By Grantham University August 24, 2017

Are you passionate about your country and the safety of the people living in it? Then a homeland security career may be exactly what you’re looking for. For over 16 years now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been in place, maintaining a three-part mission: to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, to reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and to minimize the danger from potential attacks and natural disasters.¹

As an employee for the DHS, you play a vital role in securing the United States and preserving its freedoms. However, to become a part of this talented and dedicated work force, the DHS doesn’t merely accept any application it receives.

The DHS hires highly-skilled individuals to secure the country’s borders, airports, seaports and waterways. DHS employees are also expected to research and develop security technologies, respond to disasters and assaults, and analyze intelligence reports.

One of the best ways to prepare for a homeland security career is to receive formal training in criminal justice and homeland security, but if you’re serious about considering a career with the DHS, you must review any requirements on the federal government website.

Keep reading to learn more about the homeland security concentration of Grantham University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program:

What You Can Learn

At Grantham, the BA in Criminal Justice has electives that concentrate specifically on homeland security. These courses can help prepare you to apply your skills to a career that keeps the nation safe from various threats, and helps protect our nation’s borders.

It’s important to receive formal training, like the homeland security concentration at Grantham, that can provide you with the background and training you need to begin work in various areas of homeland security. With courses that explore terrorism, border and coastal security, and emergency planning, you can gain a better understanding of what responsibilities a homeland security career entails.

What Career Opportunities You Can Expect

The DHS has unique career opportunities that may suit your personal interests and unique strengths. DHS hires thousands of people every year in a variety of occupations. Some homeland security career paths include:

• Law enforcement careers
• Immigration and travel security careers
• Prevention and response careers
• Mission support careers

Not only is the DHS crucial to the country, it is a government department that values professional development and career growth. The DHS offers many great benefits for recent graduates, including the potential for performance-based increases, flexible hours and the ability to achieve and maintain a balanced lifestyle² — something Grantham encourages and values from the start of your education and throughout your career.

As a DHS employee, you can take advantage of a variety of comprehensive and competitive employment benefits, including health insurance, a retirement plan, paid federal holidays, training and development, tuition reimbursement, transportation subsidies, student loan repayment and more!²

A homeland security career can also offer you the chance to grow your skills while doing meaningful work that can positively impact the lives of the people living in this country.

Getting excited about your future in the criminal justice field?

With Grantham’s BA in Criminal Justice degree program, you can pick courses that prepare you to start your homeland security career with confidence. Contact us today to get started!

¹http://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/political-science-and-government/us-government/united-states-department-4
²https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers/why-you-should-work-dhs