Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in homeland security degree programs to prepare students to keep the nation and its people safe in the areas of cybersecurity, information technology, immigration, travel security, and emergency management.
A bachelor’s degree in homeland security is an ideal degree for those with an interest in defending the public safety and securing America against both internal and external threats. Homeland security programs equip students for careers with government agencies, border and homeland security, and various security systems, just to name a few.
Homeland security professionals work to protect public safety and have various career opportunities open to them. While homeland security careers can be challenging, workers typically find a high level of purpose as they protect their country and its interests.
Back to TopStudents will gain skills in risk management, ethical decision-making, and communication skills that they can apply in real-world situations. Additionally, students gain the ability to carry out crisis communication and a threat assessment. They will also be equipped to promote disaster resilience in themselves and others.
Students should expect to leave their online bachelor’s degree in homeland security with a solid understanding of security systems and the problem solving skills necessary to handle emergency responses with high level of composure and agility.
Back to TopSubject matter varies by program, but students will likely take courses in national security, emergency planning, counterterrorism, infrastructure protection, and disaster management. Many programs also require homeland security capstone projects.
Because homeland security online degrees might vary in terms of the curriculum taught, prospective students must make sure that they research the bachelor’s degrees they are interested in ahead of time. There might be different homeland security concentrations available depending on the program. Concentrations include emergency preparedness, information security, security and emergency management, and international security.
Back to TopOnline and on-campus programs are available, and most students will complete this 120 credit hour degree undergraduate program in four years. In this ranking, only regionally accredited online bachelor’s in homeland security programs are listed. Because these online programs have regional accreditation, students should expect a high caliber education.
While the typical time to completion for this degree is four years, this can be shortened if homeland security students transfer credits that they earned either while pursuing their high school degree or during their working years in between high school and college. If a student has any homeland security certifications, this could shorten the time to completion even more.
Back to TopGraduates will work to keep the nation and its people safe in the areas of cybersecurity, information technology, immigration, travel security, and emergency management. A bachelor of science in homeland security will prepare students to help their nation as it struggles with natural disasters, security threats, and domestic terrorism.
Homeland security jobs can be very rewarding. Future emergency management directors, police officers, workers of government agencies, and many other professions will get a leg up in their career by investing time and money into a bachelor’s degree.
Learn more about how to major in criminal justice.
The following graph depicts the average salaries of Information Security Analysts for each percentile in the U.S.
Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
SVG Attribution: Wikipedia
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
57%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1045/20
Students can choose between the online B.S. and B.A. in Homeland Security Studies programs offered by the College of Criminal Justice. The Bachelors of Arts and Science in Homeland Security Studies major introduces students to the principles and practices of counterterrorism, border and homeland security, and critical infrastructure, among other aspects of the discipline. Students develop their knowledge and skills to become the next-gen of thought leaders, managers and analysts in homeland security and frontrunners against terrorist attacks.
The 120-credit homeland security degree program features a fall and spring term enrollment, and courses in:
The B.S degree features more flexibility through social science electives while the B.A degree has more foreign language requirements.
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
66%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/25
The online B.S. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program prepares ambitious individuals for leadership positions in national security and its related professions. Students learn at their own pace and tackle one course per term for better work-life balance while pursuing the respected homeland security degree.
Courses in this Homeland Security bachelor program include:
Students can either choose between two tracks - homeland security track or emergency management track - or complete both tracks by completing selected electives. There are internship opportunities with the likes of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA), too, and the opportunity to enroll in one of New Haven’s master’s degree programs after graduation.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
38%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/22
The online Bachelor of Homeland Security and Emergency Management program is a distinguished member of the University and Agency Partnership Initiative (UAPI) and the FEMA Higher Education Program. Students benefit from the intensive training and rigorous coursework that incorporates business management education and homeland security training - truly, a unique combination!
Furthermore, UAF is unique among online programs in homeland security because of the number of concentrations offered, namely:
Students who want to earn the homeland security degree must complete 120-121 credits in credits and gain hands-on training through field exercises, workshops and even working with homeland security and emergency managers.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
23%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
965/18
Students in the online B.S. in Emergency Management and Homeland Security program gain comprehensive knowledge of the theories and applications of these interrelated disciplines through didactic courses and hands-on learning experiences. Graduates become qualified for leadership positions, thanks to their administrative knowledge and skills.
The 120-credit homeland security degree program features intensive courses in:
Students can select between an internship or a course, such as Introduction to Homeland Security, Terrorism and Homeland Security, or Domestic and Global Terrorism.
