Online Homeland Security Degree: 5 Top Programs

The nation and the world changed after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. But this was far from the first terrorist threat. After pouring countless hours and resources into the fight for safety, we still need homeland security experts to identify threats, respond to intelligence, and make critical decisions. Homeland security not only focuses on terrorism but also on natural disasters requiring attention. If you feel a calling to protect your fellow citizens, both at home and abroad, then an online homeland security degree may be perfect for your future.

In a world where safety and security are more important than ever, a bachelor’s in homeland security offers options for those looking to make an impact. This field offers a unique blend of challenge, purpose, and the chance to contribute to the greater good. Whether it’s protecting national borders, combating cyber threats, or preparing for natural disasters, a career in Homeland Security is about being at the forefront of safeguarding our society. In this article, we delve into the various Homeland Security degrees, exploring how they prepare you to meet the challenges of today’s security needs.

Article Navigation: 5 Best Online Homeland Security Degree Programs | Choosing An Online Homeland Security Degree |  Earning a Homeland Security Degree Online: What To Expect | Curriculum and Course Structure | Is an Online Homeland Security Degree Worth It? | Start Your Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Online Today!

5 Best Online Homeland Security Degree Programs

1. American Public University System

   Accreditation: HLC
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $34,500

   The American Public University System offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in homeland security. This may be the best online homeland security degree currently available. It’s a bachelor of arts program that includes arts and humanities, civics, communication, history, and other classic academic subjects.

   The degree is divided into four major sections plus a final program requirement. Students must complete general education and general electives, which form a combined 75 credit hours. There is also a concentration section that takes a deep look into security and safety. Classes in this section include Law Enforcement Intelligence Applications, Emergency Planning, and Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Hazards. In addition, there’s a required block consisting of 18 semester hours including Introduction to Homeland Security, Border and Coastal Security, and Homeland Security Legal and Ethical Issues.

   Few schools are as well-equipped to teach homeland security as the American Public University System. The school offers over 200 degrees and certifications, and they specialize in online classes and remote teaching. The school offers affordable tuition and many of their programs have flexible times with monthly starts on classes that last 16 or 8 weeks. They have prioritized online learning and, because of their pedigree, are among the finest online colleges for homeland security.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security

    

2. SUNY College of Technology at Canton

   Accreditation: MSCHE
   Total Cost (In-State): $34,516
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $39,996

   Preparing students to respond to natural disasters and terror attacks, this program is one of the most technically-focused bachelors in homeland security. It’s a branch of SUNY’s popular Criminal Justice department and shares resources with the Criminal Investigation and Law Enforcement Leadership four-year degrees offered by the school.

   In this program, students are trained to identify and respond to threats. They become knowledgeable in immigration law, civil liberties, and privacy issues while also becoming experts in threat assessment and public protection.

   This is a highly technical degree that includes courses like Intro to Information Technology and Crime Analysis. Students also complete programs in sociology, criminal law, and intelligence analysis. Courses specific to homeland security include Threats to Homeland Security, Global Terrorism: 20th Century to Present, and Civil Liberties & Homeland Security.

   Once complete, graduates of this program can anticipate and prepare for threats to homeland security. They can analyze modern techniques and create more efficient responses to a variety of security issues.

   This New York-based school, which was founded in 1906, is a modern leader in technology education. They offer flexible online programs with a special emphasis on technical, skill-based, and scientific degrees. The school has two-year programs, as well as four-year degrees that easily transition into successful, well-paying, stable careers.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Technology in Homeland Security

    

3. Waldorf University

   Accreditation: HLC
   Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $35,520

   The Department of Homeland Security, a branch of the U.S. government, was created as a direct response to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. With this in mind, Waldorf University has developed job-ready professionals through various security, safety, and emergency degrees, including this BA in homeland security. The degree teaches strategies for protecting America’s homeland, preventing terrorism, mitigating disasters, and responding to domestic and foreign threats.

   As a bachelor of arts program, this homeland security degree online requires students to complete core undergraduate classes in the humanities, including history, English, literature, and art.

   The degree includes classes, coursework, and hands-on experiences that help keep our country safe. To begin with, students must complete foundational classes which are required for all students. These include Introduction to Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Homeland Security Technology.

   Students then move to professional electives. Students must complete ten courses and can select from options like Theory and Practice of Law Enforcement, Terrorism in Emergency Management, and Socio-Psychological Nature of Emergency Management.

   Waldorf offers various degrees and specializations in homeland security, emergency management, and cybersecurity. Besides their well-established reputation as one of the leaders in this space, their online platform helps non-traditional and adult learners build high-quality careers.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security

    

4. Angelo State University

   Accreditation: SACSCOC
   Total Cost (In-State): $35,715
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $85,515

   If you want to attend a school that thoroughly understands homeland security and can provide expert guidance, then this degree is a wonderful choice. Angelo State University offers two security-focused degrees: a Bachelor of Border Security, and this program, a Bachelor of Security Studies with a concentration in border and homeland security.

