Is Homeland Security a Good Degree for Me?

The world never was as safe as we wanted it to be. The reality is that there have always been, and will always be, people who want to do harm to the innocent and to those they believe deserve to be "punished" for any number of reasons. Standing between them and those who are simply going about their day are people who have mastered the art of homeland security and know how to keep criminals safely away or locked up where they can do no further harm.

Security Starts with Skills

Having a good head on your shoulders is essential for success in the homeland security field. Sharp analytical skills are paramount and students who have a high aptitude for accurately assessing situations with incomplete facts do very well in this career. Security personnel must also be highly skilled at gathering information, observing potential security threats, and stopping threats before they can do harm. Of course, this isn't always possible and students must also be quick thinkers who can respond quickly when someone, or something, slips through the safety net.

Working in homeland security means being able to be your best at all times. Each day can bring new challenges and threats that need to be addressed. This requires you to be a fast learner who can stay abreast of changing threats as they evolve and attempt to evade security protocols and defenses. In many cases, this involves significant amounts of reading and research to understand the many methods the "bad guys" are using to circumvent security regulations, bypass borders, and overcome obstacles put in their path.

Because threats can come from anywhere at any time, you must stay alert at all times and know how to gather information from obscure sources, silent witnesses, or uncooperative suspects who have information that is crucial for preventing a terrorist attack.

Courses that Build Careers

Department of Homeland Security personnel are required to master a wide variety of skills. This requires completion of courses that prepare students to tackle the evolving threats to our nation's ports, airports, and infrastructure. Completing a Homeland Security degree involves learning about the psychology of terrorism as well as the politics that drive terrorists to launch attacks. Students enrolled in a homeland security program should learn how to protect infrastructure, harden soft targets, and gather intelligence that can be used to assess risk and potential activities that threaten airports, harbors, office buildings, etc.

Course in homeland security are designed to teach students to think through complex problems and apply the appropriate response. Whether that is direct response through force or intelligence gathering with electronic surveillance, students have the opportunity to hone their skills so that they are ready to protect and defend from the moment they graduate.

Graduates of homeland security programs will expected to have a solid understanding of law enforcement principles, terrorism and counter-terrorism, as well as the operations of the various agencies involved in homeland security. Students are also provided ample opportunities to hone their communication, research, and analytical skills so that they can develop solid emergency plans, communicate across language barriers, and effectively apply the law to their daily activities.

Career Opportunities

There are many paths graduates can follow upon program completion. Government agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency are always looking for sharp, dedicated personnel to join their ranks. Those who work in these jobs will earn generally earn salaries based on the Federal Government General Schedule.

There are also opportunities for those interested in working in the private sector. Cruise lines, shipping companies, airlines, and many others employ homeland security graduates to keep cruise ships, tankers, oil platforms, airfields, and other critical locations safe and secure. These opportunities can provide many opportunities for travel and interaction with a wide variety of law enforcement agencies around the world.

Are you interested in a career in homeland security? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice with a Focus in Homeland Security, consider ECPI University for the education you'll need. For more information about this exciting program, connect with a helpful ECPI University admissions representative today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Homeland Security - Bachelor’s

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