Online Homeland Security Degrees

Unless you've been living in a cave for the last five years, you already know that homeland security professions are experiencing rapid growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts "brisk" hiring for criminal justice candidates who have completed college degrees or specialized homeland security training programs offered by trade and vocational schools.

The Department of Homeland Security alone employs approximately 180,000 workers. But homeland security jobs are not restricted to positions with the actual Department of Homeland Security, they're also on the rise with local police and sheriffs departments, state highway patrols, private detective and security companies, and with the federal government's Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and the  Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

The federal 2007 Homeland Security Grant Program was created to send more than $1.6 billion to cities, states, and territories for training and hiring professionals. Homeland security training programs at the certificate and degree level also delve into the growing field of digital espionage, providing ongoing classes in web fraud, cyber crimes, and network security. Other specializations can include courses in bioterrorism countermeasures, emergency response and preparedness, border control, hazardous materials, radiological and explosives detection.

Public colleges and private trade schools currently offer training programs leading to an associates' of science degree in homeland security, a bachelor's of science degree in homeland security, certificates in counter-terrorism and national security management, and more. Some training programs also include test preparation for the Certified Safety Professional exams that benchmark professionalism in the field.

Unless you've been living in a cave for the last five years, you already know that homeland security professions are experiencing rapid growth. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts "brisk" hiring for criminal justice candidates who have completed college degrees or specialized homeland security training programs offered by trade …