by our College Data Analytics TeamTerrorism & Counterterrorism Operations was the 1,050 most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 213 degrees in this year alone. This represents a 18.8% increase in terrorism and counterterrorism operations degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 173.
Our 2023 Best Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations Schools ranking analyzes 3 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for terrorism and counterterrorism operations students. Explore this or one of our many other custom terrorism and counterterrorism operations rankings further below.
One of the most important skills you will need for a career in terrorism and counterterrorism operations is talking to others to convey information effectively. Required skills include using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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. Specific terrorism and counterterrorism operations careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
There are various different levels of terrorism and counterterrorism operations degrees. Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest terrorism and counterterrorism operations degree you can get. Depending on the terrorism and counterterrorism operations degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
| 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 terrorism and counterterrorism operations, with approximately 46.2% of workers getting one. People currently working in careers related to terrorism and counterterrorism operations tend obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 40.4% |
| High School Diploma | 14.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 12.9% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 12.3% |
| Some College Courses | 8.3% |
Most workers in terrorism and counterterrorism operations have at least a bachelor's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in terrorism and counterterrorism operations have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the terrorism and counterterrorism operations career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your terrorism and counterterrorism operations degree? Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations careers are expected to grow 8.2% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to terrorism and counterterrorism operations.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Managers | 1,071,700 | 8.0% |
| Professors | 258,700 | 9.4% |
| Police and Detective Supervisors | 111,600 | 6.6% |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Professors | 19,400 | 12.1% |
| Emergency Management Directors | 10,900 | 7.9% |
As you might expect, salaries for terrorism and counterterrorism operations graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for terrorism and counterterrorism operations graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers terrorism and counterterrorism operations grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Managers | $115,590 |
| Police and Detective Supervisors | $93,100 |
| Emergency Management Directors | $82,570 |
| Professors | $76,990 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Professors | $72,390 |
With over 19 different terrorism and counterterrorism operations 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 terrorism and counterterrorism operations school rankings to help you with this.
One of 4 majors within the Homeland Security area of study, Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Homeland Security | 3,012 |
| Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management | 2,709 |
| Critical Infrastructure Protection | 978 |
| Other Homeland Security | 228 |
View All Terrorism and Counterterrorism Operations Related Majors >
