What Can You Do with a Homeland Security Degree?

Homeland security is a great subject choice to become qualified in a wide range of law enforcement, information security, and emergency management positions. While your focus might be on becoming a police officer or cybersecurity analyst, you also gain the skills to work in roles like criminological research and forensic investigations.

Should I become a homeland security major?

From the outside, you may believe that homeland security is only focused on terrorist attacks. However, the subject is more than just learning to identify, prevent, and ameliorate national security risks. A homeland security degree covers cybersecurity, infectious disease control, emergency response, and more.

Due to the number of career paths available following graduation, it makes sense why this is a program that is growing in popularity. Plus, with major growing threats like climate change and global terrorism, various roles related to homeland security are growing in demand.

What can I do with a homeland security degree?

Once someone has graduated with a degree in homeland security, they will usually pursue a career that is related to cybersecurity, emergency management, and law enforcement. However, due to the unique and diverse skills gained from their studies, the degree can lead to many different professions – including firefighting and emergency management directors. Below are some examples of homeland security careers.

Information security analyst

An information security analyst is tasked with preventing future attacks on an organization’s computer systems and networks. This is done by reviewing current information systems, designing new security measures when needed, and continually staying ahead of cybercriminals. These professionals usually work in the computer, financial, and consulting sectors. A concentration in information security is recommended for those hoping to pursue this career role.

Based on research conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analysts earned a yearly wage of $99,730 per year – one of the best homeland security salary examples. The job market for this position is also particularly healthy. Due to the rise in dependence on computer systems/networks, there’s an increased threat of cyberattacks. As a result, it is expected there will be a massive 31% growth in job opportunities between 2019 and 2029 for information security analysts.

Police and detective

The responsibilities of police officers and detectives include responding to emergencies, enforcing laws, and arresting criminals. Due to possessing a bachelor’s degree, you could qualify for a role within the state or federal government. This sees you protect homeland security interests that relate to aspects like immigration, terrorism, and intelligence.

Salary.com reveals the average annual wage for police and detectives was $65,841 as of October 2020. Job opportunities for these roles are also expected to grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029.

Security guard and gambling surveillance officer

While it is dependent on the role, a security guard and gambling surveillance officer can complete tasks such as securing building access, monitoring security cameras and alarms, and conducting security checks. As with police and detectives, a degree can open the door to roles within the state or federal government.

The median pay for a security guard and gambling surveillance officer is $29,710 per year. Recent statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics also reveal that the job outlook is anticipated to grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029.

How do I decide on the right college?

You’ve seen what jobs with a homeland security degree are available, and you’ve come to one conclusion: to study the subject at college. Opting to settle on homeland security may have been a difficult decision, but those decisions don’t become any easier. That’s because you also have to pick a college.

First of all, you have to make sure you have the right application materials to enroll in a homeland security program. This is followed by putting together a shortlist of colleges that offer homeland security as a subject. Now you have to compare each college with numerous components, including reputation, location, and living costs.

Another important point to consider is campus quality. There’s just one problem: how do you accurately know what a campus is like? Because face it, a college isn’t going to tell you if their dorms are in substandard conditions or the atmosphere is poor. This is why CampusReel is so helpful.

Our video platform offers content produced by students for students. These videos cover everything you could need to know about the campus of any prospective college, with real-life knowledge that gives you unparalleled insight. To gain access to 15,000+ videos instantly, register for a free account on CampusReel.