Easiest Homeland Security Degree Programs (2025)

Homeland security is an in-demand field that requires knowledge in areas like criminal justice, political science, and handling acts of terrorism, and individuals educated in it are highly sought after.

What are the easiest homeland security degree programs for prospective students to take a closer look at to help them achieve their career and academic goals?

Associate-level programs are often the easiest homeland security degrees to obtain, and here we explore why and provide examples of institutions offering them.

What Is the Easiest Homeland Security Degree You Can Earn?

Individuals setting their sights on entry-level homeland security jobs in areas such as law enforcement or immigration and travel security will find earning an associate degree in the field one of the easiest to get.

As with many college-level programs, students can get the following types of homeland security degrees:

• Associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree
• Doctoral degree

While an associate level is thought to be the easiest degree in homeland security, many students continue their studies toward completing a bachelor's degree to better position themselves for more lucrative job roles.

What Makes an Associate Degree in Homeland Security Easier?

An associate degree is considered one of the easiest homeland security degrees for various reasons, and it usually needs just 60 credit hours for graduation, which is half of what is required for a bachelor.

Since associate degrees demand fewer credits and are also shorter in length, usually about two years, this can make it less difficult and more affordable to obtain than a four-year bachelor's degree in homeland security.

Adult learners will find several two-year homeland security programs accessible through online college, affording easier options for busy students with flexible and convenient ways to earn their college degree.

Many homeland security associate degrees are also available through community colleges, which tend to be easier to get accepted into and often offer lower tuition, especially when it comes to online learning.

What Topics Are Covered in a Homeland Security Associate Program?

A homeland security associate program covers fundamental knowledge and instruction in the role and functions of the Department of Homeland Security and emergency preparedness and response.

The topics in an associate degree program in homeland security include a range of subjects, such as:

• domestic and international terrorism
• criminal justice
• cyberterrorism
• emergency planning
• intelligence analysis
• response and recovery
• political science
• public safety
• war on terrorism
• disaster planning

A homeland security program also helps develop essential communication, analytical, and advocacy skills and sometimes requires students to also engage in psychology and sociology coursework.

Colleges Offering Online Associate Degrees in Homeland Security

Online associate degrees in homeland security are accessible through distance education at several institutions, and here are examples of nationwide accredited programs for students to consider.

Keiser University

Keiser University provides the opportunity to earn an Associate of Arts degree in homeland security through distance learning, delivering comprehensive knowledge of domestic and international terrorism.

It teaches a thorough understanding of the key components of the Department of Homeland Security, introduces students to criminal justice and cyberterrorism, and covers emergency planning and security measures.

New England College

New England College trains students to expertly manage unexpected events through its highly ranked online Associate of Arts degree in homeland security and emergency preparedness.

This program puts students in positions for private and public sector jobs in first response and crisis management and is an excellent path to take for pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree.

Georgia Military College

Georgia Military College offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in homeland security through its distance learning programs that teach important strategic planning and risk analysis skills and knowledge.

Core courses include subjects like terrorism and international crime and introduce students to homeland security and emergency management to prepare for job roles in law, intelligence, and counterintelligence.

Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College delivers an online Associate of Science degree in homeland security through its School of Community Engagement and Development.

Individuals study the components and functions of the Department of Homeland Security, political policies and procedures, and handling security threats related to terrorism and natural disasters.

Hawaii Pacific University

Hawaii Pacific University has an online Associate of Science degree in homeland security that provides insights into the workings and important political aspects of the Department of Homeland Security.

This program is ideal for students looking to pursue their bachelor's degree in the field or for taking on law-related job roles in the federal, state, or local government, or the private sector or law enforcement.

What Jobs Can I Get With a Homeland Security Degree?

Earning an associate degree in homeland security from an accredited college, especially through distance education, opens the door to a variety of entry-level roles across various industries.

Examples of jobs you can pursue with an online homeland security associate degree include:

• security guard
• detective
• special agent
• security specialist
• travel security officer
• management analyst
• police officer

The credentials needed for employment in homeland security vary depending on the role, and students should research the college they plan to attend and ensure the curriculum helps them meet their objectives.

Learn About the Easiest Homeland Security Degrees Today

Bring your career to new heights today and learn about the easiest homeland security degrees you can earn in just two years to pursue an entry-level position in an in-demand field.