Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

A survey course reviewing the history, current practices, and trends in the management of domestic disaster operations. The course discusses the responsibilities different levels of government (federal, state, and local) and agencies have with respect to domestic disasters and their relationships with the private sector.

A general survey course of the theory and practice of public administration, its legal and constitutional foundation and the role of the public administrator in public policy. The context of the discussions are based on the current issues facing administrators.

Examination of the application of leadership theory to groups that are diverse in gender, ethnicity, education, and functional expertise. The role of the leader in establishing effective collaboration among members; the decision making process and power will also be examined.

Exposes the students to the basics of terrorism and its global impact; terrorism investigation and intervention strategies. It describes the factors to be considered when implementing psychological, social, investigative and legal techniques against terrorism and its related crimes.

Provides students with proven techniques which apply to both accusatory and non-accusatory interviews. Students develop skills in preparing for the interview and interrogation with emphasis on planning and strategies. Provides a basic format and fundamentals of specialized interviewing and interrogation methods for those who have little or no experience in this phase of an investigation. Studies one of the most specialized and difficult phases of law enforcement or security investigation-interrogation.

A survey of one of the fastest growing international crime problems. Cyber-terrorism has been quick to emerge as an enormous threat to national security and economy. This course exposes the students to the domestic, local, national and international effects of cyber-terrorism. It provides information on the categorizations of computer criminals based on the purposes and spheres of their activities.

A study of the substantial vulnerability of the nation’s land borders, ports, inland waterways and airports to underwater and aviation related attack. This course educates students regarding operations underwater and at airports and enhances the knowledge necessary to identify, prevent, respond to, and recover from major catastrophes at our nation’s borders and ports.

A study of incident assessment and methods that determine to what degree a crisis is unfolding and then develop a strategy to manage the consequences of the crisis. This course provides students with the knowledge of how local, state, and federal agencies come together and interact in different crisis scenarios.

A study of criminal and civil liability issues concerning government and private entities while preventing acts of terrorism, or during the recovery process after a critical incident. Exposes students to new congressional laws that apply specifically to homeland and domestic security. Delves into the protection of individual rights explaining the legal background and methods to avoid the pitfalls of liability. Covers legal issues in First, Fourth, Fifth and Eighth Amendments, and how the U.S. Constitution can be applicable to both government and private entities and the responsibilities of each.

This course discusses the management areas of policy, planning, coordination, response, response management, and recovery during emergencies and/or disasters; focusing on defining and analyzing the role of managers in critical situations of an unusual or severe nature resulting in injury, loss of life and/or severe property damage.

Prerequisite: Students must have fulfilled all General Education, Core Courses, and Elective Courses requirements prior to beginning this course.

For the supervised senior project, a two-month course is undertaken by students upon completion of all core courses in the program. Students select a committee and a viable topic related to domestic security to research, and present the completed project to the committee, other faculty, and peers in an open forum. Grading is H, S or U only. Course is eligible for In Progress (IP) grade.