Earning Online Homeland Security Associates Degrees

Programs for a Homeland Security Associate Degree Online teach crucial rules and tools for criminal justice and national security. Students in this field learn many different strategies and practices to protect our country. That's because Homeland Security isn't just about counter-terrorism. The curriculum for this program of study does focus on the security preservation of our country, though. Courses in online homeland security associate degree programs cover threat management for many dangers. That includes natural disasters and multiple crime categories as well as cyber security.

Fun Fact

The Department of Homeland Security combined 22 different federal departments & agencies when established in 2002.

Many students get started on a homeland security studies path with an associates degree. This typically two-year program teaches valuable lessons in the field while students determine if the coursework suits them. There are lots of subjects that fall under the umbrella of homeland security. The main three fundamental arenas are Critical Infrastructure Protection, Disaster Preparedness and Response, as well as Intelligence Sharing and Analysis. This variety is fortunate because Homeland Security Associate Degree Online students often have different learning goals. An associate program may prepare them for entry-level careers in the field or give them the broad base of knowledge needed to start a bachelor degree program. No matter their objectives, though, Homeland Security studies are well-suited for students who are inspired by high stakes challenges.

Homeland Security Associate Degree Online Specifics

Many begin a Homeland Security studies path with an associate degree. This typically two-year program can teach valuable lessons in the field while students determine if the coursework suits them. Homeland Security associate degree students likely have many different learning goals. An associate program may prepare them for entry-level careers in the field. This course of study can also give them the broad base of knowledge needed to start a bachelor degree program. Either way, Online Homeland Security Associates Degrees provide students with valuable tools

To enroll in Homeland Security Associate Degree Online programs, you typically only need a high school diploma or the equivalent. In fact, many students earning an associate’s degree do so online while in the workforce. This is an especially flexible way to further their education while taking care of business.ii In fact, associate degrees are actually one of the more common degrees to earn online.ⁱⁱ It's especially the case for Homeland Security students to continue work while in school. This is because interest in Homeland Security associate degrees can sometimes develop naturally out of law enforcement work.

Online Homeland Security Associates Degrees Curriculum

The Homeland Security programs are plentiful and offer a variety of choices for potential students. An example of this could be an occupational associate degree with a Criminal Justice major and specialty in Homeland Security. These specific types of associate degrees might prepare students for a particular career pursuit such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Secret Service.[i] That's why coursework in these types of occupational programs is often more hands-on. Internships, workshops, and co-ops can be common for those pursuing occupational associate degrees as well.ii

Homeland Security is a sizable field, and thus holds many potential specialties. As a result, Homeland Security Associate Degree Online curriculums can vary from school to school. Still, there are fundamentals and most Homeland Security Associate Degree Online cover these subjects.

Homeland Security Education Fundamentals

Students can focus on one of three basic divisions.

Critical Infrastructure Protection - This program focuses on maintaining the integrity and safety of crucial structures, assets and services. Examples of focus can be national landmarks, transportation hubs, nuclear reactors, or government entities. Classes offered in this sector may include very specific training like Active Shooter: What to Do. There are also more overarching courses such as Protecting Against Insider Threat. No matter the courses, though, this program offers students opportunities to learn crucial lessons about protecting the country.

Disaster Preparedness and Response - Crises come in all shapes and sizes. Perhaps there's an epidemic that's resolved primarily through CDC involvement. Or a hurricane hits lower Manhattan and the Red Cross provides aid. Then there are also attacks and large scale criminal disasters. This last type of distaster might come first to mind when people hear the words "Homeland Security". It's also the category that often requires assistance of multiple kinds. The courses in the area of study focus on mitigating the harm caused by crises though preparation and response strategies.

Intelligence Sharing and Analysis- This area covers the broad spectrum of information including Cyber Security. There's a delicate balance in this field of study. On the one hand, students learn to maximize information flow among government entities to ensure safety measures are met. There are also courses for information analysis. In these students are taught to assess threat levels and measures to counter them. On the other hand, to share information is critical but so is keeping it secure. So, intelligence classes teach both sides of this complicated coin. These are key challenges among the many explored in this particular program.

Breaking It Down

Within these three divisions there are many different courses. Therefore, it's smart to consider which of these paths you may prefer before applying to schools. Be on the lookout for program strengths and course offerings that may be related to the particular field of your interest. For example, some schools created Homeland Security programs as an outgrowth of existing departments. A university might add a Disaster Response program to an existing First Responders division, for instance. Also, a college could add Cyber Security as a major to an already stable Computer Science department with relative ease. In cases like this schools build upon their strengths to create an inspiring learning environment for motivated students.

About Learning Online

Campus and regional internships are an another option to consider for Homeland Security Associates Degree Online programs. Of course, many online programs may focus on work to be completed over the internet. Still, some may do have opportunities for hands on experience as part of their programs. Homeland Security is a particularly well suited degree for hands on training with all the real world scenarios it involves.

No matter what kind of program interests you in the realm of Homeland Security, there are lots of options. In fact, our website has many of these right here for you to explore. Just click around! We hope eLearners.com can help you find the perfect school and program to suit your goals.

Career Paths in Homeland Security

The Homeland Security field involves anticipation, prevention, and management of various potential disasters.i An outgrowth of the September 11th attacks, the Department of Homeland Security is a relatively new government division. But it's also growing and continues to expand, even in the private sector. Thus Homeland Security holds many potential jobs at all levels. Employers might typically be in government but could also be private corporations or non-profit institutions. As a result, there are many careers related to protecting America’s land, sea, or skies.

Get Started with an Homeland Security Associate Degree Online

Now is a great time and the perfect place to take that first step. Check out our sponsored listings right here on eLearners.com. Reach out to the schools that are most intriguing for more information about their specific offering.

[i]bls.gov/careeroutlook/2006/summer/art01.pdf | [ii]bls.gov/careeroutlook/2002/winter/art01.pdf | [iii]www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/associate.doc