Online degree programs in homeland security
administration are available at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral
levels. Homeland security is sometimes a specialization under a broader
major, such as public policy and administration, public safety or
criminal justice.
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security Administration Overview
Bachelor's degree students in homeland security administration learn
to recognize terrorist threats and manage public security. Different
techniques are covered for maintaining homeland security, including
technological, intellectual and diplomatic solutions. Courses are
usually centered on topics of criminal justice, law enforcement,
emergency medical services, fire science and public security. Graduates
are prepared to work in corporate and government security.
Online bachelor's degree programs in homeland security administration
typically take 36-48 months of full-time study to complete. Programs in
this area of study that are offered completely online are quite common.
List of Common Homeland Security Administration Courses
Homeland security administration programs often include classes in criminal justice, domestic and international terrorism,
emergency management
and communications. A capstone project is commonly required during a
student's final year of study. Students typically formulate solutions
to public safety problems and come up with a plan to implement their
ideas.
Criminal Justice Course
This course introduces students to the criminal justice system in the
United States. Students learn theories behind the system, as well as
how it has changed over time.
Domestic and International Terrorism Course
Students analyze different types of terrorism, including
psychological, social and cultural threats. Both international and
domestic terrorism are examined, and students learn ways to protect the
country from such threats.
Emergency Management Course
Students learn to identify threats to safety and develop strategies
for dealing with them. Emergency management is examined on the local,
state and federal levels.
Communications Course
Students learn to communicate professionally, both orally and in
writing. Interactive activities with classmates help students develop
critical thinking and problem-solving skills while working within a
team.
Graduates are prepared for jobs as law enforcement officers, security
officers, public safety officers, Secret Service agents, homeland
security officers, border patrol agents and customs investigators.
According to
Payscale.com, airline security screeners employed by
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security earned a median salary of
$39,598 in 2010, while security officers earned a median salary of
$38,500. Earnings generally increased with experience. Airline security
screeners and security officers can earn upwards of $60,000 over time.
Master's Degree in Homeland Security Administration Overview
Online master's degree programs in homeland security administration
are very common. These programs are designed to advance the careers of
those already working in public safety, emergency management, fire
service, corporate security, public health or transportation security.
Students learn about economic damage caused by both natural and man-made
disasters, the legislative process behind policies that affect homeland
security and the impact of terrorism on both society and individuals.
Most programs require 33-36 credits. Full-time students can earn
their degrees within 12-16 months of study. Many programs are offered
fully online. However, some programs may require students to complete
some classes on campus and present their capstone projects in person.
List of Common Homeland Security Administration Courses
Master's programs in homeland security administration typically
include courses in terrorism, security intelligence and strategic
planning. Students must also complete a capstone project, which should
demonstrate their ability to analyze a problem and come up with a
solution.
Terrorism Course
This course covers the dynamics of terrorism. This includes the
evolution of terrorism, as well as the motivations behind terrorist
attacks.
Security Intelligence Course
Students learn the role of intelligence in maintaining homeland
security. Its benefits and limitations are discussed, and students
present ideas for improving security intelligence.
Strategic Planning Course
The importance of strategic planning as it relates to homeland
security is discussed. Students learn different organizational
techniques and security strategies.
A master's degree in homeland security administration prepares
graduates to take on leadership positions. It can also help graduates
move up in their previous homeland security jobs. Security supervisors
who worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security earned a median
salary of $52,000 in 2010, according to
Payscale.com.
Doctorate in Homeland Security Administration Overview
Homeland security is often offered as a specialization in broader
doctorate programs, such as management, public safety or public policy.
Related specializations include public health, criminal justice, public
policy, environmental and social sustainability, forensics and fire
service administration. Many programs focus heavily on research and the
development of problem-solving and analytical skills. Doctorate programs
in homeland security administration are geared toward working
professionals who are looking to advance their careers.
The time required to complete a doctoral program in homeland security
administration varies based on individual factors, but most can be
completed in as little as three years. Programs offered completely
online are rare. Many programs are offered predominantly online, but
require some residency portions to be completed on-campus. These
typically last less than a week at a time and are required 2-4 times per
year.
List of Common Homeland Security Administration Courses
Required courses typically include qualitative research, quantitative
research, leadership and public policy. Most programs also require that
students complete a dissertation after completing the program courses.
Qualitative Research Course
Students learn to design and conduct qualitative research projects.
Students gain skills in observation, data analysis and interpretation.
Ethical issues are discussed.
Quantitative Research Course
Students learn to apply their knowledge of statistics to design
quantitative research projects. Statistical software is used to
interpret and present research findings.
Leadership Course
Theories of leadership are explored, as well as the role that leaders
play in making change. The course also covers ethical issues,
boundaries and historical context.
Public Policy Course
This course goes over the democratic principles behind public policy.
The way social organizations and political agendas affect public policy
is also discussed.
Graduates of doctorate programs in homeland security administration
are prepared to conduct research and solve problems related to homeland
security.
Payscale.com reported that intelligence analysts
employed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security earned a median
salary of $80,409 in 2010.
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