7 Jobs For Homeland Security Degree Graduates (2024)

Homeland security jobs are vital to our national security. Professionals in this field spearhead emergency management efforts, combat cybercrime and tackle responsibilities related to disaster preparedness and response, counterterrorism and crisis management. The homeland security sector provides solid job opportunities for many people, and many of these jobs require a homeland security degree.

In this article, we discuss jobs for homeland security degree holders and explore the different types of educational programs you can complete in this essential field. Discover job duties and salary potential, review program admission requirements and timelines, and get a brief overview of what you’ll study if you major in homeland security.

What Is a Homeland Security Degree?

According to its website, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002 to protect the country from various threats. It comprises 22 agencies and federal departments and employs people in a wide range of jobs. Many of these positions require a strong foundation of homeland security knowledge. Earning a homeland security degree helps you qualify for a job in the homeland security field.

You may notice that some universities include homeland security degrees as part of their criminal justice departments. While a homeland security degree and criminal justice degree both involve working in the realm of public safety, there are distinct differences.

A criminal justice degree focuses on our law enforcement system, including crime prevention, legal proceedings, punishment and rehabilitation. A homeland security degree focuses on protecting the country’s infrastructure and communities in the face of human-made threats, natural disasters, terrorism and other public safety issues.

Homeland Security Degree Options

If you want to work in homeland security, choose a degree that helps you carve out your career path. Below are three degree types for positions in the homeland security field.

Associate in Homeland Security

An associate degree in homeland security introduces the fundamentals of homeland security, including interagency planning and how our country’s Homeland Security organizations protect our communities.

This degree typically requires at least 60 hours of coursework and takes about two years to complete. It may take more or less time, depending on the program you choose and if you study part time or full time.

An associate degree in homeland security prepares you to work in entry-level jobs or continue with your education by earning a bachelor’s degree in homeland security. In a homeland security associate degree program, you learn:

• Fundamentals of homeland security
• The role of homeland security in our government
• Functions of agencies responsible for homeland security
• How to address different types of security threats, such as natural disasters and terrorism
• Emergency planning and response
• Cybercrime and intelligence analysis
• Research methods

Admission requirements vary by program, but below are some typical requirements.

• Application
• High school diploma or GED®
• Transcripts

Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

A bachelor’s degree in homeland security prepares you for many jobs in the field. This degree typically requires at least 120 credit hours and takes about four years to complete. Full-time students with transfer credits and those attending accelerated programs may finish faster, while part-time learners may take more than four years to graduate.

While programs vary, below are a few typical subjects you may study while earning this degree.

• Emergency management, including disaster mitigation and recovery
• Terrorism
• Global conflict
• Emergency disaster response
• Strategic planning
• Strategic risk reduction

Admission requirements vary by program, but below are some typical requirements.

• Application
• High school diploma or GED
• Transcripts
• Minimum GPA
• SAT or ACT scores

Master’s in Homeland Security

Earning a master’s degree in homeland security is an excellent option if you’re already working in the field. It helps you build your leadership skills and develop a greater understanding of security policies and practices to prepare for homeland security threats.

Master’s in homeland security programs vary dramatically in what they cover and how many credits they require. Depending on your program, you may spend as few as eight to 16 weeks in an accelerated program or up to two years to complete your degree.

While programs vary, below are a few key essentials your master’s program may cover.

• Homeland defense
• Infrastructure protection
• Interagency government-related issues
• How to understand current national security issues
• Cybersecurity
• Forecasting risk from terrorist group threats
• Evaluating and suggesting federal, state or local changes that reflect strategic policy

Admission requirements vary by program, but below are some typical requirements.

• Application
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Transcripts from previous coursework
• Minimum GPA

Jobs for Homeland Security Degree Graduates

Jobs for homeland security degree holders include positions in both the public and private sectors. We sourced the below career data from Payscale, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Glassdoor and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Secret Service Agent

Secret Service agents protect U.S. government officials and visiting foreign officials. Their responsibilities may also include investigating financial crimes, cybersecurity issues and threats to national leaders. They may also develop security plans for national events. According to the FBI, new secret service agents can earn anywhere between $81,000 and $129,000 annually.

Fraud Investigator

Fraud investigators gather and study evidence, analyze data and conduct interviews to determine if fraudulent activity has occurred. They typically work in the insurance or accounting industries, where fraudulent activity is common. Their work often involves investigating fraudulent insurance claims. PayScale reports an average annual salary for fraud investigators of around $68,000.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts monitor their organizations’ computer networks and systems to prevent, identify and investigate security breaches. They typically use specialized software, including data encryption programs and firewalls, to protect computer systems. They may also recommend updates or enhancements to help prevent security breaches from happening. The median annual salary for information security analysts is $112,000, according to the BLS.

Federal Air Marshal

Federal air marshals (FAMs) provide in-flight security in our national transportation system and assist with other law enforcement activities. They assess, address and prevent risks to transportation at home and abroad. FAMs are an integral part of the Transportation Security Administration. Air marshals earn a median annual salary of around $120,000, per Glassdoor.

Crime Prevention Specialist

Crime prevention specialists create community programs and teach people how to protect themselves. They may develop initiatives that focus on youth programs, promote crime prevention within a community, prevent violence and promote personal safety. Crime prevention specialists earn a median annual salary of around $66,000, according to Glassdoor.

Customs Agent

Customs agents are responsible for securing our national borders, preventing drug smuggling across the border, ensuring trade compliance, protecting agriculture and enforcing national immigration laws. Depending on the pay grade, customs agents can earn between about $46,500 and $121,000 per year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Emergency Management Director

Emergency management directors develop plans and procedures to address emergencies such as national disasters. They collaborate with elected officials, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and public safety officials. They may also organize emergency response training, coordinate emergency resources, and apply for funding for federal emergency management. The median annual salary for emergency management directors is $79,180, per the BLS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Homeland Security Jobs