Degree Overview: Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety (B.S.H.S.P.S.) Degree Focusing on Law Enforcement
Majors Overview March 7, 2015Get information about a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety (B.S.H.S.P.S.) degree program and its education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety (B.S.H.S.P.S.) Degree Programs Focusing on Law Enforcement
Students enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety degree programs can expect to become adept at enforcing immigration policies, helping repair damage caused by natural and deliberate disasters, and working to prevent attacks by terrorists before their occurrence. Prospective workers in homeland security or security professionals would benefit by earning a Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Public Safety that focuses on law enforcement.
Students enrolled in these programs gain expertise in inspecting, patrolling, and implementing crime prevention measures for anti-terrorism organizations within local, state, and federal agencies, in addition to private industry. They learn the fundamentals related to the securing of individuals, information, businesses, and American borders and interests.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a GED certificate or high school diploma. The programs are offered as completion programs by some schools that admit holders of associate’s degrees in a related field, such as emergency management, fire safety or law enforcement. Some programs also require passage of a criminal background check.
Coursework
Students learn about ways of maintaining law and order on large and small scales, including methods employed for the protection of the public and courses devised to teach about laws regarding terrorism and security threats, in addition to crisis management and data analysis. Courses in psychology and sociology are included to give instruction about human behavior. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Interview and interrogation theory and techniques
•Cyber security
•Homeland security management
•Security planning and assessment
•Emergency management
•Terrorism and counter-terrorism
•Law and constitutional issues
•Disaster psychology
•Intelligence analysis
Career Choices
Those who complete the program can seek employment as security officers at high-traffic places, including hospitals and airports. They can also seek jobs in the fields of military leadership or law enforcement. Still others may seek occupations in the private sector, involving the provision of security for corporations and businesses. Traditional career options may include the following:
•Police supervisor
•U.S. border patrol specialist
•Emergency management specialist
•Homeland security officer
Job and Wage Outlook
A job growth rate of 5% has been predicted for police and detectives, including U.S. border patrol agents, over the 2012 – 2022 decade (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In 2012, police and sheriff’s patrol officers brought home an average annual wage of $56,980 (BLS).
Continuing Education Choices
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) offers training programs that would benefit those seeking careers in homeland security and law enforcement within government agencies. Many tuition-free, low-cost training choices are available through the DHS Federal Law Enforcement Training Center; these include behavioral science, law enforcement leadership, human trafficking, and international and domestic investigations. While most programs admit individuals without a degree, employers for most federal positions in homeland security insist on candidates holding a degree.
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