Homeland Security Careers

Homeland Security and Public Safety Career Paths

Those earning a degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety will be eligible for many different types of careers. Graduates of this program will be trained for careers in Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Criminal Justice fields. Career opportunities exist at the federal, state and local levels, as well as private sector organizations.

• Local and State: emergency response, detention facilities, public buildings and utilities, emergency management agency
• Federal: Department of Homeland Security, Central Intelligence Agency, Department of Labor, Department of State’s Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection
• Private: Facility security, safety patrol, industrial security, cybersecurity

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Created in 2001 to coordinate homeland security activities between all government agencies and private organizations, the Department of Homeland Security has grown to one of the largest Federal agencies. By 2006, it already employed approximately 183,000 security professionals in Washington D.C. and across the country.

Specific Department of Homeland Security career opportunities for graduates include:

Citizenship and Immigration Services

• Asylum Officer
• Immigration Officer

Customs and Border Protection

• Border Patrol Agent
• Import Specialist
• Detention and Removal Assistant

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

• Detention and Deportation Officer
• Immigration Enforcement Agent

Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate

• Protective Security Advisor
• Intelligence Operations Specialist
• IT Specialist (information security)

Transportation and Security Administration

• Intelligence Operations Specialist
• Transportation Security Screener

U.S. Secret Service

• Criminal Investigator

Work Environment

Depending on the specific occupation, work environments can vary greatly. Homeland security professionals may work in an office setting, manufacturing environment, airport, or public utility while others are primarily mobile (such as border patrol). Work weeks are typically 40-hours in length, and there may be opportunities for over-time. Shifts may be rotating. Full-time employees typically receive a full benefits package. Public sector employees also typically receive a government pension at retirement.

Some people employed in a homeland security position will routinely engage in situations where their personal safety is threatened. In addition, professionals in this field are expected to be honest and ethical while on-duty and off, and are often looked at as role models within the community.

Career Advancement

Homeland security and public safety positions typically have multiple levels of rank, and advancement is determined by level of education, length of experience, and on-the-job performance. As most positions are in the public sector, specific levels must be reached before advancement can occur; this may include a minimum exam score, number of years in the position, or a degree level.