The Department of Homeland Security has zoomed from no employees before September 11, 2001 to over 170,000 now. But analysts expect that another 80,000 or so new border patrol, airport security and other specialists will be hired in just the next few years.
Homeland security is a subject that’s tackled in different ways by different schools. Some look at it mainly from a business perspective, teaching students how to “follow the money trail” on organizations the government is watching. Others hone in on the complex ethics questions involved in boosting security without diminishing personal liberties. Still others focus on the techologies involved in investigating terrorist groups or the issues involved in dealing with foreign government systems.
Because of the expected uptick in employment, there’s been rapid growth in the number of degree programs offered in homeland security. Most are at the bachelors, masters and doctoral levels. There are fewer associate degrees available in this specialization, but a few are out there. Fortunately for those who can’t afford to stop working to go back to school, this is an area where an online degree is highly accepted by employers.
For students who already have some training and/or job experience in criminal justice or law enforcement, Kaplan University, in particular, offers a “fast start” completion degree at the bachelor’s level in homeland security that can get you done with your studies relatively quickly. Get more information here on the benefits of a homeland security degree online.