Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Homeland Security Studies

Concentration in Homeland Security Studies

The Homeland Security Studies Concentration is a 6 course, 18 credit specialization that focuses on issues relevant to corporate, national and global security. This is an interdisciplinary specialization that focuses on student’s ability to assess risk and engage in critical thinking about conflict and security. This concentration will give students writing, research and foundational skills in Homeland Security that they will need to work in the securities field, border patrol, and emergency management or to pursue a graduate degree in Homeland Security.

The Concentration in Homeland Security will be open to all students enrolled in our BA Program in Interdisciplinary Studies and our BS Programs in Psychology, Criminal Justice and Business Management. These concentration courses will replace corresponding open elective credit requirements.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 125

General Education Requirements - 30 Credits

World Cultures Course (3 Cr.)
Aesthetic Awareness & Creative Expression Course (3 Cr.)
Literary Perspectives Course (3 Cr.)
Individual and Society Course (3 Cr.)

Quantitative Reasoning Course (3 Cr.)
Values & Ethical Reasoning Course (3 Cr.)
Science & Technology Course (3 Cr.)
Global Issues Course (3 Cr.)

World Language (6 Cr.)

General Education Elective (12 Cr.)

First Year Adult Learning Experience (7 Credits)

EC 201 - Experience, Competency and Belonging (Cr: 3
EC 355 - Career Transitions (Cr: 4)

Writing Designated Courses (6 Cr.)

ENG 111 - Critical Reading and Writing I (Cr: 3)
ENG 112 - Critical Reading and Writing II (Cr: 3)

Upper Level Core Electives (6 Credits)

Must be above 100 level.

Interdisciplinary Studies Major Requirements (30 Cr.)

Psychology or Sociology Elective (3 Cr.)

Philosophy or Religion Elective (3 Cr)

Political Science Elective (3 Cr.)

Science or Math Elective (3 Cr.)

History Elective (3 Cr.)

Political Science or IDS Elective (3 Cr.)

English Elective (3 Cr.)

American Studies or IDS Elective (3 Cr.)

IDS 201 - Interdisciplinary Seminar (Cr: 3) Taken twice (Cr:6)

Final Research Project (9 Credits)

IDS 302 - Methods of Inquiry in the Humanities (Cr: 3)
Or
PSY 236 - Research Methods (Cr: 3)
IDS 490 - Senior Thesis (Cr: 3)
IDS 489 - Senior Research (Cr: 3)

Open Electives (7 Credits)

Homeland Security Concentration Required Courses (18 Cr.)

BUS 355 - Risk Management (Cr: 3)
CSC 230 - Cyber Threats and Security (Cr: 3)
HLS 105 - Introduction to Homeland Security (Cr: 3)
HLS 205 - America’s Intelligence Community (Cr: 3)
POL 216 - International Conflicts (Cr: 3)
SST 301 - Terrorism Studies (Cr: 3)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

Effectively communicate in writing and through oral communication.
Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in intellectual discourse within the concentration.
Recall and apply the basic foundational knowledge of educational studies as delivered through the Baccalaureate Core.
Students will demonstrate an understanding of the field of education including the areas of historic and current trends, assessment, special needs, psychology and technology.
Design, execute, and present a personal project, which synthesizes and applies, selected knowledge, skills and experiences appropriate to the students’ personal and professional goals and/or their chosen area of specialization.

In addition to fulfilling the outcomes of the Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program, students completing the concentration in Homeland Security Studies will:

Comprehend the interdisciplinary field of Homeland Security and the complex political, cultural and legislative issues that are required to protect the homeland and respond to disasters.
Implement processes that strengthen project management, evaluation, and accountability within the homeland security directorate.
Identify and describe research issues relevant to existing and emerging homeland security challenges.
Assess current and future homeland security risks and opportunities.
Demonstrate the critical thinking, writing and research skills that are necessary to participate in the homeland security field.