Bachelor of Science in
Homeland Security
The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security empowers graduates with the knowledge and skills to succeed throughout the homeland security enterprise.
About the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
In a world where the security landscape is ever-evolving, the need for skilled professionals in homeland security has never been greater. Natural disasters, the ongoing impacts of climate change, the persistent threat of global terrorism and the complexities of cybersecurity demand a new breed of security expert.
Embry-Riddle, a pioneer in homeland security education, offers one of the nation's first Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security. This program not only provides a solid foundation in security principles but also offers a unique blend of courses in global conflict studies, military science and counterterrorism. It's not just about learning - it's about applying this knowledge to make a real difference.
Student Learning Outcomes
What you will learn while studying for an online homeland security degree:
- Understand the Framework: grasp the intricate legal and policy structure that underpins the homeland security industry
- Protect Critical Infrastructures: develop skills to identify and safeguard essential U.S. infrastructures
- Master Risk Management: employ cutting-edge principles and tools to address homeland security challenges
- Assess Environmental Hazards: analyze the relationship between environmental hazards and U.S. security
Homeland Security Career Opportunities
Careers and Employers
Setting the standard, Embry-Riddle graduates are set to enter the workforce in top companies, including the FBI, CIA, NSA, the Department of Defense and Northrop Grumman, with a placement rate of 90% within a year of graduation.
Graduates with a Homeland Security degree often secure roles as:
- Intelligence Analysts
- Federal Agents
- Information Security Analysts
- Security Supervisors
Homeland Security Salary Information
A degree from Embry-Riddle provides the opportunity for competitive salaries, averaging $88,929 annually, as of 2022.
DETAILS
About Homeland Security at the Worldwide & Online Campus
With the ever-changing needs of the government and its role in protecting its citizens, the online homeland security degree aims to meet those needs as well as the needs of the private sector. Homeland Security students develop highly marketable skills, such as the ability to perform risk analyses, utilize counterterrorism techniques, write emergency management plans and understand how to identify and protect critical infrastructure.
The Worldwide & Online Campus is especially suited for working students, those on the go or students who want to save a bit of money while still living at home.
Tracks/Specialties and/or Certificates
Students can customize their online Homeland Security degree by choosing from these available tracks:
- Emergency Management
- Terrorism Studies
- Forensic Accounting
- Military Science
- International History
- Global Conflict Studies
- Cybersecurity
- Students will earn the FEMA | Emergency Management Institute Professional Development Series (PDS) certificate as part of this program.
Homeland Security Information
- Credits: 123
- Online or In-Person: Fully online
Helpful Links
- Attend a Worldwide Virtual Info Session
- Discover the Department's Faculty
- Explore the Fields of Study: Aviation & Security, Intelligence and Safety
- Find Related Clubs & Organizations
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
General Education
| General Education | ||
| Embry-Riddle courses in the general education categories of Communication Theory and Skills, and Humanities and Social Sciences may be chosen from those listed below, assuming prerequisites are met. Courses from other institutions are acceptable if they fall into these broad categories and are at the level specified. | ||
| Communication Theory and Skills | 9 | |
| ENGL 123 or equivalent | 3 | |
| ENGL (above ENGL 106) / SPCH / COMD | 6 | |
| Humanities and Social Sciences | 12 | |
| Lower-Level Humanities | 3 | |
| Lower-Level Social Science | 3 | |
| Lower-Level or Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Upper-Level Humanities or Social Sciences | 3 | |
| Any Physical and Life Sciences | 6 | |
| Any Mathematics 6-hour sequence above MATH 106 | 6 | |
| Any Computer Science/Information Technology | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Core/Major
| Homeland Security Core** | ||
| HLSD 110 | Introduction to Homeland Security | 3 |
| HLSD 155 | Foundations of Information Security | 3 |
| HLSD 215 | Introduction to Industrial Security | 3 |
| HLSD 280 | Professional Skills in Homeland Security | 3 |
| EMGY 310 | Fundamentals of Emergency Management | 3 |
| HLSD 315 | Critical Infrastructure Security, Resilience, and Risk Analysis | 3 |
| HLSD 320 | Homeland Security Law and Policy | 3 |
| SCTY 488 | National Security Issues and Terrorism | 3 |
| SCTY 315 | Studies in Intelligence I | 3 |
| or SCTY 385 | Intelligence Collection and Analysis | |
| HLSD 290 | Environmental Security | 3 |
| HLSD 360 | Strategic Planning and Decision Making in Homeland Security | 3 |
| HLSD 405 | Emergent Topics in Homeland Security | 3 |
| or HLSD 415 | Immigration and Homeland Security | |
| HLSD 410 | Exercise Design and Evaluation in Homeland Security | 3 |
| HLSD 495 | Homeland Security Capstone I | 3 |
| HLSD 496 | Homeland Security Capstone II | 3 |
| Total Credits | 45 | |
Breadth Area or Choose Minors
| Breadth Area/Minors** | ||
| Students complete their breadth requirement by either two non-duplicating minors (minimum 30 credits total), or one minor and a "coherent block of study" from transferred military credits, FAA licenses, or approved college credits (minimum 30 credits total) that is determined with consent of Program Coordinator. | ||
| Total Credits | 30 | |
| Program Support** | 9 | |
| SFTY 201 | Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health | 3 |
| or BSAS 409 | Aviation Safety | |
| Select one of the following safety courses: | 3 | |
SFTY 315 | Environmental Compliance and Safety | |
SFTY 462 | Health, Safety and Aviation Law | |
| STAT 222 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| **For students in the Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security degree program the RSCH 202 prerequisite for Core, Program Support, or Minor courses are waived since RSCH 202 is not required for the program. | ||
Electives
| Open Electives | 3 | |
| Choose Any 300-400 Level Course | ||
| Total Degree Requirements | (Minimum) 123 | |
- *
Minnesota student residents refer to State of Minnesota Course Requirement statement for Humanities requirements.
BSHS to MSHSR 4+1 Program, A Unique Opportunity
The BSHS to MSHSR 4+1 program is for exceptional students committed to continuing their education through the master's degree. This fast-paced program an accelerated BSHS leading to an M.S. in Human Security & Resilience (MSHSR) degree program in five academic years. The 4+1 option allows qualifying students to substitute either three MSHSR graduate courses covering similar concepts and principles for three required courses:
Students accepted into the 4+1 program spend three academic years in undergraduate-level study. At the beginning of their senior year (having earned at least 75 credit hours with a 3.00 CGPA), they may take up to three graduate-level courses that will meet undergraduate and graduate program requirements (when a B grade or better is achieved). Students must complete a minimum of 120 undergraduate/graduate course credits for their Bachelor of Science degree.
Upon completion of the BSHS requirements, students will be enrolled in graduate school and can complete their MSHSR degree in one year. In any graduate course taken by an undergraduate student, the student must earn a grade of B or better. If the student earns a grade of C or F in any of the MSHSR graduate courses taken for BSHS credit, the student will be removed from the 4+1 program, have credit awarded to the BSHS degree only, and may continue to complete the BSHS degree.
Courses such as MHSR 530 (Environmental Security) can be taken in lieu of HLSD 290 (Environmental Security). MHSR 520 (Principles of International Conflict Resolution) can be taken in lieu of HLSD 320 (Homeland Security Law and Policy). Any 500-level MHSR course can be taken in place of the BSHS 300/400-level elective.
Students initiate program acceptance through their Academic Advisor or Campus Advisor; to help ensure program criteria are met. Student Advisor will complete the request for processing into the 4+1 program.
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Summary
123 Credits
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