How do you get into Homeland Security?
You might think that careers in homeland security are limited to people who already have extensive experience in intelligence, law enforcement, or in the military. While those still are completely viable pathways to entry into the field, dedicated formal education in homeland security is becoming an increasingly normal route.
Degrees in homeland security related subject matter such as criminal justice, applied intelligence, or counterterrorism theory are now in demand across this growing sector and can give you a competitive edge in the homeland security job market. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accounts for nearly 10% of the entire federal workforce according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is likely to grow further as the job of keeping our society safe becomes more and more complex.
The Requirements
Most positions that have a clear track for advancement in the national security field require at least a bachelor’s degree, or at least some college education. In either case, having relevant coursework in your educational background will help your job application.
The basic requirements are especially important for higher-level position in the federal government. Positions above the GS-7 pay grade require specific experience and/or education in that particular field. For instance, a researcher working on better explosive detection devices would need a background in chemistry or engineering, while an accountant who investigates suspicious financial activities would most likely need an education in accounting, finance, statistics, or another related field.
DHS Hires Promising Candidates, Even if They Lack Experience
The good news for government positions in homeland security is that you don’t necessarily need working experience relevant to a job description if you have a strong enough educational background. Many government job descriptions require work experience equivalent to a related job a pay grade or two down from that of the job itself or two to four years’ worth of education in homeland security related subject matter.
Getting Your Foot in the Door
There is a thorough rundown of the typical requirements for positions at the Department of Homeland Security entail on their website, and you can browse or search for specific positions in the DHS section of USAJOBS.gov. Entry level GS positions can be competitive, but DHS also provides fellowships, internships, and training programs, including summer internships for active college students. And if you are a veteran, you may already have plenty of relevant experience, but having a formal education in homeland security can give you an edge over your peers.
DHS also employs a huge number of contractors, as the process for hiring full federal employees through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) can be too demanding for the needs of the department and its constituent agencies. Contract positions can be either through DHS – you may be able to find these positions on USAJOBS as well – or directly or one of its many contracting partners from big defense contractors the Boeing Company or Lockheed-Martin to tech firms like Motorola Solutions, Inc. and UNISYS.
What Can You Learn in College for Homeland Security?
While there’s far more to this field than anyone can learn even with years of classroom education – the reality of the global security situation changes daily, and nothing can replace on-the-job experience – a college degree in homeland security will prepare you for the job and teach you practical, relevant skills that DHS wants to see in its applicants.
Students in a homeland security degree program will learn how to operate in a homeland security setting. This includes understanding the policies and protocols of DHS, knowing how to follow the principles for security and surveillance outlined by their department, learning valuable intelligence-gathering and analysis skills, and the laws surrounding DHS.
They will also be taught the principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the systematic approach that guides all the government’s agencies as well as nongovernmental entities to work together effectively during times of crisis. By creating a useful framework for action, NIMS enables even the largest organizations to react swiftly and properly to crises ranging from natural disasters and disease epidemics to mass riots and incidents of terrorism.
Are you interested in the field of homeland security and not sure where to start your career? ECPI University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus in Homeland Security. For more information about this degree program, connect with a friendly admissions counselor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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