Online Public Security Degree Program Overviews

Training for the field of public security is available through online degree programs in homeland security, public safety and criminal justice. Wholly distance-learning options are available at the bachelor's and master's level.

Online Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security Program Overview

Online degree programs related to public security include a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) with focuses in homeland security and disaster response and a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. These programs examine domestic and international terrorism as well as community safety. Students learn about the coordination between local, state and federal security efforts. Some programs are offered with a concentration in security management.

Program Information and Requirements

Online programs require consistent Internet access and a computer capable of playing audio and video lectures and demonstrations. Course materials available wherever and whenever students have access to the Internet. Students can submit assignments through an electronic drop box. Communication with instructors is primarily through e-mail. Students discuss class topics through online forums.

Common Bachelor's Level Homeland Security Courses

To complete the bachelor's degree, students take general education courses in humanities, science, math, social sciences and communication. Classes for the major include topics on law enforcement, mental health, legal studies, computing, fire safety and leadership.

Homeland Security Course

This course familiarizes students with the institutions charged with the protection of the United States of America. These organizations include federal and state police, as well as local, community and private agencies responsible for security and emergency response. Students learn about the policies and procedures mandated by the Homeland Security Act.

Studies on Terrorism Course

Students learn about the history of domestic and international terrorism. Case studies of threat responses and countermeasures are analyzed for success and future improvement.

Security Management Course

In this course, participants are trained to organize security agencies through effective planning, staffing, and budgeting. Students also learn business techniques in marketing, labor management and security liability.

Career Information for Graduates

Homeland security graduates can work in a variety of fields and specializations. Roles include officers in immigration, police, customs and transportation agencies. The concentrations taken in school can affect what jobs a graduate is prepared for; for instance, a student who focused on computer networking courses in a homeland security program could become a cybersecurity specialist.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), in May 2009 police and sheriff's patrol officers earned a mean annual wage of $55,180. Detectives and criminal investigators had a mean annual wage of $65,860. Police and detective supervisors had a mean annual wage of $78,580.

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Online Master's Degree in Justice and Public Safety Program Overview

Those looking for graduate study in public security can enroll in online Master of Science in Justice and Public Safety programs. While some of these programs focus mainly on criminal justice and judicial administration, many programs address issues of homeland security and general public security. Some schools may offer concentrations within the program in areas such as homeland security or security policy.

Program Information and Requirements

Students must have a bachelor's degree of any major before enrollment. Programs may require a capstone project before graduation. Class materials are available through a Web-based platform that supports an electronic library, e-mail, discussion forums and bulletin boards.

List of Common Master's Level Public Security Courses

Course subjects include correctional rehabilitation, white-collar crime, juvenile crime, statistics for criminal justice and research methods. Many classes focus on issues of modern terrorism, including weapons of mass destruction and the psychology of terror.

Emergency Management Course

This course teaches students to build emergency response plans for the government, community and businesses. It includes a study on the most efficient infrastructure planning as well as its use in preparation for and response to emergencies.

Crime Analysis and Mapping Course

Crime mapping matches crimes to specific locations in order to create a map of the frequency and intensity of criminal activity. This course teaches methods of crime mapping and analysis to identify patterns for use in crime prevention.

Homeland Security Technology Course

Students become familiar with the latest technology that monitors and responds to domestic security issues. Types of technology include communication technology, information technology, inspection technology and surveillance equipment.

Career Opportunities

A master's degree in public safety is often used to qualify one for managerial or other leading roles in safety and emergency response organizations such as fire departments or law enforcement. According to the BLS, supervisors of fire fighters earned an average annual wage of $71,680 in May 2009. Programs that focus more on government regulation and policy can lead to jobs in local, state or federal government helping to craft and decide on public security policies.