Monday, 28 May 2012

Online Colleges for Homeland Security Degrees: How to Choose

Since the emergence of the Department of Homeland Security, several educational and career opportunities have been created to prepare students for a variety of professions. Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs focus studies on national security issues. Bachelor's degree programs offer in-depth training on issues related to terrorism and law. Master's programs may provide a pathway to career advancement or academia.

How to Select an Online Homeland Security School

Award Type

Colleges and universities offer both online undergraduate and graduate programs in homeland security. Certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs prepare students to pursue several career options in national security and disaster management. Undergraduate certificate and degree programs typically require only a high school diploma or the equivalent. Graduate studies may expect applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree, graduate school entrance testing and related work experience prior to admission.

Learning Environment

Typically, online programs allow enrollment at any time, though some schools may regulate courses to specific semesters. Most schools provide courses and all training materials completely online, though a few may require students to participate in on-campus or on-site internship or research. Online learning usually offers flexibility of scheduling and study options, including the acceptance of part-time students. However, some programs may limit enrollment to only a few applicants with previous work experience in a related field.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of an academic program in homeland security may be qualified to work for both private companies or government agencies. The increased demand in trained security professionals provides those with adequate training opportunities in local, national or international law enforcement, political and diplomatic offices, counter-terrorism intelligence services and cyber-terrorism assessment. Certain employers may provide tuition assistance or coverage for a student enrolled in one of these programs.

List of Online Homeland Security Programs

Online Undergraduate Certificate in Homeland Security

Many certificate programs may be available completely online. Some programs cover studies in national defense strategy, public safety issues and intelligence gathering procedures. Others may focus on international political issues, human rights studies and foreign instability concerns. Program length varies from a few weeks to a year, and students may be able to transfer some or all credit received to a bachelor's degree program.

Online Associate Degree in Homeland Security

Several colleges offer 2-year associate degree programs in homeland security. Courses may cover the history of the U.S. military, international terrorism and present-day issues in national security. Some schools include a homeland security track within a criminal justice degree program, combining global emergency response with legal studies in the American justice system. Students may find online courses in Internet security and cyberterrorism.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security

Bachelor's programs study the complex nature of homeland security, assessing the line between research and applied practice. Courses introduce students to topics in transportation security, evaluation of risk and defensive countermeasures. Specific exposure to the study of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons types and consequences may be covered. Additional concepts in cyber crimes and privacy laws may be addressed.

Online Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security

Online graduate studies leading to a certificate of completion typically require a bachelor's degree, though some schools may require students be enrolled in a master's program. Advanced topics include threat assessment, terrorism response options and domestic and foreign policy related to national security. Credit for completed courses may typically be transferable to a master's program.

Online Master's Degree in Homeland Security

Master's programs are designed for those seeking to advance an existing career. Many programs allow students to concentrate studies on a specific field of interest, such as public health safety, cyber crimes or domestic terrorism. Generally taking two years to complete, working professionals enrolled in a master's program often have flexibility to participate in part-time studies, which may add a year or more to the program. Courses often included in a master's program include leadership development, psychological profiling and conflict resolution.

No comments:

Post a Comment