Homeland Security is a very serious profession, perfectly-suited for selfless individuals who would like to protect their country and its people.
To be able to work in Homeland Security, prospective industry professionals will have to seek higher education and obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Luckily, many educational institutions offer online learning, making it suitable for virtually anyone, regardless of their responsibilities.
Distance learning allows students to keep their current jobs while pursuing educational and career advancement.
When it comes to education, it is vital to choose a school that offers quality education at reasonable prices.
These are the top thirty schools for obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security:
Excelsior College
Excelsior College is situated in Albany, New York, and it has an excellent online degree program in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security.
This degree option is perfect for individuals who already have some experience with working in law enforcement or military.
By attending this course, students will gain valuable knowledge about the following topics:
- Domestic terrorism
- Interagency coordination and preparedness
- Security planning and threat assessment
- Counterterrorism
To graduate, students will have to complete 120 credit hours, a capstone project, and attend the following courses:
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
Liberty University
Liberty University is a well-known name in the online education industry, and it’s situated in Lynchburg, Virginia.
It has a great online Bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security that aims to help students with obtaining the necessary skills and knowledge about the Department of Homeland Security.
By attending this degree program, students will gain vast knowledge and understanding of how to protect their country and recognize various threats.
Prospective students will be ready to protect and serve the country through extensive research, collaborative classes, and preparedness strategies.
These are the core courses students will have to attend:
- Administration of Justice Organizations
- Criminal Justice Ethics
- Terrorism, Judicial Process
- Criminal Law
On the other hand, these are the cognate courses students will have an opportunity to take:
- Behavioral Dimensions of Disaster
- Introduction to Homeland Security
- Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Incident Command System/Emergency Plan
To graduate, students will have to complete 120 credit hours.
Official WebsiteKeiser University
Keiser University is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and it has a great online degree program in Homeland Security.
This particular program has a strong focus on management-related skills, and it requires 120 credit hours to graduate.
By attending this course, students will obtain relevant skills and knowledge needed to understand how the Department of Homeland Security operates at local, federal, and state levels.
Upon graduation, students will be fully ready to recognize, investigate, prepare, and effectively respond to threats and emergencies.
These are the major courses students will have to take:
- Introduction to Cyber-Terrorism
- Organizing the War on Terrorism
- Introduction to Homeland Security
- Domestic & International Terrorism
Mississippi College
Mississippi College offers a comprehensive online degree option in the field of Homeland Security that requires 130 credit hours to graduate.
This course is perfect for everyone who’d like to work as an anti-terrorism expert, and it provides students with a strong foundation in justice, homeland security concepts, and theories.
Upon graduation, prospective students will be able to seek many different job opportunities in state and federal agencies, including:
- Emergency Management
- Law Enforcement
- Intelligence Analysis
- Security Departments
To obtain a diploma, students will also have to complete coursework in the following areas of expertise:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Introduction to Homeland Security
- Introduction to Emergency Management
- International Terrorism
- Legal Aspects of Homeland Security
Arizona State University
Arizona State University is another popular choice among students who’d like to obtain a diploma in Public Service and Public Policy, with a focus on Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
This comprehensive degree option will prepare students for dealing with complex issues on a daily basis, including mitigation and responding to natural and deliberate disasters.
Upon graduation, students will be able to work as logistics managers, security managers, emergency managers, political analysts, CEOs, and security supervisors, to name a few.
To obtain a diploma, students will have to earn 120 credit hours and complete a capstone project.
Among others, these are the most relevant mandatory courses students will have to take:
- Public Service Ethics
- Homeland Security
- Contemporary Policy Challenges
- Juvenile Justice
- Immigrants and Refugees
- Introduction to Criminology
Thomas Edison State University
Thomas Edison State University is located in Trenton, New Jersey, and it has a well-rounded online degree program in the field of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
This degree option aims to provide students with relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this field.
Prospective students will learn about the five primary National Preparedness levels, including protection, prevention, mitigation, recovery, and response.
To graduate, students will need to complete 120 credit hours and take the following required courses:
- Research Methods in the Social Sciences
- Homeland Security: Preparedness, Prevention, and Deterrence
- Terrorism
- Protecting the Homeland, Response, and Recovery
Anderson University
Anderson University is situated in Anderson, South Carolina, and it offers a Bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security/Emergency Preparedness.
By attending this course, students will gain knowledge on many different subjects, including crime causes, measurements, and characteristics, correctional practices, and systems, as well as the criminal due process.
This program is ideally suited for individuals who are looking to work in the field of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.
Upon graduation, students will be able to seek job opportunities in local, state, and federal government agencies, as well as in the private sector.
To graduate, students will have to obtain 123 credit hours by taking core courses, general education courses, and general elective courses.
Official WebsiteNational University
National University is situated in La Jolla, California, and it’s a renowned educational facility that offers an online degree program in the field of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
By attending this course, students will become fully prepared to seek careers in disaster management fields in local, state, and federal governments, as well as non-profit organizations, security, and the private sector.
Students will be tasked to research different areas and suggest improvements when it comes to their disaster and threat strategies.
They will also receive a vast knowledge of terrorism, security issues and practices, political concerns, mitigating a pending emergency, and effective business planning.
Required courses include the following:
- Information Security
- Domestic Security Management
- Crisis Management
- Disaster Management
- International and Domestic Terrorism
Mercer University
Mercer University is located in Macon, Georgia, and it has a stellar online Bachelor’s degree program in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
This course is well-rounded and comprehensive, offering students a unique opportunity to garner the knowledge and skills needed to resolve public safety issues effectively, as well as pending emergencies.
It is perfect for individuals who’d like to learn more about how the Department of Homeland Security works.
Another great thing about this degree option is the fact that it teaches students how to become efficient and effective communicators and leaders.
To graduate, students will have to complete 120 credit hours.
Among others, students are required to take the following courses:
- Intelligence Gathering and Dissemination
- The Effects of Disaster on Society
- Foundations of Leadership
- Field Experience
- Terrorism
Eastern Kentucky University
Eastern Kentucky University has a fantastic degree program in the field of Homeland Security that was designed to teach students about security management, disaster preparedness, and business continuity management.
This online degree program combines the best of both worlds – a strong theoretical foundation with hands-on, experiential learning.
Students will learn about the following topics:
- Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Disaster Preparedness and Response
- Emergency Management
- Risk Analysis
- Physical Security
- Homeland Security Technology
- Mitigation Strategies
To graduate, prospective students will have to earn 120 credit hours, complete a capstone project, and take the following core courses:
- Critical Problem Analysis, Policy, and Legal Analysis
- Modern Natural Disasters
- Security Management
- Disaster Resilience
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a reputable educational institution that has an excellent online degree program in the field of Criminal Justice with a Homeland Security Specialization.
The goal of this course is to train students to become successful professionals who know how to recognize and analyze threats, effectively respond to natural disasters, and keep the country safe.
By attending this degree program, students will become fully prepared to become experts in weapons of mass destruction, law enforcement ethics, law, economic, and religious forces, Middle Eastern political forces, and terrorism.
Saint Leo University is partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy Associates.
To obtain a diploma, prospective graduates will have to earn 120 credit hours and attend the following core courses:
- Modern Middle East I
- Modern Middle East II
- Introduction to Homeland Defense I
- Introduction to Homeland Defense II
- Local Response to Terrorism
- Exploitable Weaknesses in Terrorist Organizations
Tulane University
Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, Tulane University offers a well-rounded online degree program in the field of Homeland Security.
This degree option focuses on hands-on, experiential learning through a practical curriculum that is taught by industry experts and leaders.
This creates a unique opportunity for students to learn from the best and become successful security practitioners themselves.
It is ideal for individuals who have a strong passion and desire to serve and protect the country.
The course is also well-suited for individuals who currently work as emergency medical responders or are a part of the military.
To graduate, students will have to earn 120 credit hours and attend the following core courses:
- Homeland Security
- Emergency Management
- Transportation and Border Security I
- Domestic and International Terrorism
- Critical Infrastructure Protection
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is based in Manchester, New Hampshire, and it offers an online degree program in the field of Criminal Justice with a specialization in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.
This course will provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of terrorism threats and effective response strategies.
Students will dive deeper into the psychology and nature of terrorism, learn more about how different terrorist organizations operate, and learn how to respond to both domestic and international terrorist threats effectively.
Students will be required to take the following core courses:
- Counterterrorism Techniques
- Threat Assessment and Fundamentals
- Terrorist Techniques
- Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Angelo State University
Angelo State University offers a well-rounded degree program in Security Studies and Border and Homeland Security.
This program was created for individuals who are keen on learning about current issues in border security and would like to increase their understanding and awareness.
By attending this course, students will improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, learn about various legal aspects of emergency management, law enforcement, and homeland security.
To graduate, students will have to earn 120 credit hours and attend the following major courses:
- Professionalism and Ethics in Criminal Justice Agencies
- Legal Issues in International Relations
- Intelligence and Democracy: Issues and Conflicts
- Cultural Competence: Making Sense of the World II
- Introduction to the Discipline of Intelligence
California University of Pennsylvania
The California University of Pennsylvania is situated in California, Pennsylvania, and it offers an online Bachelor’s degree program in Homeland and International Security.
This degree program aims to prepare students for an active and successful career in both international and homeland security.
It combines liberal arts with professional courses to help students with developing their decision-making and critical thinking skills while learning about the best practices when it comes to security work.
Upon graduation, students will be able to seek job opportunities in homeland security, international security, and other justice-related fields of expertise.
Students are required to take the following courses:
- Introduction to Security
- Leadership and Ethics
- Executive Protection
- Principles of Homeland Security
- Cyber Crime Investigation
University of Maryland - University College
University of Maryland – University College is based in Adelphi, Maryland, and it offers an online degree program in Homeland Security.
This degree program was designed to enhance student’s knowledge and skills in homeland security management, leadership, infrastructure protection, international relations, international and domestic terrorism, intelligence operations, ethics, research, technology, and evaluation, among others.