   The program takes a particular focus on border security. Courses include Introduction to Homeland Security and Introduction to Cybersecurity, as well as specialized classes on international law, space imagery, maritime security, and terrorism trends. Students can also take classes on immigration law and border security. This degree is highly regarded, in large part because of the expert faculty. Students learn from instructors who specialize in border and homeland security, criminal justice, intelligence, and global security. These expert instructors provide highly researched and experienced instruction for the next generation of security professionals.

   This school specializes in homeland security. Angelo State University even publishes the Journal of Homeland and National Security Perspectives, an exclusive journal for their Department of Security Studies and Criminal Justice. They have also been named a Military Friendly School and Military Spouse Friendly School by VIQTORY Media and G.I. Jobs magazine.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Security Studies in Border & Homeland Security

    

5. University of Maryland Global Campus

   Accreditation: MSCHE
   Total Cost (In-State): $37,130
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $61,730

   From stopping domestic terrorism to protecting the nation’s infrastructure, this degree prepares students to respond to numerous threats and challenges. It provides instruction on threat analysis, ethical responses, critical thinking, and communication skills. When complete, students are prepared for security positions in the public and private sectors.
   As a bachelor of science degree, there are many technical and research-based classes that students must complete. Students take broad-topic classes like Introduction to Research and Academic Writing to build their academic skills.

   The major courses consist of security and safety-related subjects. Students must complete 33 credit hours in classes that include Infrastructure in Homeland Security, Public Safety Administration Ethics, and Strategic Planning in Homeland Security. Students are also encouraged to add Information Systems in Organizations to their work.

   Thanks to an accelerated pathway, this program is attractive to bachelor’s students who want to transition into a homeland security master’s degree online. Students can apply 6 credits from their bachelor’s degree directly to a master’s. For example, the Introduction to Homeland Security class can substitute for Concepts in Homeland Security. This allows students to complete a degree with a faster path and a reduced price.

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   Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security

    

6. Wichita State University

   Accreditation: HLC
   Total Cost (In-State): $39,105
   Total Cost (Out-of-State): $75,831

   Homeland security is a complex issue, so many programs only teach a small topic within the larger subject. For example, some specialize in border security or cybersecurity. This program, however, takes a look at all aspects of the homeland security field.

   Students must complete the general education requirements, which include foreign language requirements or the Spanish for Law Enforcement class. In total, students complete at least 120 credit hours, including 33 credit hours focused on the homeland security major. Classes in the major include Emergency Management, Risk Assessment, and Physical Security. In addition, classes on terrorism, crime, legal issues, and border security are all part of this expansive degree.

   Electives are part of the homeland security degree requirements for this program. Students can select courses like The History of U.S. Homeland Security, Private Security, and Immigration Policy and Politics, to name a few.

   To demonstrate your expertise in homeland security, students must complete an applied learning or research experience. This requirement is met through the Introduction to Research Methods class.

   This program is part of Wichita State’s Criminal Justice program, which was founded in 1934. In fact, it’s one of the oldest and best-regarded criminal justice programs in the country. Students who want an elite education from one of the leading online schools for security and criminal justice should consider this program.

   Find Out More:
   Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security

Choosing An Online Homeland Security Degree

Since there are many bachelors in homeland security, choosing the right one can seem daunting. Firstly, when deciding on a program, consider your lifestyle and learning preferences. Online degrees are more flexible and convenient, and therefore ideal for parents and working professionals who need to advance their skills. These programs are well-suited for self-motivated individuals who can adapt to the structure and demands of online learning.

Degree Types and Concentrations

When selecting the best online homeland security degrees, students must choose between a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Science (BS), or a Bachelor of Technology. Some schools also offer a Bachelor of Security Studies. The differences may seem minor, but a BA usually has more liberal arts classes, especially in the general education requirements, while a BS in Homeland Security trains students in research methodology and technical aspects. A Bachelor of Technology will focus more on the technical aspects of security, such as cybersecurity or information systems. This degree is especially relevant for careers in tech-driven security fields. Finally, a Bachelor of Security Studies focuses heavily on security issues, with less emphasis on other academic subjects, making it ideal for students who wish to specialize exclusively in security-related topics.

You’ll also choose a specialization. All of these degrees cover homeland security, but there are specializations in cybersecurity, border security, emergency response, and more. Be sure to research the specializations and make sure they align with your career goals. For example, if you want to work out in the field, a Bachelor of Security Studies may be your best choice, whereas a cybersecurity concentration may be more appealing for tech-savvy students who wish to work behind the scenes.

