Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor of Science in
Homeland Security and Public Safety

CLASSES START
Jan 8th

32 Mo.

Program Length

120

Credits

Online

or On-Campus

$464

Cost Per Credit

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Information

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor of Science in
Homeland Security and Public Safety

Earn a homeland security degree from Herzing University

Accreditation	Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer credit	Up to 90 approved credits
Classes	Core courses in homeland security, public safety and criminal justice
Careers	Prepare for many career options in security, emergency and law enforcement fields
QuickPaths	Transfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety

The Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security degree is a 120-credit program which prepares you for local, state, federal, and private jobs in homeland security and public safety.

The degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills criminology, law enforcement, courts, corrections, industrial security, and more.

Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

Flexible schedule

You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start January 8th

Learn More Today

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Curriculum

Homeland Security and Public Safety Programs

A Herzing University degree in Homeland Security and Public Safety can be applied to many careers within the security, emergency, and law enforcement fields.

Program	Monthsⁱ	Credits
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety	32	120
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice With a Concentration in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism	32	120

i. Average number of months for students to complete program. Program availability varies by location.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism

Designed for those who do not wish to transfer a large number of previous college credits, students in this degree program move beyond the core criminal justice and homeland security and public safety programs with coursework in criminal psychology and investigation, narcotics and financial crimes. View the curriculum

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety

This degree program is designed to prepare professionals who will be responsible for identifying potential terrorist targets and maintaining public safety. The core courses in homeland security, public safety, and criminal justice are completed in this degree as well as an individual capstone project. It also allows students who have taken many courses at a different institution to transfer more credits.

Required Courses in Homeland Security and Public Safety

All courses, 68.00 semester credit hours, are required.

CJ 105 - Introduction to Criminal Justice 3.00

This course provides instruction on the components of the American criminal justice system: courts, police, and corrections. Students will utilize critical thinking skills to discern the balance between individual rights and public order as they pertain to the criminal justice process. Students must demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system and processes through examinations, assigned papers, and reports. Additionally, students will participate in field and classroom experiences created to explore the various career opportunities within the criminal justice system.

CJ 115 - Criminal Law 3.00

This course covers the key components of criminal law and its enforcement. While the primary focus is substantive criminal law, other topics include an overview of the criminal law process, defenses, and jurisdiction of the courts. The primary emphasis is on substantive criminal law, including its statutory codification. The course will examine crimes against persons, property, and peace and order in detail and analyze the essential elements and burdens of proof required for a conviction.

CJ 120 - Introduction to Criminology 3.00

The course is a theoretical study of crime, its causes, and crime prevention and control. The student will examine the field of criminology and obtain an appreciation for how research models are used to better understand and explain criminal behavior and society's response to it.

CJ 130 - Introduction to Law and Judicial Process 3.00

This course covers the major structures, basic legal concepts, and legal procedures that regulate the criminal court system. The course also examines the roles of key participants and the effect of Appellant and Supreme Court decisions on the criminal law process.

CJ 140 - Report Writing and Communication 3.00

This course is designed to introduce the student to verbal and written law enforcement communication. The course provides knowledge, skills, and practice in the areas of interviewing, interrogation, and report writing.

CJ 200 - Introduction to Corrections 3.00

This course covers the basics of corrections, including historical events and social issues which have shaped our current systems. This course also covers functions of corrections today including contemporary prison populations, custodial structure, prisoner rights and legal issues, capital punishment, community corrections programs, and developing issues.

CJ 210 - Law Enforcement Security 3.00

This course provides a comprehensive overview of private security including its increasing role in the criminal justice system and homeland security.

CJ 220 - Ethics in Law Enforcement 3.00

This course covers the basics of public administration and the ethical issues of public service.

CJ 230 - Evidence Forensics 4.00

This course covers the law model and types and current rules of evidence acquisition.

CJ 310 - Criminal Investigation 4.00

This course is an introduction to criminal investigation and the investigative process. Current issues in criminal investigations will be studied along with true case studies.

CJ 320 - Civil Liability in Public Safety 3.00

This course provides a study of all aspects of civil liability in the performance of public safety functions. It examines sources of civil liability exposure for public safety officers and their agencies. The course examines tort theory, vicarious liabilities, immunities, and damages as they apply to public safety entities and their personnel. The course will also examine similarities and differences between state and federal forums.

CJ 420 - Narcotics and Drug Abuse 3.00

This course evaluates drug policies, the war on drugs, drug abuse, and the legalization of drugs. This course analyzes and discusses complex ideas relating to drug enforcement within the criminal justice system.

CJ 430 - Financial Crimes 3.00

This course explores financial crimes and their impact on society. The course will include topics such as types of fraud, identity theft, counterfeit documents, and internet crimes. The course will explore how these crimes have evolved and the use of financial crimes to fund terrorism and the drug trade. The course will give the student an overview of each type of financial crime and the methodology for investigation and prosecution.

FS 100 - Introduction to Fire Service 3.00

This course details the job of today's firefighter, beginning with the basic requirements of Firefighter I and II and including extensive information on subjects such as hazardous materials and terrorism.

HS 100 - Introduction to Homeland Security 3.00

This course provides a basic overview of homeland security, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the homeland security transformation, homeland security strategies and initiatives, and legal issues related to homeland security.

HS 150 - Introduction to Cybersecurity 3.00

This course introduces students to the world of cybersecurity and its significance in protecting our nation. Special attention is given to cybercrime investigations, hackers, viruses, and prevention techniques. This course is designed for students working or seeking employment in the fields of homeland security and criminal justice.

HS 211 - Domestic Terrorism 3.00

This course examines domestic terrorism and extremist groups operating within the United States. Special attention is given to the topics of boarder security, jihadist networks, government organization and communication, and domestic policies.

HS 220 - International Terrorism 3.00

This course examines international terrorism and counter-terrorism techniques. Students will explore current issues relating to the war on terror, understand jihadi influences, and explore reputable threats to the United States. Special attention will also be given to the Department of Homeland Security and their ongoing challenge in combating and preventing terrorist threats.

HS 320 - Critical Incident Stress Management 3.00

This course covers both basic and advanced knowledge and the suggested skills required to provide effective group crisis intervention services. Students are introduced to the methods and techniques of crisis intervention employed by law enforcement officers.

HS 411 - Risk Assessment 3.00

This course explores the challenges and benefits of conducting threat and vulnerability assessments. Students will learn how to assess critical infrastructures, natural resources, and other possible terrorist targets. Emphasis will be placed on identifying threats, methods of assessing threats, analyzing targets, and implementing approaches to risk assessment.

PH 100 - Public Event Planning and Emergency Management 3.00

This course covers the basics on public event planning and the security involved before, during, and after the event. Scheduling and coordination is explained in depth.

PH 200 - Community Health 3.00

This course is designed to assist practitioners in effectively communicating messages as well as impacting the norms and behaviors of both individuals and communities.

Elective Courses

A minimum of 10.00 semester credit hours of open electives is required. Qualified students will have the opportunity to elect to take masters-level courses as a part of the Dual-Credit Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

Required Capstone or Internship

4.00 semester credit hours are required.

HS 491 - Homeland Security Capstone Project 4.00

This course allows students to analyze and apply knowledge to a real-life domestic homeland security event. Students will complete a research paper relating to the event and apply knowledge gained throughout the criminal justice and homeland security program. Students are required to make a professional presentation of their project highlighting their analysis and findings.

HS 494 - Internship 4.00

This is an elective course in programs that students take in their final semester. The career internship course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in homeland security and its related fields. The outcome of the internship is an informed student fully apprised of the opportunities his/her degree program offers for professional growth. During the internship phase of training, the student will experience various aspects of working in the actual field in which the student has been educated. The internship is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to experience and participate in duties typical of a contemporary workplace setting. Student learning will center on observing experienced personnel as well as participating in actual hands-on procedures under close supervision of trained professionals.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 36.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline. 12.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

PD 202 - Professional Development II 1.00

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Tuition & Cost

32 months | 120 credits

$464 per credit

after scholarship*

You are worth it.

Request Info

*When student accepts awarded scholarship.

Tuition & Cost

With Herzing University, an affordable, career-focused education in homeland security & public safety is within your reach. We are always striving to make college more affordable for everyone.

Opportunities for financial aid include:

Requirements

Homeland Security program enrollment prerequisites

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Homeland Security bachelor’s degree program include:

Completion of a U.S. high school diploma, GED or equivalent
Meet and interview with a Herzing admissions advisor
Complete an enrollment application

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District Of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Classes Start January 8th

Waived Enrollment Fee

Apply Now Request Info

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 Border 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

Do you have the dedication needed to succeed in homeland security?

Professionals in this field need to be dedicated to their work and training while always conducting themselves with integrity and impartiality. Since they interact with many different types of people, they need strong interpersonal skills and communications capabilities. They must also be able to keenly observe their surroundings and recognize any strange or suspicious behavior.

Work Environment

Depending on the specific occupation, work environments for homeland security degree program graduates 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.

A career in homeland security and public safety could be right for you if you:

Are comfortable working in an organized hierarchy
Believe in showing great respect for authority and superiors
Can work well alone or in a group
Have strong observation and reporting skills
Respond well under stress
Can work with details
Are willing to be a positive role model for the community
Are interested in homeland security training

Locations

Program Finder

Homeland Security Degree Programs

Showing 1 programs for the Online campus

On Campus| Online

This program provides students with a comprehensive academic knowledge of public safety, including criminology, law enforcement, courts, fire science, corrections, and industrial security, as it relates to the coordination of homeland security activities between public safety agencies at various levels of government as well as the skills and techniques used in these disciplines. This degree can also provide advancement opportunities for law enforcement personnel requiring a bachelor's degree when applying for or advancing within the profession. (Some states, including but not limited to Minnesota, require additional federal, state, local or private certification, licensing, and/or training academy completion to be eligible for employment in a homeland security, public safety, or law enforcement position.)

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Cybersecurity

Criminologists as Scene of Crime Investigating Behind Yellow Tape

Criminal Justice

Legal Studies

Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

I chose to attend Herzing because of my family and because I wanted to build upon my professional skills. Herzing was able to provide me with something I strongly valued: The flexibility to help me balance school, family and a full-time job.

Tyrone McCall

Public Safety Program

Birmingham Campus

Bachelor of Science inHomeland Security and Public Safety

Bachelor of Science inHomeland Security and Public Safety

Earn a homeland security degree from Herzing University

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety

Career-focused curriculum

Flexible schedule

Virtual services

Lifelong support

Rolling admissions

Classes Start January 8th

Homeland Security and Public Safety Programs

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety

Required Courses in Homeland Security and Public Safety

Elective Courses

Required Capstone or Internship

Required Courses in General Education

Personal and Professional Development Courses

32 months | 120 credits

$464 per credit

You are worth it.

Tuition & Cost

Homeland Security program enrollment prerequisites

Homeland Security and Public Safety Career Paths

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Do you have the dedication needed to succeed in homeland security?

Work Environment

Career Advancement

A career in homeland security and public safety could be right for you if you:

Program Finder

Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety

Ready to get started?

Cybersecurity

Criminal Justice

Legal Studies

Accreditation & Disclosures

Tyrone McCall

Bachelor of Science in
Homeland Security and Public Safety

Bachelor of Science in
Homeland Security and Public Safety