Selecting a career path is one of the most difficult choices made in life. Those who seek a challenging career, where nerves and physical abilities are tested, may consider the field of homeland security. Homeland security officials work in a number of settings and provide safety and protection to people and places. There are a number of homeland security in Washington, D.C. programs that offer a range of training opportunities to prepare students for the challenges of the field.
Homeland Security D.C. Programs
Homeland security programs in the nation’s capital offer numerous pathways for individuals interested in becoming a part of the homeland security sector. These programs are designed to provide students with a variety of skills and knowledge essential to pursue different opportunities in homeland security.
Students may enroll in the associate, bachelor or master degrees or pursue the certificate programs to gain additional credentials. Undergraduate degrees are suitable for students seeking entry-level employment while the advanced programs such as the master degrees are designed for those who want to pursue administrative positions. Students can choose from a number of areas of study in homeland security such as:
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Disaster management
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Emergency preparedness
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Fire science
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Security and terrorism studies
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Global security and terrorism
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National security
Students in the homeland security programs learn how to respond to terrorism, natural disasters or other national emergencies. They also learn about the implementation of preventative strategies, and direct emergency management. Some programs may focus on terrorism and emergency disaster prevention, while others may explore national security issues and threats or global safety problems.
What Courses will you Study?
Ranging from emergency management to disaster recovery, Washington, D.C. homeland security programs instruct students in a number of areas. They cover areas such as government policy and disaster preparedness, disaster planning and response, and related topics. Others courses may include:
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Politics and terrorism management
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Computer and network security
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Homeland security law
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History of terrorism
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Immigration security
Graduate students may have to complete a thesis project and independent research on topics including terrorism and international security in addition to passing the exams.
Prerequisites for Admissions
Candidates who wish to enroll in the D.C. homeland security programs must:
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Hold a high school diploma or GED
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Submit official transcripts
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Submit GRE test scores
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Have good writing and interpersonal skills
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Have relevant work experience
Career Outlook
Homeland security professionals may work in a variety of settings including:
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Educational services
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Health care and social assistance
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Accommodation and food services
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Government agencies
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Security firms
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Private businesses
Possible job titles may include:
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Police officers
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Immigration inspectors
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Border patrol agents
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Fire fighters
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Hazardous materials workers
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Security guards
Demand for the police officers, security guards, as well as firefighters is likely to grow across the nation during 2012 -2022, according to the information published by O*NET OnLine.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), federal agents, such as U.S. Secret Service and DEA special agents, require extensive traveling. They may further be relocated many times in their careers as well. Some of these professionals may work outdoors in rugged terrain and in all kinds of weather. Firefighters generally work long and varied hours. Most of these work 24-hour shifts and are off the following 48 to 72 hours. When fighting forest fires, they may have to work for long periods without time off, the BLS notes.
How Much do Homeland Security Professionals Earn in Washington, D.C.?
The income of homeland security professionals depends on a number of factors such as the experience, type of job and location. Generally, the median annual pay for security guards in the District of Columbia, in 2013, was $33,100. Police patrol officers’ income was $68,500, a year (2013). (O*NET OnLine)