MCTC's Homeland Security Specialist Program will prepare you to enter employment in a variety of organizations tasked with the responsibility to protect the community from the effects of natural and man-made disasters. The homeland security and disaster management field is a vibrant and growing industry. As federal and state regulations, including OSHA, require more resource allocation to preparation for, and management of, terrorist attacks and man-made or natural disasters, the need for skilled personnel to bring these skills into the field is increasing.

This new and exciting career field is becoming as essential a component to public safety as law enforcement, fire protection services, and emergency medical services. In fact, you will find that the concepts and practice of homeland security combine and integrate all the public safety components, as well as public works, public utilities, industry, and many other phases of the community.

The curriculum of the Homeland Security Specialist Associate in Applied Science Degree is designed to introduce you to the concepts and theory of homeland security and emergency management. The overall program goal is a prevention model, focusing on risk assessment and threat analysis. You will understand how to employ techniques that address deterrence or "target hardening" and utilize practices designed to mitigate threat and potential loss. The crisis management emphasis will address disaster recovery as well as preparation and execution of contingency plans.

In addition to program courses in homeland security, by completing the A.A.S. degree you can easily transition to MCTC's Law Enforcement Certificate Program to prepare to take the State peace officer license examination. You must be a U.S. citizen, however, to enter the law enforcement profession. To become a correctional officer or police officer, you will be required to successfully pass extensive criminal background checks. If you choose not to pursue law enforcement you will have received a well rounded criminal justice background.