In 2002, the United States government created the Department of Homeland Security. The attacks in New York and Washington D.C. in 2001 showed the country’s vulnerability to terrorism. In response, President Bush ordered the formation of a division that would work specifically in the public’s interest to keep them safe from terrorism and other public crises.
The Department’s primary goal is to “secure the nation from the many threats we face.” While sometimes those threats are in the form of terrorism, they also can come in the form of natural disasters, economic decline, and crime from within the nation. The DHS needs trained professionals to help them in their efforts, and a degree in homeland security can give you that training. If you earn a degree in this field, you will find many career options available. Here is a closer look at the various jobs you could get with a degree in homeland security, both undergraduate and higher-level graduate degrees.
How to Get a Job in Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security offers unique career opportunities, but one must meet the criteria to work in this field. They look for people with the proper education and background. The job requirements fall into two categories:
- Eligibility – You must be a U.S. citizen and pass a background check. You may be ineligible if you have a felony conviction on your record or default on a loan.
- Qualifications – Refers to education and work experience. They generally look for agents with prior experience in law enforcement or a master’s degree in homeland security. You might be considered if you have a bachelor’s degree in homeland security but getting a graduate degree will boost your qualifications and improve your career prospects.
They look at each applicant individually but screen for these general criteria. If you meet them, you can apply through the USAJOBS website.
What Can You Do with a Homeland Security Degree?
An undergraduate degree in homeland security can open the door to many career options. Depending on your interests and the focus of your degree program, you may be able to find work as:
1. Police Officer
While you don’t need a degree in homeland security to work as a police officer, this degree does provide the training necessary to work in a wide range of law enforcement roles. Police officers can earn between $40,000 and $105,000 a year based on 2021 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and there will always be a demand for people trained to protect the public.
2. Corrections Officer
Corrections officers can use the information they learn in a homeland security degree to better work with the inmates and law enforcement professionals within the corrections system. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for correctional officers and bailiffs is $47,920.
3. Transportation Security Officer
The Transportation Security Administration employs operators to screen travelers and keep airports and other forms of transportation secure. There are many roles within this field, but security officers can earn an average of $38,155 a year, with that increasing to $69,552 for those who become security specialists.
4. US Postal Inspector
Postal Inspectors work for the United States Postal Service. They work to prevent crime and manage risks associated with the mail system. This position is relatively well-paid, with an average salary of $144,364 a year. The information learned in a homeland security degree will provide the knowledge to understand and mitigate risks.
5. Federal Emergency Management Agency Worker (FEMA)
FEMA workers step in when national and natural disasters strike. They can work as reservists on-call for disasters or full-time workers who help manage risks all year long. The average base salary for this role is $80,000 annually.
6. Transit and Railroad Police
The country’s railroad and over-the-road transit systems have many opportunities for crime and terrorist activity. When these are attacked, the infrastructure of the nation is at risk. Transit and railroad police help protect these vital transportation sectors. According to the BLS, transit and railroad police earn a median annual salary of $69,570.
7. Emergency Management for Forest Service
Forest fires and flooding are common emergencies that can affect the national forests and other protected areas and expand into populated areas. Emergency management is a vital role within the US Forest Service, and a degree in homeland security can open the door to these roles. The 2021 average pay rate for this role was $79,965.86 annually.
8. Hospital Security Manager
Hospitals provide care for vulnerable members of our communities, and it is critical they remain safe & secure. Hospital security managers navigate the complexities of large buildings, huge groups of people, and complicated procedures to design, manage and conduct security for hospitals and healthcare campuses. The average salary for a hospital security manager is $65,192 per year – with variation depending on experience, size of the facility, geography, etc.
9. Border Protection Officer
Keeping the nation’s borders protected is a crucial role of the US Customs and Border Protection agency. Many threats come from just across the border. Border protection officers have great benefits and a competitive salary. They earn between $42,516 and $102,897 a year based on grade and location worked.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Homeland Security?
Some homeland security positions, especially many within government agencies, require more in-depth training. A master’s degree in this field will allow you to dig into a particular area of expertise, which, in turn, can bring higher-paying roles within reach. Here are some that require a master’s degree.
10. FBI Special Agent
Many roles within the FBI can use the information learned in a homeland security master’s program, but those who work in antiterror sectors can especially benefit from this training. FBI agent pay varies wildly based on an agent’s assignment, but the average is $75,169 annually.
