Many of America's fastest growing careers are in homeland security. Emergency management professionals are needed in federal, state and local agencies, as well as the private sector The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of these specialists is projected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations over the next four years.
In order to meet the demand for professionals with training in this industry, many universities are expanding their course offerings related to this field. For example, Kaplan University recently announced that it will offer an online masters degree program in homeland security and emergency management.
Graduates of this program may work in areas such as preparedness and response, border and transportation security, homeland defense and hazard mitigation. These professionals help to reduce the nation's vulnerabilities and minimize the damage caused by catastrophic events, including pandemics, hurricanes and terrorism, the BLS reports.
"I'd say there's not an industry or business out there today that's not impacted by homeland security," said Rich Cooper, business liaison director at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Kaplan Legal Education is also offering accelerated programs in this field for learners who wish to graduate in less time and at a lower cost. Students who are earning a bachelors degree can now complete four graduate-level courses in place of electives and then enter a shortened masters degree program. Offerings include criminal justice, homeland security as well as emergency management and legal studies.
The BLS projects that 2,300 new jobs in homeland security will be created over the next four years.
