Master’s Degree in Homeland Security Degrees and Careers

A career in homeland security requires the right amount of training, instinct, and education. Although the United States continues to neutralize threats to its safety, new dangers pop up all the time. The field of homeland security relies on experts in safety, criminal justice, and covert operations to maintain the safety of the country. If you’re considering taking the next step in your criminal justice career, it may be time to look at a master’s degree in homeland security.

Graduate-level training in homeland security may build on prior experience in this field, a criminal justice degree, or an undergraduate homeland security degree. You may delve more deeply into advanced aspects of homeland security while preparing for high-level positions in this criminal justice specialty. In addition, this degree may help you become a skilled and competent leader in this specialty. Ready to learn more about homeland security? Contact master’s-level homeland security programs near you to learn more.

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Curriculum for a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security

Master’s degree programs in homeland security build on what you’ve learned at the undergraduate level. Whether you studied criminal justice, national security, or another related field for your Bachelor’s degree, you may learn how to use your unique skills and knowledge to work in the field of homeland security. You should plan on completing about 30 credits of coursework over the span of two to three years.

The courses you take in this degree program may prepare you for high-level management, intelligence, and operations career within this specialty. As a result, you may take classes that explore the inner workings of the criminal justice system and various homeland security agencies. As you begin your degree, you may look at different parts of this field. Low-level graduate courses may include Homeland Security Administration, Social and Ethical Issues in Homeland Security, Introduction to Homeland Security, and Homeland Security & Defense in Practice. Some of the more advanced or specialized courses you may take include Natural Disasters, Disaster Psychology, Agricultural Biosecurity, Network Management and Security, Public Policy Analysis, and Politics of Terrorism.

Typically, a practical experience course is required at this advanced level of study. If you already work in criminal justice, you may get your experience at your place of employment. Otherwise, you may be assigned to a nearby homeland security agency.

Outcomes and Salary for Homeland Security Professionals

The skills and practical experience you may gain from a master’s degree program can often be used in many different career options. You may take on a management role in fields like transportation screening, department security, and remote sensing. However, there are other career paths you may explore. Emergency management is a crucial part of homeland security, so your education may point you toward a career in this field. Emergency management directors may take on roles in the management of natural disaster relief, wartime disasters, hostage situations, and technological emergencies. O*Net, an online resource maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor, notes that the average salary for an emergency management director is $79,180 per year (O*Net, 2022). Job openings in this field may increase by 2% to 4% through 2032 (O*Net, 2022).

Information analysis is another potential career area to consider. Information security analysts may use incoming information to protect networks, borders, and other valuable resources. The average salary for an information security analyst is $112,000 per year (O*Net, 2022). A 9% increase in job openings in this field is expected through 2032 (O*Net, 2022).

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Advanced education may be the key to your new career. Contact master’s degree programs in your area to learn more!

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