a wide range of other opportunities for adult learners.
Angelo State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Border and Homeland Security
The Angelo State University – Online Bachelor of Science in Border and Homeland Security features a comprehensive view of the concepts surrounding border security, national security, and international security.
A nationally acclaimed program, this online BS in Border and Homeland Security provides a comprehensive overview of terrorism and counterterrorism, hazards, disaster recovery, and international trafficking.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Angelo State University’s professors are at the forefront of their fields! Angelo State’s Border and Homeland Security online undergraduate degree is one of their most popular programs.
Students, scholars, and researchers must meet the journal requirement to document their progress and competency for Homeland Security work.
Did You Know?
Angelo State offers Freshman College a comprehensive resource for transitioning into college life, improving communication skills, and engaging in active learning. The school also features writing centers, math labs, and tutoring services.
Campbell University
Online Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security that Campbell University offers focuses on developing student expertise in Homeland Security-related fields.
Students acquire a broad understanding of issues affecting community health and security and develop the skills required to lead and protect against local, national, and international threats.
The coursework introduces students to the basics of Homeland Security, including industry terms and technicalities. Domestic and international terrorism is widely discussed, such that students have the fundamental knowledge of threat detection, prevention, and management in this respect.
What Makes this Program Unique:
The Department of Homeland Security identified critical needs in the field of Homeland Security – and Campbell’s Homeland Security degree program is continually updated to meet those needs.
Did You Know?
Campbell University is the only college in North Carolina offering a four-year homeland security degree that can prepare you for a security career.
Mercer University
(Online) Bachelor of Science – Homeland Security & Emergency Management
If you want to contribute to public security and safety, Mercer University’s Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is the right online degree for you! The coursework focuses on enabling students to thoroughly examine global threats and readily plan for and manage disasters.
It offers service-based learning opportunities for students to develop the core competencies for the profession. Besides obtaining technical and operational knowledge, students also emerge with leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills.
This online BS degree prepares students for a career in public safety while also ideal for adults who work in emergency response and homeland security.
The online BS in Homeland Security and Management program, consisting of eight-week sessions, demonstrates Mercer University’s commitment to making higher education more accessible to adult students.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Undergraduate students at Mercer University who qualify for the Special Consideration Program receive a 30% tuition discount on their graduate degree.
Did You Know?
Government and nonprofit agencies often employ homeland security and emergency response professionals. A bachelor’s degree from Mercer can lead to careers like an air marshal, CIA officer, disaster services analyst, or customs protection officer.
Anderson University
(Online) Bachelor of Science: Criminal Justice – concentration in Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice: Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness at Anderson University can be taken entirely online. Students collaborate with their professors and peers in a similar learning environment to that of on-campus courses.
Some of the topics covered in this degree are the following:
- History of correctional systems and practices
- Characteristics of crime
- Legal aspects of criminal procedure
In addition to learning the specific concepts of arrest, search, and seizure, graduates also acquire knowledge of crime prevention, violence, and victimization. They study physiology, juvenile delinquency, and correctional systems.
What Makes this Program Unique:
This online Homeland Security degree is designed for those who are new to the field of Criminal Justice without an extensive academic background. Graduates become prepared for employment in government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
Specific occupations include security agencies, law enforcement departments, drug enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, or the Secret Service.
Did You Know?
Structured in an eight-week format, the Bachelor of Criminal Justice program – Homeland Security concentration spells convenience for working adults. The program features only skilled, knowledgeable, and industry-expert professors who work directly with students as they navigate the program and their career options.
National University
Online Bachelor of Science: Homeland Security and Emergency Management
The BS in Homeland Security & Emergency Management online degree at National University offers an exploration of security issues, practices, politics, and cultures of terrorism from a political and religious perspective.
More importantly, students learn to detect, analyze, respond to, manage, and recover from emergency situations brought about by such threats.
Homeland Security and Emergency Management majors at National University research various government and private entities and present suggestions for improving emergency preparedness. They also analyze the implications of technology in exploring strategies for disaster management and crisis response planning.
National University students analyze emergency disaster recovery plans and reports. Their analytical skills come in handy as they tackle ethical dilemmas in government and private industries.
What Makes this Program Unique:
Homeland Security and Emergency Management majors at National University also learn about managing borders, ports, and airports. Indeed, a variety of levels of government and private industry officials, including military personnel of all ranks, can benefit from this program!
Did You Know?
