The United States Department of Homeland Security is a relatively new entity that was organized under President George W. Bush not long after the terrorist attacks at the Pentagon and World Trade Center. The Department is also well known for releasing National Threat Advisories, color-coded threat levels that are used especially in regards to travel threats. Currently, however, the Department of Homeland Security encompasses much more than counterterrorism strategies. Professionals who are employed by the department work for the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Secret Service, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and several other divisions devoted to public safety, surveillance and border control. The exact job descriptions for these positions vary, with Coast Guard officers being responsible for environmental protection, search and rescue and border patrol, while TSA federal air marshals monitor airline safety, passengers, crew members, cargo and airplanes themselves in order to protect Americans against acts of terrorism and crime. All professionals who work for the Department of Homeland Security must be well-trained, trustworthy individuals who can make quick decisions and judgment calls based on their experience, education and instruction from supervisors. Work conditions for Homeland Security employees vary also, and officers may find themselves patrolling port cities, in a Washington, D.C. office, working in an airport customs office, or protecting the President and other high profile politicians from assassination attempts.

 

 

Just as the job descriptions and working conditions for Homeland Security careers vary, salaries fluctuate depending on experience, location, education and particular job. Generally, the most high profile jobs pay the highest salaries. All Homeland Security professionals are eligible for the federal benefits package, which includes health insurance, personal leave days, ten paid holidays each year, paid training, a portable retirement plan (Thrift Savings Plan), medical spending accounts, life and long-term care insurance, tuition reimbursement and more.

Because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expects its employees to be highly trained, intelligent professionals, job candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, like computer science or information technology, criminal justice, or law enforcement. A Master’s degree in one of these areas could increase your chances of earning a higher salary right away, becoming eligible for promotions, and standing out among the crowd of other competitive job candidates. Additional skills they could help your chances of getting a job with Homeland Security include proficiency in a foreign language or previous experience in the military.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges

Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.

 
1.
University of Phoenix - Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
 
2.
Everest University Online - Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
 
3.
Walden University - Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
 
4.
Colorado Technical University - Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
 
5.
Kaplan University - Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
 
6.
Capella University - Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
 
7.
Saint Joesph's University - Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
 
8.
Virginia College - Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
 
9.
University of Cincinnati - Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
 
10.
Bowling Green State University - Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
 
11.
South University - Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
 

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