Say the word homeland security and many people think of the security screeners at the airport.
But the reality is very different. The huge growth in the size and complexity of the law enforcement today means that homeland security and criminal justice in general have become a key growth sector in the economy.
Law enforcement offers motivated and qualified individuals a great opportunity for a stimulating, well paid career with great benefits and job satisfaction. And in a depressed economy, it's one of the few positions that are in great demand.
Some things you may not know about The Department of Homeland Security (DHS):
- Founded after the terrorist attacks in 2001, DHS is comprised of 22 federal area agencies and 170,000 employees
- DHS has a budget of more than $40 billion.
- Homeland security is projected to become the biggest government employer in the next decade
- Most of the jobs forecast for Homeland Security will require some type of college degree
Traditional police work is also providing employment opportunities. Anyone who rides the New York City subways can spot the ads indicating how frequently that city's police department recruits for new officers. And the rewards are abundant. The starting salary for NYPD officers is almost $42,000, and, after five years, notes the department, most officers will have the chance to earn more than $90,000.
But most law enforcement agencies don't simply offer their jobs to anyone. To be eligible, applicants usually must have earned some college credits.
How to become eligible for a great job in this field
The first thing to do is get trained and fortunately more and more schools are now offering online degrees in criminal justice.
Some schools offer specializations in forensic science for those interested in crime scene investigation. For example, a master's degree program is available in that field at National University and American Intercontinental University offers a bachelor's concentration. For those seeking a trade school route, opportunities abound. For example, Kaplan University offers a certificate in crime scene management.
These institutions can help you understand the opportunities that exist and the fastest and most affordable way to get qualified. In many cases financial aid is available including a $2,500 credit for low income individuals under President Obama's Federal Stimulus bill.
During an economic downturn, try the field that is still growing; to learn more about how to get a degree that can help you land the right job in law enforcement, go to CriminalJustice-Degrees.com.