11. Teaching
If you have worked within the field for a while and are ready to pass your knowledge on to the next generation, you will need a graduate degree. Teaching in homeland security can be very rewarding and comes with lower risks than many other positions in the field. The median pay for postsecondary educators in 2021 was over $79,000 annually.
12. Researcher
Much of the work of fighting terrorism requires research. Researchers put their knowledge of terrorism and risk to work behind the scenes, digging into data to find potential problems or create scenarios to address them. According to Indeed.com, the average base salary of a researcher in the US is $53,559.
13. Counterterrorism
A counterterrorism specialist works for the FBI, CIA, or Department of Homeland Security to track down and stop threats to the nation from terrorists or terrorist organizations. Special agents in leadership roles can earn an annual pay of around $102,000 per year, especially with a master’s degree.
14. Program Manager
Earning a master’s degree can make it possible to step into leadership roles in the homeland security arena. Program managers oversee organizations and programs to ensure the work is done correctly. These leaders are vital to the country’s protection and ability to address disasters. Program managers’ average salary as of October 2022 is $143,008.
15. Emergency Management Specialist
Many different organizations must come together when emergencies occur to provide care to the people affected. Emergency management specialists take the training they earned in their degree program and use it to oversee these emergency management actions. These leaders are vital to the success of emergency management planning and implementation. The average annual salary of an emergency management specialist is $81,484.
16. Prison Warden
A prison warden supervises the activities and discipline of a prison system. They may also ensure that all professionals who work within the prison are appropriately vetted. A prison warden can earn an average of over $89,400 per year.
17. Risk Management Professional
Homeland security is all about risk. Identifying, managing, and preventing various risks is the central focus of this line of work. Risk management professionals work within the government to perform these roles. They monitor at-risk areas and identify or mitigate risks. Those working as risk managers for the federal government earn an average annual salary of $116,000.
18. Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence analysts work with the FBI and other government agencies to collect and analyze data. They work directly with law enforcement organizations to find the most at-risk areas and will take action against threats when they see them. Homeland security graduate degrees are an excellent foundation for these professionals. The average salary for intelligence analysts is close to $70,000 annually.
19. Cyber Security Professional
Many of the risks to our nation come not from natural disasters or overt terrorism but rather from cybercriminals. One cyber hack could take down significant parts of the national infrastructure, including power systems or internet-based programs. Homeland security master’s degree programs focusing on cybersecurity will help people be prepared to address these issues. Cybersecurity managers can earn up to $102,600 a year per the BLS.
20. Immigration Officer with Citizenship Immigration Services
Illegal immigration is a growing problem that risks the nation’s security. Working as an immigration officer allows you to protect the community from these risks. Positions within the US Citizenship and Immigration Services department pay an average of $71,718 per year.
What to Expect from the Master of Arts in Homeland Security Program
The coursework focuses on critical areas of homeland security, information security, and border control. After graduating with this degree, you would be able to work in both government agencies and the private sector.
The program teaches you to:
- Collaborate with community stakeholders to develop strategies and systems for prevention, deterrence, preemption, defense, and response.
- Develop new science and technological approaches related to homeland security.
- Work at the federal, state, and local levels to protect national security and develop related policies.
- Recognize and protect against terroristic threats and groups that issue them.
- Research interdisciplinary perspectives regarding homeland security.
The Master of Arts in Homeland Security at Keiser University offers an intensive study of topics related to protecting the United States from threats. The coursework promotes self-directed learning and allows students to contribute intellectually.
Graduates will be prepared to work at the border, airports, seaports, and waterways. They’ll be able to research and develop security technologies, respond to natural disasters or terrorist attacks, analyze intelligence reports, and perform other homeland security-related tasks.
Grow Your Homeland Security Career with Keiser
If one of these homeland security careers appeals to you, then it is time to get the proper training. Keiser University offers a Master of Arts in Homeland Security that can provide a strong foundation for any of these careers. Keiser is an educational partner of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, so this ensures our degree is on track with what they’re looking for in graduates. Whether you picture yourself working for the DHS or in one of these other related fields, you can start your career advancement with Keiser.
Our master’s degree program is 33 credit hours with eight-week terms, and you can complete it in 12-18 months. It is finished entirely online, allowing you to get the right training without disrupting your career. Reach out to our admissions team today to learn how you can grow your homeland security career with Keiser University.