To obtain a diploma, prospective graduates will have to earn 120 credit hours and take the following major core courses:
- Homeland Security and Intelligence
- Public Safety Leadership
- Strategic Planning in Homeland Security
- Public Safety Policies and Leadership
- Infrastructure in Homeland Security
Marian University
Marian University is based in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and it offers a great online Bachelor’s degree program in Homeland Security.
By attending this course, students will learn how to effectively and efficiently solve problems, develop strategic business plans, and enhance the human resource potential.
What’s great about this course is the fact that its values are aligned with the principles set by the Department of Homeland Security and Defense Education Consortium Association.
Students will gain a strong foundation and knowledge needed to become successful industry professionals who’ll know how to face threats and act accordingly.
To obtain a diploma, prospective graduates will have to earn 120 credit hours and take the following core courses:
- Combating Terrorism
- Introduction to Homeland Security
- Crisis Communication
- Resource Management for Homeland Security
- Critical Perspectives of Disasters
Mercy College
Situated in Dobbs Ferry, New York, the Mercy College offers an incredible online degree option in the field of Corporate and Homeland Security.
By choosing this degree program, students will be able to pursue lucrative careers in both private and public sectors and be effective leaders and managers.
Students will earn a multidisciplinary degree through taking courses in business and security concepts and completing internships at different security agencies.
To obtain a diploma, prospective graduates will have to earn 120 credit hours and take the following core courses:
- Principles of Management
- Foundations of Risk Management
- Investigative Tech & Reporting
- Information Systems for Management
- Legal Aspects of Security Management
Medaille College
Medaille College is situated in Buffalo, New York, and it offers a comprehensive online degree program in the field of Homeland Security.
This particular degree option has a strong focus on hands-on and experiential learning, and it’s designed to teach students about emergency preparedness, legal issues, terrorism, and security.
By attending this course, students will eventually become successful industry leaders who are likely to work in the state, federal, and local government agencies, as well as security, the private sector, and other law enforcement agencies.
Upon graduation, students will be able to work in one of the following areas of expertise:
- Cybersecurity
- Law Enforcement
- The Military
- Emergency Management
- Legal and Political Analysis
Campbell University
Campbell University offers two different online Homeland Security degree programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
- Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Homeland Security
Both of these degree options will provide students with extensive knowledge about homeland security systems, domestic and international terrorism, and the operations of global terrorist organizations.
Upon completion, students will have received all the relevant knowledge and skills needed to become seasoned industry professionals who will be able to face threats and act efficiently, effectively, and accordingly.
To obtain a diploma, prospective graduates will have to earn 124 credit hours for both degree options.
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Q. What’s the price of attending an online degree program in Homeland Security?
This industry is rapidly evolving, and it has become one of the fastest-growing sectors.
Luckily, there is an abundance of educational institutions that offer these degree options.
Consequently, when choosing a suitable college or university, prospective students need to consider both education quality and affordability before making any decisions.
By obtaining a diploma in this field of expertise, students will be able to pursue successful careers and obtain the necessary skills to eventually become seasoned industry professionals.
When it comes to prices, they can range from $250 per credit hour, or $6,400 per year to $35,000 per year, depending on the academic institution of choice.
Q. Will I be able to seek financial aid if I choose to obtain a diploma in Homeland Security?
All students who would like to obtain a diploma in Homeland Security have to complete the FAFSA, which will determine whether they are eligible for any of the federal financial aid programs.
Most schools, colleges, and universities offer both domestic and international scholarships and grants.
There are also external scholarship and grant providers, including the following:
- Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Award
- Irlet Anderson Scholarship Award
- DHS Scholarship Program
- David L. Boren Undergraduate Scholarships
- AFCEA War Veteran Scholarships
Q. Which career options will I be able to seek with a Homeland Security Bachelor’s Degree?
There is an abundance of career choices for individuals who have decided to obtain a diploma in Homeland Security.
Some of the industries they will be able to become a part of include the following:
- Emergency Management
- Public Safety
- Criminal Justice
All prospective homeland security professionals should bear in mind that this is a very demanding profession that requires a lot of attention, vigilance, and preparedness.
Students will be able to work in various government agencies, the military, the private sector, law enforcement, and many more.
They will also be able to work in administrative job positions, such as:
- Computer System Analyst
- Human Resource Managers
- Accountants
Moreover, they will be able to seek career opportunities in US Customs and Border Protection, the US Secret Service, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Transportation Security Administration, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of the Secretary, National Cybersecurity Center, Office of Operations Coordination and Planning, or Federal Emergency Management Agency.
If they’d like to further their educational background, graduates can also opt to complete a master’s degree.
Final Thoughts
By attending any of the aforementioned degree programs, students will be fully equipped to face various threats and crisis, and act accordingly.
This area of expertise is especially tricky, so quality education is a must.
Students will develop their decision-making and critical thinking skills, as well as learn how to recognize, evaluate, manage, and respond to both corporate and national security hazards.
This is an advantageous career path that is both lucrative and dynamic.
It is excellent for individuals who aren’t afraid to face the world and do what is necessary to protect their homelands.