Homeland Security Analyst Career Overview

The United States faces many threats around the world and at home. Acts of terrorism, natural disasters, and cyberattacks can all put the nation’s security at risk. From the national to the local level, homeland security organizations work tirelessly to defend the country. Homeland security analysts play a critical role in assessing intelligence and protecting the nation.

What does a homeland security analyst do? Their responsibilities range from analyzing intelligence to investigating cyber threats. Homeland security analysts also implement security protocols and mitigate the risk of terrorist attacks. Earning a degree in security studies can prepare aspiring homeland security analysts for roles in this fast-paced, exciting field.

Homeland Security Analyst Responsibilities

Homeland security analysts evaluate intelligence and other forms of data to identify threats. Drawing on their analysis, they recommend approaches to manage national security risks.

These roles require an in-depth understanding of the intelligence collection process, threat assessment procedures, and the responsibilities of the different branches of the U.S. intelligence community. Analysts work closely with law enforcement at the local, state, and federal levels as well as other federal agencies to identify emerging threats and brief decision-makers on any vulnerabilities they uncover. In some roles, homeland security analysts also lead emergency response teams.

Analytical and critical thinking skills help analysts measure the effectiveness of security policies and track emerging threats.

Specializations

Within the broad field of homeland security, analysts specialize in one of several areas, such as intelligence, cybersecurity, or law enforcement. Here are some homeland security analyst specializations:

• Intelligence analysis: Homeland security analysts who specialize in intelligence evaluate raw information and create intelligence reports based on their assessments. They also consider the reliability of sources and identify gaps in intelligence.
• Cybersecurity: Specialists in cybersecurity protect the nation’s critical digital infrastructure, including as part of the military and federal national security agencies. Drawing on their technical skills, they also investigate cyber threats and cyberattacks.
• Emergency management: Both acts of terrorism and natural disasters can put the nation’s security at risk. Homeland security analysts who specialize in emergency management evaluate the risks posed by different threats and contribute to emergency response and recovery plans.
• Law enforcement: Security and law enforcement specialists contribute to counterterrorism efforts by assessing threats and managing critical incidents. They also conduct assessments to improve personnel security.

Work Environments

Homeland security analysts work in several types of settings, including in offices of agencies and the field. At the federal level, they work for agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Security Agency (NSA).

Also at the federal level, national security analysts who specialize in emergency management may work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The FBI and the CIA employ analysts to evaluate national security threats.

State and local governments also employ analysts who evaluate security threats. At the local level, analysts may evaluate crime data to inform policing practices, while state analysts assess threats posed by natural disasters and human-made security risks.

Job Requirements for Homeland Security Analysts

Most positions in homeland security analysis require a bachelor’s degree and specialized training. For example, the NSA looks for intelligence analysts with a background in political science, international affairs, national security studies, and political science.

Education

Homeland and national security analysts generally need a four-year college degree. Federal law enforcement officers, including FBI special agents, typically hold a bachelor’s degree. A degree in an area such as security studies , criminal justice, or international affairs can prepare an individual for this career path.

Homeland security analysts benefit from taking courses in:

• National security policy
• The U.S. intelligence community
• Criminal justice
• International relations
• Cybersecurity
• Criminology

These courses help students develop their analytical and problem-solving skills, which security analysts need to be able to effectively evaluate intelligence and assess risks. Students also develop their attention to detail and communication abilities in these courses.

Experience

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in a field related to homeland security, analysts benefit from experience in intelligence collection, signal intelligence, and intelligence analysis.

Organizations that employ security analysts often provide on-the-job training. Law enforcement officers often attend a training academy, for example. Federal agencies incorporate training and supervised experience into analysts’ emergency response, intelligence collection, and other job responsibilities.

Homeland Security Analyst Job and Career Outlook

Intelligence and security analysts have a positive career outlook. Payscale reports that entry-level analysts in this field earn salaries of around $60,000 to $64,000. Experience or a higher-level degree can help analysts increase their earning potential. With experience, midcareer analysts earn around $81,000 to $85,000, according to Payscale data.

Demand for homeland security professionals remains high, with many roles in this field expected to see positive job growth. Information security analysts, for example, are projected to see 33% job growth from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is much faster than the 4% average growth projected for all occupations.

Earn a Security Studies Degree at East Carolina University®

The online Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies degree completion program at East Carolina University can help you build the knowledge and skills you’ll need to work as a homeland security analyst. You’ll explore national security policy, the intelligence community, and international relations while strengthening your critical intelligence analysis skills.

The flexible, interdisciplinary program gives you the opportunity to customize your course of study with 24 credits of electives. You can specialize in criminal justice, cybersecurity technology, or homeland security while gaining practical, career-focused skills.

Contact ECU today to learn how a bachelor’s in security studies can prepare you for a career in homeland security.

Recommended Readings

How to Get Started in Cybersecurity With No Experience

Intelligence Analyst Career Overview

What Is Intelligence Collection, and Why Does It Matter?

Sources:

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Cyber Defense Analyst

Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Career Fields

FBI, Intelligence Analysts

National Security Agency, Career Fields

Payscale, Average Intelligence Analyst Salary

Payscale, Average Security Analyst Salary

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Criminal Analyst