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Course Descriptions — Homeland Security (HMLS)

HMLS 302 Introduction to Homeland Security (3)

An introduction to the public- and private-sector dimensions of the theory and practice of homeland security at national, regional, state, and local levels. An overview of the administrative, legislative, and operational elements of homeland security programs and processes (including a review of homeland security history, policies, and programs) is provided. Topics include the threat of terrorism and countermeasures, including intelligence, investigation, and policy that support U.S. homeland security objectives.

HMLS 304 Strategic Planning in Homeland Security (3)

Prerequisite: HMLS 302. An examination of the fundamentals of strategic planning necessary for the maintenance of domestic security and the operation of the homeland security organization in both the public and private sectors. Topics include organizational priorities, planning documents, policy development, financial operations, and the evaluation process. Discussion also covers the risk management framework that analyzes threat, risk, vulnerability, probability, and impact as parameters for decision making and resource allocation.

HMLS 406 Legal and Political Issues of Homeland Security (3)

Prerequisite: HMLS 302. A study of the legal aspects of current government regulations on intelligence operations, identity management, information dissemination, infrastructure protection, business community security concerns, and ethical issues. The development of public policy in homeland security is examined on local, regional, national, and international levels. Topics include surveillance, personal identity verification, personal privacy and redress, federal legislation passed in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, the rights of foreign nationals, the rights of U.S. citizens, the governmental infrastructure for decisions concerning legal rights, and the difficulties of prosecuting terrorist suspects (such as jurisdictional issues, rules of evidence, and prosecution strategies).

HMLS 408 Infrastructure Security Issues (3)

An examination of infrastructure protection on international, national, regional, state, and local levels. Topics include what constitutes critical infrastructure, including both cyber and physical infrastructure, and the development of vulnerability assessments in both the public and private sectors. An overview of U.S. homeland security policy as it relates to the protection of critical infrastructures and key assets (including the roles of the federal, state, and local governments and the private sector in the security of these resources) is provided. Focus is on risk reduction and protection of critical infrastructures utilizing available resources and partnerships between the public and private sectors.

HMLS 414 International Security Issues (3)

Prerequisite: HMLS 302. A study of the role of intelligence in international security. Topics include the intelligence process— the collection, analysis, sharing and dissemination of information between governments and between governments and the private sector. Discussion also covers investigative law enforcement techniques, including information case management and prosecution. Emphasis is on evaluating current international intelligence and enforcement efforts. Future challenges and opportunities for international intelligence operations are also examined.

HMLS 486A Internship in Homeland Security Through Co-op (3)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in homeland security. At least 12 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a minimum of 180 hours during the Co-op session; four new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to homeland security and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

HMLS 486B Internship in Homeland Security Through Co-op (6)

Prerequisite: Formal admission to the Co-op program (program requirements are listed on p. 246). An opportunity to combine academic theory with new, career-related experience in homeland security. At least 20 hours per week must be devoted to new tasks for a total of 300 hours during the Co-op session; five to eight new tasks must be delineated in the Learning Proposal; and the course requirements must be completed. May be repeated upon approval of a new Learning Proposal that demonstrates new tasks and objectives related to homeland security and that continues to advance application of academic theory in the workplace. Students may earn up to 15 credits in all internship coursework through Co-op toward a first bachelor’s degree and up to 9 credits toward a second bachelor’s degree. Co-op credits may not be used for general education requirements and, unless otherwise specified, no more than 6 Co-op credits may be used in the academic major and minor (combined).

HMLS 495 Public Safety Policies and Leadership (3)

(Intended as a final, capstone course to be taken in a student’s last 15 credits.) Prerequisites: At least 15 credits in FSCN, EMGT, CCJS, or HMLS courses. A study of leadership theories, skills, and techniques used in the public safety professions. The interdisciplinary perspective—encompassing criminal justice, emergency management, fire science, and homeland security— is designed to support integrated public safety management. A review of current issues and contemporary successful leadership styles in the public safety professions integrates knowledge of principles gained through previous coursework. Case studies and exercises are used to address challenges in strategic planning. Other tools focus on evaluation of personal leadership styles and techniques.