Open New Doors: A Homeland Security Bachelor's Degree

The impact of 9/11 has caused a lot of changes in the U.S. One of the most significant is the increase in the amount of security across the country but particularly associated with travel, business and technology. The formation of the Department of Homeland Security has opened the eyes of business and governmental agencies and created lots of homeland security careers.

To get such a job, the first step is a homeland security bachelor's degree. Both online and traditional universities offer such degrees, typically under the umbrella of a criminal justice program. The first half of the homeland security bachelor's degree is made up of the general education requirements that most institutions follow, classes such as humanities, composition, statistics, psychology and sociology. The homeland security portion of the degree typically includes courses in law, the justice system, field methods, crisis negotiation and even multijurisdictional coordination.

Some homeland security bachelor's degree programs require a combination of courses with field work, such as internships. These can vary greatly, particularly since students aiming for a homeland security bachelor's degree often must specialize, choosing between standard homeland security and security of technology.

It is this connection to technology that has opened many new homeland security jobs. Corporations are employing graduates to protect their own cyberspace. Consumers are more comfortable working with a business they know has a secure network. That is what a homeland security career can provide.

Others with a homeland security bachelor's degree work within more standard criminal justice areas. Homeland security careers can be found in city, state and federal law enforcement, general security work, search and rescue teams, and customs. Many find the degree helpful for a transfer in career from the military to homeland security careers.

The number of jobs available is extensive and will surely only increase. IT is considered one of the fastest growing fields, and computer security is singled out by the "Careers in Homeland Security" publication from the agency as a significant portion of that growth. Security across the country is taken more and more seriously, so those with a homeland security degree will have many chances for jobs.

Homeland security career opportunities abound for those who have a bachelor's degree. The job variety and availability make it a career well worth considering in the post-9/11 world. A homeland security career awaits anyone with interest.

Capella University. Capella.edu.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Erau.edu.

Homeland Security. Dhs.gov.

Hutton, Donald B and Mydlarz, Anna. Barron's Guide to Homeland Security Careers. June 2003.

Kaplan University. Kaplanuniversity.edu.