Political Science/Homeland Security, BA

Homeland security is the intersection of evolving threats, to include terrorism and other risks to national security, and natural and man-made hazards with traditional governmental and civic responsibilities. This multi-disciplinary track is built upon a political science core (required courses), with an emphasis on administration and policy (controlled electives). Students will choose between specializing in Homeland Defense or Emergency Management. The Homeland Defense specialization will focus on identifying risks to the homeland’s security and essential infrastructure, and developing policy and strategy that mitigate, if not obviate, these risks. The Emergency Management track will focus on the twin facets of program administration and emergency management, sometimes called disaster or crisis management. The Political Science/Homeland Security major track emphases critical and creative thinking, information literacy, oral and written communications, interpersonal relations and teamwork. The knowledge and skills students will gain will prepare them to work in private businesses; emergency and safety management; private security; airports and border patrol; local, state, and federal law enforcement; and military service.