A homeland security degree prepares students for a career in threat assessment, analysis, and response. Students learn to master risk management and assess environmental hazards.
Graduates can apply their studies to a career in the private or public sector in any one of more than 20 government agencies, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Postal Service, and the Transportation Security Administration.
The average salary for graduates ranges from $83,960 for emergency management directors, $111,930 for criminal investigators, and $120,360 for information and security analysts.
A homeland security degree can take four years of full-time enrollment to complete the required 120 credits. The average yearly tuition is $14,688, with cost differences between private, public, and two-year and four-year institutions.
How to Choose a Homeland Security Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Your career and personal goals will influence the type of program you choose. A homeland security degree offers a variety of career choices, depending on your goals and interests, including:
- Emergency management
- Organizational security
- Intelligence analysis
- Information security analysis
- Cyber crime investigation
Degree options within homeland security studies include a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in homeland security or a Bachelor of Science in public service and public policy, with a concentration in homeland security and emergency management. Some institutions offer dual degree options for a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
Research schools and programs
As you research your options, focus on accredited institutions. Accrediting bodies such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation determine the validity and quality of the program’s curriculum. A program’s accreditation can impact your ability to get financing and transfer credits to other accredited programs and schools.
You can learn about the school and program by visiting the website or contacting a representative from the institution’s homeland security program. You can also ask about their facilities and student support services and attend an in-person or virtual open house or information session.
Prepare for tests and applications
The application process will vary by school and program. In general, most applications require these materials:
- Official school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- A personal statement or essay
- SAT and ACT scores
Most schools utilize an online application system. To make the process even smoother, ensure your application fee and documents are ready before you begin. Contact the admissions counselor for the most up-to-date information regarding the application process and required materials.
Select your program
Review your goals and needs before making your final selection, especially if you were accepted into multiple programs. Set parameters for logistical needs — are you interested in part-time or full-time studies? Will synchronous or asynchronous online classes be a good fit for your learning style and lifestyle?
Part-time enrollment offers the advantage of work-as-you-study opportunities, allowing you to balance school and personal commitments. Online programs can provide fast tracks for those comfortable with self-directed study, offering flexibility and convenience.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
When researching costs for a homeland security degree program, begin by submitting the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). Schools use the results from this application to determine how much aid you can receive before applying for scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Military and law enforcement agencies offer financing programs, including grants and scholarships, for citizens who want to attain a homeland security degree.
Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees actively advancing their disaster prevention and crisis management skills. These programs typically involve a work contract post-graduation.
Best 50 Accredited Homeland Security Degree Programs
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How we rank schools
This list covers undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate programs that prepare students for careers in homeland security. Degrees offered include Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice, Bachelor of Science in emergency management, Bachelor of Science in corporate and homeland security, Master of Arts in criminal justice, and Master of Science in homeland security. Students can choose between online, on-campus, and hybrid learning formats.
Accreditation is given to schools that meet high standards for academic quality. All of the institutions on this list are approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out our ranking methodology.
What Can You Expect From a Homeland Security Degree Program?
Students in a homeland security degree program learn to analyze information, manage natural and terrorist crises, and plan for emergency disaster response. They also develop skills in interagency and intergovernmental relations and critical infrastructure protection.
Most homeland security degree programs take four years of full-time enrollment to complete. Coursework includes lectures, case studies, simulations, and exercises designed to prepare students for real-world applications. Students may be able to transfer non-traditional studies to their credits, such as Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licenses and military experience. Some programs require a cornerstone project to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and applications of homeland security.
Graduates can expect lengthy and extensive background checks as part of the application process.
Those interested in the digital aspects of homeland security should check out master’s in cybersecurity programs, as this may be a better fit for your personal interests and professional goals.
Potential courses you’ll take in a homeland security degree program
- Combating Domestic Terrorism. This course examines the methods domestic terrorists use to conduct attacks within U.S. borders. Students learn to analyze threats from various sources and examine the legislative responses to such acts.
- Media, Public Relations, and Crisis Management. Students learn the key principles and practices of crisis management communications, including spokesperson techniques and strategic messaging, and how to apply these concepts to various crises to develop better public perception and relations.
- Consequence Management. This course examines the effects of chemical, biological, and nuclear incidents, focusing on public health and the emergency planning and response measures in current U.S. agencies. Students learn about emerging technologies, detection methods, and existing vulnerabilities.
- Psychology of Disaster. Students learn the physiological and psychological human responses to large-scale violence from terrorism, natural disasters, and manufactured disasters like nuclear power plant meltdowns and large-scale municipal water contamination. Students will examine reactions, discuss the recovery process, and explore the principles of mental health care and trauma recovery for victims.
Homeland Security Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a homeland security degree program?
Before you begin the application process, speak to an admissions advisor or program representative for the most accurate information.
Most institutions utilize an online application system. Be prepared to submit your transcripts, SAT and ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay or statement. Focus your essay or statement on why you’d be a good candidate for their program and how it will help you attain your career goals.
Some schools accept PDF copies of your transcripts during the initial application process, but in most cases, the issuing school sends official transcripts via a transcript portal or admissions email.
How much does a homeland security degree cost?
The average tuition and fees for an undergraduate degree in homeland security are $14,688 per year. This cost varies between private and public institutions and between two-year and four-year institutions.
Consider additional fees for program-related tech labs, texts, and supplies, as well as housing, transportation, meals, and personal costs.
Full or part-time employment and any financial support will also impact your final out-of-pocket expenses.
How long does it take to earn a homeland security degree?
It takes about four years of full-time study to complete the 120 credits required for an undergraduate degree program in homeland security. You can shorten or lengthen your timeline by choosing an accelerated, online, or part-time enrollment program.
Some institutions offer a dual-degree program that can provide an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s degree track with transferable courses.