The Best Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Programs of 2020

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The field of homeland security employs professionals with a singular mission: protecting the homeland from enemies and catastrophic events that could compromise our nation’s security. Jobs are available for workers with various levels of education and experience in homeland security.

This resource highlights bachelor’s in homeland security programs, including common admission requirements and courses learners take as they train for a career in homeland security. It also explores different homeland security career paths and resources that can assist degree-seekers at every stage of their educational journey.

What Are the Best Homeland Security Programs of 2020? Here Are Our Top 10:

SEE METHODOLOGYGET RANKING SEAL

1. Arizona State University – Scottsdale, AZ
2. Anderson University – Anderson, SC
3. Lake Superior State University – Sault Ste Marie, MI
4. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach, FL
5. Mercer University – Macon, GA
6. Concordia University – Portland – Portland, OR
7. LeTourneau University – Longview, TX
8. Saint Leo University – Saint Leo, FL
9. Mississippi College – Clinton, MS
10. SUNY College of Technology at Canton – Canton, NY

Professionals with homeland security degrees can find employment in law enforcement and public service, as well as with government agencies, the military, and private firms. Earning a bachelor’s in homeland security provides foundational knowledge and an opportunity for specialization in disciplines as diverse as border patrol, cybersecurity, and emergency planning. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) routinely hires agents with different levels of experience for various agencies. However, DHS is only one of many employers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects excellent job prospects for graduates from bachelor’s in homeland security programs. For example, intelligence analysts earn a median salary of $83,610, and the BLS projects 14% job growth for this position from 2018-2028. This is almost three times the average projected growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.

Alternatively, border patrol agents earn an average salary of almost $60,000, according to PayScale. Other law enforcement jobs for graduates of these programs include CIA agent and FBI agent.

The BLS notes that emergency management directors — professionals who devise plans to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies — earned $74,420 in 2018. While the job growth for this occupation stands at 5% — an average growth rate — local and state agencies, hospitals, colleges, and other organizations across the nation can benefit from the planning skills of these workers.How We Rank Schools

2020 Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Programs

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1	Arizona State University	Scottsdale, AZ	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 48%
2	Anderson University	Anderson, SC	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 59%
3	Lake Superior State University	Sault Ste Marie, MI	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 54%
4	Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University	Daytona Beach, FL	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 19%
5	Mercer University	Macon, GA	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 66%
6	Concordia University – Portland	Portland, OR	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 47%
7	LeTourneau University	Longview, TX	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 61%
8	Saint Leo University	Saint Leo, FL	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 51%
9	Mississippi College	Clinton, MS	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 53%
10	SUNY College of Technology at Canton	Canton, NY	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 40%
11	Thomas Edison State University	Trenton, NJ	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 54%
12	DeSales University	Center Valley, PA	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 71%
13	Campbell University	Buies Creek, NC	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 53%
13	Angelo State University	San Angelo, TX	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 34%
15	Excelsior College	Albany, NY	GRADUATION RATE: 34%
16	National University	La Jolla, CA	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 36%
17	Marian University	Fond Du Lac, WI	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 53%
18	Eastern Kentucky University	Richmond, KY	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 47%
19	Mercy College	Dobbs Ferry, NY	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 44%
20	Medaille College	Buffalo, NY	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 37%
20	North Carolina Central University	Durham, NC	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 46%
22	Tulane University	New Orleans, LA	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 85%
23	Thomas Jefferson University	Philadelphia, PA	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 64%
24	Liberty University	Lynchburg, VA	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 50%
25	Florida Institute of Technology	Melbourne, FL	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 50%

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Program Overview

Students who earn a bachelor’s in homeland security gain foundational knowledge of the issues that impact the nation’s security. Students also learn the skills needed for entry-level positions in the field. Participants often acquire training — from professionals with direct homeland security experience — in risk analysis, intelligence collection and analysis, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency management.

Most bachelor’s tracks include general education courses that give learners a good footing in the liberal arts. Some programs may also dedicate courses to criminal justice — a field that seamlessly intersects with homeland security. Programs may offer concentrations or minors to give students specialized training in related subdisciplines, such as terrorism studies, cybersecurity, emergency management, and international relations.

While coursework provides sufficient entry-level training, internships and field placements at relevant agencies can give learners hands-on experience that employers value. Some learners use their academic and hands-on experience to pursue jobs right out of college, while others enroll in a master’s program to pursue specialized training in a chosen specialty.

Common Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Degree Courses

COLLAPSE ALLCriminal Procedure

Coursework in this class exposes students to the criminal justice system — especially principles that outline the rights of the government versus the rights of individuals. Students in homeland security programs learn about Constitutional amendments that govern issues such as stops and arrests, search and seizure, the use of force, and levels of criminal proceedings in the United States.Homeland SecurityIntelligence AnalysisTerrorismEmergency Management

Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Admission Requirements

• HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED CERTIFICATEApplicants must hold a high school diploma or a GED certificate in order to enroll in associate and baccalaureate programs. An exemption may apply to students who engage in dual enrollment, earning college credit while still in high school. College applicants need to provide official school or GED transcripts.
• SAT OR ACT SCORESThese exams demonstrate an applicant’s readiness for college-level studies. The SAT covers reading, writing/language, and math. The ACT covers English, math, reading, and science reasoning. Most colleges accept scores for both tests, but students need to take only one.
• ACCUPLACERThe College Board’s ACCUPLACER exam serves as an assessment tool for junior colleges. This standardized test covers reading, writing, and math. The ACCUPLACER is relevant for many students who begin their postsecondary education at a community college, with plans of transferring to a bachelor’s in homeland security at a four-year college.
• MINIMUM GPAApplicants interested in a bachelor’s in homeland security likely need to hold a minimum high school GPA of 2.0-2.5, although this requirement varies depending on the program.
• TRANSFER CREDITSWhile many programs do not require transfer credits, most accept credits from regionally accredited institutions. However, degree completion programs do require applicants to hold a certain number of transfer credits. Schools typically require a minimum 2.0-2.5 GPA for credits to be eligible for transfer.

