What Can I Do with an A.A. in Homeland Security?
The graduate with an A.A. in Homeland Security has a wide variety of jobs to choose from on land, in the air or at sea. Read on to learn more about job opportunities for those who complete this degree program.
Overview of Homeland Security
An A.A. in Homeland Security prepares a graduate for entry-level positions in the security field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), homeland security is a challenging field with considerable employment opportunities. Jobs can be found in every state, including the District of Columbia. Although most homeland security jobs are governmental, many private companies and nonprofit organizations offer employment as well.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAnA.A.InHomelandSecurity">Important Facts About an A.A. in Homeland Security</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Introduction to Terrorism, Criminal Justice, American Homeland Security, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Terrorism Response Operations, Emergency Planning</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> 113 schools within the United States</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Graduate certificate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate degrees available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Critical thinking, problem solving, leadership ability, strategic planning, calm demeanor, stress management, and interpersonal skills</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---TypesOfOccupations">Types of Occupations</h3><p>The BLS lists many different agencies that the graduate with an A.A. in Homeland Security can work for. A graduate may be interested in working for citizenship and immigration services or may choose to work as a contract specialist with the U.S. Coast Guard. Information analysis, infrastructure protection, cyber crime investigation and computer security also provide job opportunities. Two examples of employment available to those with an A.A. in Homeland Security are described below.
</p><h3 id="section---BorderPatrolAgent">Border Patrol Agent</h3><p>Border patrol agents work along the physical boundaries of the United States. A border patrol agent works to prevent illegal entry into the country. One of the duties of a border patrol agent is documenting the personal information of people that attempt to enter the country illegally. A border patrol agent often works with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), using its database to check criminal history.
</p><h3 id="section---CyberSecurity">Cyber Security</h3><p>Cyber security specialists protect data and systems of computers that are connected to the Internet. Workers in this field have a wide variety of titles. Many cyber security specialists protect databases of information, and others may work to protect computer networks.
</p><p>The BLS projects workers in this field will have favorable prospects over the 2021 through 2031 decade. For example, information security analysts are expected to see an increase of 35% in job opportunities, though education beyond an A.A. may be required for this particular position (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The BLS also reported these professionals earned a median annual salary of $102,600 as of May 2021.</p>