Explore the Top Homeland Security Associate Degrees Online for 2024
Do you feel passionate about keeping our country safe and secure? Then a career in homeland security may be in your future. Use this guide to explore top online associate degree programs in homeland security and begin your educational journey toward a meaningful, rewarding future.
If you’re interested in helping to prevent terrorist attacks, control infectious diseases, combat cybercrime, and more, an online associate degree in homeland security could be a great career path for you.
In fact, pursuing this career stands both as a lucrative and rewarding path. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for police officers and detectives — one of the common roles with a homeland security associate degree — is $74,910 per year, with job growth expected to rise 3% from 2022 to 2032. Many professionals in the homeland security field hold at least an associate degree, with some moving on to earn their bachelor’s degree or master’s degree for more specialized (and higher paying) positions.
This guide will provide you with insights about top online associate degree programs in homeland security, as well as a look at your various degree options and learning outcomes. Keep reading to get all the answers to your pressing questions about your future degree and career in homeland security.
Spotlight on Top Online Homeland Security Associate Degree Programs
Pursuing a career in homeland security is now more accessible than ever thanks to the options presented by online learning. And your dream job working for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or similar organization can be achieved through earning your homeland security associate degree online or studying in other majors such as public safety, public policy, and public administration. Below, you’ll find three school spotlights that feature top online homeland security associate degree programs, including details like projected learning outcomes, admission requirements, tuition costs, accreditation status, and more.
Trident Technical College’s online AAS in Homeland Security Management prepares students for leadership-based careers within international relations, strategic planning for security, intelligence operations, mitigating international and domestic terrorism, infrastructure protection, and more.
- Curriculum details: Each semester consists of two seven-week terms. Key courses include Criminal Justice Research Methods, Introduction to Homeland Security, Transportation and Border Security, and Public Health Emergency Preparedness.
- Admissions requirements: High school diploma or GED
- Tuition and fees: $2,830-$6,428 for 15 credits per semester, depending on state residency status
- Credits/program duration: 60 credits over an average of two years
- Standout student services: Testing center, counseling, student organizations, and more
- Financial aid opportunities: TTC accepts and offers a variety of financial aid opportunities, including federal and state grants, federal work-study programs, federal and private loans, scholarships, and more. It also offers a South Carolina tax credit to students and their families, in addition to the South Carolina lottery-funded tuition assistance, offering no-cost tuition to South Carolina residents.
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
Delivery:
- Online
- Full-Time
If you’re interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills to provide vital prevention and protection services to the U.S. and its communities, you can pursue an Associate of Science in Homeland Security from SUNY Monroe Community College.
- Curriculum details: The program is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree and is offered 100% online. Key courses include Introduction to Intelligence Processes, Physical Security, Intro to Cybersecurity, and Communication and Crisis.
- Admissions requirements: High school diploma or GED, with emphasis on SAT or ACT math and English test scores
- Tuition and fees: Approximately $2,525/semester for New York State students and $5,050/semester for out-of-state students
- Credits/program duration: 63 credits over an average of two years
- Standout student services: Online tutoring, career services, academic advising
- Financial aid opportunities: Students are eligible for federal and state financial aid, scholarships, and grants if they maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and complete at least 67% of a semester’s attempted credit hours.
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Delivery:
- Online
- Full-Time
- Part-Time
Waldorf University offers a fully online associate degree in homeland security, granting students the skills and knowledge for careers within tactical response operations, law enforcement, American homeland security management and leadership positions.
- Curriculum details: The program is designed to prepare students for entry into Waldorf’s bachelor’s degree programs with upper division standing and satisfies the requirement for the Homeland Security concentration within the school’s BS in Criminal Justice. Key courses include Introduction to Terrorism, American Homeland Security, Terrorism Response Operations, Disaster Planning and Management, and Weapons of Mass Destruction.
- Admissions requirements: High school diploma or GED; standardized test scores not required
- Tuition and fees: $330 per credit hour
- Credits/program duration: 60 credits over an average of two years
- Student services: Online tutoring, academic advising, career services, and free access to textbooks through the Waldorf Book Grant
- Financial Aid Opportunities: Waldorf University offers grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, Iowa residents can apply for the Iowa Tuition Grant.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Delivery:
- Online
- Full-Time
- Part-Time
What You’ll Learn in an Online Associate Degree in Homeland Security
Homeland security is a lucrative and solid major to study due to ongoing security threats within the United States and around the world. A homeland security associate degree will prepare you for roles in emergency management, law enforcement, and national security, with many programs offering similar courses and curriculum to ensure practical knowledge. Below are five classes you might take in an online homeland security associate degree program.
Common Courses in Associate in Homeland Security Programs
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, policy frameworks, and fostering skills in crisis management through case studies and simulations.
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Learn about the principles of protecting digital assets, as well as network security, cryptography, threat detection, and ethical considerations and issues. Additionally, you’ll gain an understanding of cyber threats, implement secure online practices, and analyze case studies.
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.
Disaster Planning and Management
In this course, you’ll cover strategies for preparing and responding to natural and man-made disasters. 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.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Students 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 teach you how to assess impact scenarios, form strategic defenses, perform policy analyses, and more.
