| In this post-9/11 world, homeland security is no longer something that's taken for granted -- it's critical to the safety, security, and well-being of every American. Homeland security is a broad term that encompasses preventing terrorist attacks within the U.S., reducing vulnerability to terrorism, and minimizing the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters. Homeland security career areas include business continuity, emergency management, information security, infrastructure protection, intelligence analysis, law enforcement, physical security, scientific study, and more. The need for trained homeland security career professionals with specialized safety, prevention, crisis management, and disaster recovery skills is at an all-time high. In April 2006, the Department of Homeland Security employed about 183,000 workers, making it one of the largest federal agencies. More than 300 colleges across the country offer some form of training for homeland security careers; of these schools, 75 have been designated as National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security. What does that mean? These select schools may apply for scholarships and grants through both the Federal and Department of Defense Information Assurance Scholarship Programs. So if you enroll in one of these approved homeland security programs, you may have a greater chance of receiving free money. Ultimately, though, protecting the people you love can be a homeland security career's greatest reward. |
