An online degree in homeland security can prepare you to work in national security, work with hazardous materials, offer disaster relief, emergency medical assistance, or find a job in corrections or law enforcement.

In today’s world, many job candidates can see their resume bumped to the top of the pile with an online degree in homeland security. The degree can be invaluable to nurses, first responders, public administrators, psychologists, political scientists, criminal justice professionals, and translators — just to name a few.

There are any number of degree programs available to someone interested in a homeland security career. Depending on what you choose, you’ll complete coursework in everything from psychology to criminal justice.

Most online degree in homeland security programs also focus on business administration and leadership classes.

How much will you earn with an online degree in homeland security? That’s hard to pinpoint because of the wide array of jobs in all areas of public safety. But average salaries can range from $42,150 for a police officer to nearly $90,000 as a criminal investigator and more for those with leadership jobs at federal, state or local agencies.

The need to know how to protect our homeland was driven home during and after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Because of those attacks and the incidents since, funding for homeland security-related jobs is secure. That means that by helping secure the safety and well-being of your community or nation, you can also provide a secure income for your family.

Careers in law enforcement are not just limited to joining the police force.  One way you can help maintain law and order is by bringing a criminal to justice.  If you’ve always had a flair for science and a desire to serve society, consider a career in forensic science.  Forensic scientists use scientific methods and technical work to resolve criminal cases and legal issues.  There are many subdivisions of forensic science, including (but not limited to):

Forensic anthropology – the study of human remains

DNA analysis – examination of human DNA

Forensic entomology – study of insects near human remains

Forensic toxicology – the measure of the effect of drugs/substances on the human body

All these classes can be taken online.  Depending on your educational background and goals, you can get a Bachelor’s degree, an Associate degree, even a Master’s and PhD in forensic science.  All this can be done from the comfort and convenience of your own home.

• Small class sizes, averaging 22 students per class and a 17:1 student to faculty ratio
• Utica College is Regionally Accredited
• Chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York
• Has numerous pre-professional and special programs in addition to regular majors, minors and graduate programs
• Offers study abroad opportunities
• Expansive library houses the largest collection of 19th and early 20th Welsh-language literature in the United States

About Utica College Online

Utica College was founded in 1946 by Syracuse University, and as such, it maintains close ties to its parent administration. Undergraduate students at Utica College can earn Syracuse University baccalaureate degrees and Utica College bachelor’s degrees.

Utica is located in Central New York, but it is a smaller campus than most in the area, so it has a more intimate feel among the student body. Students can choose from 32 majors, 24 minors and 14 graduate programs. Utica College’s online program focuses on technology, law, analytical skills and fraud management.

Utica College Online Degree Programs:

• B.S. Degree in Cybercrime and Information Assurance
• B.S. Degree in Economic Crime Investigation
• Financial Crimes Investigator Certificate
• MBA Degree in Fraud Management
• MBA in Professional Accountancy
• M.S. Degree in Economic Crime Management
• Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy
• RN to BS Nursing

The online program at Utica College is geared towards the working adult who wants to further their education and join the law enforcement field. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to the vast areas of law enforcement in order to give students a global perspective.

The online program was covered in a story on CNBC, and it was touted as providing careers for its students in an area with exceptional future growth potential. Along with their law enforcement program, Utica College offers online health care programs. They are intended to enhance the skills and experience of a student already involved in the health care industry, in order to provide them with better salaries and jobs.

Utica College Online Tuition

The fees and tuition for Utica College are not cheap, but are average for a small university. A full-time student can expect to pay about $25,500 for tuition and $11,000 for residence and other fees for a year of school. If you are considering online courses, the fees are about half of the tuition for in-class lectures. For a full course load, it would cost a little under $13,000 for the year.

Utica College Online Financial Aid

Utica administration will work one-on-one with its students to ensure their time at Utica College is affordable. They have a variety of resources on scholarships, financial aid and bursaries that they will direct you to. They will take your individual situation into consideration and work hard to find you the aid that is right for you. Their website lists scholarship and grant options, typical award examples and a FAQ section to answer questions. Because of the small size of this school, they can spend as much time with you as you need to get the most out of your money.

Source: Utica College website, 2009.