Earning an Online Doctorate in Homeland Security

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Why Get a Doctorate in Homeland Security?

Prerequisites for Online Doctorate in Homeland Security Programs

Given the competitive nature of online Ph.D. programs in homeland security, learners must meet several prerequisites to be eligible for admission. When reviewing the list of sample prerequisites below, remember that they're examples. Prospective degree seekers should check with individual schools to get a finalized list of requirements.

• Work Experience: Individuals who enroll in online Ph.D. programs in homeland security come from many professional backgrounds, and most homeland security degrees do not require previous work experience. However, individuals with related professional experience often feel more confident in their programs.
• Exams and Test Scores: The majority of online Ph.D. programs in homeland security do not mandate test scores, but some require scores from the GRE. Certain programs may waive this requirement if the student possesses a high enough undergraduate GPA. If students do need to take the test, these scores stay valid for five years.
• Coursework: Because students come from so many different academic backgrounds when applying to online homeland security doctoral programs, most departments do not require any specific coursework. However, some may want to see that a student maintained a certain GPA on upper-level coursework.
• Recommendations: Most schools require 2-3 letters of recommendation from former supervisors, mentors, and professors who can speak to a student's accomplishments and their preparedness for the rigors of a doctoral program. Ask for these at least one month before the deadline to allow ample time for reflection and writing.
• Essays: Most programs require prospective students to submit an essay or personal statement. These help admissions panels get a better sense of the unique qualities of each candidate, why they want to study homeland security at this level, and why a particular school best meets their current and future goals.
• Interviews: Interview requirements typically depend on the level of competition at a particular school. Highly selective homeland security programs may frequently require in-person or virtual interviews to help clarify any lingering questions and provide a way of differentiating among finalist candidates.
• International Students: In addition to all the prerequisites listed above, students hailing from outside the United States must also providing passing IELTS or TESOL scores that demonstrate English proficiency. They may also need to show evidence of funding for the program and their living expenses.

How Much Can I Make With a Doctorate in Homeland Security?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that detectives and criminal investigators earn between $43,800 and $138,860 annually. While job experience gained through years of work can often contribute to higher salaries, higher education instills the hard skills and competencies that may lead to commanding better wages more quickly. When reading the next two sections, think about how your interests and passions may fit into traditional and out-of-the-box roles within the field of homeland security.

Careers	Stats	Description
Postsecondary Teacher	Median Salary: $78,470 Job Growth: 15%	This popular professional path allows individuals to educate the next generation of national security experts through lectures, readings, assignments, and projects.
Information Security Analyst	Median Salary: $98,350 Job Growth: 28%	These professionals work either with a single company or as consultants for multiple clients to ensure organizational networks maintain security and prevent cyberattacks by foreign countries. They continually test and update technologies to avoid breaches.
Computer and Information Research Scientists	Median Salary: $118,370 Job Growth: 19%	Individuals in these roles can use their skills in research to identify ways of using technology and information to inform methods of homeland security. They may create new hardware or software that aids in this goal.
Cybersecurity Engineer	Median Salary: $93,428 Job Growth: N/A	After identifying issues that need correction, cybersecurity engineers liaise with other team members to create solutions and develop new systems that are less likely to be compromised by cyberthreats.
Research Scientist	Median Salary: $77,869 Job Growth: N/A	While computer research scientists focus on the technical aspects of cybercrimes, general research scientists may consider many topics related to homeland security, including policy development, weapon design, or responses to IEDs during times of war.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics / PayScale

Paying for a Doctorate in Homeland Security Online

Prospective learners must consider their budgets when thinking about how to pay for their online homeland security degrees. Some factors include varied tuition rates (especially in public versus private institutions) and opportunities for accelerated learning paths that may shorten overall program length. Learners must also remember to seek out subject-specific financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and fellowships before applying for loans.

Scholarships for Online Homeland Security Students

Scholarships for learners enrolled in online Ph.D. programs in homeland security exist in many forms. Students should speak to prospective schools and academic departments to learn about opportunities, but they should also reach out to the state and federal government, professional associations, local businesses, nonprofits, and corporations to learn about funding options.

What to Expect From an Online Homeland Security Program

While homeland security Ph.D. programs vary, they do share some commonalities. Most take 3-5 years to complete, depending on whether the student enrolls on a full- or part-time basis. As they progress through the plan of study, learners hit milestones such as completing coursework and preparing dissertations. The majority of learning takes place in virtual classrooms, allowing degree seekers to watch lectures, turn in assignments, and interact with their colleagues and professors online.