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Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Career Paths

Many graduates of bachelor’s in homeland security programs go on to pursue entry-level jobs right out of college, finding positions in law enforcement, criminal justice, and homeland security. For instance, DHS hires recent college graduates and offers internships and fellowships that give students and recent graduates hands-on experience. A worker’s upward mobility depends on their organization and the internal requirements for positions. Additionally, federal agencies require a security clearance for positions that involve access to sensitive information, and employees will have to pass that rigorous process.

Some students pursue a master’s degree to acquire skills in a specialty, such as cybersecurity. Information security analysts may begin their postsecondary education by earning a bachelor’s in homeland security with a concentration in a computer science-related field. However, they also need to acquire advanced training in computer science, information assurance, or programming to assume a position as a cybersecurity specialist.

An advanced degree and/or ample work experience often qualify workers for career advancement and supervisory positions. Professionals can also earn certifications in their field. Notably, the International Association of Emergency Managers offers associate emergency manager and certified emergency manager certifications. Cybersecurity professionals have their own certifications to complete.

When you think about your dream job does it involve protecting people and systems? Are you excited by the thought of crisis mitigation, analysis and investigation, and a job that literally looks different every single day?

Getting a degree in homeland security not only means you’ll make a tangible difference in the lives of citizens and neighbors, it also means you’ll be in charge of planning prevention methods that create sustainable safety and security.

It’s an important job with a lot of responsibility, but also a lot of respect, stability, and opportunity.

Careers for those with homeland security degrees vary greatly. While some work in corporate finance, interpreting key data and building strong systems, others work in nonprofits, on the front lines of emergency management.

You can fit this degree to your passions, skillsets, and vocational interests. Plus, the need for people with this degree is projected to rise 18 percent in the next few years. And while the career options vary, as do their respective average salaries, you can estimate making at least 40k annually (if, for example, you go into transportation screening), if not way more in other fields.

Top 10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Degrees

RANK	SCHOOL	LOCATION
1	Arizona State University	Phoenix, AZ
2	Tulane University	New Orleans, LA
3	Michigan State University	East Lansing, MI
4	Northeastern University	Boston, MA
5	Saint Joseph’s University	Philadelphia, PA
6	Pennsylvania State University	University Park, PS
7	University of Colorado-Denver	Denver, CO
8	Pace University	New York, NY
9	Sam Houston State University	Huntsville, TX
10	California University of Pennsylvania	California, PA

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Accredited Online College Programs

A Quick Look: Best Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

RANK	SCHOOL	CREDIT HOUR COST
1	Embry-Riddle Aeornautical University	$1,392
2	Pennsylvania State University World Campus	$584
3	California University of Pennsylvania	$308
4	University of Alaska=Fairbanks	$202
5	Keiser University	$485
6	Eastern Kentucky University	$409
7	Regent University	$530
8	Florida Institute of Technology	$510
9	St. Leo University	$360
10	Suny Canton	$333

If you’ve thought about starting or completing your undergraduate degree but have hesitated because of the financial and time commitments, then perhaps you should consider an online degree.

It is a flexible, convenient way to advance your professional career without breaking the bank, as most online degrees are more affordable than those earned on campus. And many online programs don’t have residency requirements (and the higher price tag associated with those requirements).

Having shed its stigma, online education is now considered a great way to earn a degree and advance your career.

What are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Homeland Security Degrees

Though some of the programs below are full undergraduate programs that do not require you have any past college credit to apply, and others are degree completion programs, while some emphasize domestic security and counterterrorism and others emergency management, the following fifteen online degrees share one thing in common: they are the best at preparing and educating students in homeland security.

To get such a definitive ranking, we at College Choice investigated specific, significant data points for each online BS/BA in Homeland Security program in the nation: academic reputation, student retention (a signifier of student satisfaction), affordability, and the early salaries of graduates.

What we found after extensive and exhaustive research were those programs that are not only the best in the nation at training and educating homeland security officials, but those that are also affordable and offer a great return on investment.

Our figures and information come from the university and colleges’ websites, PayScale, and nationally recognized U.S. News & World Report and The National Center for Education Statistics.

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.Collapse All Expand AllEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University-WorldwideLOCATIONDaytona Beach, FLTUITION$$$$$

Pennsylvania State University-World CampusLOCATIONUniversity Park, PATUITION$$$$$

California University of PennsylvaniaLOCATIONCalifornia, PATUITION$$$$$

University of Alaska FairbanksLOCATIONFairbanks, AKTUITION$$$$$

Keiser UniversityLOCATIONFort Lauderdale, FLTUITION$$$$$

Eastern Kentucky UniversityLOCATIONRichmond, KYTUITION$$$$$

Regent UniversityLOCATIONVirginia Beach, VATUITION$$$$$

Florida Institute of TechnologyLOCATIONMelbourne, FLTUITION$$$$$

Saint Leo UniversityLOCATIONSaint Leo, FLTUITION$$$$$

SUNY College of Technology at CantonLOCATIONCanton, NYTUITION$$$$$

Anderson UniversityLOCATIONAnderson, SCTUITION$$$$$

Colorado Technical UniversityLOCATIONColorado Springs, COTUITION$$$$$

Southern New Hampshire UniversityLOCATIONManchester, NHTUITION$$$$$

Liberty UniversityLOCATIONLynchburg, VATUITION$$$$$

Park UniversityLOCATIONParkville, MOTUITION$$$$$