Can You Get A Homeland Security Degree Online?

By Dr. Matthew Loux and Bryce Loux  |  10/27/2026

While online degree program names and delivery formats vary from one school to another, online options are widely available under homeland security and related fields such as emergency management and homeland security, security and terrorism, intelligence, and national security.

Degree program names and delivery formats vary from one school to another. However, online options are widely available under homeland security and related fields such as emergency management and homeland security, security and terrorism, intelligence, and national security.

What Do You Study in An Online Homeland Security Program?

Homeland security online degrees reflect a variety of fields and disciplines beyond a singular profession. Programs often integrate different disciplines such as emergency management, intelligence operations, domestic terrorism, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, and border security. Other topics that might be covered in such a program include public policy, relevant laws, intelligence, risk assessments, risk analysis, security threats, and leadership.

For instance, emergency management courses cover community planning and participation in mitigation efforts as well as preparation for possible response to a natural or human-caused disaster. Planning for a community’s resilience and recovery efforts post-incident is also included in this type of course.

Intelligence courses cover intelligence processes such as collecting, evaluating, analyzing, and disseminating information. Students learn about threat assessment, analytical methods, and the contributions of intelligence organizations.

Counterterrorism courses look at terrorist organizations, networks, motivations, and goals, methods of recruitment and radicalization, methods of operation, the prevention of attacks, and the response of governments. This area can be useful for those students interested in intelligence or analysis of national security.

The connection between cyber incidents and infrastructure may impact the business community, government systems, and our nation’s critical infrastructure. Due to this risk of cybersecurity problems, a homeland security program may contain a cybersecurity course or a cybersecurity concentration.

Critical infrastructure protection (CIP) courses focus on the power, communication, water, and transportation systems that would negatively affect a community and our nation’s economy if disrupted by a man-made or natural disaster.

The protection of critical infrastructure is a multidisciplinary field, and law, ethics, and public policy each play a significant role. Homeland security professionals need to consider issues of terrorist threats, strategic planning, travel security, constitutional protections, civil liberties, the law, protection, accountability, and ethical decision-making.

Are Online Homeland Security Degree Programs Worth It?

For students wishing to take courses online, the internet offers a lot of convenience. However, it is also necessary to perform due diligence and get answers to questions such as:

• Is the school accredited?
• Is the degree program legitimate?
• What are the transfer policies?
• How much does it cost?
• What kind of student support does the school have?
• What are the logistics involved in studying online?

Most asynchronous programs require students to complete work according to a given schedule. Some programs still include requirements, such as internships or practicums, that cannot be completed solely online.

What To Consider When You’re Choosing an Online Homeland Security Program

Before choosing any online program, it is wise to do your research, compare your program to similar programs, and give consideration to:

• Your career goals – “Homeland security” is a broad term. If you enjoy coordinating a response to emergency alerts, you might enjoy working in emergency management. Emergency management and homeland security programs combine management and intelligence. If you want to pursue cybersecurity jobs, look for a degree program that includes coursework in information technology with a specialization in homeland security.
• The curriculum – A degree program’s name may sound impressive, but prospective students should still review the list of courses. These courses should involve research, writing, critical thinking, and communication skills and give you the opportunity to practice analyzing and solving problems.
• The accreditation – When it comes to accreditation, it is important to check not only the school’s accreditation, but also its recognition by a governing body. This accreditation ensures that schools meet strict academic standards, and it can affect whether or not students are able to transfer credit and receive financial aid. It is also useful to consider if employers or graduate schools will consider a credential legitimate.
• Transfer credits – If you want to further your education, see if your school will accept transfer credits from previous college courses. If you can use transfer credits, that can reduce the cost and length of time needed to earn a degree.
• The total cost – The cost per credit is not the only factor to consider when you compare programs.  You should consider credit hour tuition rates and expenses such as course material fees, supplies, and technology. Other factors may include credit transfer policies, required credit hours, types of financial aid, and military or veteran benefits.
• Flexibility – You should find out the information regarding your courses. For example, how many days are available to complete assignments? Do exams require external video monitoring? Are internships or field-related experiences required? A program may still require students be physically present at specific times, even though it is online.
• Faculty and student support – Online teaching excels when students can contact their teachers, receive advice, find answers to technological challenges, and use the library.

Who Should Consider An Online Homeland Security Degree?

There are many groups for whom an online homeland security program may be ideal. Online programs are particularly useful for employed professionals, since they allow people to work while pursuing a homeland security major at their own pace.

For anyone looking to change careers, online homeland security degrees allow professionals in law enforcement, emergency management, the military, public service, the private sector, intelligence, and security to enhance their existing experience and skills and build specialized knowledge if they plan to seek more advanced job opportunities.

For high school students looking to enter the field of homeland security, online programs are especially useful. Online home security programs allow a student to gain critical knowledge and skills.

Ultimately, the key consideration is whether an online homeland security degree program offers you the knowledge and practical skills to apply in different professional settings. Whatever career path you choose, it’s important to do your research and ensure that you learn what is necessary to fulfill a potential employer’s job requirements.

The Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security at AMU

For interested adult learners wishing to deepen their knowledge of different aspects of homeland security, American Military University part of American Public University System (“AMU”) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security. In this online bachelor's degree program, students can take courses in critical infrastructure protection, intelligence and homeland security, and homeland security and defense. Other courses include border and coastal security and research methods in homeland security studies.

This bachelor's in homeland security also has a general concentration with courses that cover topics related to law enforcement, international and domestic terrorism, intelligence, counterintelligence, emergency preparedness, cybersecurity, and law. Students can choose from the courses best suited to their professional goals.

For more information, visit AMU’s homeland security degree program page.