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What is Homeland Security?

Homeland Security is a field of study emphasizing protection, safety, and organization of an effective response to natural disasters and man-made incidents.  The term homeland security is a blanket term utilized to describe a national effort to ensure safety and security of citizens against foreign and domestic threats or acts.  Although homeland security is often associated with terrorism, there are a wide variety of threats that can endanger citizens from natural disasters to acts of terrorism.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$61,600

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

39.84%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

806,400

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting Degree

Originally established as a public medical college in 1834, this private university is located in the urban area of New Orleans, Louisiana. Spanning about 110 acres, this university admits about 14,000 students for which 8600 are undergraduate and 5400 are post degree graduate students. It has two major campuses and a lot of satellite campuses scattered around the world. As of now, the university comprises 10 schools with a lot of undergraduate degrees to choose from.

Under Tulane University’s School of Professional Advancement, the top ranked Homeland Security Studies degree program is offered as an undergraduate degree, master's, and certificate program for its students. This flexible program could be learned online, full-time, part-time, or even at only weekend classes. To finish the course as a bachelor's degree, one should accomplish 120 credit units including 30 credits in the major.  As for masters, completion of 11 courses consisting of six core 600-level courses and one core 700-level course.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

This private research university is a non-sectarian institution with deep affiliation with United Methodist Church. It's founded in 1831 by this church in Lima, New York, and later had been moved to Syracuse, New York to where it's now located. It sits in University Hill occupying about 683 acres of area. It's divided into 13 schools and colleges with yearly student admission of about 22,800 students including undergraduate and post-degree graduate students. Famous people who graduated from this university includes the singer and actress Vanessa Williams, and 3 Nobel Prize Laureates.

The Homeland Security degree is a 120 credit program for which could be accomplished through online learning. An option for enrolling in part-time or evening classes is given according to the student’s preference. Moreover, graduates of this course should be expected to learn and develop skills in information systems, programming, and administration. Potential career perspectives include the industries of health care, information security, and digital forensics.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Sitting on 4400 acres in Storrs, Connecticut, this public university is just a few miles from Hartford and Boston. UConn admits about 27,000 students including 18,000 undergraduates and 8,000 post-graduate students. This university consists of 14 schools and colleges with additional opportunities through 17 graduate degree and 6 professional practice degree programs. Amongst the best schools in the USA and even ranked 18th to 24th on the recent surveys, it has been always compared to some of Ivy League Schools. Famous alumni in this university include David Lee who received a Nobel Prize in Physics, and Sue Bird, the WNBA star.

Under the College of Engineering, Information Assurance is offered as a minor course in the Computer Engineering and Computer Science degree programs. This minor course is designed to provide its students with a basic understanding of computer security and information assurance. Three courses (9 credits) are included in this minor course. However, the course name varies depending on the major taken. Apart from computer-related courses, business majors also could take this minor course. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Often termed as Long Beach State or even the Beach, this public university is established in 1949 through the efforts of California Governor Earl Warren. The third-largest campus in the California state, this university spans about 322 acres. It currently enrolls 40,000 students and consists of about 2,200 academic staff. The university offers 82 different bachelor degrees, 65 masters’ degrees, and four doctoral degrees. Home for publicly funded art schools in the USA, the university is considered one of the schools in the USA with the lowest tuition fees. Notable graduates in this university include Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Steven Spielberg.

The Cyber Security Applications minor is a vibrant program at CSU Long Beach that is incorporated in the Computer Engineering degree program offered in this university. This 18 unit course could be accomplished and taken only through some programs including business and computer-related courses. A requisite of obtaining this course includes a GPA of 2.0 and a junior standing. The current minor advisor for this course is Prof. Wenlu Zhang.

Acceptance Rate

39.27

Student to Faculty Ratio

23:1

Founded in 1855, this public university started as an agricultural school. Upon its expansion through the offering of more degree programs, its name had changed in 1955 to what it now. Its 5,300 acres campus is located in suburban East Lansing, Michigan. This university has one of the largest student enrollment annually with almost 50,000 students including undergraduate and graduate studies. Comprising of 17 schools or colleges, this university offers more than 200 on-campus undergraduate degrees and  275 study programs abroad. Moreover, it's also the home of the USA’s only environmental journalism organizations that runs a solar racing team and a school-based organic farm.

