You’re looking to take the next step in your career by furthering your education. Well, you’re already on the right path if you are looking into the Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at National University. If you decide to take the next step to enroll in the program, you will be in good company with like-minded individuals committed to keeping their communities and their country safe.
Margaret Price, J.D., a professor at National University’s School of Professional Studies, says many of her students come to the program with professional security or emergency experience. A typical class might contain active-duty service members, EMTs, or law enforcement personnel looking to build upon their experience and get ahead in their careers.
“They want to further their careers and they know that — particularly in the military — the higher your level of education, the higher your pay grade,” she says. “They aren’t able to qualify for certain positions or promotions until they get that education. We are pleased to provide this valuable educational opportunity to help further their careers.”
What can you do with a master’s in homeland security? Well, with a master’s degree, you’ll have the training to carry out some pretty important responsibilities. As breaches to both our land and cyber presence continue to present a threat to the security and safety of our country and our local communities, homeland security professionals play a crucial role in upholding the freedoms and security that all of us hold dear.
The Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at National gives you key management, planning, communications, and intelligence skills so that you can become well-versed in the various threats facing the country and communities nationwide. The flexibility of the program and class structure, which allows for online and onsite learning and monthly-start classes, allow you to achieve these high-level skills while continuing with your everyday life and responsibilities.
The Program That Prepares You for The Next Level
Before we jump into the types of jobs in homeland security, let’s take a look at how some of the specific classes in the National University Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program can ready you for a variety of new opportunities.
“In courses such as Global Lessons in Security, we make sure the students get a deep understanding of globally-based issues, such as exploring the concept of radicalization,” says Price.
The Domestic Terrorism class looks at everything from anti-Americanism, port security, and immigration issues and their ethical implications to immigration policies and their impact. The Communication and Security course is also a key aspect of the program, delving into how terrorists communicate with each other, with others in their country, their government, and mass media.
Price explains it’s not just the content of the course curriculum that will help you realize your full potential in a leadership role. It’s also about the instructors helping you along the way.
“Students often remark about the enthusiasm and energy of the professors, she says. “Our professors are rock stars, and many of them have first-hand experience in homeland security, rescue and recovery missions, and natural disaster management.” In other words, you will be learning from professionals who are well-versed in the real-life implications of the classes and skills that they teach.
Smaller class sizes in the program invite meaningful dialogue and allow for a personalized experience with instructors. When professors get to know you, they can focus on what would be the best experience for you, what you need to succeed in the field, and how the program can best deliver that to you.
And, if you’re looking for an online degree in homeland security, while you are trying to manage an already busy life and work schedule, National’s program offers the kind of flexibility you’ll need to succeed.
“Students in the master’s program have so many things on their plates: family, careers, even deployments on ships in the middle of the sea. We bend over backward so they can reach their goals — on campus, online, and anywhere else they need us,” says Price.
What Can You Do with a Master’s in Homeland Security? Opportunities are Many
Now that we’ve covered what makes National’s program noteworthy, let’s move on to which homeland security careers may be a fit for you. Whether you’d prefer to be on the front lines of a natural disaster, in the field with boots on the ground, or making things happen in an office setting, you will have plenty of homeland security jobs to consider, both in the governmental and private sectors.
A recent Reuters.com article underscores some of the factors contributing to increased career options: “The FBI, focused intently for years on combating terrorism from abroad, is turning more attention to home-grown, U.S. domestic violent extremists, a senior FBI counterterrorism official said. Arrests related to domestic terrorism in the current fiscal year, which began on Oct. 1, are at 66, exceeding international terrorism arrests, now at 63.”
One thing is clear. Professionals with the right leadership skills and training are needed in all corners of the nation and all over the globe to protect against terrorism and threats coming from both domestic and international sources.
There’s Work for You Within a Government Agency
Options are plentiful for homeland security careers within various agencies of the federal government, according to job listings on USAJobs.com, the United States Office of Personnel Management employment website. Make sure you check out the site for regular updates, as the available positions are refreshed. But here are just some examples of jobs that have been recently listed:
- Supervisory Program Manager, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection — Washington, D.C.
What you would do: Lead complex projects, often cutting across organizational/activity lines. You would provide technical advice on strategic issues and collaborate with other program offices. You’d also be responsible for analysis, facilitation, reporting, and providing recommendations for process improvements, improving quality, reducing costs, and establishing appropriate process metrics and process controls. Pay scale / Grade: GS 14 Salary Range: $117,191 to $152,352 per year.
