The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responds to a variety of crises, including terrorism and cyberattacks, natural threats and technological threats while helping with community preparedness and recovery efforts. While the DHS assumes many responsibilities, it is also just one branch of an intricate network of organizations that keep the country safe and help it recover from disaster challenges.
To work within the DHS or other agencies connected to emergency response, a degree such as Millersville University’s online Master of Science (M.S.) in Emergency Management program helps to prepare future employees, and assist current employees to grow their skills. Graduates learn the ins and outs of disaster response and gain the necessary skills in leadership, support, operations and collaboration. They also gain practical knowledge applicable to careers in the profession, such as homeland security planning division chiefs or homeland security consultants.
Working for the Department of Homeland Security
Working for the DHS may be appealing for many reasons, but it is important to understand the range of responsibilities the DHS undertakes. According to the organization, “From protecting the President and stopping the flow of drugs into the country to preventing acts of terrorism and helping communities recover from natural disasters, all parts of DHS are unified in their effort to advance the Homeland Security mission, working daily to prepare against and respond to any manner of crisis that may hit the United States.”
The DHS refers to normal operations as “Steady State,” or in other words, day-to-day responsibilities during a non-emergency event, or Blue Sky events. The DHS also categorizes emergency periods based on the type of event occurring, including terrorist attacks, severe weather events, cyberattacks and pandemics. Millersville University’s degree includes many practitioner-based courses, taught by emergency management professionals, which included Natural Hazards Primer, Humanitarian Response/International Disasters, Terrorism, WMD and Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for Industry courses.
Homeland Security Jobs
There are a number of relevant roles in homeland security, according to ZipRecruiter, from Secret Service agents to emergency management specialists, fire chiefs and border patrol agents. Emergency management specialists focus on disaster preparedness, response and recovery, often working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and can earn an average of $77,746 annually.
Emergency Management graduates looking to work within homeland security may also be interested in roles like homeland security analysts, or for added flexibility and autonomy, homeland security consultants. Both are highly relevant to the areas of national security and disaster response and recovery.
Case Studies: The DHS in action
The DHS offers comprehensive information about its work via its website, including what it does during weather disasters, as well as how it works to respond to various health crises, such as pandemics. In terms of severe weather events, the DHS details its collaborative work with the Energy Department, the Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This robust web of organizations, along with many others, must collaborate to provide fast and effective help in the face of weather disasters. Some cases of extreme environmental response include the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster, numerous hurricanes, major wildfires, flash flooding and the rescues of Missouri, Alabama, Kentucky and Tennessee tornado victims, to name but a few.
A collaborative approach is also beneficial in the face of health emergencies, such as pandemics. During quarantine periods, DHS works with the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to secure borders and control travel from at-risk territories, as well as with FEMA to provide ground support like vaccination administration.
With its numerous facets and responsibilities, this career path is ideal for individuals who excel in high-pressure situations and strive to make a tangible impact in their day-to-day profession. Those working in emergency management and homeland security await a challenging but rewarding career. Consider a dedicated degree program such as the M.S. in Emergency Management from Millersville University in becoming a practicing emergency management or homeland security professional.
Learn more about Millersville University’s online M.S. in Emergency Management program.
