Homeland Security, Minor
Center for the Study of Homeland Security
The Political Science Program administers the Center for the Study of Homeland Security (CSHS), which offers a certificate in Homeland Security Studies and a Minor in Homeland Security for degree-seeking students.
The minor in Homeland Security provides students with an opportunity for in-depth study of real world political and public policy issues involved in prevention and response to natural and man-made disasters and events. The program is directed at development and refinement of pre-professional knowledge and skills, which are immediately transferable to related career fields in government and industry.
To complete the minor, students are required to complete a total of 18 credit hours of coursework.
Student Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of intelligence and counter-intelligence concepts; legal and constitutional principles pertaining to homeland and national security policy; strategic planning interfaces between national, state, and local governments; conceptual aspects of terrorism and counter-terrorism; and understand basic inter-agency communication needs, methods, and processes.
Writing
Students will be able to construct and present coherent, objective, and well-reasoned arguments or discussions pertaining to topics on homeland security.
Critical Thinking
Students will be able to: recognize issues that are pertinent to homeland security; question issue validity; develop logically sound arguments pertaining to said issues; and evaluate sources of evidence pertaining to the issue (including contrary and supporting evidence).
Communication
Students will be able to construct, compose, and deliver professional reports, research, and briefings.
Outcomes Assessment Activities
The CSHS Director meets annually with faculty to compare intended learning outcomes with student performances in each of the program courses (all offered annually). Course and program curricula are reviewed to evaluate alignment of individual course goals, content, and instructional methods with the overall program goals and outcomes.
Assessment will be conducted via: written assignments; presentations/briefings; and in-class group presentations/work. Students will be expected to present key findings on best practices in published literature and cases histories, apply theoretical concepts and legal principles to current events and case studies, and to demonstrate pre-professional skills in developing effective written work and live presentations.
Specific Program Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| POLS 270 | Introduction to Homeland Security | 3.0 |
| POLS 271 | Terrorism | 3.0 |
| POLS 272 | Critical Incident Management | 3.0 |
| Elective Homeland Security Courses | ||
| Select three of the following: | 9 | |
| POLS 373 | Intelligence & National Security | 3.0 |
| POLS 374 | Homeland Security & the Law | 3.0 |
| POLS 375 | Threat and Strategic Planning | 3.0 |
| POLS 376 | Cyber Law | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
To complete the minor, students are required to complete a total of 18 credit hours of coursework.
All students pursuing the minor earn the Certificate in Homeland Security Studies.
Students have the option to replace one current 300 level Homeland Security class with an elective 300 level course for the minor. Any elective chosen must be approved prior to the student’s enrollment in the course. Approval is given though student consultation with the Director of the Center for Homeland Security.
Only one course taken for the Homeland Security Certificate can count toward the political science minor.