Homeland Security

What is the Purpose and Function of Homeland Security?

Homeland security is a relatively new field and many students don’t even realize that this is an educational option. However, it is a growing field, and with workers in high demand across the country, it is a great option for people interested in policy, law, finance, politics, and other related fields.
General Role of Homeland Security

In general, homeland security is all about keeping the United States a safe place. This involves passing laws and writing new policy, fighting crime, and preventing terrorism, among other things. Homeland security is about protecting the freedoms we’re afforded in the United States, while also ensuring citizens are safe.

Specialized Homeland Security Functions

To get into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a look at some of the specializations in homeland security. Workers in this area deal with the following areas:

Immigration and Border Security
Cybersecurity
Counterterrorism
Disaster Response and Recovery

Within each of these area, there are even more specialized areas within homeland security. For example, under counterterrorism, you’ll find people dealing with nuclear site security, fraud and counterfeit, aviation security, chemical security, information sharing, law enforcement, and more.

Where is Homeland Security in Place?

Most people realize that homeland security is a national process, with programs like the National Terrorism Advisory System and TSA rules at airports helping to keep the entire country safe. However, this is also a state and local process as well. For example, the Department of Homeland Security has great information about what they call Hometown Security, which includes what individuals can dohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif to keep their neighborhood safe.

Why is Homeland Security Necessary?

Whatever your personal opinions on topics like international relationships and immigration, one cannot deny that the United States has enemies. In order to keep Americans safe, policies and systems have to be in place to stop attacks and prevent our resources from being overwhelmed. In addition, homeland security keeps the United States prepared for natural disasters. Homeland security is often about learning from mistakes. Today’s policies and systems are set in place to avoid events like 9/11 and better prepare for natural disasters like Katrina to save lives and avoid damage. The role of homeland security is constantly evolving to keep up with the needs of the country.

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Definition of Master of Homeland Security Degree

A Master of Homeland Security is a fairly new degree that developed in recent years as homeland security became one of the top concerns of the government. A Master of Homeland Security prepares students to work in the public and private sectors of security, which have blended in recent years in order to be the most effective. A Master of Homeland Security teaches students leadership skills, how to implement security plans, and the role technology plays in modern security measurements. Students should have strong computer and leadership skills.

What Do I Learn in a Master of Homeland Security Program?

Students focus on management skills, strategy, ethics, decision-making skills, research methods and analytical skills. It is an exciting time to be part of security measures in the U.S. and this degree opens doors for students wishing to work for the government or private companies. Private companies are increasing their security and need people who are well-equipped in this field and know how to utilize technology to keep their properties and intelligence safe.

What Classes Do I Take in a Master of Homeland Security Program?

Strategic management in dynamic environments
Graduate research methods
Disaster communication
Natural disasters
Protecting key infrastructure
Homeland security administration: policies and programs
Network management and security
Politics and root causes of terrorism


Am I Only Learning About Terrorism When Obtaining a Master of Homeland Security?

A Master of Homeland Security is intended to teach students how to protect structures and intelligence on all fronts. It is not a program that solely revolves around terrorism. Terrorism does play a large role in homeland security efforts, but a Master of Homeland Security prepares students to work with many security problems. These include terrorism, natural disaster, biological warfare and hacking.


What Do I Need to Qualify for a Master of Homeland Security Program?

Because this program is fairly new, not all programs have prerequisites. Some require a bachelor’s degree in a related field. This might be public policy, network security or information technology. These are not the only degrees that will make you eligible for a master of homeland security program, as they vary by school. Others may allow military personnel with a bachelor’s degree in any subject to quality for a Master of Homeland Security program. It all depends on the program. Most online programs that are attached to traditional schools will have prerequisites, while those who are solely online schools will not. Students always need a bachelor’s degree in order to enroll in a Master of Homeland security program. The only thing that varies is what that degree is in.


Why do I need a Master of Homeland Security?

For those who want to work in middle and upper ranking positions in security systems for the government or private companies, a Master of Homeland Security will get you there. Prior to this degree, it took years of working on the job to accumulate the experience and know how of making quick decisions and taking the correct actions during a time of crisis. A Master of Homeland Security focuses on certain areas that specifically prepare candidates for those types of disasters, such as a hurricane or military attack on home soil.

A Master of Homeland Security prepares you for those specific issues you will face in a high ranking job. With the changing state of security in the U.S., it was quickly realized that there’s no time to waste for entry level personnel. Now instead of learning for 10 years on the job, students with a master of homeland security degree are prepared for those positions with a two year masters program.


How Can I Get a Job With a Master of Homeland Security?

It can be difficult to get a job after obtaining your master’s degree depending on your job experience and other factors. One of these other factors is security clearance. Because many private companies work with the government under contract, they require employees to have government security clearance. This is very costly for a company to obtain for an employee, so may require the employee to already have it. When it comes down to it, if the position is between you and someone who already has security clearance, the other party is most likely going to get the job.

One way to obtain security clearance is to get a job as an entry level intelligence analyst. It can be a long process getting this job, but once you do, you will have government security clearance and work experience in conjunction with your master of homeland security. This makes for a very good resume for future employers. If you already have your bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field, you can opt to enter the military to obtain security clearance. This is a common path for those who go on to work in homeland security.

What if I am in the Military?

If you are currently in the military or have a military background, you already have an edge on the competition. You have security clearance and likely have some security skills. You do need a bachelor’s degree in order to qualify for a master of homeland security program. A Master of Homeland Security will teach you systems analysis, leadership skills and focus on the intelligence portion of security. Regardless of what your background is in the military (infantry, maintenance, etc.) a Master of Homeland Security is beneficial for your future if you wish to stay in the field.

You can continue to work full time at your job while obtaining a part time master of homeland security degree or you can go to school full time. The less of a gap there is in your resume, the better, so you should begin your master of homeland security program while still in the military or soon after. Military personnel often have a clear understanding of security computer programs and know how to analyze data and make split decisions. These are all skills that will serve you well in a Master of Homeland Security program, as well as in future security jobs.


Blogs and Online Resources for Working in Homeland Security

USA Jobs
Department of Homeland Security Blog
Clearance Jobs Blog
Homeland Security Careers
Defense Placement
Security Notes
Glass Door - Working at U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Military Times Edge - Homeland Security Degrees
Indeed - Getting Intelligence Analyst Job
Center for Homeland Defense and Security



How Important is Experience for Working in Homeland Security?

Experience is arguably the most important part of getting a job in homeland security. Both the government and private companies want candidates who can hit the ground running when it comes to their position. Seldom is there time or funding to train people on the job. It is all about experiences you already have and learning as you go for the new position. A Master in Homeland Security does prepare students for critical thinking and analysis, but seldom is the degree enough on its own to garner a high ranking position. Job experience is an integral part of working in homeland security.


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