Incorporated in the MSU college of engineering, computer science, and engineering program offers a comprehensive course in computational thinking and programming. Its courses could be offered to students majoring and non-majoring in computer-related courses. Having about 1600 students, the department boasts of its state of the art technologies and facilities with highly competitive faculty and staffs. Its research team resolves approaches to hardware, software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biometrics, and security. Its latest addition to its facility includes the Fire Safety Research Lab, focusing on expanding and strengthening information security.

Acceptance Rate

71.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

This Catholic private university is founded in 1932 by the Archdiocese of Chicago and Bishop Bernard J. Scheil. It was named Lewis to honor the major funder of building the university, Frank J. Lewis. Administrated by the Lasallian brothers, this university is located in Romeoville, Illinois. Currently, the university admits about 6,800 students including 4,600 undergraduates and 1,900 postgraduates. It has existing six colleges for which offer more than 80 undergraduate majors and 22 graduate programs. Roughly spans 410 acres, this university is located in a suburban setting.

A subfield in the Computer Science program at Lewis University, the degree in Cybersecurity incorporates 67 core courses with 128 lecture hours. It contains a technical curriculum that designs security systems, protections, and controls on software and hardware. Recommended minors for study along with this course include Data Science, Information Technology, and Mathematics. To earn a master's degree, an additional one year of study is done for highly qualified students.

Acceptance Rate

63.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

This private non-profit university is founded by the Sisters of Loretto in 1915. Initially, as a Catholic institution, it's currently a non-denominational university, though its Catholic roots remain. It admits about 10,000 students yearly into its 5 existing schools or colleges. Located in Webster Groves, this university also has international campuses in Switzerland, Austria, and China. Study abroad programs are available in Greece, Japan, Mexico, and the UK. Notable alumni in this university include a former Indonesian president, and recipients of Tony, Emmy, and Academy awards.

Part of the George Herbert Walker School of Business in Technology, Webster’s Homeland Security and Cybersecurity degree programs are highly accredited courses by the National Security Agency (NSA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It incorporates a 54 credit hours baccalaureate program and an 18 credit hours certificate program. For those seeking post-graduate degrees, 36 credit hours MS in cybersecurity is also being offered. Their programs are designed to apply knowledge on various computer systems to prevent cyber terrorism, fraud and theft, and digital forensics.

Acceptance Rate

56.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

This private Christian university is affiliated with the religious organization, Church of God. Established in 1917, this liberal arts university started as a theological seminary in Anderson, Indiana. This 100-acre university offers more than 60 undergraduate programs and various graduate programs in business, music, and theology. It admits a growing community of 1600 students, 112 full-time, and 85 part-time academic faculty and staff. The university comprises more than 130 clubs, sports teams, and organizations that its students could choose from.

The Cybersecurity degree program at Anderson University is designed for students to gain familiarity with information assurance, server, cryptography, and cyberwarfare. Two options could be selected to graduate from this program, either finished it in three or four years. The 56 credit hour program includes 8 to 9 credit hours on electives. Also, an opportunity to get at least one cybersecurity certificate by taking government-accredited exams. A four year BS to Masters is also offered in this university for qualified candidates.

Acceptance Rate

68.73

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

This private Christian college is established in 1866 by the Free Methodists in North America. Predominantly offering liberal art programs, this institution consists of more than 60 undergraduate and 13 undergraduate programs. Moreover, it offers a doctoral program in Clinical and School Psychology, and theology programs through its seminary. It admits about 1,300 students into its 188 acres of land. It currently provides evening/online and daytime classes to undergraduate and graduate students. Known alumni in this university include professional soccer players, top-ranked government officials, and few writers.

The BS Homeland Security and Applied Intelligence is a 124 credit hour degree focusing on intelligence processing as relating to law enforcement and crime analysis. Moreover, it gains an understanding of data mining, forensics, and terrorism study. This four-year degree could be assisted upon taking introductory courses in Psychology, Information Security, and Computer Science.

Acceptance Rate

66.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Founded in 1899, this public university was donated by the Macomb’s Freemasons to the state of Illinois as a land grant. It sits in the small town of Macomb, Illinois spanning over 1,050 acres in area. It comprises about 7,500 student enrollment to its available 69 undergraduate majors, over 51 bachelor’s degree programs, and 13 pre-professional programs. It also offers masters and doctoral programs. It takes pride in its extensive five library system housing several archives, documents, and books.

