Degree Overview: Bachelor’s Degree Programs Related to Security
Majors Overview March 11, 2015Get information about bachelor’s degree programs related to security and their coursework, career choices, and job and wage outlook.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Homeland Security
Bachelor’s degree programs in homeland security teach students issues related to military organization, terrorism, and emergency preparation. Candidates also learn about theories in psychology, communications, and human resource management. They can expect to become adept at preventing and planning for national emergencies through assessment of risk, analysis of data, management of resources, and coordination of services.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to an undergraduate homeland security program to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework covers various subject areas, such as constitutional law, risk assessment, and natural disaster management. Core coursework commonly includes topic areas such as:
•Risk reduction
•Security assessment
•Constitutional issues
•Prevention and preparedness
•Stress management theory
Career Choices
Those who complete the undergraduate homeland security degree program can seek jobs with insurance companies, government agencies, and security firms; they can aim for numerous positions, including:
•Diplomat
•Threat analyst
•Risk manager
•Corporate security officer
•Intelligence officer
Job and Wage Outlook
A job growth rate of 12% has been predicted for security guards over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Industry and job title determine wage levels for these professionals. In May 2012, security guards brought home an average annual salary of $24,020 (BLS), while in November 2013 intelligence officers earned an average annual wage of $87,637.
Bachelor’s Programs in Information Technology Concentrating on Network Security
Students with technical aptitude may benefit by earning a bachelor’s degree in information technology that features network security. The curriculum covers courses in mathematics, business, and computer science. Students enrolled in the program learn about network security design, security system installation, information assurance, and network software and hardware.
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or a high school diploma.
Coursework
Coursework in a bachelor’s degree program in information technology may often include subject areas such as professional ethics, security assessment, and database administration, in addition to topic areas such as:
•Written and public communication
•Cyber security attacks
•Problem resolution
•Security tools
•System assessment
Career Choices
Those who complete undergraduate degrees in fields involving computer network security can seek jobs in government agencies, non-profits, and corporations; they can aim for numerous positions, including:
•Information technology manager
•Disaster recovery specialist
•Database administrator
•Systems designer
•Network architect
Job and Wage Outlook
A faster-than-average job growth rate have been predicted for computer network architects, web developers, and information security analysts over the 2012 – 2022 decade (BLS). A burgeoning need for network and data security drives this growth. In May 2012, information security analysts brought home an average annual wage of $86,170 (BLS).
