Homeland Security Masters Degree Online

An online Homeland Security Masters Degree Program is geared toward dynamic civic service, strategic plans, and problem solving. This program of study explores the anticipation of, preparation for, prevention of, and reaction to threats to the United States and its citizens. Homeland Security as an entity protects America’s territory, air space, coasts, and seaways from natural and man-made disasters. This enormous responsibility takes a lot of people and preparation as well as training to manage and overcome all sorts of potential dangers.

The term "homeland security" in the United States is relatively young. The Department of Homeland Security formed only after the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. The department then formally organized in 2002, combining 22 disparate government divisions. It would be a mistake to believe the Department of Homeland Security is focused only on terror attacks; the 240,000+ members of this vital department serve roles in aviation, border control, emergency response... even inspecting chemical plants.

Online Homeland Security Masters Degree Programs

Essentials of an Online Masters in Homeland Security

Masters degrees are considered a graduate degree and are typically pursued after a student has earned a bachelor’s degree. In the case of Homeland Security there are many different specialties a student can pursue while earning this degree. From Emergency Management to Infrastructure, Protection, candidates have lots of fascinating choices for concentration. Though programs vary, some things are consistent across the board. For instance, you might expect that a master’s degree program could take around two years to complete.

In an online Homeland Security Masters degree program there may be different degree categories: research masters degrees, or management masters degrees. Academic degrees may focus on conducting research and learning through seminars. Meanwhile management degrees are aimed more at preparing students to pursue specific careers after graduation. This is particularly true in Homeland Security because many such job have specific training.

Specific Homeland Security Degree Types

An example of a management masters degree, you might see in a Homeland Security program awards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. You may also see Homeland Security programs that involve a Master of Science (MS) degree, which is one of the most common types of academic degrees. Other potential degree titles in the homeland security field might include the Master of Public Administration and Master of Emergency Management.

Be sure when looking into your options for earning a homeland security masters degree online that you find out firsthand what type of degrees are awarded. You can request information from the school to find out what a degree title might mean for the exact focus of their program.

Another aspect of earning an online masters in Homeland Security that might indicate a focus is the name of the program. For instance, some schools simply offer Homeland Security programs but you may also find a number of additional options by name checking related subjects. These could include programs in Intelligence, National Security or Criminal Justice. If you’re looking to study a particular aspect of Homeland Security, take that into account and search for a school program that matches your interests. The best way to find out the focus of a program, though, is to contact the school directly. You can start this search right here on eLearners.com with a quick click around our sponsored links.

Coursework for an Online Homeland Security Masters Degree Program

With this inspiring variety of degree titles and programs you'll find a diverse range of potential course offerings as well. Homeland Security is a particularly varied program because it has so many applications and elements. Masters degree programs vary but there are consistencies across the board. Some examples of courses and subjects you may come across include:

Law Enforcement

Due to potential synergies with law enforcement, border protection, or even the US Secret Service, a course in Homeland Security likely has substantial crossover with a Criminal Justice curriculum. In fact, many students come to Homeland Security from a Criminal Justice background or may pursue a Criminal Justice specialty with Homeland Security as the umbrella program.

Information Technology

Some Homeland Security studies have a concentration in Cyber Security. This fits into the Information Technology sector of Homeland Security. Studying Cyber Security at the Masters level can bring together many conflicting, even chaotic, themes and areas of the discipline. It's a fascinating range from political strategy, legal policy, and of course facilities with computers and social networks. Cyber Security is the Information Technology sector of today and the future. It brings the world together and with Cyber Security courses you can learn to help make that world safer and more protected.

Comparative Politics

While we might think of Homeland Security as both relatively young and fundamentally American, it's not unique to America. At the Masters level you might study Israeli or British perspectives or policy. In fact, all countries have a vested interest in keeping themselves protected. So, a degree in Homeland Security doesn't necessarily preclude foreign study possibilities. This means Comparative Politics is both relevant and productive for students in Homeland Security.

Leadership

A Masters Degree in Homeland Security obviously draws its name from the Department of Homeland Security. But skill training in areas like Cyber Security, Information Management, and Strategic Security can prepare a student not just for government work, but to excel in private sectors, too. Many Homeland Security students who focus in the management programs receive pertinent learning and training for executive positions. These could be in the government, private sector, or even non-profit organizations. In fact, many non-profits, like the Red Cross for instance, are integral to the deployment of emergency management procedures in our country.

Of course, all school curriculums are different and feature unique strengths in any or all of these subjects. So, make sure to look into the course of study for any program you might find interesting.

Homeland Security Careers Are Out There

Employers may often be government entities, from the local to the federal level. You may also be able to pursue positions with private companies or non-profit institutions. The Department of Homeland Security makes it easy to find relevant jobs in the field with a section on their website. An example of a job opportunity that's particularly well-suited to this degree might be Emergency Manager or Emergency Management Coordinator. These are jobs that fit into all three sectors of opportunity, government, private and non-profit. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, this type of job has a positive outlook with strong future prospects and pays a median salary of about $67,330 yearly. iv

First Steps Are Right Here

Start looking into your online masters in Homeland Security options. Feel free to check out the resources available right here on eLearners.com. You can compare and contrast programs and request more information from schools about the ones that most interest you.


[i] bls.gov/careeroutlook/2008/fall/art01.pdf/ [ii]bls.gov/careeroutlook/2006/summer/art01.pdf/ [iii]ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/master.doc/ [iv]bls.gov/ooh/management/emergency-management-directors.htm