Are graduates of a homeland security program in demand?

There is a growing demand for individuals with a homeland security degree. According to the BLS, the following is the projected employment growth from 2023 to 2033 for common jobs held by graduates of a bachelor's in homeland security program: Information security analyst: 33% Emergency management director: 4% Police officer: 4%

How much can you earn with a homeland security degree?

According to the BLS, emergency management directors earned a median annual salary of $83,960 in 2023, while police officers earned a median annual salary of $74,910 during the same time period. Both of these are jobs that you can qualify for with a bachelor's in homeland security degree.

What is the difference between homeland security and criminal justice degrees?

The main distinction between homeland security and criminal justice degrees involves the specific risks and threats they address. A homeland security program takes a broader approach to security on a national level, while a criminal justice program emphasizes areas such as local crime prevention in communities.

Is a degree in homeland security worth it?

By: Deidre Pannazzo, Edited by: Luke Daugherty

Published: February 14, 2025

A bachelor's in homeland security program typically provides education in theories and practices related to security and preparedness, focusing on protecting the United States from various threats. This field of study can help equip you for careers in law enforcement and emergency management.

Learn about typical program curriculum, salary expectations, job market outlook, and other details to determine if a bachelor's in homeland security degree is worth it for you.

What is a homeland security degree?

A bachelor's degree in homeland security is an undergraduate program that teaches strategies for safeguarding the nation from various threats, including terrorism, public health emergencies, and natural disasters.

Earning a degree in homeland security can be worth it if you're interested in preparing for careers in emergency management, information security, and law enforcement in fields like cybercrime, intelligence, and cybersecurity.

The coursework in a homeland security bachelor's program usually takes about four years to complete and covers topics in different areas related to security and preparedness, such as:

Crime prevention
Counterterrorism
Border security
Crisis management
Organizational security

Benefits of a homeland security degree

A homeland security degree can provide benefits such as diverse career prospects and significant employment growth. This can help you:

Qualify for entry-level jobs requiring a bachelor's degree. This includes positions within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Gain access to growing career fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster-than-average job growth rate for certain positions, such as information security analysts, that you can pursue with a degree in homeland security.
Acquire versatile skills in addressing security threats and managing critical situations. A homeland security degree usually covers topics in public safety, legal and ethical issues, and strategic planning that can apply across industries.

How much money can you make with a degree in homeland security?

You can potentially earn a competitive salary with a bachelor's in homeland security, working in private, public, or nonprofit sectors, which could make it a worthwhile degree to pursue.

Here are some common jobs for homeland security degree-holders, with 2023 median annual salary data from the BLS:

Jobs you can get with a degree in homeland security
Job	Median annual salary (2023)
Information security analyst	$120,360
Emergency management director	$83,960
Police officer	$74,910

Different factors can impact your earning potential, such as where you live, your specific field of work, and your experience level.

Frequently asked questions about a homeland security degree

Career

Cybersecurity