What can you do with a Homeland Security degree?

First, some facts. Of the Homeland Security graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 123 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Homeland Security graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 68%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 36% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Homeland Security graduate.

See the details:

View a random Homeland Security graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2010 from American Military University with a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Operations Sergeant
UNITED STATES ARMY
Jan 2012 - Jan 2014
As an Operations Sergeant in the United States Army, the position utilizes skills and knowledge directly relevant to homeland security, such as leadership in crisis situations and managing operations that protect national interests.

Supervisor
UNITED STATES ARMY
Jan 2014 - Present
The role of Supervisor in the United States Army involves oversight of operations and personnel in contexts related to national defense and security, making it highly relevant to the Bachelor's degree in Homeland Security.

ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Homeland Security degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the job paths taken by people who graduated with degrees in Homeland Security, it's apparent that several distinct career trajectories emerge. Many graduates have found employment in law enforcement, emergency management, and military positions, which are directly related to the principles taught in their degree programs. For example, the roles of Immigration Services Officer, Police Officer, and Emergency Management Planner are all closely aligned with the core concepts of public safety, risk management, and operational preparedness that are integral to Homeland Security education.

Interestingly, a notable number of graduates have also pursued careers that, while they may use some transferable skills, don't utilize their Homeland Security background on a regular basis. Jobs such as Project Managers, Financial Analysts, and even positions in retail or hospitality often lack the direct application of knowledge necessary to address specific homeland security challenges. Consequently, while these roles may develop general management and operational skills, they often fall short of engaging the security-focused competencies that graduates were trained to master. This dichotomy raises a crucial question: are graduates adequately prepared for the job market, or should there be a stronger focus on career readiness within their programs?

Overall, it seems that many people with degrees in Homeland Security are able to find jobs that are relevant to their education. However, a significant portion also ends up in positions that are either indirectly related or, in some cases, entirely unrelated to their studies. This highlights the need for continual evaluation of the curriculum and career support provided by educational institutions to ensure future graduates are more consistently able to find relevant employment in the field of Homeland Security.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Homeland Security graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Homeland Security graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Homeland Security, there's a mixed bag of outcomes, but there are definitely some patterns that stand out. For many, the first jobs post-graduation often involve internships or roles within government or military agencies. These positions typically focus on areas like emergency management, security, or law enforcement, which align well with their studies. For example, several graduates went straight into roles with the U.S. military or governmental departments like the Department of Homeland Security, which could be viewed as a solid entry point into their chosen field.

However, as we look at the longer-term career paths—five to ten years down the line—there's a noticeable divide. Many of those who initially started off in relevant roles like Emergency Management Specialists, Immigration Services Officers, or various security-related positions tend to progress within governmental agencies or the military, showcasing a clear trajectory that is relevant to their degree. On the flip side, some graduates seem to have veered off into unrelated fields, like real estate, financial services, or general management roles, which suggests that not everyone is finding a niche in Homeland Security or is staying within the sector they trained for. This could reflect a mix of personal choice and market demands, where graduates might have found better opportunities outside their immediate field of study.

In essence, for those aiming for a career in Homeland Security, starting strong with relevant internships and entry-level jobs often leads to fulfilling career paths within government and defense. However, the data also indicates that some graduates may struggle or pivot to unrelated careers, implying that while a degree in this field has potential, the realities of job markets can lead to varied outcomes. It seems that for those who stick to their field, the outlook is generally positive, but the journey is not the same for everyone.

How hard is a Homeland Security degree?

A Bachelor degree in Homeland Security can be on the easier side compared to some other majors, but that doesn't mean you can just coast through it. It often includes a mix of general education classes and more specialized courses about security policy, emergency management, and even some law enforcement stuff. While you won't necessarily need to memorize tons of complex theories like some science majors, you will have to stay on top of your readings and projects, which can add up. So, if you’re motivated and interested in the subject, it can be a manageable degree, but if you’re not into it, you might find it a bit challenging just like with any other field of study!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 3 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Homeland Security.

Do Homeland Security graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at these LinkedIn profiles, it seems like most graduates from Homeland Security programs have landed solid jobs, particularly those in government or military positions. Many have worked their way up the ladder from internships to roles like Program Analysts or Managers, which generally offer decent salaries. For example, those who have secured positions within the Department of Homeland Security or military roles often enjoy stable pay and benefits. However, there are also individuals who appear to have taken on roles with lower pay potential, especially if they're still starting out or working in lower-tier positions. Overall, it appears many of these grads are doing well financially, though the exact figures can vary widely based on their specific roles and experiences.

That being said, some graduates who are in non-government jobs or entry-level positions may not see the same earning potential. Fields like security or emergency management often pay reasonably well, but it might take some time to climb up and achieve those higher salaries. So, while many of these folks seem to be on a good financial path thanks to their degrees, there are definitely some who might need to put in more time and effort before they start seeing the big bucks. It's all about where they land and how they leverage their experience in these fields.

What buzzwords do Homeland Security graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Homeland Security. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Homeland Security?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Homeland Security (ordered by the average relevance score of their Homeland Security graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
American Military University 74 33
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 66 11