Online Homeland Security Program and School Accreditation
Ideally, you’ll want to enroll in a homeland security associate online degree program that is properly accredited. Accreditation is how colleges — and their degree programs — are determined to meet specific minimum standards of academic quality. To earn accreditation, schools must apply to the nongovernmental agencies that administer accreditation, who will then review them according to their standards.
There are two basic types of accreditations for postsecondary education: institutional and programmatic.
- Institutional accreditation — which ensures that the school meets academic standards — is administered by several regional agencies; you can search accreditation using the U.S. Department of Education database.
- Because homeland security is a newer major/area of study, it doesn’t have the range of programmatic accreditation oversight you’ll find in other majors. However, some programs are accredited by a newer accrediting body — the Council for the Accreditation of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Education.
The accreditation of the homeland security associate degree online program you enroll in can impact your ability to get into an advanced degree program and also your ability to get financial aid; this underscores the importance of ensuring your online degree school or program is accredited.
Online Associate Degree in Homeland Security: Your Questions Answered
Thinking about enrolling in an associate degree in homeland security? Let’s address some common questions, including formats, how long it takes to complete, the estimated cost of these programs, admission requirements, and more.
Can I earn an associate in homeland security completely online?
Yes, you can earn an associate degree in homeland security completely online. Many accredited institutions offer comprehensive online programs that allow you to complete coursework and requirements remotely, providing flexibility for students with varying schedules and commitments. Just a few examples of online programs include Trident Technical College’s online AAS in Homeland Security Management, SUNY Monroe Community College’s online AS in Homeland Security, and Waldorf University’s fully online AA in Homeland Security.
How quickly can I earn an associate in Homeland Security degree online?
Most online associate degree programs in homeland security require 60 credit hours. Full-time students typically complete the degree in about two years. However, with self-paced options, part-time students may take around three years to finish. In some cases, completing the program in about a year is possible if you have transfer credits or relevant work experience that the school recognizes.
How much does an associate degree in homeland security cost?
Cost is one of the most important factors in deciding whether to get a degree and which specific program to enroll in. On average, tuition for online associate degrees in homeland security can range from $10,000 to $15,000. Additional costs may include fees, textbooks, and other materials, but keep in mind that financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset these expenses.
To give you a better sense of what you can expect to pay, we have listed below the estimated tuition costs for several schools with online associate degree programs in homeland security.
| School Name | # of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trident Technical College | 60 | $188.69 | $11,321.40 |
| SUNY Monroe Community College | 63 | $196 | $12,348 |
| Waldorf University | 60 | $330 | $19,800 |
What are the admissions requirements for earning an online associate degree?
Specific admission requirements for online associate degree programs in homeland security will vary depending on the school and its curriculum. However, most students should expect to possess a high school diploma or GED, as well as submit a formal application for enrollment, a personal statement or essay, and standardized test scores. Institutions like Waldorf University do not require standardized test scores for admission.
How much can you make in homeland security with this degree level?
With an associate degree in homeland security, you can pursue various career paths, each with different earning potentials. Many people with an online associate degree in homeland security choose to work in law enforcement, cybersecurity, and emergency management. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detectives earn a median pay of $74,910 per year, while security screeners working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), for example, earn a median of $51,040.
Are there any additional certifications or licenses that you need to work in homeland security?
An associate degree in homeland security provides you with solid knowledge and skills to gain entry-level access to jobs within the field. However, added certifications and licenses can enhance your qualifications and career prospects. These include the Certified Homeland Protection Professional, Certified Emergency Manager, FEMA certifications, Certified Protection Professional, and more.
Resources for Homeland Security Students and Professionals
You don’t have to start or continue your online homeland security academic journey alone. Below you’ll find a list of essential resources for homeland security students and professionals offering various guides and links to organizations to help propel your career. Whether you take advantage of services offered specifically by your college or find offerings from other organizations, you’ll find many resources designed to help ensure your success as a student or professional.
- 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.
- Global Society of Homeland Security Professionals (GSHSP) This professional organization is dedicated to supporting individuals working in homeland security and emergency management through facilitating network opportunities, professional development events and workshops, granting access to publications and industry reports, career support services, and more.
- Guide: What Can You Do with a Degree in Homeland Security? This guide features both domestic and international job opportunities available, offers details about homeland security degree programs, career path guidance, skill development, outlines professional organizations, interviews with professionals, case studies, and industry insights.
- Homeland Security Careers This website is a valuable resource for emergency management students and professionals because it provides guidance on how to translate their degree — in this case, an associate degree in homeland security — into a career. Students can find career path guidance, education and training requirements, skill development, job opportunities, career advancement, and more.
- Homeland Security Digital Library (HSDL) The HSDL website serves as a valuable resource for emergency management students and professionals by offering access to a variety of homeland security related documents, research, and resources. These include a comprehensive document repository, ongoing research and analysis, current and historical perspectives, and access to government publications.
- 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 at the state and national levels, offers professional networking and training opportunities, and provides guidance on emergency management policies and standards.
- National Homeland Security Association The National Homeland Security Association offers an annual national conference for homeland security professionals. Since 2020, the organization has offered additional online services, including networking opportunities, professional development, and educational programs.
- r/DHS This is a private Reddit community thread for those involved in the Department of Homeland Security. Here you’ll find students and professionals from the DHS discussing current events and trends, asking questions, talking with DHS representatives, and networking.