If you are interested in pursuing a career where you will actively help secure the nation in a variety of different ways, this could be the degree path for you to take. Believe it or not, the Homeland Security degree program is a fairly new program that was developed in an effort to respond to the nation’s growing needs and issues surrounding security of our borders, waterways, and skies. The original program was established in 2007, but curriculum has been modified and to adjust to advancing needs and advancing technology. Read on, and learn what a degree in homeland security will prepare you for, and whether or not this is a good path to take in terms of demand. 

Topics Covered in a Homeland Security Degree Program

Ever since the terrorist attacks in 2007, the need for homeland security professionals has risen. While there has always been an existent threat in the waterways, seaports, airports and borders, the government buckled down after the man-made disaster that is referred to as 9/11. A Homeland Security degree is designed to instruct undergraduate students on how the nation secures areas in the nation where risks are present. In addition to learning about securing techniques, the program will teach students how to prepare for a natural or man-made disaster and how to respond to said disasters.

Another very important topic covered when studying Homeland Security is technology. Law enforcement agencies and government task forces use a variety of technological tools for intelligence purposes so that disasters can be prevented. Having a broad understanding of the safety issues that exist is the key focus, but intelligence sharing and analysis has also become a huge focus as more and more agencies rely on intelligence.

What Can You Do With a Degree in Homeland Security?

Now that you understand what you will learn as a student pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, the next step is learning what you can do with your degree. The demand for employees in the private and the public sector of Homeland Security is on the rise. You may be qualified to work in a variety of different roles in private security and emergency management, or you may want to use your degree to pursue a public position. Some of the different settings that you can work in with your degree include: Air Marshals, Drug Enforcement Agency, Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, local law enforcement, customs, border patrol, special agency or airports. You average salary and the qualifications for employment will depend on the setting you would like to work in and what your role will be.

If you are trying to choose an occupation that is rewarding and high in demand, Homeland Security may be a good choice. One thing that the government always invests in is security that will keep the nation safe from disasters. There are a variety of different occupations that you can pursue within this field, and many of the positions, like law enforcement agents and intelligence analysts, are high in demand.Find out which professionals in security are desired publicly and privately, and use this information to select a degree path. Now that you know answers to “What is a Homeland Security degree?”, you can make an educated choice.

For more information on getting your Emergency Management or Homeland Security degree, please see “Top 10 Best Online Emergency Management Degree Programs 2014“.