Online Bachelor's Degrees in Homeland Security: Reviewing Programs
Expertise: Social WorkPsych.Criminal JusticeThis guide walks you down the right path for your education by showing you quality programs, expected curriculum topics, job possibilities, and important resources for homeland security students and professionals.
Due to issues such as climate change and cyberterrorism, the need for homeland security experts is continually increasing. The job growth for information security analysts — just one representative title in this emerging field — is 32% over the next decade. Joining this industry promises career growth, stability, and high earning potential, and it can be made all the more accessible with a quality online degree program in homeland security.
Discover answers to frequently asked questions from potential bachelor’s degree students, information on program costs, and resources for homeland security students and professionals in this DFG guide.
Spotlight Programs in Homeland Security
Earning a homeland security bachelor’s degree is a significant investment of your time and money, so it’s important to do the research and find the right program for your needs. Online or hybrid programs are often preferrable because they allow you to learn when and where it’s convenient. And the flexibility of an online program means you can still have time to work, take care of family, or focus on personal needs. The following bachelor’s in homeland security programs offer a good mix of affordability, flexibility, academic rigor, and opportunities for specialized learning. As you begin to research programs, use these three schools to jumpstart the process.
The fully online bachelor’s program in homeland security at Wichita State University offers a unique blend of flexibility, affordability, and real-life learning opportunities.
- Curriculum details: The program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, and students must earn at least a 2.0 GPA in all Homeland Security major courses and electives. Courses are asynchronous and are generally offered in either eight- or 16-week blocks. The program’s curriculum includes general education requirements as well as core classes such as Border Security, Physical Security, and Cyber Security and unique electives like History of U.S. Homeland Security and Jihadist Terrorism. In addition to the core and major courses, students are required to complete an applied learning or research experience, giving them valuable professional skills.
- Tuition: In an effort to increase affordability, all students in Wichita State’s online homeland security bachelor’s degree pay in-state tuition of $241.55 per credit, regardless of where they live.
- Accreditation: Wichita State is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCA).
Delivery:
- Online
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Homeland Security
Keiser University offers a flexible homeland security bachelor’s degree online, with the option to take some courses in person. The program focuses on management skills and competency in areas such as cross-cultural management, emergency management planning, and critical infrastructure protection.
- Curriculum details: You’ll need 120 credit hours to graduate. Courses range from Statistics and Political Science to Catastrophic Event Response Planning. Notably, the program is structured so that students take one class at a time over four weeks, with no overlapping. This focused approach and small class size allows students to fully focus on the coursework and engage with their professors.
- Financial aid options: Kaiser University is military-friendly; this can be particularly attractive for homeland security students, as many are active-duty personnel or veterans. In addition to a flexible schedule and scholarships for active duty military, the school accepts post 9/11 GI Bill benefits and participates in the yellow ribbon program.
- Accreditation: Keiser University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Delivery:
- Online
- Some locations have on-campus courses
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Homeland Security
Whether you’re interested in cyber terrorism, infrastructure protection, or natural disasters, the homeland security bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland’s Global Campus will prepare you for a career in the field. This completely online program is geared toward preparing future managers with in-demand leadership and communication skills.
- Curriculum details: The program includes a mix of general education classes like Intro to Biology and Oral Communication Skills as well as major-specific courses such as Legal and Political Issues of Homeland Security.
- Credit requirements: 120 credit hours (up to 90 can be transferred) are required for graduation, and students must also successfully complete a Capstone course.
- Tuition: You’ll pay $324 per credit in-state, $499 per credit out-of-state, and $250 per credit for members of the military. Notably, there’s an opportunity to apply credits from this program to a related master’s program on an accelerated track.
- Accreditation: University of Maryland Global Campus is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Delivery:
- Online
- Some hybrid courses available
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BS in Homeland Security
Potential Courses in Your Homeland Security Bachelor’s Degree Program
No matter which program you choose, you’ll graduate with an understanding of the economic and public policy ramifications of homeland security and the skills to recognize and manage both natural and manmade disasters. Your individual classes may vary, but in general you should expect a mix of communication, economics, political science, computer science, and criminal law and procedure courses. Below are five typical classes you may take in an online Homeland Security program.
