2025 Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Degree Guide
The field of Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, and Firefighting is an important one and has been in high demand since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This field allows you to be trained in a variety of national defense areas, preparing you for work protecting your country and fellow citizens.
There are a few different majors you can pursue in this field. Criminal Justice and Corrections will teach you about prison life, drug trafficking, and law, preparing you for work with criminals and the reformation system. A major in Fire Protection will provide training on preventing and stopping fires. You can also choose to major in Homeland Security in order to learn how to prevent and respond to threats and crisis internationally and domestically.
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Requirements for Getting a Degree in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting
Leadership skills will help you during your training and in a future career. In a time of crisis, citizens will count on you to keep them safe. You must be able to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations and thrive when under. Interpersonal skills will help you work with all types of people of different ages and backgrounds. Be ready to listen to the concerns and advice of others, and also be able to explain laws and policies.
Most of the classes in this field are centered on science, math, government and law. Students should be comfortable with their math and science skills and ready to discuss potentially controversial subjects in the classroom. This rigorous major may also include physical training to prepare you to react in dangerous situations.
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Prior Education for a Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Program
New students will need to have completed high school or a GED program and each school will have their own minimum GPA and SAT/ACT test requirements. In addition to these basic homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting program qualifications, to serve in some homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
Types of Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Degrees
There are various different levels of homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees. You can spend many years getting as high as a in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting to something that takes less time like a . Different homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degrees vary in how long they take.
Degree
Credit Requirements
Typical Program Length
Associate Degree
60-70 credits
2 years
Bachelor’s Degree
120 credits
4 years
Master’s Degree
50-70 credits
1-3 years
Doctorate
Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation
At least 4 years
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting, with approximately 32.7% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting workers below.
Level of Education
Percentage of Workers
Bachelor’s Degree
29.6%
High School Diploma
23.1%
Some College Courses
12.9%
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree)
12.4%
Post-Secondary Certificate
10.1%
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58.6% of homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting workers have at least a associate. See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting have received.
The education level required is different depending on the homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting career you are seeking.
Career Opportunities for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Majors
Above AverageNumber of Jobs
$41.8kAverage Starting Salary
8% GrowthJob Outlook 2016-26
Depending on your major focus, you will be able to work in numerous fields. Graduates find work in fields like fraud detection, medicine, human resources, civil rights, intelligence, science and technology, facilities, and procurement. You will also be prepared for law enforcement careers in the areas of border security, head of state, protection of the President, interagency law enforcement training, and infrastructure security. If interested in prevention and response careers, you can find jobs protecting the public and the environment as a U.S. Coast Guard member or firefighter. Some career choices may require additional education or training.
Growth Projected for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree? Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting careers are expected to grow 7.7% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting.
Occupation Name
Projected Jobs
Expected Growth
Accountants and Auditors
1,537,600
10.0%
Managers
1,071,700
8.0%
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
731,900
7.0%
Correctional Officers and Jailers
415,500
-7.7%
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
362,600
14.2%
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Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Degree Salary Potential
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $41,756 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $5,087 to as high as $165,273. As you might expect, salaries for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Highest Paid Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Careers
Salaries for homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting grads often go into.
Occupation Name
Median Average Salary
Managers
$115,590
Information Security Analysts
$102,470
Computer Workers
$93,350
Police and Detective Supervisors
$93,100
Financial Examiners
$90,310
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Getting Your Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Degree
With over 7,372 different homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased homeland security, law enforcement & firefighting school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting
by our College Data Analytics Team
