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 certificate in Homeland Security provides students with an opportunity for introductory level 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 creation and enhancement of pre-professional knowledge and skills, which are immediately transferable to related career fields in government and industry.

For information regarding the Certificate in Homeland Security Studies, please call (719) 549-2156.

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

Required POLS Courses

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
POLS 270	Introduction to Homeland Security	3.0
POLS 271	Terrorism	3.0
POLS 272	Critical Incident Management	3.0
Total Credits		9

Only one course taken for the Homeland Security Certificate can count toward the political science minor.