by our College Data Analytics TeamThe field of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is large and encompasses a lot of different concentrations. Students work with advanced technology and science in order to learn how to protect and defend the U.S. against threats.
In addition to the more popular areas of study, there are some less well-known fields. One niche area is Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense. This major will teach you how to protect America's food chain. Damage to the food source in America can cause illness or death as well as economic loss. These students are taught how to monitor food sources for disease and learn practical knowledge in food, animal, and plant security.
Another major you could enter is Geospatial Intelligence. Students will learn how to use geospatial technology to measure and analyze safety risks, as well as monitor for problems. This crucial information saves lives during a disaster and is used in disaster response and recovery, emergency preparedness, and environmental protection.
Public Health Preparedness is another option you could choose to follow. Your classes will teach you how to respond to man-made and natural disasters. This will be done both effectively and efficiently as you keep your cool when working through a health catastrophe.
A degree in Other Homeland Security explores Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting And Related Protective Services, Other. Continue reading for the key facts every other homeland security major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering other homeland security programs.
Nationwide, other homeland security is a widely-pursued major, with 1,217 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Other Homeland Security Schools ranking analyzes these 62 schools to determine the best overall colleges for other homeland security students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of other homeland security programs later in this article.
Students in this field need a global outlook with a desire to protect America. Be aware of current issues and national trends. Interpersonal skills will help lead you to success as you work with all types of people, listen and understand their perspectives.
It is also important that you are able to react in a time of emergency in a calm and confident manner. People will turn to you to help protect society and return order. This major will prepare you to serve as a leader in society. A variety of advanced knowledge will need to be applied to different scenarios. You should be able to take theories and ideas from class and use them in real life situations.
There are several other homeland security degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 44 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 122 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 566 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 466 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 9 |
Graduates can find work in a variety of settings. Those who study Agriculture Biosecurity and Food Defense can become food scientists and technologists, plant managers, or quality control managers. Geospatial Intelligence may lead to a career in geospatial analysis, imagery analysis, intelligence analysis, or a GEOINT data specialist. Grads who choose to major in Public Health Preparedness can work in health services, disaster recovery, education, policy planning, public health, or emergency management. Other majors prepare you for various careers in homeland security.
College Scorecard reports median earnings of other homeland security graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $55,723 |
| 4 years | $56,806 |
| 5 years | $64,626 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
With 62 different other homeland security programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased other homeland security school rankings to help you.
Those considering other homeland security, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other | 1,217 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 102,547 |
| Fire Protection | 15,202 |
| Security Science and Technology | 9,173 |
| Homeland Security | 6,323 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