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
98%
Graduation
48%
Student body
12K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/22
The 100% online B.S. in Homeland Security at EKU Online emphasizes the three critical aspects of homeland security - security operations, intelligence studies, and disaster management in its core courses. The homeland security majors must complete the academic requirements of the 120-credit curriculum to earn the undergraduate degree.
Featured courses include:
The online homeland security degree program allows students to transfer up to 90 credits and, thus, save on costs and time. Active duty military personnel and their spouses also enjoy reduced tuition.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
48%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/23
Many students in the four-year online B.S. in Homeland Security program are working professionals who are already in the homeland security field while others are considered pre-service individuals. Regardless of their background, students receive comprehensive education in homeland security; their general education courses, furthermore, develop their transferable skills and expand their viewpoint.
The 120-credit online homeland security program features courses like:
What distinguishes Wichita State’s online homeland security degree program is its emphasis on applied learning.
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
74%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1260/28
The online B.S. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program enables students to develop their management knowledge and skills with specific applications in public safety in the face of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and man-made emergencies.
Many students are working professionals and adult learners who benefit from the flexible format, access to student support services, and experience of credentialed professors. There are five start dates in the online homeland security degree program and core courses in the 120-credit curriculum include:
Students also complete a field experience and senior seminar.
Tuition + fees
$3K
Graduation
36%
Student body
17K
The online B.A.S. in Public Safety Administration - Emergency Management and Homeland Security Track is a degree completion program, meaning students usually have a related professional certification or associate degree. These can be in homeland security, emergency management, or public safety, and students learn knowledge and skills that complement their prior learning and work experiences.
The online degree program features eight-week courses, allows students to transfer academic credit for their work experiences and training, and learn from industry professionals. Students become adept at the overall management of crisis situations related to public safety, particularly in homeland security and emergency management.
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
47%
Student body
25K
Students in the online B.S. in Homeland Security and Emergency Management program prepare for effective career progression in the public and private sectors. Their studies allow them to establish a solid foundation in the principles and practices of the interrelated disciplines that enable them to be effective professionals in the dynamic homeland security field.
There’s a strong emphasis on research in the homeland security degree online program, too. Students complete the 180-unit curriculum with courses in:
Students also complete a two-month supervised senior project.
Tuition + fees
$20K
Acceptance
49%
Graduation
63%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/25
The online B.S. in Homeland Security program attracts current professionals in the homeland security field but freshman students are also welcome. Graduates forge successful careers in law enforcement, intelligence analysis, and security, among other sectors.
The 130-credit homeland security program features a comprehensive curriculum with courses in:
Graduates of the homeland security degree program are eligible to apply for its Master of Social Science degree program.
Tuition + fees
$21K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
50%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1020/22
The emphasis of the Online B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Concentration program is on the students’ ability to become effective, efficient and responsive professionals in the criminal justice field. Students benefit from the professional diversity of their professors, meaning their college education features the diverse viewpoints of lawyers, homeland security professionals, and local law enforcement officers.
The 120-credit program features several homeland security concentration courses like:
Students are also introduced to the National Incident Based Management System (NIMS) in addition to demonstrating their critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills in high-pressure situations.
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
42%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1053/21
The most distinguishing feature of APSU’s online BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Concentration program is its emphasis on a balance between an academic viewpoint and practical applications. Students can choose a minor in addition to the homeland security concentration, and learn from the diverse perspectives brought by credentialed professors into class discussions.
The criminal justice homeland security program features a 120-credit curriculum where students learn the fundamentals of criminal justice and criminal law. Students can also become members of the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society and participate in programs that recognize academic excellence, educational leadership, and community service.
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
62%
Student body
79K
Median SAT/ACT
1145/25
Liberty’s online B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security Concentration program has a strong Christ-centric approach combined with contemporary principles and practices in criminal justice. Students develop the knowledge and skills necessary in ensuring public safety against internal and external threats.
Learners in the homeland security major complete 120 credit hours and complete the degree in 3.5 years, on average, of full-time studies. The core and concentration courses include:
Liberty accepts transfer credits and grants tuition discounts to first responders and military service members.
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
39%
Student body
102K
Students in the online B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Concentration program tackle an interdisciplinary curriculum that reflects the multifaceted nature of criminal justice. Graduates are well-equipped to deal with the challenges that come with being at the frontlines of protecting the nation from terrorist attacks and other threats.
This is among the most affordable online programs, too, which cater to both traditional and non-traditional students; aside from the affordable tuition, SNHU offers financial aid to eligible students. The 120-credit curriculum features courses in:
Students can also transfer up to 90 credits. SNHU allows transfer of up to 12 credits for training in law enforcement.
