The field of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is large and encompasses a lot of different concentrations. Students work with advanced technology and science in order to learn how to protect and defend the U.S. against threats.
In addition to the more popular areas of study, there are some less well-known fields. One niche area is Agricultural Biosecurity and Food Defense. This major will teach you how to protect America's food chain. Damage to the food source in America can cause illness or death as well as economic loss. These students are taught how to monitor food sources for disease and learn practical knowledge in food, animal, and plant security.
Another major you could enter is Geospatial Intelligence. Students will learn how to use geospatial technology to measure and analyze safety risks, as well as monitor for problems. This crucial information saves lives during a disaster and is used in disaster response and recovery, emergency preparedness, and environmental protection.
Public Health Preparedness is another option you could choose to follow. Your classes will teach you how to respond to man-made and natural disasters. This will be done both effectively and efficiently as you keep your cool when working through a health catastrophe.
Required Skills
Students in this field need a global outlook with a desire to protect America. Be aware of current issues and national trends. Interpersonal skills will help lead you to success as you work with all types of people, listen and understand their perspectives.
It is also important that you are able to react in a time of emergency in a calm and confident manner. People will turn to you to help protect society and return order. This major will prepare you to serve as a leader in society. A variety of advanced knowledge will need to be applied to different scenarios. You should be able to take theories and ideas from class and use them in real life situations.
Careers
Graduates can find work in a variety of settings. Those who study Agriculture Biosecurity and Food Defense can become food scientists and technologists, plant managers, or quality control managers. Geospatial Intelligence may lead to a career in geospatial analysis, imagery analysis, intelligence analysis, or a GEOINT data specialist. Grads who choose to major in Public Health Preparedness can work in health services, disaster recovery, education, policy planning, public health, or emergency management. Other majors prepare you for various careers in homeland security.
