3 answers
Isabel
Student
Las Vegas, Nevada
1
Question
Updated
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What should I major in? What courses should I take?
Hello, I'm a junior in high school. I want to work for homeland security. I want to be an Appeals Officer, but I don't know what courses/major.
#college #college-bound #college-major #government #homeland-security
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3 answers
Roberto Parada
Security Manager
1
Answer
Silver Spring, Maryland
Updated
Roberto’s Answer
You could major in Criminal Justice. Your first year you will most likely taking general classes like English, Math, to get those credits out of the way. Speak to your counselor when you start college, as they can recommend classes for you. Good luck.
xiaoqian pan
2
Answers
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Updated
xiaoqian’s Answer
You can pick up the subject that you are interested in. And you should also think whether it is what you really want in the first or two years. Please keep to work hard on it if it's. and try to change the major if it isn't.
Kelly Desso
Protective Services
226
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hello Isabel,
I'm happy to tell you that homeland security is indeed a subject you can major in at college! I completed my Associate degree in homeland security and followed it up with a Bachelor's degree in security studies. What sets this program apart from criminal justice or criminology is its strong emphasis on federal programs rather than just focusing on policing and correctional techniques.
However, I believe that one aspect that homeland security degree programs could stress more is the need for foreign language skills. Many job postings in this field often require proficiency in a language that's not commonly spoken, or they might ask applicants to take a language test. For instance, during my undergraduate studies, one of my schools required a foreign language equivalency to graduate, while the other didn't. I managed to pass mine in French, but in hindsight, I wish I had explored a less commonly studied language earlier.
So, my advice to you would be to always review the course curriculums before applying and ensure that the requirements align with your career goals.
Also, keep an open mind about the various opportunities within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It's a dynamic field that's constantly evolving due to changes in leadership, laws, and international policies.
I'm happy to tell you that homeland security is indeed a subject you can major in at college! I completed my Associate degree in homeland security and followed it up with a Bachelor's degree in security studies. What sets this program apart from criminal justice or criminology is its strong emphasis on federal programs rather than just focusing on policing and correctional techniques.
However, I believe that one aspect that homeland security degree programs could stress more is the need for foreign language skills. Many job postings in this field often require proficiency in a language that's not commonly spoken, or they might ask applicants to take a language test. For instance, during my undergraduate studies, one of my schools required a foreign language equivalency to graduate, while the other didn't. I managed to pass mine in French, but in hindsight, I wish I had explored a less commonly studied language earlier.
So, my advice to you would be to always review the course curriculums before applying and ensure that the requirements align with your career goals.
Also, keep an open mind about the various opportunities within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It's a dynamic field that's constantly evolving due to changes in leadership, laws, and international policies.