The Department of Homeland Security began its life as a collection of existing law enforcement agencies including the Secret Service, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and others. Federal Air Marshals fall under the purview of Homeland Security.
The Border Patrol and Immigration Inspectors have responsibility for the enormous job of stemming the tide of illegal immigrants. The Secret Service, in addition to protecting domestic and foreign dignitaries, is responsible for investigation of Counterfeiting, Forgery of Government checks or bonds, and Fraudulent Credit Card use.
Homeland Security also includes the Coast Guard and FEMA along with a number of lesser known intelligence agencies. It’s difficult to put a career definition to Homeland Security, since the agency has so many roles. There are over 200 civilian job titles in the Coast Guard alone.
Degrees for Homeland Security Careers.
Bachelors in Criminal Justice
Bachelors in Psychology
Certificate in Homeland Security Studies
Bachelors in Emergency Services Management
Bachelors/Masters in Public Administration
Bachelors/Masters in Business Administration
Bachelors/Masters in International Management
Median Salaries for a Few Homeland Security Positions
Immigration Specialist
$58,954
Border Patrol Agent
$34,575 plus (almost always) 25% of base in overtime
