Discover the Top Online Homeland Security Degree Programs

Over one million Americans work in security and protective services at the national or state level, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Safeguarding the nation against foreign threats starts with the right knowledge and training – the kind you’ll gain with an online homeland security degree. This STEPS guide will provide clarity on what degree you need and the possible career paths that open with an education. Continue reading for details about what to expect from some of the best online homeland security degree programs.

Author: Angela Myers

Editor: Ginny Gillikin

Updated: 04/01/2025

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Basic Info about Homeland Security Degrees

Homeland security professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that the United States and its citizens are safe and secure against terrorism and other internal and external threats. They work in a variety of fields, though they are typically employed by the federal government or state governments. Some graduates might work for private entities, though that’s not as common.

Students generally need a college degree to enter this field. Some roles are available for graduates with an associate degree, while others require graduate-level coursework. At any degree level, you should learn a few key skills to succeed in homeland security:

The ability to differentiate between various natural, homemade, and technological threats to homeland security
An understanding of constitutional, civil liberty, and ethical issues associated with homeland security and intelligence operations
How to apply research-based assessment practices to data analysis of homeland security systems and situations
Critical thinking, decision-making, communication, leadership, and teamwork skills as they apply to the homeland security profession

Still interested? Let’s take a deeper look at career paths in homeland security and see which one might be the right fit.

Career Options for Homeland Security Graduates

Online homeland security degrees can unlock opportunities in a variety of disciplines and professions, from police officers and emergency management directors to intelligence analysts and cybersecurity specialists. Exploring homeland security career options is an important part of your academic journey. So, we’ll outline five of the most popular career paths below.

Homeland Security

Homeland security refers to the efforts of the federal government to keep the nation’s borders secure, and it’s the most obvious career path for homeland security graduates. Some roles in this field focus on the U.S./Mexico border and deporting undocumented immigrants, while others address threats of terrorism against the nation. A bachelor’s degree or higher is often required for many jobs in this field.

Border Patrol Agent
CIA Agent
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer
Deportation Officer
Federal Air Marshal

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is another career choice for graduates with a homeland security degree. The field encompasses people and public agencies on all levels of government who enforce laws, maintain public order and safety, and respond to natural and man-made emergencies. These jobs can be stressful and dangerous at times, but are also rewarding and offer possible promotions. Graduates who enter law enforcement with a homeland security background likely will enforce immigration and/or terrorism laws.

Deputy U.S. Marshal
FBI Agent
Police Officer
Secret Service Agent
Wildlife Warden

Corrections

The administration of punishment plus supervision and rehabilitation of people accused of crimes are parts of the criminal justice system. Graduates who work in corrections oversee these functions, either at corrections facilities (jails, prisons, and detention centers) or in community-facing settings (parole and probation departments and pre-trial services). This field is a great option for graduates who are interested in how homeland security intersects with the correctional process, particularly regarding immigration and the operations of detention centers.

Certified Jail Executive
Correctional Officer
Correctional Treatment Specialist
Corrections Facilities Manager
Probation Officer

Legal Services

Legal services personnel support individual courtrooms and the larger court system and make sure both run efficiently. Employees primarily work for federal, state, and local governments. Paralegals and lawyers can also work for private law firms that defend people who were accused of crimes. While this field is a great choice for homeland security graduates, options for recent graduates might be limited. For example, students who want to become lawyers must attend law school in addition to earning a criminal justice degree.

Bailiff
Court Administrator
Court Reporter
Lawyer
Paralegal

Forensics

Forensics refers to the application of science (biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, and/or physics) to homeland security issues. It’s an important part of the criminal justice process that is used particularly for gathering evidence of crimes and analyzing that evidence. This work tends to be detail-oriented and highly specialized, so it’s a great career path for graduates with advanced homeland security degrees who are meticulous.

Crime Scene Investigator
Detective or Criminal Investigator
Digital Forensic Analyst
Fraud Investigator
Private Detective

Comparing Homeland Security Degrees: Which Type do You Need?

Six main homeland security post-secondary education options are available online: associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and undergraduate and graduate certificates. Each option is designed to meet specific education requirements and career goals. The cost and duration of each program varies, as do the prerequisites for each program type. Below, we’ll list these six options and give an example of each plus discuss who might benefit from each option. We’ll also give examples of specific programs.

Undergraduate Certificates

Undergraduate certificate programs in homeland security teach students basic concepts and common issues surrounding major national security threats. These programs are geared primarily toward current law enforcement and public service undergraduate students and bachelor’s degree holders who want to add to their knowledge base in order to expand their career opportunities.

