An online bachelor’s degree in homeland security program may provide students with the skills and training to help protect the country’s land, property and citizens. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may study domestic and international terrorism, intelligence approaches to national security, and multi-jurisdictional coordination. Coursework within an online baccalaureate-level program in homeland security may combine general education requirements along with electives and major-specific courses, such as public safety research, criminal investigation, and emergency management.

Graduates may either pursue entry-level employment or further their education and enroll in graduate-level programs in homeland security. Bachelor’s degree graduates may find career opportunities working for federal, state, and local governmental agencies.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 21% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online baccalaureate-level program in homeland security may combine several general education requirements alongside major-specific courses and electives. In these four-year programs, students may learn how to manage public security pertaining to federal resources. Core online homeland security courses may include the following:

• Criminal Investigation
• Emergency Management
• Criminal Justice
• Corrections
• Justice, Crime, and Ethics
• Public Safety Research
• Criminal Law

Career Options

Graduates of online bachelor’s-level programs in homeland security may seek career opportunities in federal, state, and local security or enforcement agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those seeking a career as a private detective and investigator are expected to increase by 21% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Criminal Investigator
• Border Patrol Agent
• Drug Enforcement Agent
• Immigration Officer
• Security Specialist

Continuing Education

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in homeland security may continue their education and enroll in a master’s-level program in homeland security. These upper-level programs may include courses on public health preparedness, geospatial intelligence, and agricultural biosecurity.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook