The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for safeguarding the United States against a variety of threats. It is their primary responsibility to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks, to secure the borders, to enforce immigration laws, and to protect critical infrastructure.

If pursuing a career in Homeland Security, you have come to the right place. Today, we will discuss homeland security degree programs in Texas in detail and where to find the best colleges to pursue your degree. Let’s get started. 

Why Choose a Homeland Security Degree in Texas?

There are several benefits of studying homeland security in Texas schools. Texas is a border state near the sea and has been a center of national security issues, like illegal immigration, border control, and natural disasters, including hurricanes. As a result, there have been increased employment opportunities in homeland security in government departments, police services, and the commercial world.

Texas also has some of the most outstanding learning institutions in the United States of America. Its educational program covers all aspects of learning required to prepare students for careers in homeland security. Apart from the courses offered, internships are also available to students in cyber security, emergency management, intelligence analysis, and counterterrorism. 

They can get jobs in the future at organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management. 

Types of Homeland Security Schools in Texas?

There are two types of degrees for homeland security in Texas for students to choose from: on-campus and online. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of both types of schools in a little detail. 

Online Homeland Security Degrees Schools in Texas

There are many benefits of online homeland security degree schools in Texas including the fact that they allow for flexibility when it comes to studying. Lectures can be attended at any time of the day or week and students can select their preferred lecture timetable. This is suitable for those who are employed and wish to continue with their studies while practicing.  

Besides, online homeland security degree schools in Texas are comparatively cheaper and extremely economical for everyone, especially for those who have low budgets and come under middle-class families. Such as the Angelo State University in Texas has an online Bachelor of Border and Homeland Security degree program that costs $9,584.

While online degree programs are easy to attend, they also have some drawbacks. For example, students cannot communicate with their teachers and other professionals face-to-face and cannot gain practical experience while working with emergency management teams or in laboratories. It is useful to have such kinds of experiences in areas like homeland security, where quick and efficient actions are needed for various emergencies, including natural disasters, terrorist acts, or cyber threats.

Homeland Degrees School on Campus in Texas 

Likewise, the Texan Homeland Security degree schools that are situated on campuses have many benefits that are not found in online degree schools. The on-campus programs comprise practical exercises and training sessions based on real-life situations concerning homeland security subjects such as emergency response, cyber threats, and border control. 

Also, being physically present on campus gives learners a chance to communicate with the faculty, other students, and government officials related to homeland security.

As with any type of criminal justice degree program, on-campus degrees have disadvantages. The first factor that makes them more costly is that students can use many facilities within the campus, including laboratories, libraries, and canteens. For example, the Bachelor’s Studies degree from Sam Houston State University costs $28,336. 

Furthermore, on-campus homeland security programs often follow a fixed class schedule, making it challenging for students who need to work full-time or manage other commitments.

Online Homeland Security Degree Schools in Texas

The following are some of the popular online Homeland Security programs in Texas:

• Sam Houston State University 

Sam Houston offers B.A. and B.S. online degrees in homeland security. As part of this course, students will learn about a wide range of security issues such as counterterrorism, critical infrastructure protection, cyber security, emergency management, strategic communication, pandemic management, border security, aviation security, maritime security, and defense support for civil authorities, among others.

The classes are small and taught by scholars with national and international credentials who study important homeland security topics. There is also 24-hour academic and technical support available to online students.

• Degree: BS or BA in Homeland Security Studies
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Cost: $28,336

• Anglo State University 

Anglo State University is one of the best online Homeland Security degree schools in Texas

The degree mainly focuses on a wide range of topics related to Homeland Security which are terrorism and counterterrorism, international trafficking, immigration laws, chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. The degree also raises awareness of current challenges faced by the Homeland Security Department and how to deal with them. 

• Degree: BS in Security Studies in Border and Homeland Security
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Cost: $9,583

• Central Texas College 

It is possible to obtain an AS Degree in homeland security and emergency management at Central Texas College. This program teaches students to make real-world decisions and solve problems. The courses are designed to provide students with the skills necessary to prepare, mitigate, respond, and recover from disasters and threats to the nation’s security.

This associate degree will allow graduates to pursue a wide variety of homeland security positions within the federal, state, and local governments.  It is also possible to find employment opportunities in private companies and nonprofit organizations.

• Degree: AS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Cost: $7,500

Undergraduate Homeland Security Schools in Texas

The following are some of the best undergraduate home security schools in Texas:

• Texas Southern University 

The Texas Southern University offers a Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. This program is intended to provide graduates with extensive knowledge in the areas of emergency management and disaster research, both theoretically and practically.

Students are provided with a wide range of administrative skills and knowledge necessary for meeting the critical needs of emergency managers and administrators. EM graduates are in high demand by local, county, state, local, and federal governments (including FEMA and Homeland Security). There are a variety of job opportunities available in nonprofits, private companies, institutions, and hospitals.

• Degree: BS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Acceptance rate: 93%
• Cost: $25,459

• Laredo College  

Laredo College has an Associate Degree Program in Homeland Security Studies that educates students for different careers in the area of national security such as emergency management, border protection, and homeland security investigations. 

The AS degree goes further into the field with classes in intelligence operations, organized crime, terrorism, emergency management, and critical infrastructure protection. Students also learn specific areas of interest, such as the operation of drones (sUAS) and handling multiple casualty events

• Degree: AS in Homeland Security 
• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Fees: $5930

• University of Texas at El-Paso

At UTEP, you can earn a Bachelor’s degree in Security Studies online. Those who are interested in working in homeland security, law enforcement, or cyber security may find security studies to be an ideal career choice. A degree in security studies can also be helpful for entry-level personnel in these fields, as well as those in the military.

Developed with security and intelligence agencies and the military in mind, the curriculum contains a wide range of topics. Students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in security studies may be able to:

• Work in law enforcement, national security, or the military
• Become an integral part of a corporation’s security team
• Collaborate with the national intelligence community
• Protect the sensitive information of corporations and governments
• Degree: BA in Homeland Security 
• Acceptance rate: 99.9%
• Cost: $9,744

Graduate Homeland Security Schools in Texas

The following are some of the best graduate home security schools in Texas:

• Anglo State University 

With this online master’s degree program in homeland security, you will be able to study a variety of national security-related topics, such as terrorism and counterterrorism, immigration laws, international trafficking, and biological hazards.

As part of the program, you will also connect with like-minded students around the world while interacting with professors recognized for their expertise. As this degree is offered entirely online, you can obtain it from the comfort of your own home.

• Degree: MS in Homeland Security
• Acceptance rate: 78%
• Cost: $7,508.90

• Arizona State University 

Upon completion of the Master of Arts in Emergency Management and Homeland Security program at Arizona State University, you will be prepared for a career as a law enforcement officer, a public safety official, or a professional in emergency management and recovery. This program’s objective is to provide you with an understanding of the Homeland Security vision, mission, and principles.

The Homeland Security Master’s program is designed to prepare you for leading societal responses to crises and emergencies before, during, and after them. Upon graduation, you will be prepared for a variety of positions in government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.

• Degree: MA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management 
• Acceptance rate: 89.8%
• Cost: $12,562

• Sam Houston University 

With the Master of Science in Homeland Security Studies, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the needs of the homeland security industry both at the government and private levels.

This program aims to produce individuals who are knowledgeable and skilled in the theoretical and experiential aspects of homeland security. By graduating from the program, students will acquire factual knowledge in the field and develop their abilities to think strategically and make policy decisions.

Students have the option of attending face-to-face classes or taking courses online at Sam Houston State University – The Woodlands Center.

• Degree: MS in Homeland Security Studies
• Acceptance rate: 85%
• Cost: $8,342

Texas Homeland Security School Requirements

It is necessary to meet certain educational and legal requirements to become a Homeland Security professional in Texas. Among them are:

• High School Diploma or GED: Applicants must have completed a high school diploma or an equivalent qualification (GED).
• Application: Complete the school’s online application and provide any required documentation, such as transcripts from previous educational institutions.
• Placement Tests: Some institutions might require placement tests (such as the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA) for public colleges) to assess readiness for college-level coursework. This is common for community colleges like Laredo College, which offer homeland security programs.
• Legal Requirements. Candidates must be citizens of the United States and must pass a thorough background check, including a criminal background check. It may also be necessary for them to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Conclusion 

Homeland Security is a very promising career to pursue in Texas. As a border state close to the sea, Texas faces several challenges related to national security, such as natural disasters, border control, illegal immigration, etc. There is always a need for qualified professionals in the field of homeland security. Homeland security professionals are also in high demand in other states along the U.S. southern border.

We have listed some of the best Homeland Security degree schools in Texas for those who are interested in pursuing a career in this field. Be sure to check the curriculum of all and see which one best suits your preferences