Online homeland security undergraduate certificate programs are offered by four-year colleges and universities, as well as a small number of two-year community colleges. Some programs require only a high school diploma for admission, while others require a previously-earned bachelor degree or current enrollment in a bachelor’s degree program.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Undergraduate Certificate Program

American Military University – Undergraduate Certificate in Homeland Security

This online certificate program provides a broad overview of homeland security threats. The curriculum focuses on legal and ethical issues related to homeland security plus infrastructure, security vulnerabilities, and homeland defense. This program is ideal for graduates who work for the military or law enforcement and want to specialize in homeland security.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$250-350 per credit (depends on military affiliation)	18	Online	Higher Learning Commission

Associate Degrees

Associate degree programs in homeland security give students foundational knowledge about terrorism, emergency management, and manmade and natural disasters plus emergency response and risk management skills. This online degree is primarily geared toward students who are seeking entry-level positions in homeland security, law enforcement, emergency management, and/or closely-related public service positions. It’s also designed for working professionals who want to add major-specific proficiencies and enhance their job-growth potential.

It’s also a popular option for budget-conscious students who intend to continue their studies and earn a bachelor’s degree. Typically, online homeland security associate degrees are offered by two-year community and vocational colleges plus some four-year colleges and universities.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Associate Degree Program

SUNY Monroe Community College – Associate of Science in Homeland Security

This program offers the equivalent of the first two years of a bachelor’s degree and is offered fully online. Key courses include Introduction to Intelligence Processes, Physical Security, Intro to Cybersecurity, and Communication and Crisis. The program helps students explore various homeland security career paths.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$196 per credit hour	63	Online	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Bachelor’s Degrees

Bachelor’s degree programs in homeland security offers a comprehensive review of the field for both students who are entering the homeland security profession and working professionals who want to advance their careers. The curriculum includes general education coursework along with foundational courses in criminal justice, public safety, and emergency management, plus homeland security-specific courses in terrorism, intelligence gathering, border security, and more.

Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular type because they prepare graduates for quality jobs throughout the homeland security, law enforcement, and public service fields. Online bachelor’s degree programs in homeland security are offered by both public and private four-year colleges and universities.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Program

Wichita State University – Bachelor of Science (BS) in Homeland Security

This program’s curriculum includes general education requirements plus core classes that cover border security, physical security, cybersecurity, and more. Unique elective courses on topics like the history of U.S. homeland security and Jihadist terrorism are also offered. Courses are asynchronous and are generally offered in either eight- or 16-week blocks.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$250.97 per credit hour (for Kansas residents)	30-36	Online	Higher Learning Commission

Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate-level homeland security certificate programs provide advanced knowledge on advanced homeland security strategies and issues to professionals who currently work in law enforcement, plus non-law enforcement personnel in security-related fields like cybersecurity, defense contracting, emergency management, and engineering. These certificates are ideal for working professionals who don’t have the time needed to earn a master’s degree.

Online homeland security graduate certificate programs are typically offered by both public and private colleges and universities. Admissions requirements vary by program, but most are open to applicants who earned a bachelor’s degree or higher.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Graduate Certificate Program

National University – Graduate Certificate in Forensic and Crime Scene Investigations

Homeland security professionals who want to dive into the forensic side of the field might find this certificate useful. It’s intended for students with a degree in homeland security or criminal justice who want to develop their expertise in crime scene analysis and digital forensics.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$442 per quarter unit	31.5 quarter units (7 courses)	Online or In-Person	Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC)

Master’s Degrees

Master’s degree programs in homeland security feature coursework that often focuses on specialized areas within the homeland security field. Online programs are geared toward working professionals with several years of experience. These students want to advance their careers into leadership positions in homeland security, emergency management, law enforcement, and/or criminal justice.

Programs might include a capstone project (such as a practicum or internship) and require in-person participation, often at a student’s current place of employment or a homeland security agency in the student’s local area. It can be difficult to find fully online master’s degrees in homeland security because of this component.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Master’s Degree Program

Angelo State University – Master of Science (MS) in Homeland Security

This homeland security master’s degree program is designed for students who want a fully online program that deals with national and international security issues. Students take courses in geographic information systems, national security policy, criminal justice ethics, and research methods in homeland security. They must complete a capstone project plus 18 credit hours of elective courses.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$652 per credit hour	36	Online	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Doctoral Degrees

Students who want to become an expert in homeland security (and earned a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in a related field) should consider a doctoral degree. Online doctoral degree programs in homeland security are designed to qualify graduates for mid- and high-level leadership positions with homeland security and other government agencies plus non-governmental organizations and public/private security firms.

These programs also prepare graduates for advanced research and teaching positions in post-secondary academic settings. In-person components (such as on-campus residencies, dissertation defense, and/or participation with a non-profit agency in the student’s local area) might be included.

STEPS Pick: Best Online Doctoral Degree Program

Liberty University – PhD in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security

This PhD program exposes students to coursework that covers topics including cybersecurity, counterterrorism, counterintelligence strategies, vulnerability analysis, protection of critical infrastructure, and international crime rings/terrorism. The curriculum also includes a research project that explores terrorism, criminal justice, and organized crime in depth and culminates in a dissertation.

Cost	Credits	Mode	Accreditation
$595 per credit (for full-time students)	60	Online	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Choosing an Online Homeland Security Degree Program

Students should check that any program they consider meets basic requirements. For example, the program should be accredited and affordable and offer a solid curriculum. Beyond that, the “right” program is highly individual. Below, we’ll ask and answer five questions about values, professional ambitions, and educational goals.

