Homeland Security

Overview

Homeland security programs teach people security policy and how to protect the US territory, assets, and infrastructure from external threats.

Homeland security programs include topics such as:

National security policy
Government relations
Intelligence
Law enforcement
Security technology
Communications technology

Concentrations

In homeland security programs, students may be able to specialize in:

Critical infrastructure protection
Terrorism and counterterrorism operations

Schools

Several career and technical schools as well as several community colleges offer certificate and associate degree programs in homeland security. A certificate program usually takes a year of full-time study. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study.

Several colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in homeland security. A bachelor's degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete. Some schools offer this program as a concentration in a criminal justice program.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in homeland security. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Most programs require you to pass a background criminal check. In addition, you usually have to be able to speak, read, write, and understand English.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

English Composition
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores. Your bachelor's degree should be in a relevant field such as criminal justice or sociology.

Additional requirements at some schools include: