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.
Other Homeland Security was the 214th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 1,612 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best Other Homeland Security Schools ranking analyzes 22 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for other homeland security students. Explore this or one of our many other custom other homeland security rankings further below.
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.
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 other homeland security careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Other Homeland Security degree levels vary. You can spend many years getting as high as a in other homeland security to something that takes less time like a . The time it takes to complete a other homeland security degree varies depending on the program.
| 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 |
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.
Other Homeland Security graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $59,573 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $30,636 to as high as $125,391. As you might expect, salaries for other homeland security graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
One of 4 majors within the Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting area of study, Other Homeland Security has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Other Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting & Related Protective Services | 1,612 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Criminal Justice & Corrections | 109,996 |
| Fire Protection | 13,901 |
| Security Science and Technology | 7,884 |
| Homeland Security | 6,812 |