Are you ok working in a high-pressure field?

Homeland security roles often involve high-stress situations that require quick thinking, the ability to make decisions under pressure, and resilience. If you’re not ok with a high-pressure workplace, you might qualify for some homeland security jobs, but most positions require quick action when emergency situations arise.

What level of education do you want to pursue?

Some career paths in homeland security require more education than others. Before starting a program, reflect on your desired career path and how much time you want to spend in a (virtual or on-campus) classroom.

What qualities matter most in a homeland security degree program?

Before researching programs, write down the qualities that matter most to you. Maybe you value an online degree or want to complete a homeland security internship. Perhaps, a more open curriculum with room for electives matters, or you want to complete a capstone project rather than a thesis. Making a list of individual preferences ensures that you choose the right program for your needs.

Are there any specific fields you want to explore?

Homeland security is a diverse field with many different avenues. Before applying to programs, ask yourself if you want to pursue a specific field or subdiscipline. When you look at different programs, see if they offer electives or internships in those fields. You might also look at faculty research interests and experiences to see if they align with your own professional interests.

Is every program accredited?

Prospective students should confirm proper accreditation for any school they consider, including institutional accreditation by one or more agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). Students can find whether a school holds institutional accreditation by visiting the DOE’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

How Much Does a Homeland Security Degree Program Cost?

Paying for an online homeland security degree program is a major undertaking. The differences in total costs between programs can be surprisingly substantial. So, it’s important to conduct research and find a program in your price range.

When researching schools, look beyond the initial tuition cost. You’ll also want to assess any additional fees, such as student fees and/or room and board. Online programs often charge fewer additional fees. They also reduce transportation costs, since you don’t need to commute to and from campus.

You should also consider financial aid opportunities when comparing program costs. Some schools offer scholarships, grants, and fellowships that can lower costs. You can apply for privately-funded or federally-funded homeland security scholarships to make your education more affordable.

Since homeland security professionals are valuable to the federal government, many government agencies offer financial aid programs that combine a scholarship with hands-on work experience. For example, graduate students can explore CIA Student Programs. Undergraduate students can consider the National Security Education Program offered by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Answering Common Questions from Homeland Security Students

What are the admissions requirements for online homeland security degree programs?

Specific admissions criteria for homeland security degree programs vary from school to school and program to program. For an undergraduate degree, applicants should expect to meet the following requirements for most programs:

Possess a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
Minimum GPA: Some programs require applicants to meet a stated minimum GPA for all high school and/or previously-earned college coursework.
SAT/ACT scores: Programs might require submission of official test scores for either the SAT or ACT. Minimum acceptable scores vary by program.
English proficiency: Non-native English speakers might be required to demonstrate English proficiency by submission of a TOEFL or similar test score.

Can I earn a homeland security degree online?

Many high-quality homeland security degrees are available in an online or hybrid format. While it is possible to find an online degree at the undergraduate or graduate level, many programs require an in-person internship or practicum that provides students with hands-on experience in the field. However, some programs like the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Homeland Security degree program at Wichita State University are offered fully online.

What topics are covered in a homeland security degree program?

Most homeland security degree programs start by covering the fundamentals of homeland security, including information security, industrial security, cybersecurity, and emergency management. These programs might explore additional topics like infrastructure security, risk analysis, and intelligence and counterintelligence methods.

More advanced programs cover the design and evaluation of homeland security systems, plus strategies for making decisions when under pressure. Some programs also offer opportunities to specialize in a specific area of homeland security, like international and domestic terrorism threats or legal and governmental policies applicable to homeland security.

How long does it take to complete a homeland security degree program?

The duration of homeland security degree programs varies based on the university and the type of program. Undergraduate degrees can take from six months to four years to complete for full-time students. Graduate degrees take from two to seven years to complete.

How much does a homeland security degree program cost?

The cost of a homeland security degree program varies greatly, depending on the degree level, delivery mode, and available financial aid like scholarships. For example, Wichita State University’s BS in Homeland Security degree program costs $10,910 for Kansas residents who live on campus. In contrast, an online master’s degree in Homeland Security from Angelo State University costs $7,508.90 for Texas residents.

No matter what degree level you pursue, there are a few ways to make your degree more affordable: choose an online program to lower transportation costs, apply for scholarships, and opt for schools with in-state tuition when possible.

Making a Decision

Homeland security is an excellent career field for students who want to uphold national security. Professionals in this field can make an impact each day at work. However, they must deal with high-stress scenarios often. So, they benefit from thinking quickly and being detail-oriented.

If this field interests you, the first thing to decide is the degree type you want to pursue. Then, you can use the questions in this guide, plus basic criteria like accreditation and affordability, to decide on the best online homeland security degree program for you.

STEPS’ Best Online Homeland Security Degree Programs

Now, you understand the options for online homeland security degree programs. So, you’re ready to conduct additional research and choose a program. You can start with our list of the best online homeland security degree programs, below.

These school rankings were created using several factors, including proper accreditation and online program availability. A school’s affordability – determined by costs and the percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school – is another weighted factor. For more information, click “About the Rankings.”

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