Are you interested in becoming a homeland security professional? In this post-9/11 world, there's a big demand for experts in this field. In fact, programs in homeland security, natural disasters, and intelligence are on the rise, say experts.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Department of Homeland Security employed about 183,000 employees in April 2006 -- making it one of the largest federal agencies. From air marshals to program analysts, and Coast Guard officers (just to name a few), the demand for homeland security professionals is only expected to grow from here. And beyond the public sector, private companies as well as not-for-profit also require homeland security professionals on staff to protect against potential threats to employees, customers, and physical and electronic assets.
The Evidence They Need You
"The modern workforce is in desperate need of men and women who are trained to manage 21st century security needs," explains Don Goff, executive director of the Security Studies Laboratory at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). Accordingly, the school recently announced three new degrees -- Homeland Security, Emergency Management, and Information Assurance -- which will be available both online and in traditional classrooms at UMUC.
The interest in homeland security programs on both the undergraduate and graduate levels has grown significantly during the past few years. In fact, the National Academic Consortium for Homeland Security (NACHS), an organization that seeks to improve the security of the nation and its worldwide interests, now includes 354 universities and colleges.
"In the U.S., individual citizens -- you and I -- are ultimately responsible for the security of the nation," explains Todd Steward, director of International and Homeland Security programs at Ohio State University and executive director of the NACHS. "All citizens have an inherent responsibility to inform themselves on national-security issues and to communicate their positions on these to their elected representatives."
Secure a New Career
Security Schooling: A Homeland Security program is offered through accredited online school Walden University's School of Public Policy and Administration. This program prepares aspiring homeland security professionals to implement protective measures during times of crises. This learning module will also equip future crusaders against terrorism to effectively develop policy and protect our nation's safety and freedom.
Criminal Investigations: The Criminal Investigations program at the Florida Metropolitan University offers students the fundamentals of crime scene investigation, science, and theory. Students who train in this program can go on to work in federal, state, or local governments in forensic labs, medical examiner's offices, hospitals, insurance companies, arson investigation units, and homicide. The possibilities are endless with some graduates moving on to become independent forensic science consultants, fingerprint technicians, and private investigators.
Intelligence Lessons: Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania, has one of the most impressive intelligence studies programs in the nation. Headed by the former FBI deputy director of counterterrorism, Bob Heibel, the program -- in operation for 15 years -- is hands-on. For instance, students recently completed an analysis on pandemics for the National Intelligence Council. And for students who want a degree with a purpose, but don't necessarily have the time to spend in a classroom, Mercyhurst will be offering online certificate programs this fall.
Nursing Squads: At the University of Tennessee's College of Nursing, students have the option of getting a graduate degree in Homeland Security Nursing. The program, which addresses the largely unmet need in public health to prepare nurses and specialists to plan for mass casualty disasters, is the first of its kind in the nation. Enrolled aspiring nurses will learn how to effectively manage the logistics of a tragedy; work cooperatively with local, state, and federal officials and responders; and provide direct patient care to victims of trauma or toxic exposure.
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