Online homeland security programs teach students how to anticipate, prepare for, prevent, and react to types of events, including terrorism and pandemics. These programs are best for individuals who have good judgment, strong leadership skills, can multitask, and are strong. Homeland security degree programs are available online at the associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral levels. Select schools may offer a graduate or undergraduate certificate option.

Individuals who graduate with a degree or certificate in homeland security may find employment with the federal or state government as well as private companies. Programs may provide students with the necessary skills and training for a career as a homeland security officer, border control agent, fire professional, law enforcement official, and emergency management director.

Available Degree Levels

• Certificate: One to two years to complete
• Associate Degree: Two years to complete
• Bachelor’s Degree: Four years to complete
• Master’s Degree: One to two years to complete
• Doctoral Degree: Three to five years to complete

An online certificate program in homeland security provides students with a solid foundation in homeland security topics, including mass destruction, homeland defense, intelligence, and consequence. Schools may offer undergraduate or graduate certificate programs. Students may learn how government helps communities deal with natural disaster situations and assist with homeland security policies. Courses may include intelligence theory, radical ideologies, and boarder control.

Students enrolled in online baccalaureate programs in homeland security learn about the historical and ever-evolving political and national homeland security issues. They also study domestic risks, operational systems, and terrorism threats. In addition to general education requirements, students may complete courses in domestic and international terrorism, world conflict, leadership in homeland security, and multi-jurisdictional approaches to investigation.

Online master’s-level programs in homeland security are ideal for those who have obtained a bachelor’s degree or those already in the workforce that would like additional training. Schools may offer specific areas of focus, such as food defense, information security and forensics, public health preparedness, and geospatial intelligence. Coursework may cover agricultural biosecurity, disaster communication, strategic planning and organizational imperatives, and social and ethical issues in homeland security.

An online doctoral-level program in homeland security provides upper-level managers with additional training in regards to national security. These research-laded programs allow students to develop a plan for coordinating specific homeland security organizations, as well as how to deal with issues pertaining to homeland security. Students may build their leadership skills and explore how to implement trans-organizational policy.

Career Options

Graduates of online homeland security programs may opt for careers in law enforcement, personal security, infrastructure protection, or intelligence analysis. Individuals who possess a degree or certificate in homeland security may know how to deal with counter-terrorism issues, destroy a weapon involved in a biological attack, and handle a cyber-attack on vital computer systems.

Possible career fields include:

• Law Enforcement
• Emergency Management Director
• Border Control Agent
• Fire Professional
• Homeland Security Officer