The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plays a vital role in protecting the nation from threats and helping to secure our freedom. This department was created in response to the 9/11 terrorist attack. It comprises of a number of agencies that offer specialized security services in a particular field. Some of the main agencies include the US Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection Agency, Transportation Security Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency. There are over 240,000 employees in Homeland Security. Pursuing a career in this field comes with many benefits. Individuals who are passionate about serving their nation and playing a key role in protecting its fellow citizens could choose a career in the DHS. Institutes are offering homeland security degrees and certifications. These programs are designed to prepare students for a career in the DHS.
Certificate in Homeland Security
A certificate in Homeland Security is a short program designed to provide students with career-oriented knowledge and skills. The program will help students learn about the fundamentals of Homeland Security and policy making. The duration of the program could last anywhere from 6 to 8 months, depending upon the school. The coursework of the program is geared towards allowing students to understand the risk and security issues faced by our nation. Students will develop a broad knowledge-base of policy making in the DHS and how it is affected by the legislation. Some of the major objectives of the program are:
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Understand the risk of catastrophic events and terrorism activity
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Learn about strategic development in Homeland Security
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Acquire a brief overview of key actors and their role in the department
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Develop a strong skill set needed for a career in homeland security
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Understand the major agencies in the DHS and their functions
The curriculum will cover in-detail many different subjects related to the field. These will shed light on the important aspects of Homeland Security and its major objectives. Some subjects include homeland security administration, social and ethical issues, strategic planning, defense in practice, disaster communication, network management, and security. The exact curriculum will vary from school to school. Homeland Security certificate programs are offered by many campus-based schools as well as online schools. Individuals who cannot commit to full-time campus-based classes may still pursue this program through online learning. It is important that you check the accreditation of the school before enrolling in any Homeland Security certification program.
Career Opportunities
With a Homeland Security certificate, you could pursue a challenging career in the DHS. You may choose to work in many different fields and agencies such as the following:
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Citizenship and Immigrations Services Department
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Customs and Border Protection
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Federal Emergency Management Agency
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US Secret Services
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US Coast Guard
The exact job you may qualify for will depend on your area of expertise, education, and skill. You may also have to undergo additional training for a specific job in the department. The income level will vary for each job.