Online Associate Degrees in Homeland Security: Comparing Schools

Online Homeland Security Associate’s Spotlights

Pursuing a career in homeland security is now more accessible than ever thanks to the options presented by online learning. Your path to a dream job working for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or a similar organization can be started by earning your homeland security associate degree online.

If you have more ambitious pursuits down the line, you can often transfer the credits earned in your associate program into an online bachelor’s degree in homeland security or master’s degree in homeland security. Below, you’ll find three school spotlights that feature accredited online homeland security associate degree programs, including details like projected learning outcomes, tuition costs, and more.

FAQs on Online Homeland Security Associates

Should I attend an online associate’s degree in homeland security program or an on-campus one?

The answer to that question depends on your study preferences and personal schedule. An online associate’s degree is very flexible, allowing you to study around your schedule and save money on transportation. Online degrees can give you access to more schools and instructors.

Online learning also encourages valuable workplace digital literacy skills. While on-campus degrees offer the opportunity for face-to-face interaction, online degrees utilize technology to offer interactivity in learning. This flexibility and convenience make online learning an appropriate option for balancing learning with other interests.

Does an online associate’s degree offer any practical training or internships?

Almost all online degrees utilize virtual labs, simulations, or case studies for implementation. Quality schools typically provide services and resources to help students identify potential internship opportunities in relevant agencies and organizations.

Although on-campus internships are not an automatic expectation, an online homeland security program is geared toward students who desire experiential learning. Real-world experience and networking opportunities are provided in many homeland security associate’s programs through online discussions and virtual guest lectures. You can also find online resources for homeland security students, including support services and scholarships.

What kind of student support services do online homeland security associates provide?

Students typically have access to online academic advising, technical assistance, virtual library services, tutoring, and writing help. Career services will usually assist with resume building and job searching. Online course sites normally include discussion forums for communication with instructors and students, offering an online network to support distance students.

What is the difference between an associate’s degree in homeland security and a criminal justice or emergency management degree?

An associate’s in homeland security is focused more on national protection, which is integrated with the disciplines of criminal justice and emergency management. Criminal justice is generally more concerned with the justice system and police, and emergency management is concerned with disaster response and readiness.

Homeland security encompasses intelligence analysis, infrastructure protection, and border security, confronting various threats like terrorism and cyber threats. This interdisciplinary approach provides a broad understanding of an enormous array of different security threats.

What careers will an associate’s degree in homeland security qualify me for?

You’ll find that there are plenty of opportunities for homeland security graduatesat each degree level. Though the minimum requirement for a security guard is generally a high school diploma, an associate’s degree in homeland security gives a job applicant a higher profile and more rounded training in security procedures and methods. Security guards serve an important function in society, as they patrol communities and watch over property, working conscientiously to reduce theft, violence, and other breaches of the law.

In the scope of the Department of Homeland Security exists the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in which Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) are hired to perform thorough searches of airline passengers and their carry-ons. While a high school diploma is the minimum educational requirement, an associate’s degree in a field of study related to homeland security can definitely be beneficial.

Keep in mind that while these jobs do not necessarily call for an associate’s degree, having one — at the very least in a specialty field such as homeland security — can do wonders for your resume, leading to higher opportunities and career growth within these industries. Additionally, the majority of security-oriented jobs or jobs involving federal agencies will prefer those who have undergone some form of post-secondary school education.

Homeland Security Associate’s Degrees Courses

Your coursework for your online associate’s in homeland security degree will be determined by the program that you choose, but most curriculums will introduce you to the basics of managing security threats in local communities and across the nation. Below are five classes you might take in an online homeland security associate degree program.

Disaster Planning and Management

In this course, you’ll study strategies for preparing and responding to both natural and man-made disasters that can impact communities. This includes risk assessment, emergency response protocols, crisis communication, and recovery planning. You’ll develop disaster plans, learn how to coordinate resources, and examine case studies of past disaster events.

Introduction to Cybersecurity

This course will teach you about the principles of protecting digital assets, as well as network security, cryptography, threat detection, and ethical considerations and issues. You’ll additionally gain an understanding of cyber threats, implement secure online practices, and analyze case studies, preparing you to respond to the ever-growing cybersecurity issues that impact today’s organizations.

Introduction to Homeland Security

In this course, you’ll explore foundational concepts in safeguarding the United States and global nations against threats. Topics include risk assessment, emergency response strategies, terrorism prevention, and critical infrastructure protection. Additionally, you’ll focus on understanding threat landscapes and policy frameworks and foster skills in crisis management through case studies and simulations.

Introduction to Terrorism

This course will teach you the origins, ideologies, and tactics of terrorist groups worldwide, as well as the history of the establishment of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. You’ll examine various terrorism tactics, counterterrorism strategies, the impact on global security, radicalization processes, and policy responses.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

Students in this course will explore the science, history, and global effects of nuclear, biological, and chemical threats. Topics of study may include detection technologies, international treaties, and response protocols. The course will also teach you how to assess impact scenarios, form strategic defenses, perform policy analyses, and other methods of responding to this important issue.

Resources for Homeland Security Students

• Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS): The CHDS provides a collection of books and resources that are helpful for emergency management students and professionals, including educational resources, research and case studies, professional development, access to expertise, and more.
• Department of Homeland Security LIVE: These live streams are designed to provide information and resources for emergency management students and professionals. You’ll find events and webinars, training opportunities, networking and collaboration, research reports, and academic studies that bring awareness of government initiatives.
• FEMA.gov: FEMA.gov offers various resources to support both emergency management students and professionals, including training and education, certification programs, a resource library full of documents, manuals and guidelines, and job and internship opportunities.
• Department of Homeland Security Careers: This page provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides homeland security students with a list of possible careers and how to pursue them, as well as a variety of scholarships, fellowships, internships, and training opportunities.
• National Emergency Management Association (NEMA): This professional organization is comprised of emergency management directors throughout the United States. NEMA advocates for policies, legislation, and funding that support effective emergency management practices and offers professional networking and training opportunities.