Homeland Security (HLS)

This course provides foundational knowledge about homeland security, including policy, organization, and legal issues in the American context. P ADM 401 Introduction to Homeland Security (3)The Introduction to Homeland Security/Defense course provides a baseline of common knowledge for homeland security professionals. The course achieves this goal by focusing on homeland security/defense, the motivation and nature of terrorists, the policies established by governments, pertinent governmental plans to meet homeland security/defense goals, who the key players are across the homeland security/defense spectrum, and the relevant legal issues framing efforts to defend the nation's security. As an introduction to this broad area of study, this course serves as a basis for specialized study such as bioterrorism defense, critical infrastructure protection, cyber-security, and emergency response management. Understanding key principles will be measured through preparation of a written analysis of key homeland security/defense issues with alternative strategies consistent with current policy and legal constraints.

This course analyzes and evaluates current Homeland Security legislation, and presidential policy directives, executive orders, and strategies, as well as the constraints hindering the implementation of federal and state initiatives. There will be emphasis on creating Information Papers, Meeting Presentations, Executive Summaries, and Talking Points for elected or appointed officials and security professionals to use throughout the Homeland Security Enterprise. This course has a major goal: to educate graduate-level, Homeland Security professionals capable of demonstrating and articulating the many U.S. approaches to Homeland Security, across the entire spectrum of activities - from Prevention to Recovery - from the federal strategic level to the state and regional operational levels, and to the county and municipality tactical levels of government.

This course provides knowledge about protection of critical infrastructure as an aspect of homeland security. PUBPL 475 Critical Infrastructure Protection (3) Critical Infrastructure Protection provides a definition of critical infrastructure and examines the importance of protecting it in the post-9/11 era. The course focuses on policies and programs designed to prevent catastrophic events and to protect and maintain the nation's critical infrastructure. It examines such activity through an understanding of the network of organizations at all levels of government and in the private sector responsible for protecting infrastructure. Case examples are provided of catastrophic events to provide an understanding of risks involved in infrastructure protection. Understanding key principles will be measured through preparation of a written analysis of a key homeland security/defense issue with alternative strategies consistent with current policy and legal constraints.

The Homeland Security Intelligence course provides a depth of knowledge of key intelligence issues for homeland security professionals.

Supervised off-campus, non-group instruction including field experiences, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required. A specific title may be used in each instance and will be entered on the student's transcript.