The bachelor's degrees in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration and Fire Protection Services Program at Western Illinois University are programs dedicated to public security and safety. Both courses offer online and classroom-based learning with highly accredited instruction materials by over 1400 agencies. Minors could be taken along with these programs include Corrections, Fire Science, Corrections, and Homeland Security. Both programs incorporated in the same college, similar masters could be taken for those qualified students.

Acceptance Rate

56.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Georgia Southern is a public university located mainly in the state of Georgia. Started in 1906, this institution began as an agricultural college. It became a university in 1990 and currently offering more than 140 bachelors, masters, and doctorate programs to its eight organized colleges. It has two existing campuses, the flagship 920 acre Statesboro campus and the 268 acre Armstrong campus. The university attends more than 26,000 students with more than half admitting to its undergraduate programs. Consequently, the university hosts the largest collection of ticks in the world with more than 1 million species on its research institute.

The BS Computer Engineering program at Georgia Southern University is a four-year curriculum exploring the field of computer science and electrical engineering. It presents an in-depth understanding of computer hardware, software, and basic modeling techniques in various computer processes. Its instructions are technically oriented emphasizing design and analysis on computer systems. This 130 credit hour course is available from its first two years in the Armstrong campus and will be completed for hands-on training and specialization courses in the Statesboro campus.

Acceptance Rate

54.47

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

This private Catholic university was founded by the religious community of Franciscan sisters of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was named after the former bishop of Philadelphia, John Neumann which contributed a lot during the establishment of this university. Situated in the rural area of Aston, Pennsylvania, this university is structured in five academic conditions focusing on liberal arts and health sciences. It offers more than 676 academic degrees including five associate degrees, 524 bachelor degrees, 113 master's degrees, and 34 doctorates. It was in 2009 that the school has achieved university status. Consequently, it has more than 2,500 enrollees in the undergraduate program.

The BS Criminal Justice at Neumann University composes of 122 credit hours which includes lecture-based instruction in the first two years and immersion to Delaware’s Community College’s Municipal Police Academy for most of its last two years. The entrants of this program are expected to undergo a psychiatric evaluation, physical fitness tests, and criminal background check. It also mandated that the students must not be visually impaired upon entry. After four years of studying, graduates should pursue a career in police enforcement, justice, or proceed to law studies.

Acceptance Rate

62.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Also called UML by many, this public research university was founded over 126 years ago. The northernmost member of the University of Massachusetts system, this institution is primarily located in Lowell, Massachusetts with a satellite campus in Haverhill, Massachusetts. The second-largest university in Massachusetts, it stands at 150 acres with an annual enrollment of 18,000 students. UMass Lowell has six schools offering 120 bachelor degrees, 43 master degrees, and 25 doctoral degree programs including few degrees that are unusually provided by most universities in the USA. Degrees such as nuclear engineering, plastic engineering, and meteorology.

Part of the Francis College of Engineering at UMass, the Computer Engineering program offers a deep understanding of computer programming, software, hardware, and digital/advanced computer logic and architecture. A combined 5-year program is offered for those opting to proceed on taking masters. Requiring to finish 63 credit hours, a Ph.D. program is provided to those students who are highly qualified with excellent academic records. Moreover, certificate programs or pre-engineering courses are offered as such as communications engineering, and engineering data analytics.

Acceptance Rate

73.35

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

This Catholic university was founded by the Congregation Sisters of St. Agnes in 1936 with 17 full-time students and eight instructors. Its located in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin with a campus spanning about 40 acres. It currently offers 11 bachelor's degrees, four master's degrees, and one doctoral degree to its over 2000 students. With an average class size of 15 students, classes are designed for highly collaborative and intensive training of its students. The university upholds its Catholic virtues and teachings and thus, students are required to attend 6 credit courses in Catholic Theology.

The BS Criminal Justice program at Marian University aims to prepare students on understanding real-world criminal issues, and policies. Its characterized to serve and develop courage and commitment with others. Its 60 credit hour curriculum consists of criminal and homeland security electives to immerse its students in different cores of the American justice system. Moreover, the program includes an internship, hands-on training, and research activities to further increase awareness and knowledge before taking a career path in criminal justice.

