What Jobs Are Available with a Master’s in Homeland Security?

Department of Homeland SecurityIf you have a deep-seated sense of patriotism and a desire to protect your country or help others, you might consider what jobs are available with a Master’s in Homeland Security. Master’s programs in Homeland Security developed after the tragedies of September 11, 2001, and today, these programs are available at several online schools as well as traditional institutions of higher education. Most of the jobs will have elements of detective work or law enforcement, and a strong background in these areas as well as military experience will help individuals choosing to pursue this career path. Graduates often work for the federal government, but there is also a growing demand for them in state and local government agencies as well as private organizations that contract with the government.

Federal Opportunities

The Department of Homeland Security includes 22 different federal agencies and employs more than 170,000 individuals. With a budget of over $40 billion each year, this is one of the most lucrative places for those with Master’s in Homeland Security to find employment. Most federal DHS jobs come under these four categories:

  • Border transportation and security
  • Emergency preparedness and response
  • Science and technology
  • Information analysis and infrastructure protection

However, issues of national security reach beyond the DHS. The Justice Department, the Department of Transportation, the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Agriculture, among others, actively work with potential threats to the American way of life each day. These departments also hire individuals with master’s degrees in Homeland Security, and the DHS often recruits employees from these other departments.

State and Local Opportunities

The Department of Homeland Security is actively reaching out to state and local law enforcement to create better security at a grassroots level. This combined with budgetary issues that have resulted in outsourcing certain work to state and local governments means that students trained in Homeland Security can often find jobs there. Positions may include training or directing local and state emergency teams or law enforcement personnel, according to FEMA.

Private-Sector Opportunities

As the federal government continues to work to increase the stability and safety of our country and its infrastructure, many private companies are contracting with the government or partnering with them. Positions in private technology firms and other organizations are among the many jobs available to someone with a master’s in Homeland Security.

Related Resource: How Homeland Security and FEMA are Connected

It can take a lot of work to become qualified to work in Homeland Security. You need to be observant, work hard in school and probably spend time working in law enforcement or serving in the military before you can land one of the jobs available with a Master’s in Homeland Security. However, for those willing to discipline themselves, this type of job can be rewarding in many ways. Now that you know more about careers in Homeland Security, do you think continuing education in this field is right for you?