- Information Technology Specialist (information security), Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services — San Diego, California
What you would do: As an information technology specialist, you’d be responsible for implementing secure cloud solutions that are scalable and reliable and facilitating the implementation and integration of a security framework for deployments. You’d also set goals and objectives and develop and implement pilot plans. Additionally, you may develop and utilize tools to test security and provide continuous improvement in cloud computing environments. Pay scale / Grade: GS 14 Salary Range: $90,621 to $117,810.
- Emergency Management Specialist- Department of Agriculture, Forest Service — Location Negotiable
What you would do: In this role, you would manage wildland fire incidents, natural hazard incidents, radiological hazards, technological incidents, oil and hazardous material incidents, and terrorist acts. You would also establish, review and implement wildland fire incidents plans, policies that include areas of cost, agreements, and injury compensation. In addition, you’d be called on to make recommendations about the integration and use of new and emerging technologies, equipment, and systems to keep operation centers at state-of-the-art levels. You would collaborate with other federal, state, and local agencies when responding to wildland fires or other emergencies or incidents. Pay Scale & Grade: GS 12 -13 Salary Range: $74,596 to $115,313.
This is just a glimpse into a few federal agency opportunities. You’ll find there is no shortage of options. Some of the other agencies offering homeland security jobs include the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Homeland Security Careers in Emergency Management and Intelligence in the Golden State
There are many career options for homeland security and emergency management professionals who want to pursue careers right here in California. Here are just a few recent examples of job opportunities available.
- Emergency Management Director, California
This might require combining forces with the departments of social services, public safety, transportation, or health and environmental control; it may involve coordinating with the employment security commission. Many times, this position might call for you to work in collaboration with the state housing authority; or relief organizations, such as the American Red Cross. Salary Range: 87K - $118,320.
- Intelligence Analyst (Information Security Analyst), California
According to BLS OOH, intelligence analysts are in the top-20 fastest-growing professions, with a 28% projected job growth rate from 2016-26, with 28,500 jobs opening up. Information security analysts are the gatekeepers of information systems. They plan and execute security measures to shield an organization’s computer systems and networks from infiltration and cyberattacks. They prevent and respond to data breaches and cyberattacks, which are more commonplace by the day.
U.S. News & World Report recently reported the ever-growing need for professionals in cybersecurity: “US government, health care organizations, financial systems, and other companies are growing more reliant on information security analysts to protect their information systems against hackers and cyberattacks.” The salary range for an intelligence analyst can range anywhere from $87K – 110K.
- Prison Warden, California
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, prison wardens hold high-level, supervisory positions that require an advanced level of experience and education. Salary Range: $130,688 – $179,755.
These are just some of the career options available with a master’s in homeland security and emergency management.
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Homeland Security? You Can Protect Your Country and Put Your Leadership Skills To Important Use
There are many types of jobs in homeland security — and as we’ve highlighted, they can be working with federal agencies, the private sector, or on a state and county level. The knowledge you gain in the homeland security master’s program can help you lead no matter where you head next. “Classes such as Leading Complex Environments will help you hone your decision-making, learn how to collaborate with other organizations, and how to plan with policymakers,” says Price.
VA Educational Benefits Will Help You With Next Steps at National University
The careers in this blog post are just the tip of the iceberg. And if you are on active duty or a Veteran, National is a great place to get started on your way to a promotion or your next career. National University, a military-friendly college, has a well-established reputation for offering educational flexibility and support for active-duty servicemembers and Veterans. As a member of the military, you may be eligible for a number of programs to assist you in financing your education. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more about your benefits. You may be eligible for the following educational benefits:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Yellow Ribbon Program
- Reserve Educational Assistance Program
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Survivors’ and Dependents Educational Assistance
What can you do with a master’s degree in homeland security? The sky’s the limit. In about a year’s time, you can take your career to an advanced management level, enjoy increased earning potential, and serve as a leader in a crucially important sector of local, federal, or state security. With a challenging curriculum, flexible scheduling, and incomparable support for Veterans pursuing higher education, the program might just be a real fit for you and your future. See how far you can reach your professional goals and learn more about the Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management.