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
67%
Student body
29K
Management skills with specific applications in homeland security settings are emphasized in the online B.A. in Homeland Security program. Students also develop career-specific practical knowledge and skills that allow them to work in leadership positions in the federal, state and local levels.
The online homeland security program features a 120-credit program with courses in:
Students gain valuable insights into the workings of homeland security as these apply to their communities, too.
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
50%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
955/21
With its interdisciplinary approach underlying everything from its didactic coursework to its hands-learning experiences, the online B.S. in Emergency Management with a Minor in Homeland Security program attracts ambitious professionals. The curriculum consists of 120 semester hours, of which 30 hours are in the core emergency management courses.
There are 18 semester hours needed for completion to earn the minor in homeland security with courses like:
Graduates can pursue the master’s and doctoral degrees in emergency management also offered by Jacksonville State.
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
60%
Student body
4K
With a four-year time-to-completion, the online B.S. in Criminal Justice is popular among freshman students and working professionals because of its flexible schedules. The rigorous coursework is recognized for its academic excellence by the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA). Students train to become effective crime prevention and crime-fighting professionals.
The core courses in the 120-credit program that emphasizes homeland security and emergency management include:
Students benefit from the personalized attention and mentorship that their professors provide, thanks to small class sizes.
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
60%
Student body
14K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/22
Students learn the four-phase approach in the management of emergencies, disasters and threats to public safety and national security in the online B.S. in Emergency Management and Homeland Security program. Students can be admitted into the program in two ways - as freshman students in the traditional track or as working professionals via the Step-Up degree track.
Students in the 119-credit traditional pathway can earn the degree in four years. The core curriculum in both pathways include:
This is an online program with accreditation by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
46%
Student body
9K
Students in the B.S. Criminal Justice with Homeland Security Specialization online program develop not just the technical and transferable skills vital in their future success. They also develop a steadfast moral compass based on Catholic values, particularly the respect for the value and dignity of all individuals.
The 120-credit undergraduate homeland security online program has a comprehensive curriculum with courses in:
Saint Leo provides online students with several professional development opportunities like field placements, internships and co-curricular activities.
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
38%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/20
The online Bachelor of Technology in Homeland Security program provides students with didactic coursework and hands-on training that emphasize proper preparedness, prevention and reaction to internal and external threats. Students also learn the National Incident Management System, the issues surrounding intelligence operations, and the post-9/11 security environment.
The online homeland security program has an intensive 122-credits with courses like:
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
21%
Student body
37K
Students in the online B.S. in Homeland Security program learn the knowledge and skills to deal with all aspects of homeland security including strategic planning and evaluation of programs and projects. There’s an emphasis on the use of technology in the determination, deterrence and responses to homeland security issues, too.
The online homeland security program has a 120-credit curriculum with featured courses in:
Students can transfer up to 90 credits and enjoy affordable tuition rates and financial aid. Students can also shorten their time-to-completion by earning an online homeland security certificate.
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
83%
Student body
8K
Median SAT/ACT
1230/27
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
39%
Student body
9K
The online B.S. Homeland Security and Emergency Management program can be seen either as the next step after earning Idaho State’s associate degree or the gateway toward its master’s degree program in the same field. In all three degree programs, students train to become effective professionals at the federal, state and local levels.
Students in the online homeland security program tackle an intensive curriculum where the principles and practices of emergency management combine with security studies. The interdisciplinary approach enables students to find their place in the field with better results.
The 120-credit coursework includes:
There’s also an accelerated BS-to-MS program.
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
56%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/22
Students in the online B.S. in Homeland Security program develop their fluency in the principles, practices and theories related to homeland security. Their insights are also fueled by their understanding of homeland security from the standpoint of economics, politics and society.
The homeland security online degree program’s 124-credit curriculum consists of core courses like:
Internships are offered.
Student body
5K
The B.S. in National Security program prepares students for successful careers in homeland security, foreign relations, and international logistics, among other related fields. Both civilians and military personnel and law enforcement professionals are welcome to apply.
The online bachelor’s degree program requires completion of 120 credits with coursework in:
Students can receive credits for their military training, and choose from a concentration in national security or intelligence and security analysis.
Tuition + fees
$6K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
35%
Student body
6K
The B.S. in Criminal Justice degree can be combined with a Minor in Homeland Security and Emergency Management that results in a well-rounded education in both fields. The 120-credit program trains students in the analysis of data, identification of issues and solutions, and application of knowledge in criminal justice in diverse settings.
The 18-credit minor covers courses in legal issues, research, and intelligence and analysis in homeland security and emergency management. There’s also an internship requirement.
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?
If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.
In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).
While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.