An online Associate in Homeland Security Degree introduces students to any current threats approaching the United States. The degree also teaches students the laws that protect civilians. Earning an associate in homeland security degree will satisfy necessary transfer credits to four-year institutions, and will also prepare graduates to assist others in defending the country in which they live.
With a 7% growth rate expected in jobs in homeland security from the years 2016 to 2026, the solid and necessary jobs are available. The Department of Homeland Security is currently hiring candidates to fill positions in the areas of Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Immigration, Travel Security and Emergency Management as well as other areas of service. Although specific job availability may change, the necessity of workers in homeland security won’t.
According to a recent article in U.S. News and World Report, “homeland security associate degree programs prepare students for their chosen careers by equipping them with risk management and emergency response skills. These programs also teach students the fundamentals of terrorism, natural and man-made disasters, and emergency management.”
Graduates often go on to work in Law Enforcement but are well-poised to continue their education and take on positions of greater responsibility. These individuals keep our country safe and develop plans to protect us in the future!
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Best Online Schools for Associate Degrees in Homeland Security
METHODOLOGY: At OnlineSchoolsCenter.com, the researcher/writers who develop the rankings and lists of the best online schools utilize only the best academic and statistical resources. Schools are chosen according to strict standards:
- An Associate in Arts, Sciences, or Applied Sciences in Homeland Security or its equivalent,
- Online availability of coursework, resources, and communication with instructors and advisors,
- Transfer credits necessary to enter into a college or university program,
- The excellence of both coursework and instructors,
- Faculty members who demonstrate skill, experience, knowledge, and credentials in Homeland Security and/or its related fields,
- And retention rates (a sign of student satisfaction) no lower than 45%.
For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.
PENINSULA COLLEGE
online Associate of Technology in HSEM
Program Standouts:
The Peninsula College online Associate of Technology in Homeland Security/Emergency Management includes topics in which students gain practical experiences and work opportunities that utilize emergency management technologies. Students gain an excellent foundational understanding of the laws and policies governing homeland security, law enforcement, and criminal justice. The coursework influences interpersonal, professional communication, as well as the ability to develop and modify programs and strategies at local, state, and federal levels.
Campus Location: Port Angeles, WA
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Sampling of Coursework:
- All-Hazards Emergency Planning
- Homeland Security Law and Ethics
- Developing and Managing Volunteer Resources
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 49%
Graduation Rate: 37.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PENINSULA COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM IN HOMELAND SECURITY/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
GUILFORD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AAS in emergency mEDICAL SCIENCE – CE
Program Standouts:
Guilford Technical College has designed the online Emergency Medical Science programs to have a foundation in technical and professional knowledge in the delivery of emergency services at the state and local government levels. There are one Associate’s Degree and two Certificate Options available to online students, and the degree is equivalent to a Homeland Security program. Some positions of employment taken on by graduates include those in government agencies, housing agencies, hospitals, and more.
Campus Location: Jamestown, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Program Options:
- Emergency Management, AAS
- Emergency Management Certificate
- Emergency Management – Health Program Certificate
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 48%
Graduation Rate: 19.5%
LEARN MORE ABOUT GUILFORD TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL SCIENCE
BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
affordable, online Associate in E.M./H.S.
Program Standouts:
This affordable online Associate in Emergency Management/Homeland Security from Barton County Community College gives students access to real-world learning and fabulous networking opportunities. Applicants may prefer the one-year certificate program, which is also available online The curriculum weighs heavily on the Emergency Management side of the concentration, yet prepares students professionally and academically for both fields. The tuition rates per credit hour at BCCC is $150, which is one of the most inexpensive on this ranking.
Campus Location: Great Bend, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Introduction to Terrorism
- Developing and Managing Volunteer Resources
- Mitigation for Emergency Management
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 56%
Graduation Rate: 1.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT BARTON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT/HOMELAND SECURITY ASSOCIATE DEGREE
TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE
online aas in hsm degree programs
Program Standouts:
The Trident Technical College online Homeland Security AAS Degree introduces students to critical concepts and issues in domestic and international terrorism, international relations, program management, and more. Graduates have gone on to work at private security companies and within the Department of Homeland Security. The curriculum introduces, develops, and enhances transferable, occupational skills, as well as those in leadership. The coursework introduces topics in cybersecurity, law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and other crucial areas.
Campus Location: Charleston, SC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Terrorism and Homeland Security
- Intelligence Analysis and Security Management
- Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 55%
Graduation Rate: 20%
LEARN MORE ABOUT TRIDENT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN HOMELAND SECURITY MANAGEMENT
WHITE MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
A.s. Degree in Criminal Justice/Homeland Security online
Program Standouts:
This online Associate in Criminal Justice/Homeland Security program is an excellent start for students who are pursuing careers in all levels of law enforcement. The curriculum introduces topics in exercising judgment and punishment, as well as utilizing applicable technologies and software systems. Each online student is paired with a White Mountains Community College Career Coach, who assists them throughout their academic and professional pursuits. Graduates display many well-rounded skills, including the ability to understand and carry out the laws of this country.