Acceptance Rate

64.61

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Established in 1794, this public research university is located in 600-acre land in Knoxville, Tennessee. Just one of the campuses of this university, it’s the flagship campus with almost 30,000 students including undergraduate and post-graduate degrees attending. UT Knoxville is the only university in the USA to have three presidential papers editing projects. Being a research-focused university, it has hubs centering on different science and technology-related fields such as environmental science, astronomy, and nuclear science. Being one of the oldest universities in the USA, there are hundreds of top positioned government officials, entertainment workers, and businessmen have graduated from this university.

The degree in Computer Engineering at the University of Tennessee will provide an academic and technical background in hardware, software, and hardware-software integration. Furthermore, it will explore basic topics with microprocessors, computer architecture, data communications, and operating systems. It has a five-year program for BS to Masters for well-qualified students who proficiently perform in academics. It provides financial aid and scholarships as well. Additional minor courses that could be taken include computer science and cybersecurity.

Acceptance Rate

78.85

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

This private Catholic university is established in 1877 through the sponsorship of the Society of Jesus and the Religious Sisters of Mercy. The largest university in the state of Michigan, this 91-acre institution is located in the urban area of Detroit, Michigan. It has three existing campuses situated in the Detroit region with seven colleges and schools. This university admits over 5,000 undergraduate and post-graduate students with 210 full-time and 208 part-time academic staff. Currently, the university sponsors athletic programs such as 17 NCAA Divisions that cater to sports for women and men.

Ranked third as the best university in the state of Michigan, the College of Engineering and Computer Science department at UDM offers a program in Electrical Engineering to its students. Upon entry, an option to choose specialization is given to its students, either in Electronics Control, and Communication Systems or Computer Engineering.  The course in Computer Engineering will help students to prepare on theoretical and application aspects with circuits, electrical systems, hardware, and software. Also, the university offers a 5 year BS to Masters program and doctoral program to very qualified students. Career options after graduation include opportunities in government and private institutions.

Acceptance Rate

77.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Formerly called Point Park College, this private university is founded in 1933 as a Business Training College with only 50 students. Later on, it expanded as a university offering over 70 majors and 20 masters and doctoral degrees. The university has five schools and admits about 4000 students of which 3,200 are undergraduates and 800 are taking graduate studies. Its located in urban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania set in a contemporary city with restaurants, shops, and pubs.

Under the Department of Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies, the bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice provides the foundations of learning courses including forensics, criminology, federal law enforcement, and criminal profiling. Its curriculum is designed based on the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act. Moreover, this university also offers a 5 year BS to master's route for those who opt for higher education.  Also, this could be taken as a minor course or a certificate program for those who want to learn it in a short period. An online program is offered to those students who can’t keep the demands of going to school now and then.

Acceptance Rate

73.11

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The first public university in southeast Florida, Florida Atlantic was established in 1961 through a chartered state legislature. Currently, it has five campuses with its 850-acre main campus located in Boca, Raton, Florida. The university offers more than 179 undergraduate and graduate degrees to its 10 colleges. Moreover, its student body comprises 25,000 undergraduates and 4,600 professional and graduate students. Also a research center, the university specializes in digital imaging, marine engineering, and thermal energy researches with government and private partnerships for continuous funding. Notably, the university has awarded more than 110,000 degrees to its 105,000 alumni since its conception.

The School of Criminal Justice at Florida Atlantic University provides students with knowledge about the nature and causes of crime patterned through the American justice system. Its BA Criminal Justice comprises 120 credit hour program with a course framework focuses on liberal arts and core courses in criminal and juvenile justice systems. Moreover, it has a comprehensive master's program in Criminology and Criminal Justice incorporating solid foundational topics on applied theory and research to efficiently analyze and respond to criminal behavior. A combined BS and master's degree is also offered that could be accomplished for four years of study.

Acceptance Rate

63.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

This public college is founded in 1891, considerably, the second oldest state maritime academy in the United States of America (USA). Originally intended as a maritime school for US Merchant Maritime, this institution has expanded its curriculum to other courses and career options. Located in the rural area of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, this school offers 7 undergraduate programs and 3 master's degrees to its prospective students. Apart from that, the school also provides professional maritime training such as basic firearm safety and GWO Courses.

