Interested in a career that’s fast-moving, meaningful, and makes a real difference? AACC’s Homeland Security Management program can help you get there. Homeland security is all about keeping people safe—from natural disasters to cyberattacks to national threats. You’ll learn from professionals working in the field right now and train using real-world scenarios. With major defense contractors right here in Anne Arundel County, you’ll find great opportunities for internships and jobs. Whether you're ready to launch your career or planning to transfer to a four-year school, we’ve got your back with flexible options to fit your schedule.
AACC offers the following Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees. The state of Maryland refers to the A.A.S. as a career degree, because it's intended to provide you with skills to enter the workforce. In some cases, AACC has entered into transfer agreements that allow these degrees to transfer to select colleges.
In this program, you’ll dive into topics like cybercrime, national security law, and even how the media shapes public response during a crisis. You’ll explore how to interpret evidence, understand who’s in charge during an emergency (and why that matters), and get a clearer picture of how our country prepares for and responds to threats—both natural and manmade. By the time you finish your degree, you’ll be ready for entry-level jobs or advancement with local, state, or federal agencies.
If you’re curious, detail-oriented, and like solving puzzles, this program could be a great fit. You’ll build your analytical skills while exploring how intelligence shapes national security, policy, and military decisions. From terrorism to disaster response, you’ll study real-world issues at the local, national, and global level. When you finish your degree, you’ll be ready for entry-level roles or advancement with agencies that rely on smart analysis to keep people safe.
From airports to shipping ports, border crossings to highways, transportation and border security plays a big role in keeping the country running smoothly and safely. In this program, you’ll explore how the global economy, U.S. history, and modern security practices all come together. You’ll also learn the basics of security management and how to respond in an emergency. When you finish your degree, you’ll be ready for entry-level jobs or advancement with agencies that protect people, products, and critical infrastructure.
The following certificate prepare students for employment and feeds into the A.A.S. degree, if desired:
Curious about a career in the intelligence field—or looking to grow in your current role? This certificate gives you a solid understanding of how the intelligence community supports U.S. national security. It’s a great option for students exploring the field, current professionals looking to level up, or employers wanting to boost their team’s analytic skills. You’ll gain valuable insight into how intelligence shapes decisions at every level.
If you're interested in earning a four-year degree and want to study this subject, Transfer Studies may be your solution. This distinctive degree is designed to let you choose an area of concentration (or major), while completing your state of Maryland general education requirements.
The Transfer Studies, A.A. allows you to explore different subjects or concentrate on a specific course plan that will best meet your in-state (and even some out-of-state) transfer goals. If you hope to transfer to a specific program or school, one of our advisors can help structure your AACC studies specifically for that purpose. The result? You get a well-rounded associate degree preparing you for further studies and successful career.
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"I can proudly say AACC’s Homeland Security Management program has prepared me to live a life focused on and committed to always being my best. I graduated with academic and athletic honors at the county, state, regional and national levels, including being in the top 10 of my class at Meade and a nomination for valedictorian at AACC."
Read Baker's StoryCheck out the tabs below for information on where you can transfer your degree and scholarships that can help you pay for college.
After earning your A.A.S. degree, you may decided you want to transfer to complete a four-year degree. We have partnerships and transfer agreements in place with many colleges and universities so you can easily transfer when you're ready. Transfer agreements (or “articulation agreements,” as they’re officially called) are formal arrangements between institutions that allow certain credits to transfer seamlessly from one school to the other. Learn more about transferring from AACC.
Paying for college should be simple! The following scholarships are available for students in the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute.
We also have the following scholarships available for the homeland security professionals of tomorrow:
We’re here to help.
Interests: Running, family, traveling and being a foster parent
A Little More: Adil Qaiyumi has been teaching in AACC’s Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute since 2014. In that time, he has taught a variety of courses, ranging from terrorism/counterterrorism to organized crime to the history of homicide and more. Additionally, he has a law practice in Washington, D.C., where he handles criminal, civil and immigration law.
AACC was the first college in the country to be selected by the Pallas Foundation to offer the Mike Mullen Scholarship for National Security Leadership. This scholarship awards up to $5,000 to two recipients each year.
The Cyber GR&C Grant offers up to $5,000 in tuition for veterans and first responders who want to begin their career in cybersecurity.
Learn how to apply.
If our Homeland Security program sounds appealing, but you’d like to compare it to other offerings, see if this area of study is a better fit.