Campus Location: Berlin, NH
Accreditation:
- New England Commission on Higher Education
Sampling of Coursework:
- Justice and the Community
- Corrections Operations
- Terrorism
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 69%
Graduation Rate: 48.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHITE MOUNTAINS COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE/HOMELAND SECURITY
GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE
A.A. or A.S. in H.S.E.M. online
Program Standouts:
Georgia Military College’s online Homeland Security and Emergency Management degree program is offered as both an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Sciences. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a bachelor’s degree program. Graduates are ready to enter into positions in emergency management agencies, law enforcement agencies, corrections facilities, security companies, and more. The program satisfies credits necessary to transfer to a four-year institution and eventually be able to work for the DEA, the FBI, or ICE.
Campus Location: Milledgeville, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Introduction to Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Terrorism and International Crime
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%
Graduation Rate: 24.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGIA MILITARY COLLEGE’S ONLINE HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY
online homeland security AS degree program
Program Standouts:
Emphases in the Campbell University online Associate in Homeland Security Degree include domestic and international terrorism, criminal justice system processes, and disaster prevention. The curriculum is designed according to the principles set forth by the National Strategy for Homeland Security. This online Homeland Security program is unique in that it is the only one of its kind in North Carolina, and is also one of the finest in the nation. Students will learn in the real world through the state, local, and national internship opportunities.
Campus Location: Buies Creek, NC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- National and International Security
- Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Terrorism
Acceptance Rate: 80.6%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 53.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HOMELAND SECURITY
EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
online Associate of General Studies with a Homeland Security Concentration
Program Standouts:
Eastern Kentucky University provides an online Associate of General Studies with a Homeland Security Concentration. This program is an excellent choice for active-duty members of the United States Military as the tuition is drastically reduced for troops. This is an accelerated online associate’s degree with 8-week terms and personalized plans of study. As an Associate of General Studies, the curriculum satisfies the transferable credits necessary to continue into a four-year institution. U.S. News and World Report, as well as other reputable sources, has praised EKU for their online degrees!
Campus Location: Richmond, KY
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Introduction to Homeland Security
- Cyber and Physical Security
- Disaster Preparedness and Response
Acceptance Rate: 87.4%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 39.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF GENERAL STUDIES IN HOMELAND SECURITY
PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE
online Associate in Emergency Management (EM) with a Homeland Security (HS) Concentration
Program Standouts:
This online school provides students with an online Associate in Emergency Management with a Homeland Security Concentration. Palm Beach State College maintains a well-rounded degree that approaches both disaster response and prevention in all situations—from hurricanes to wartime to nuclear power plant meltdowns. Graduates are capable of investigating and analyzing situations and providing sound solutions to the issue. The program also includes certifications from the Federal Emergency Management Administration.
Campus Location: Lake Worth, FL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Transportation and Border Security
- Intelligence Analysis and Security Management
- Terrorism and U.S. Security
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 36.5%
Graduation Rate: 24.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PALM BEACH STATE COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT – HOMELAND SECURITY DEGREE
PIERCE COLLEGE
Associate Degree online in Homeland Security Emergency Management (HSEM)
Program Standouts:
Students in the Pierce College Associate Degree in Homeland Security Emergency Management are trained to be the next generation of leaders who take on contemporary issues in disaster preparedness. The program is well-suited for individuals from all educational and professional backgrounds. Students can take on one of the four career pathways which will prepare them for various approaches to the profession. There are excellent transfer opportunities available with American Public University and the University of Washington.
Campus Location: Puyallup, WA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Sampling of Coursework:
- Technology in Emergency Management
- Emergency Operations Center
- Homeland Security Law and Ethics
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%
Graduation Rate: 16.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT PIERCE COLLEGE’S ONLINE ASSOCIATE IN HOMELAND SECURITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
If you yearn to ensure the protection of this great country but are either done with the military or not interested in recruiting, then an online Associate’s Degree in Homeland Security is a great place to start! In a degree of this kind, you will learn about terrorism, criminal justice, law enforcement, as well as the laws that protect us all. (You will also take care of all those pesky general education credits along the way!) Many graduates go on to work in law enforcement, where others move on to a bachelor’s degree in an applicable field so that they can start at a more state or federally administrative level. This degree is well-suited to those who already have experience and knowledge in criminal justice and is also an excellent choice for veterans and active-duty members of the United States Military.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of positions of employment can I expect to obtain?
Depending on your experience and education, your opportunities will vary. Some of the top positions of employment available to Homeland Security professionals, however, include Secret Service Agent, Postal Inspector, Information Security Agent, Fraud Analyst, and Cybercrimes Agent—these are some of the most popular areas of 2020, and some require more education in particular areas. That said, these positions are well within your reach if you are dedicated to the profession!
Will I have job security as a Homeland Security professional?
That depends entirely upon your own experience, credentials, education, and networking abilities as well as the area of Homeland Security in which you find yourself specializing. For example, Postal Inspectors do not have a great job outlook over the next few years, as the positions are in decline, but the job itself has a generous yearly salary of about $60,000. Information Security Analysts and Cybercrime Agents have a much greater job outlook of about 28% over the next five years and a yearly salary of almost $100,000. So, as you can see, it very much depends on your goals, skills, and education.
Will I only work for the government as a Homeland Security agent?
Mostly, yes. This is an area that will encourage a career in the United States Government at a state or federal level. If it is your goal to work for a private agency, that could be within your grasp, but it might behoove you to choose a different major in that case. Homeland Security is a broad discipline that could take you in any number of directions depending upon your pursuits. You should definitely be prepared to work in the government.