Homeland security personnel deal with issues in immigration, politics, economics, terrorism, cultural concerns and human rights on a regular basis. Students wanting to explore the industry can take classes online through open courseware, allowing them to learn more about homeland security and to give them a better way to decide whether or not a career in the field is worth pursuing. Free, self-driven classes offered from top schools like MIT allow full-time professionals and students the opportunity to gain training in homeland security and learn about the topics that drive the industry. Course materials can be accessed 24/7 from any location, provided the students has an Internet connection.

This collection features classes in urban studies, political science, and technology, revealing the diverse offerings available online in homeland security. Courses like Human Rights in Theory and Practice; Globalization, Migration, and International Relations; American National Security Policy; and Nationalism give students a well-balanced overview of the industry. Topics covered include terrorism issues, national security, homeland security regulations, migration, immigration, international politics, religious conflict, cyberterrorism and more. Many of these courses also provide links to additional resources that help students understand the role of homeland security in a greater context. Study materials include documents from the Bush administration; articles about genocide and torture; and lectures on iTunes from experts at MIT’s Center for International Studies; Science, Technology and Society Program; and others.

• Human Rights in Theory and Practice [MIT] – This course focuses on the international human rights movement but it also useful for understanding homeland security regulations, terrorism issues and national security.
• Globalization, Migration and International Relations [MIT] – Understand migration, immigration and related international politics in this course.
• American National Security Policy [MIT] – Analyze “the problems and issues confronting American national security policymakers and the many factors that influence the policies that emerge” in this class.
• Nationalism [MIT] – Topics covered in this class range from religious conflict, democratization, nationalist movements, and more.
• Technology in a Dangerous World [MIT] – This course helps students to understand the threats and effects of technology and terrorism.