Intro to Homeland Security
Often one of the first classes a student will take, this introductory course gives an overview of the principles and practices of homeland security. It may cover the history of the U.S. government department and will examine the interconnected role that federal, state, and local governments have when it comes to issues such as border security, public policy, and incident response.
Cyber Security
In this course, students are introduced to the various types of cybercrime and how it can be mitigated. You’ll typically study related legislation and the accompanying criminal justice responses to cybercrime. Students will learn how to protect online networks and systems, especially as it pertains to issues like fraud and hacking.
Disaster and Incident Response
Specific types of incidents — such as natural disasters or terror attacks — and in focus during this course. Students may learn about past incident responses and discuss the strategy when it comes to preparing for future events. Simulations and case studies will likely be a part of curriculum.
Immigration Policy and Politics
This course will cover the history and current policies regarding immigration, both legal and illegal. Students will learn about past and current immigration laws and examine the associated challenges from a societal, economic, and political level. Students may also discuss possibilities for future immigration reform and how those ideas may affect border and homeland security.
Risk Assessment
A risk assessment or analysis course will teach students how to recognize and examine potential threats and vulnerabilities. Students will learn the methodology and framework for identifying potential threats and strategies for minimizing those threats. Students may focus on specific risks to infrastructure, public health, or online networks.
Accreditation for your Online Homeland Security Program
Choosing an accredited online homeland security bachelor’s degree program is important because it ensures you’ll be receiving a quality education that meets nationally recognized standards. There are a number of independent accrediting agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education that certify schools meet these standards.
There are different types of institutional accreditation, with national and regional being the most common. Ideally, you’d choose a program from a school that is regionally accredited, as these schools are often non-profit entities, feature more rigorous academic standards, and more selective admissions.
Accreditation is also crucial if you hope to receive federal or state financial aid and/or plan on applying to a master’s program. Many graduate programs will only accept students from accredited undergraduate programs.
You may also spend time researching programmatic accreditation, which is more specific to the degree’s topic or specialty. A common programmatic accrediting body for homeland security degrees, for example, is the Council for the Accreditation of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Education.
FAQs About an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Homeland Security
Enrolling in a homeland security bachelor’s degree program is a big investment of time and money, so it’s normal to have questions related to cost, admission, and duration. Below we’ll cover some commonly asked questions, including how long a degree might take, what the admission process looks like, and how much a degree costs. Let’s get started.
Is it possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in homeland security fully online?
Yes, many schools offer 100% online programs — like this BS in Homeland Security from Embry-Riddle. In recent years, schools have been increasing their online and hybrid offerings. These types of degree programs offer the mix of flexibility, affordability, and convenience that students want. If you decide to enroll in a fully online program, have a plan for staying engaged with your coursework and managing your time effectively. There are many resources available for fully remote students, including the list offered in the next section.
How many years will it take to earn an online bachelor’s degree in homeland security?
In short, it depends on your schedule and motivation. In general, most online bachelor’s degrees in homeland security require 120 credits for completion; the BA in Homeland Security from Columbia Southern University is one example. This is equivalent to about 40 courses, which will take about four years of full-time study to complete. However, many online programs allow increased flexibility, including part-time study. If you plan on working full time while you study, you may want to take a reduced course load, which will extend the length of your program. Conversely, some accelerated programs can be finished in just two to three years.
What does the admissions process look like for an online homeland security degree?
For the majority of online homeland security bachelor’s degree programs, a high school diploma or GED is required. Additionally, prospective students should expect to complete a program application and pay any associated fees. Many schools no longer require standardized test scores such as the SATs, but depending on the program, they may still be a requirement. If you choose a regionally accredited school, expect the admissions process to be more selective than nationally accredited schools.
