Homeland security professionals have the weight of the nation on their shoulders. They are tasked with protecting the U.S. from threats ranging from hurricanes to terrorist attacks by anticipating potential problems and preparing plans to manage them. Careers available in the field are diverse, including positions as computer specialists, law enforcement officers and first responders.
“It’s a challenging field,” Dave Gilmore, a security consultant, told the Bureau of Labor Statistics. “You have plans to deal with the more likely problems, but you can’t prepare for every eventuality. You also need to be able to react.”
An online bachelor’s degree in homeland security can help students develop the critical thinking, management and problem-solving skills they will need to succeed in a demanding, unpredictable field.
Students who earn a homeland security degree online can pursue employment in the private sector or with federal, state and local governments. The Department of Homeland Security is one of the largest federal employers – around 170,000 people work for the agency – according to the BLS.
Professionals with a bachelor’s degree in homeland security can also go on to earn an online master’s degree in homeland security. These programs generally do not require any previous homeland security coursework.
How long does it take to earn a bachelor’s in homeland security online?
Completing an undergraduate homeland security degree online typically requires between 120 and 124 credits, which students can complete in four years of full-time study.
How much does a bachelor’s in homeland security cost?
The cost of a homeland security degree online depends on several factors. State residency is an important consideration, since many colleges and universities charge higher tuition for out-of-state students. However, some schools charge flat tuition for online students regardless of state residency. Technology fees are another key factor; these fees often apply to online students but not their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
Per-credit costs for a homeland security degree online typically range from about $200 to $475. Students should expect to pay between $43,000 and $55,000 in total tuition for one of these programs.
Choosing an accredited online homeland security degree program
Accreditation status is one of the most important considerations for prospective students. Colleges and universities in the U.S. receive accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education; the accreditation process involves an extensive review of a school’s educational programs and student services.
A school’s accreditation impacts course credit transferability, as well as student eligibility for federal financial aid, so students should ensure the school offering the program has earned national or regional accreditation.