One of the undergraduate degrees offered in this school includes BS  Emergency Management. The EM program will allow students to learn basics and protocols for different types of emergencies. Not only limited to maritime urgencies, this course variedly provides a lot of opportunities to its graduates. Career options after taking this program include government-related services including military, law enforcement, and fire departments. Also, one could be employed in private organizations, as a cybersecurity analyst, hazardous materials specialist, and business continuity manager.

Acceptance Rate

91.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is one of the top research universities in the United States.  It is an urban university, with its two campuses located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia.  The two main campuses for VCU are Monroe Park Campus and MCV Campus.  Additionally, the university has the VCU Medical Center, along with its health sciences schools and a Level 1 Trauma Center, providing health care in 200 specialties.

In addition to advancing research and providing health care, VCU offers more than 200 academic degree programs and educates the community work force.

VCU receives more than $200 million in sponsored research funding, and offers academic research in many departments and disciplines including the VCU Center for Clinical & Translational Research, several VCU Centers and Institutes, as well as several VCU Core Laboratories.

History

Virginia Commonwealth University was founded in 1838 with the creation of the Medical College of Virginia, as a medical department of Hampden-Sydney College.  In 1854 the Medical College of Virginia became independent.  In 1860 it became state affiliated.

In 1939, the university's school of social work and public health became the Richmond Professional Institute, which became an independent state institution in 1962.  In 1968, there was a merging of the Richmond Professional Institute and the Medical College of Virginia to form what is now known as Virginia Commonwealth University.

Academics

Virginia Commonwealth University offers fall, spring and summer sessions and students may enroll for classes throughout the year.

Colleges and Schools

Virginia Commonwealth University has many Centers and Institutes that serve as its colleges and schools for study and research, and also provide health care and student resources.

  • Center for the Study of Biological Complexity
  • Brand Center
  • Evans-Haynes Burn Center
  • Campus Learning Center
  • Business and Engineering Career Center
  • University Career Center
  • Center for Biobehavioral Clinical Research
  • Center for Cultural Experiences in Prevention
  • Center for Environmental Studies
  • Center for Human Simulation and Patient Safety
  • Center for Human-Animal Interaction
  • Center for Public Policy
  • Center for Teaching Excellence
  • Center on Health Disparities
  • Center on Human Needs
  • Child Development Center
  • Clark Hill Institute
  • Center for Clinical and Translational Research
  • Clinical Research Center
  • Clinical Research Center for Periodontal Diseases
  • Commonwealth Educational Policy Institute
  • Commonwealth Poll
  • Center for Corporate Education
  • Center for Craniofacial Care
  • Curriculum Innovation Resource Center (CIRC)
  • Da Vinci Center for Innovation in Product Design and Development
  • Institute for Drug and Alcohol Studies
  • Center for Drug Studies
  • Virginia Council for Economic Education
  • Employment Support Institute
  • Goodwin Research Laboratory
  • Virginia Area Health Education Centers Program
  • Pauley Heart Center
  • Inger and Walter Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences
  • Center for Institutional Effectiveness
  • Center for Judaic Studies
  • Mass Spectrometry Resource for the Study of Biological Complexity
  • Massey Cancer Center
  • Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery Center
  • Molecular Imaging Center
  • Mood Disorders Institute
  • Department of Neurosurgery
  • Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center
  • Obesity Surgery Center
  • Philips Institute of Oral and Craniofacial Molecular Biology
  • Partnership for People with Disabilities
  • Center for Psychological Services and Development
  • Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
  • Rice Center for Environmental Life Sciences
  • Risk and Insurance Studies Center
  • Center for Sports Leadership
  • Institute for Structural Biology and Drug Discovery
  • Student Media Center
  • Training and Technical Assistance Center
  • Hume-Lee Transplant Center
  • Transportation Safety Training Center
  • Virginia Center for Urban Development
  • VCU Injury & Violence Prevention Program
  • Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center
  • Virginia Center on Aging
  • Virginia Family Business Forum
  • Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics
  • Virginia Institute for Social Services Training Activities
  • C. Kenneth and Dianne Harris Wright Virginia Microelectronics Center
  • Virginia Real Estate Center
  • Virginia Treatment Center for Children
  • Wellness Resource Center
  • Williamson Institute for Health Studies
  • Institute for Women's Health
  • Writing Center

Student Life

There are more than 400 student organizations at VCU, ranging from student government to professional development, leadership, volunteer service opportunities, political involvement, and more. There are many activities and events offered to students throughout the year through the University Student Commons and Activities (USC&A).  The USC&A also accommodates events and meeting planning, among many other student services.  Student Affairs provides many resources and amenities to students on the VCU campuses.

