Homeland Security

Homeland Security

Maintaining the safety of our people is one of America’s top priorities. Since the attacks on September 11, 2001, terrorism has become an even larger threat, and the responsibility of keeping those threats from being carried out must fall on someone’s shoulders. The Department of Homeland Security is made up of numerous jobs, each with a unique focus and set of qualifications, but the security of our nation is important to the department’s success.

Homeland Security Degree Description

The Department of Homeland Security is a relatively new addition to our government’s resources, but because of its paramount goal, homeland security programs are not scarce. You can study for your associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree at any of several homeland security schools. While students are pursuing their homeland security degrees, they will enroll in courses related to political science and engineering. Psychology is also important to obtaining homeland security degrees because it helps to understand how a terrorist’s mindset is working in order to predict and hopefully stop their dangerous plans. Curriculum in homeland security programs will also place a significant emphasis on emergency procedures and how to prepare for a national security crisis. Homeland security schools will also teach students certain investigative techniques so they can track down a known threat. It’s likely that as students work their way through homeland security programs, they’ll discover which area of expertise they’d like to focus future studies on. This will also help once their homeland security degrees are obtained when it comes time to apply for jobs in the department and enroll in career training.

Homeland Security Careers

With homeland security degrees, students can pursue an abundance of responsibilities underneath the homeland security umbrella. You could work in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure safe passage for travelers via planes, trains, buses, and more. Another option would be to become a member of the United States Capitol Police, which protects the safety of the capitol building, as well as members of Congress, government officials, and their families. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is another branch of homeland security where you’d be protecting our country from the spread of illnesses, whether naturally contracted or through bioterrorism. The United States Coast Guard protects the United States at sea and ensures maritime safety and stability. Also available for those with homeland security degrees are positions in the United States Customs Service, which monitors the appearance of dangerous items into our country via foreign air and sea travel. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) focuses on terrorist threats, foreign and domestic espionage, as well as wide spread crimes like white-collar computer crimes, or violent crimes. The United States Marshal Service is involved with capturing fugitives, transporting criminals, and also running the Witness Security Program, among other significant duties. You could also pursue a career in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This organization works to stabilize and rebuild an area after a disaster has hit, whether natural, like a tornado or hurricane, or through an act of terrorism. These are just some of the many career opportunities students could take on after completing their studies at homeland security schools.