How much will a homeland security bachelor’s degree online cost?
Homeland security bachelor’s degree costs vary, but in general, you can expect an online program to be more affordable than its on-campus counterpart. To evaluate the cost, look at the cost per credit and the total amount of credits required. And keep in mind that tuition can be managed with loans, grants, and scholarships. For an in-depth look at financial aid information, learn how to get financial aid for your public service degree.
The table below highlights three online Homeland Security programs to give you a better idea of the wide range of costs you can expect.
| School Name | # of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | 120 | $270 | $32,400 |
| George Washington University | 120 | $975 | $117,000 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 120 | $330 | $39,600 |
What are the salary averages for someone working in homeland security with a bachelors?
The salary for a graduate with a degree in homeland security can vary greatly, but most roles in this field have promising income compensation. Jobs in the private sector often pay more but may have more demanding hours. Positions with federal, state, and local government sometimes have lower salaries, but they may be able to offer competitive benefits like paid time off and pensions.
As referenced above, a business continuity manager in the private sector can earn well over six figures. Similarly, an entry level cyber security analyst can expect to earn a salary between $103,465 and $134,785. An emergency management specialist generally earns between $55,905 and $83,044. And a border patrol agent, a common federal position, earns a national average of $88,157. Another common position for a homeland security grad is a disaster recovery specialist, which boasts an average salary of $94,223. Meanwhile, the role’s private sector equivalent, the business continuity manager, earns an average salary of $135,435. Both of these positions earn well above the average United States salary for all positions, which is just under $60,000.
Are there any additional certifications needed to work in homeland security?
Once you earn your bachelor’s degree in homeland security, there may be professional development opportunities such as free courses offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Additionally, many individuals may decide to earn a master’s degree in homeland security to advance their knowledge and increase earning potential.
Essential Resources for Students and Professionals
As you progress through your homeland security bachelor’s degree program, you may be on the hunt for resources for assignment research or industry insights. Whether you’re interested in reading about breaking news or upcoming webinars, events, and job fairs, you have many options available to you. Check out the following resources to get started.
- 9/11 Report
This government report was nominated for the National Book Award, and for the past two decades, it has been seminal reading for anyone interested in the events leading up to the creation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The report covers the events of 9/11 as well as steps needed to prevent future terrorist incidents. - American Public University – Homeland Security Resources
This resource page from American Public University features news articles, think pieces about the relevant homeland security topics, and first-hand accounts of professionals in the homeland security sector. - Caveat Podcast
In this podcast hosted by homeland security experts Dave Bittner and Ben Yelin, you’ll have access to a weekly conversation on surveillance, digital privacy, cybersecurity law and policy. - Cyberwire
This site covers everything cyber security including a variety of homeland security-related podcasts, news briefings, in-depth analyses and reporting, and listings of relevant conferences and events. - Department of Homeland Security Blog
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security regularly publishes blog posts that relate to the industry. Posts frequently include information about job opportunities, firsthand accounts, program spotlights, and news updates. - Department of Homeland Security Student Opportunities
This webpage is targeted at homeland security students and recent graduates. The site features information and links regarding scholarships and internships for students. The information is conveniently broken down by subject area such as cyber security, intelligence and analysis, and law enforcement. - Department of Homeland Security Twitter/X Account
@DHSgov is the official Department of Homeland Security account on X (formerly known as Twitter). Here you’ll find breaking news and relevant information including messages from DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. - Homeland Security News Wire
This daily news publication is the largest in the homeland security industry and features analysis and coverage of top news stories. It’s a good resource for background information, trends, and new policies and regulations. - Homeland Security Today Online Magazine
This robust homeland security news website features webinars, podcasts, book recommendations, and information across a number of homeland security-related subject areas such as intelligence, border security, and counterterrorism. - Technologically Speaking Podcast
An unscripted podcast from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Technologically Speaking features conversations about current homeland security threats and solutions inspired by science and technology. Episodes feature experts discussing topics ranging from food contamination to airport security.