The Break Point is a games room located in the University Student Commons where students can enjoy many recreational activities.

Fraternities and Sororities

There are 35 different chapters of fraternities and sororities offered at VCU, all governed by four governing councils.  The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life at VCU provides overall direction of the Greek community.

Athletics

Many "Rams" athletes who studied and trained at VCU have gone on to play professional sports. The VCU "Rams" teams compete in several intercollegiate sports to include:

Men's Sports

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field

Women's Sports

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Field Hockey
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

Community Life

The VCU Department of Residential Life & Housing assists students in finding on-campus housing or off-campus accommodations.

There are many ways to become involved in community programs at VCU, as well as many ways to enjoy arts, culture and local attractions.  The Anderson Gallery has many art shows throughout the year, and the Singleton Center offers musical and theatrical performances.  The annual international festivals held on campus provide intercultural experiences to VCU students.

There are also many things to do in and around Richmond, the capital city of Virginia, which is listed as one of the "best places to live and work in America."  There are many parks around the city, some along the James River.

The city is rich in arts and culture, and one of its most popular attractions is the "First Fridays Art Walk."  This program showcases more than 40 art galleries and venues in the downtown Richmond area on the first Friday of each month.  The downtown area also boasts many top restaurants and venues for shopping and entertainment.

Acceptance Rate

87.14

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Established in 1937, this Catholic private university is founded by the Felician sisters. Its primarily located in Livonia, Michigan with satellite campuses in southwest Detroit. Its main campus spanning over 80 acres offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and 35 master's programs. Moreover, it has a leadership and management course at a university in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. It’s a sustainable university awarded by the US Green Building Council in Gold Level LEED Franciscan institution. Notable alumni in this university include politicians, athletes, and religious leaders.

The Criminal Justice and Fire Science degree programs will prepare its students for working in public. Most specifically, it will be useful in careers related to police, law enforcement, and firefighting. The BS Criminal Justice is a 45 credit program with options on taking a two-year associate degree or a couple of months completion certificate. Similar to the former, the BS Fire Science could be taken as an associate degree or a minor course. These programs could be flexibly learned either online or on-campus. One to one instruction, hands-on training, and internships are given to its students.

Acceptance Rate

74.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

This private university is established in 1956 as a Methodical College. A highly affiliated institution with the United Methodist Church, its mainly located in Fayetteville, North Carolina. This fast-growing university admits about 2,200 students in its five undergraduate schools and five graduate programs. It spans about 617 acres with 50 buildings and various athletic facilities including the 18-hole golf course, basketball courts, and football course for its students. The university enjoys more than 100 clubs, honor societies, and organizations that all students are free to take part in.

The Justice Studies programs in these universities as such as bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice, and Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity will lead its graduates a career in police enforcement agencies, justice systems, and non-government related works such as in cybersecurity firms and management. Possible minors that could be taken for these courses include Networking Concepts, Digital Crime Investigation, and Criminology. Apart from that, an opportunity to obtain several certifications in programming and computer troubleshooting and security could be taken by the graduates of these programs.

Acceptance Rate

63.01

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

This private Christian university is founded in 1849 as an orphan school exclusively for women. It's affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) protestant denomination. Prevalently a liberal arts institution, this university spans about 200 acres in the heart of Midway, Kentucky. It enrolls about 1700 students, mostly undergraduate students. This university offers online and classroom-based learning through two existing schools with associate, undergraduate, pre-professional, and postgraduate degrees.

Mostly offering only liberal arts degrees, the university offers only a 2-year pre-engineering program for aspiring students seeking a career in computer engineering and cybersecurity. Otherwise, an alternative degree could be taken through BS Criminal Justice. This 120 credit hours degree provides an introduction to law enforcement, courts, corrections, and other challenges in criminal justice. Apart from that, this course is a precursor to a law degree.

