Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Life can change in an instant—a big storm, a chemical spill, an act of terrorism. But an invisible net of protection and response stands ready, people trained to respond, manage, and help in the face of the big what-ifs.
OCC's Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice with a focus on Homeland Security and Emergency Management prepares you to address life-changing events with thought, care, and resilience. You graduate ready to continue your education or start making a difference right away.
A Calm Response to Our Big What-Ifs
Emergencies can bring out the best in people—especially if you have studied and prepared. Earning your AAS in Criminal Justice, with a focus on Homeland Security and Emergency Management, prepares you to respond with thought, care, and resilience.
A Good Career Making a Difference
Local, state, and federal agencies hire professionals to plan for widespread emergencies, assess threats, and manage both human-made and natural disasters.
Learn key principles of emergency management, counter terrorism, and recovery.
Homeland Security Careers
A strong homeland security program will develop competencies and skills for preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery from possible man-made and natural disasters.
Individuals interested in working in the field of homeland security may find positions with federal agencies such as the:
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC)
- United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- United States Secret Services (USSS)
Hands-On Internship Experience
Practice your preparation by interning locally. Get an up-close look at daily life managing the minutiae that must be ready when disaster strikes.
Flexible Online or In-Person Options
All courses within this program are available online or in-person. Browse all online programs, learn what you’ll need to get started, and access technical support.
Learn More About OCC OnlineFoundation for Education or Career
Your associate degree in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security & Emergency Management can take you in many directions. Choose your electives based on your goal after the program:
- Enter the police academy
- Go to work for a county or city in emergency management
- Transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree
Associate Degree
We offer a 60 to 63 credit associate in applied science (AAS) degree in Homeland Security.
Plan Your Transfer
If you want a Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) endorsement, work closely with your OCC advisor to take courses from the MTA list, including appropriate math courses. If you know where you want to transfer, consult that school’s advisors as well.
Enroll Now
Begin your studies with these steps:
- Apply to OCC. If you’re not already an OCC student, create a profile and complete our application.
- On the application, select your desired program.
- Existing OCC students can update their academic program using the Change of Program Form.
- Hannah Rohrer
Prepare to Transfer – Even if You Are Not Planning to Today!
Maximize your OCC-applicable credits upon transfer. Plan early and work with an OCC counselor or advisor throughout your OCC experience. If you pursue an associate in applied science, you
may satisfy the Michigan Transfer Agreement by taking as few as four additional courses. Save time, money and aggravation!
Whatever your program of study, OCC has many Transfer Credit Agreements with colleges and universities to help you navigate your way to a bachelor's degree.
View the College Transfer Success Guide for more information.
More to Explore
Considering Homeland Security & Emergency Management? You might also be interested in these programs.
