Careers in Homeland Security

The 9/11 twin tower attacks sent shivers and jitters all across the world. Governments fast tracked their efforts to protect national security.

Consequently, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 was born combining existing departments such as United States National Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency, United States Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, United States Secret Service, Transportation Security Administration and Civil Air Patrol. This was done to effectively deal with internal and external terrorist threats before they even occurred. Together, all Homeland Security departments share equal responsibility for preparedness, response and recovery to terrorist threats and national disasters.

Many institutions offer programs in Homeland Security spanning Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees along side certification courses through campus and online modes. The latter is convenient for working staff who wish to simultaneously study and work at their current jobs. Course content usually revolves around criminal justice, homeland security, bio-terrorism, handling of hazardous materials, weapons of mass destruction, domestic and international terrorism, cyber terrorism, emergency planning and disaster preparedness, political science, psychology, sociology, security systems and management, criminal evidence, risk analysis and white collar crime to name a few.

The career prospects for this field are enormous with numerous jobs available. The level of education in homeland security enhances opportunities even further. Jobs may open up in areas like law enforcement, protective services, private security, public security and other security-related careers. Average annual earnings for police officers are about $42,150 whereas it is $88,174 for criminal investigators. These numbers aren’t absolute and vary depending on roles, education and experience.

ITT Technical Institute and American InterContinental University are premier institutions with quality programs. Walden University and Kaplan University offer customized programs designed to help students achieve their goals. Westwood College career focused and hands-on programs.