Acceptance Rate

59.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Formerly known as the Biscayne College, this private Catholic university was established in 1961 by the Augustinian friars. Still, under the sponsorship of the Catholic Church, it later, change the name in 1984 upon adding other programs and upon shifting towards accepting female students. STU has four available schools offering 23 undergraduate majors, 4 doctoral programs, and 1 professional law program. As of now, its 150-acre campus in Miami Gardens, Florida accepts about 4,200 students annually. Notable alumni in this university include professional athletes, businessmen, actors, and some top-ranking government officials.

The BA in Criminal Justice degree prepares its students towards understanding the structure and function of police, correctional, and court systems. Furthermore, criminal acts and issues such as terrorism, drugs, and capital punishments will be discussed through specified courses. Entry-level internships could be taken in different agencies including the FBI, US Secret Service, US Marshall, and US Department of Justice could be taken by its students. The Homeland Security and Terrorism certificate is a popular program at STU.  Learn more about the security degree programs at Saint Thomas University today by collecting valuable admissions information. 

Acceptance Rate

54.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The University of New Haven was founded back in 1920 as a private, coeducational institution.  The UNH first campus was actually located on Yale’s campus before formalizing a stand-alone campus.  The school boasts a number of exceptional educational programs within a vibrant community in West Haven, Connecticut.  The online Homeland Security Emergency Management degree is an exceptional example of UNH’s academic excellence.  This program helps students focus on the preparation and preparation of both man-made and natural disasters.  University of New Haven has structured this program to offer students the ability to focus on the emergency management track, the homeland security pathway, or both academic disciplines.  Graduates will typically step into vocational opportunities in federal, state, or private industry after graduation. 

Acceptance Rate

82.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

What is Law Enforcement Studies?

The Law Enforcement degree track provides knowledge and case studies on enforcing the law, crime deterrence, law discovery, rehabilitation, and punishing violations according to local or federal statutes. With cross-over with criminal justice and criminology, the law enforcement track adheres to the principles of justice administration from coast to coast.

Typical jobs within the law enforcement domain include police officers, investigators, police cadets, state trooper, sheriff, conservation officer, auxiliary police officer, airport security, police dispatcher, deputy sheriff, police lieutenant, probation officer, district attorney, chief investigator, protective agent, and corrections officer.

Firefighting Studies

Firefighting studies focus on suppression technologies, fire prevention, community outreach, search and rescue programs. Typical jobs within the firefighting discipline include an EMT, paramedic, fire recruit, fire scientist, fire protection technology, firefighter paramedic, and port authority firefighters.

Security & Law Enforcement Requirements

The curriculum within the Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting degree program will typical provide students with diverse courses. Examples of classes you may find in security and law enforcement classes:

Criminology Risk Assessment
Medical Operations Forensic Science
Public Safety Legal Studies
Emergency Rescue & Recovery Hazard Assessment
Counterterrorism Contingency Planning
National Security Emergency Response
Criminal Justice Fire Science
Public Relations CPR & First Aid
Relief Administration Event Mitigation

 

Employment & Law Enforcement Specializations

Students studying law enforcement in college will have varied paths after graduation. Some programs are designed to be direct-hire programs which hire students from specifically designed degrees. In other cases, students will have choices to consider with respect to security and law careers.

Vocations to consider in law enforcement may include EMT, firefighter, police officer, detective, budget analyst, forensic scientist, private detective, research scientist, security guard, forensic counterterrorism agent, police science, fraud investigation, and policy director.

Security & Law Enforcement Job Growth

Careers in law enforcement and associated security fields are estimated by the BLS to grow substantially in the coming years. For example, the paramedic and EMT job profession is forecast to rise by at least 15%.

Likewise, the career prospects for security officers and firefighters will rise by 6% during this timeframe. States employing the most officers and firefighters is currently Texas followed by California, Illinois, and New York.

Resources in Security & Law Enforcement

For additional information and resources about the Department of Homeland Security, visit DHS for tools, resources, job listings, and regulations that may pertain to your particular situation.

The FLEOA and IAFF are world-class associations to help extend the professionalism of law enforcement and firefighters across the country. Consider researching these organizations to determine if the resources and tools are worth the annual membership dues.

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