Bachelor’s vs. Master’s Degree in Homeland Security

A bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security lays the foundational groundwork for a career in national and public safety, focusing on the basics of security principles, emergency management, and counterterrorism strategies. This undergraduate program typically spans four years and provides a broad overview of the field, giving students a general understanding of homeland security operations, policy-making, and legal issues. On the other hand, a master's degree in Homeland Security delves deeper, offering advanced knowledge and specialized skills.

Designed for those who already have a foundational understanding of the field, often through a bachelor’s degree or professional experience, the master’s program focuses on more complex aspects of homeland security such as strategic planning, advanced intelligence operations, and leadership in crises. This graduate-level degree, which usually takes two years to complete, is ideal for individuals looking to take on higher-level roles, engage in in-depth research, or specialize in specific areas within homeland security.

Accreditation

Accreditation, which acts as a form of quality review within the academic system, is an important factor when selecting a degree in homeland security online. Schools are accredited by regional groups, which grant “institutional accreditation.” This form covers the entire college or university and is essential for licensing. It also shows that the school meets a high standard for academic performance. Always research accreditation before enrolling in a program.

In summary, choosing the right online bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security involves a thorough evaluation of your personal and professional goals, learning preferences, the specific focus of the degree, and the accreditation status of the program. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in ensuring that your educational choice aligns with your desired career path in the diverse and dynamic field of Homeland Security.

Earning a Homeland Security Degree Online: What To Expect

These bachelor’s degrees require four years of academic study, but to make the education more convenient, affordable, and accessible, most of the programs are available as completely online degrees.

A homeland security bachelor’s degree online allows you to study this important subject while enjoying a more flexible and convenient schedule. For example, the Bachelor of Technology in Homeland Security from SUNY College of Technology at Canton is available in the classroom or online. According to their website, the degree is available in both face-to-face and online courses. In addition, these flexible courses are available in fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions.

Other programs are available only online. Waldorf offers a homeland security degree program online that does not offer an in-person option. The degrees from Angelo State University and Wichita State University are entirely online as well, while the online homeland security bachelor degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus offers some optional hybrid courses.

Each program has different homeland security degree requirements; American Public University provides a fairly typical example. For their bachelor’s in homeland security, students must have a high school diploma or GED. The school does not list a GPA requirement, an ACT standard, or a minimum SAT score.

Curriculum & Course Structure

These bachelor’s degrees consist of both general education requirements and work within the homeland security major. The general education requirements largely depend on the type of bachelor’s you are pursuing. A bachelor of arts, for example, will have different general education requirements than a bachelor of science.

Once you get into the specific program, the coursework can vary as well. However, most of these programs use the concept of homeland security as their foundation. You will likely complete intro classes in homeland security, terror and terror responses, emergency response, and threat analysis.

Typical classes in an online homeland security degree will include an introduction to terrorism and natural disasters, as well as responses to these issues. There will likely be a class on identifying threats, analyzing intelligence, and the legal issues that impact security professionals.

Once complete, graduates of a homeland security bachelor’s degree online will be ready to protect society from many threats. But is the career worth it? There are many options, but, as we’ll see, these degrees lead to a variety of stable, well-paying careers.

Is an Online Homeland Security Degree Worth It?

Unlike some degrees, such as law, accounting, or engineering, there is no specific career after a degree in homeland security online. Graduates can work in numerous professions ranging from cybersecurity experts to police officers. From security consultants to emergency-management personnel, the options seem limitless. Even unique careers like fish and game wardens, railroad police, and security directors are potential options.

If you enter the homeland security sector, you can expect a stable job market with strong pay. There’s a growing need for security experts, so those with online homeland security degrees will be very busy.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, protective service occupations, which include detectives, police officers, and investigators, will have about 409,500 openings each year between 2022 and 2032. While overall growth shows little to no change, there are plenty of options for people trained in homeland security.

Salaries can be strong, depending on your specific career choice. Police officers, for example, have a median salary of $69,160, while detectives and investigators have a median salary of $52,120. Both of these are above the national median of $46,310.

If your bachelor’s degree in homeland security online focuses on information technology, then you’re well set for great pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts have a median salary of$112,000 a year, with the top 10% earning over $174,000.

ZipRecruiter shows high salaries for people working specifically in homeland security. Their information shows a national average of $95,100 a year for homeland security pros. They also note that salaries can be as high as $164,000 for the job.

Start Your Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Online Today!

Wondering how to complete an online degree in homeland security? You can start here at GetEducated.com! Our platform offers a wealth of resources and information about premier online programs, making it easier for you to select a world-class online homeland security degree that fits your needs. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to advance your career with more training, our guides and expert insights will assist you in finding the available options. At GetEducated.com, we’re committed to helping you find a program that matches your career goals. Start exploring today and take the first step towards a rewarding career in homeland security.