Apr 23, 2024  
2015-2016 Van Loan Catalog 
    
2015-2016 Van Loan Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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


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Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies

The Liberal Studies program is not designed to overlap with existing degrees but rather to provide qualified students with an academic program that meets their unique needs. Offering students flexibility, independence, and academic rigor, this option provides undergraduate adult learners with the opportunity to draw on the resources of the entire curriculum, across disciplines.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Effectively communicate in writing and through oral communication
• Exhibit skills in critical thinking and problem solving with ethical thought
• Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts disciplines at the lower and upper levels
• Understand and apply methods of inquiry associated with a range of disciplines
• 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

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, 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 Liberal Arts and our BS Programs in Psychology and Business Management. 

Concentration in Homeland Security Studies Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students 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

Program of Study


Writing Designated Course - 3 cr.
World Culture Course - 3 cr.
Aesthetic Awareness Course - 3 cr.
Literary Perspectives Course - 3 cr.
Individual and Society Course - 3 cr.
Ethical Reasoning Course - 3 cr.
Science & Technology Course - 3 cr.
Global Issues Course - 3 cr.
Liberal Studies Elective* - 3 cr.
General Education Electives - 15 cr. (at least one 300 level or higher)    
Open Electives - 39 cr. (at least two 300 level or higher)    

*Liberal Studies Electives


Foreign Language Course - 3 cr.

Total Number of Credits Required for Concentration - 18 credits


Total Degree Requirements - 126 credits


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