Major Milestones

1. Complete Coursework

   Coursework takes up the first half of the degree and requires students to progress through a series of classes that instill advanced knowledge and prepare them for the thesis portion of the program.

2. Take Comprehensive Examinations

   Comprehensive examinations test a student's ability to retain knowledge and concepts gained through the coursework. Exam results can signal to the department whether the learner is prepared to advance into the research and writing requirements.

3. Submit Dissertation Proposal

   Students must provide a detailed explanation of their proposed research interests, the question they hope to answer, the research they plan to use, and the thesis they hope to craft. They must also outline any proposed methodologies or data collection methods.

4. Defend Dissertation Proposal

   After submitting a proposal, members of the student's dissertation committee can ask the candidate questions about their research plans, identify any potentially troublesome gaps, and suggest changes before the dissertation research phase begins.

5. Defend Dissertation

   After submitting a dissertation, each student must appear before the panel and answer questions about their research.

6. Apply for Graduation

   After receiving approval from the committee, students are cleared for graduation and must apply through the registrar's office. They must also rent or purchase a cap and gown and pay any remaining fees.

Coursework

The list of courses highlighted below provides a glimpse of what to expect when beginning an online doctorate in homeland security. Always review individual school websites to get a better sense of their actual program details.

Degree Timelines

Depending on your personal and professional responsibilities, it may not be possible to follow a traditional, full-time schedule during your online doctorate in homeland security. Fortunately, there are other options.

Enrollment Status	Time to Complete	Description
Part-Time	5-6 years	Part-time options allow learners to take approximately 3-6 credits per semester, making it easy to balance their studies with other responsibilities. This appeals to individuals who hope to continue working full time or have families to consider.
Full-Time	3-4 years	Full-time programs require students to complete 6-9 credits per semester. This path appeals to learners who may work part time but decide to focus the majority of their energy on school.
Accelerated	3 years	Accelerated programs often provide truncated schedules that allow degree seekers to complete more content in a shorter amount of time. These programs best support learners who want to get in and out of school as quickly as possible.

Licenses and Certifications

Most jobs for graduates of online Ph.D. programs in homeland security do not mandate licensure. However, certifications can help professionals build their skills in nuanced areas, demonstrate advanced competencies to prospective employers, and widen the choice of positions in the job market. The certification below represents an optional path, so be sure to conduct additional research to find one that best suits your interests.

• Certified Homeland Protection Professional: The Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals offers this certification to individuals with at least four years of related experience. Applicants must successfully pass an exam and pay $595.

Professional Organizations and Resources

Though recent graduates may feel reluctant to spend the money required to join a professional organization, membership in these associations can provide many benefits. Some members participate mostly for the networking opportunities made available at national conferences, regional chapters, or online forums. Others enjoy reviewing the active job postings or reading up on industry news through in-house publications. Regardless of your specific interests, membership in a professional association can help you in your professional life. As a bonus, some of these groups may also provide scholarships.

• Global Society of Homeland and National Security Professionals: This international professional association provides several certification programs, opportunities for training, webinars, and networking activities.
• International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals: Members of this association can take advantage of continuing education opportunities, regularly scheduled events throughout the world, and an annual symposium.
• International Association of Professional Security Consultants: This group helps connect qualified security consultants to those seeking professional services, offers a special members section, and arranges networking and continuing education events throughout the year.
• International Association of Crime Analysts: The IACA exists to provide opportunities for crime analysts to come together for training, networking, learning, and professional development. The group also provides an online resource center and development center.
• International Association of Women Police: IAWP exists to strengthen the role of women in international policing through awards, scholarships, conferences, regional events, and "adopt an officer" opportunities.

Resources

• Department of Homeland Security: Serving as the U.S. government's office on national security, DHS provides information about jobs, education, resources, and details about what a career in this field entails.
• Top Counterterrorism Careers and the Skills You Need to Land Them: Northeastern University offers this helpful guide for students considering this professional path.
• A Day in the Life, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services offers a glimpse of what it may look like to work in the field of homeland security within the federal government.
• What It Looks Like to Work as a Federal Agent: This Medium article by a homeland security professional takes you behind the scenes to see what this exciting career looks like on a day-to-day basis.
• Homeland Security Doctoral Programs: The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a list of approved doctorate in homeland security programs throughout the United States.