Providing accessible, achievable higher education to adults has been the National University’s mission. The admissions staff is dedicated to helping students choose the right program based on their career goals, guiding them through the admissions process, which in fact, has recently been simplified and streamlined to better accommodate applicants.
Courses to Take in an Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security
Cybercrime
As you take this course, you will learn about hacking, data theft, malware creation, and other illegal online activity that poses a national security threat.
Emergency Management
Natural and man-made disasters can be prepared for, responded to, and mitigated by emergency managers. The methods and strategies required for such situations are covered in the emergency management course. Professors will discuss and teach students how to manage crises, assess risks, and respond to and recover from disasters.
Counterterrorism
The aim of this course is to develop strategies against terrorists. Students will learn to assess risks associated with sources and assets, develop contingency plans, and conduct basic research on counterterrorism.
Cybersecurity
This course teaches students how to protect electronically stored data from hackers and security breaches. Some of the subtopics that will be discussed in this course are privacy, social networks, encryption, cryptography, and password management.
Security Management
This course examines how security practices have evolved over the years, asset identification, vulnerabilities, and trends in public safety.
Catastrophic Events
Learn how public safety officials respond to different catastrophes and emergencies in this course. Students will explore how such events can affect the public.
Possible Jobs for Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Graduates
From the US Secret Service to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), homeland security offers many potential career paths. In order to be successful in this field, you must have the right education.
Information Security Analyst
In order to keep computer networks and data safe from hacks and threats, information security analysts ensure that all security systems are protected. An organization’s computer network becomes more secure by implementing firewalls and encryption programs developed by these analysts.
Railroad Police
Police and security staff coordinate with one another to keep railroad stations and yards safe. They apprehend trespassers and remove them from railroad property. After graduating with an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security, this is a great career to pursue. Railroad police also work with law enforcers to ensure road safety.
Fraud Investigator
Investigators investigate fraud by collecting evidence, analyzing data, and conducting interviews. Fraudulent activity is common in insurance and accounting industries, so these are the work settings that homeland security graduates can apply for.
Crime Prevention Specialist
The goal of crime prevention specialists is to help people protect themselves and crime prevention programs for public safety. Their initiatives may involve youth programs, crime prevention in communities, violence prevention, and safety promotion.
Secret Service Agent
The Secret Service protects government officials and foreign officials visiting the United States. They usually work in the government secret service agency. They can help resolve different threats, risks, and crimes in various situations.
Cybercrime Agent
Keeping the nation’s cyber networks secure is the responsibility of a Cybercrime Agent. They may work in both the private and public sectors. This role entails investigating data thefts and applying cutting-edge applications.
A Homeland Security educational background can be used to land this high-paying job. Some cybercrime agents are deployed in different states to investigate or go through cybercrime cases.
Air Marshal
Defending the aviation industry from aggressive events is the responsibility of federal air marshals. To prevent terrorism and criminal behavior on commercial passenger planes, a Federal Air Marshall travels unnoticed.
Federal Air Marshalls’ job responsibilities are to promote the safety and confidence of the aviation industry within the country.
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence analysts usually work for the National Security Agency. As part of your job responsibilities, you need to establish relationships with intelligence and law enforcement contacts, manage networks, and facilitate information sharing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security?
Bachelor’s degree programs in Homeland Security teach students prevention and response strategies to terrorist attacks and other public safety threats. As well as homeland security knowledge, you can learn more general skills like communication, decision-making, and critical thinking while studying in this degree program.
To gain work experience, many programs also offer internships. Counterterrorism, protective service, and emergency management are some of the challenges you can face with a homeland security degree.
Are there financial assistance options for online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security programs?
To determine eligibility for federal financial aid, Homeland Security majors must complete the FAFSA. A school or university may offer scholarships or grants internally. It is also possible for students to apply for scholarships from outside organizations.
All you need to do is inquire from the admission staff and look for the right kinds of financial aid options that fit your qualifications.
Besides the expected career outcomes in Homeland Security, what else can graduates pursue?
An undergraduate degree in Homeland Security can lead to a number of occupations, such as police officer or detective, emergency management director, firefighter, customs officer, agricultural specialist, or cybersecurity expert.
Summary Points
- A Bachelor’s in Homeland Security degree teaches you the basics of preventing and responding to terrorism, disasters, threats, and other risks.
- Public safety, emergency management, and criminal justice are a few of the careers prepared for students through online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security programs. They work in environments that require vigilance, focus, and attention on a variety of fronts.
- The Homeland Security industry plays a vital role in ensuring national security. There are many jobs available in this field, and most of them require a bachelor’s degree in homeland security.
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