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Exciting Career Opportunities in the Emergency & Security Sectors

Today, our nation faces increasing national and international threats such as natural disasters, cybersecurity and infrastructure attacks, and terrorism. Those ready to meet these challenges head-on and protect their community can pursue a rewarding career in the emergency and security sectors. As this field continues to grow, so does the opportunity for diverse, exciting careers across various departments and organizations. 

Tulane School of Professional Advancement offers a comprehensive Emergency & Security Studies program focusing on homeland security and emergency management. Students can build a strong foundation in the field with flexible bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Current professionals in the field can enhance their leadership skills and gain specialized training with graduate certificates covering a range of industry topics.  

Award-Winning, Hands-On Degree Programs for Working Professionals 

As the demand for security and emergency services grows, aspiring job candidates must stand out in this competitive field. They need to pursue a degree program taught by instructors with extensive experience and courses that focus on hands-on, real-world experience. 

Tulane SoPA’s award-winning Emergency & Security Studies program aligns with the actual demands of the field. SoPA is a proud member and participant in the following organizations: 

  • Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)
  • InfraGard
  • National Guard’s Homeland Security Institute
  • FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute,
  • University and Agency Partner Program (UAPP), the nation’s leading program for establishing and sharing homeland security curriculum 

Students can break into the field with a B.A. in Homeland Security Studies, focusing on homeland security and border protection, emergency management, counterterrorism, and critical infrastructure protection. For more in-depth, interdisciplinary studies, SoPA offers three separate Master of Professional Studies in Emergency Management, Homeland Security, and Security Management

Students can earn a graduate certificate 100% online in Emergency Management, Security Management, or Sport Security. With courses focused on leadership and distinct skills, they can “stack” their certificate credits toward a Master of Professional Studies. SoPA also offers the opportunity for students to receive a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Homeland Security Studies

Explore Diverse Roles and Duties in Homeland Security 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was created in 2002 and integrated 22 different federal departments and agencies into one department, including FEMA. This large-scale department encapsulates roles in homeland security, cybersecurity, border and maritime security, disaster recovery planning, and more. 

As a U.S. Department of Homeland Security Specialist, workers develop and implement emergency and anti-terrorism emergency preparation and response programs. This title can encompass a variety of duties, and the required training and work experience vary by specific job type. In 2020, the average annual pay was $65,000, with an average job growth rate from 2018 to 2028. 

Custom and Border Protection Officers work at different entry ports in the United States and help regulate people and goods entering the country. They enforce customs laws and help capture terrorists trying to enter the country. In 2019, the average annual pay was $33,949 and required at least a bachelor’s degree. 

The homeland security and emergency management market is projected to grow from $623.1 billion to $846.5 billion by 2025. This growth is influenced by increased terrorist and biohazard attacks, greater use of cloud-based applications and technology, and the upgrade of outdated equipment and infrastructure. 

An Increased Demand for Emergency and Disaster Relief Services and Workers 

As the first to respond in the wake of a natural disaster or emergency, workers in disaster relief services are driven by the same goal—to help and support. Job opportunities can be in both the public and private sectors with various work environments, including on-the-ground at the site of a recent disaster. 

State and local emergency management agencies provide disaster relief to their communities with assistance from the federal agencies—such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—nonprofits and private companies. Two pivotal roles include emergency management director and general operations director. 

Emergency management directors and general operations directors exhibit strong leadership and problem-solving skills by helping lead responses and prepare procedures for natural disasters and other emergencies. Both roles require at least a bachelor’s degree and preferably years of experience in the field. In 2019, emergency management directors received a median pay of $74,590, with an average job outlook growth from 2018 to 2028. The median salary for general operations directors was $75,840 in 2017. 

FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employ thousands of workers. In 2017, they hired a combined total of 51,800 employees. Relief services occupations are projected to grow faster than average from 2016 to 2026. By 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects at least 180,600 employees in the relief services industry

Help protect your community on a local, national, or even international level with a career in the emergency and security sector. Take the first step in your professional journey by requesting more information from Tulane School of Professional Advancement about our extensive programs.