Gaining Expertise in Homeland Security: A Criminal Justice Perspective

Core Skills for Supporting Homeland Security Efforts

Professionals in the homeland security field rely on a versatile skill set and specialized knowledge. Here are the core competencies taught in homeland security degree programs.

Security Management and Risk Assessment

Homeland security agents are tasked with strengthening national security. They must be able to assess the threats to that security and to develop programs and protocols that address them. With strong skills in security management and risk assessment, they can address problems within the U.S. and at the nation’s borders before they escalate.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security partners with state agencies to keep residents safe before, during, and after natural disasters. This responsibility involves a multitude of moving parts, including managing evacuation orders, distributing aid to affected areas, and providing financial resources to help jurisdictions address safety needs.

Legal Frameworks

Homeland security roles require understanding and adherence to the rule of law. It requires developing knowledge of legal frameworks to ensure that your actions and decisions are lawful.

Homeland security agents are prepared to protect not just the safety, but also the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people they serve.

Crisis Management and Communication

Homeland security professionals develop skills in scenario planning to more effectively manage threats and crises. They know how to communicate with people in other agencies and work together to devise a smooth and coordinated response to rapidly developing problems.

Threat Detection

Aspiring homeland security professionals need to develop skills for detecting and mitigating outside threats before they reach the nation’s borders. This may involve handling national intelligence information discreetly and acting decisively in response to unforeseen problems.

Forensic Tools

Homeland security agents aid law enforcement in conducting investigations into all types of crimes. Knowledge of both digital and physical forensics is critical in this regard and can allow experts in the field to uncover hidden threats. Skills in cybersecurity, encryption, and networking can be the key to keeping bad actors at bay and maintaining the integrity of national systems.

What Follows Studying Homeland Security?

Students who study homeland security learn about challenges and crises facing Government agencies, and how these can be mitigated.

However, homeland security professionals are not found only at the Department of Homeland Security. You may be surprised to learn that employees with homeland security expertise are needed at all levels of government.

The FBI, CIA, and state-level emergency management offices are also employing homeland security experts; in addition, homeland security experts serve in law enforcement agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Coast Guard.

Alternatively, individuals with understanding of homeland security practices are employed in the private sector. For example, experts in detecting and mitigating threats are often found in the field of cybersecurity.

Some homeland security professionals are employed by private companies and government contractors that work to protect critical infrastructure like transportation systems, energy grids and communication networks.

Which Degree Program Is Right for Me if I Want to Learn More about Homeland Security?

Selecting the right degree program is the most important step. Because the field combines critical aspects of criminal justice and national security, you should look for a program that offers coursework in both areas.

At the University of Arkansas Grantham, we offer a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security or a concentration in computer forensics.

This degree includes coursework in the foundational principles of terrorism and U.S. national security. You’ll also take classes in border and coastal security, emergency planning, criminology and the criminal justice system. These courses will help you learn to effectively address and defend against threats beyond a specific area.

Another option is a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. With cybercrime on the rise, this degree combination can prepare you to assess and mitigate security threats. You might use this knowledge to develop and implement programs that serve the national interest.

Prepare for Success in Homeland Security With UA Grantham’s Criminal Justice Concentration in Homeland Security

Success in a homeland security role requires the firm foundation that a solid education brings. UA Grantham is here to remove the roadblocks to building it. We do this by offering one of the lowest costs per credit hour in the United States (according to collegecost.ed.gov).

We are also a military-friendly institution. Our military aid program helps veterans, current service members and their families get the education they need to move their lives forward. The no-cost application and complimentary laptop included for all degree-enrolled students serve as a cornerstone of our commitment to educational affordability.

The team at UA Grantham understands that many of our students are balancing multiple responsibilities. We put higher education within reach by offering eight-week terms with monthly start dates, and all programs are completed online. Weekly assignment due dates allow you to work at your own pace throughout the week.

All enrollees can take full advantage of our robust student learning center. You’ll also get four hours of no-cost tutoring per month so you can get academic help when you need it most. At UA Grantham, we are dedicated to our students’ success and want to do everything in our power to help you reach your educational and professional goals.