UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

Homeland Security

Students may seek either an academic major or minor in homeland security.

Major in Homeland Security

The major in homeland security focuses on the domestic and international security issues of homeland security, including international and domestic terrorism, infrastructure protection, strategic planning for security, international relations, intelligence operations and evaluation, and program management. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a global outlook, interpersonal skills, and awareness of current issues in homeland security. Graduates of the program will have the knowledge and skills to be leaders in government and industry security.

Objectives

The student who graduates with a major in homeland security will be able to:

  • Analyze the history of homeland security and evolving concepts in the field in relation to domestic and international security.
  • Describe current homeland security policies, operational theories, functions, and issues from both domestic and international perspectives.
  • Discuss the ethical, political, social, environmental, and economic issues related to homeland security planning and operations.
  • Differentiate the various threats to domestic and international security, including technological and political forms of terrorism.
  • Distinguish the various phases of intelligence operations, including planning, execution, administration, and evaluation.
  • Demonstrate the critical thinking and program management skills necessary to provide leadership and support in homeland security.
  • Identify and use appropriate technological tools for effective operations in homeland security.
  • Explain the importance of leadership and performance in homeland security and identify the leadership traits of competent homeland security personnel.
  • Describe and analyze issues related to cooperation among the international community, state governments, local jurisdictions, and private industry in facilitating intelligence operations, infrastructure protection, responses to terrorism and terrorist incidents, and the development of homeland security.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in homeland security requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Homeland Security Major - Course Requirements

Coursework for a major in homeland security includes the following:

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in homeland security. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Coursework for the major is indicated by ‡

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

  • EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3) (strongly recommended as first course)
  • LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
  • WRTG 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)
  • MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3) or higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

  • GVPT 170 American Government (3) or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first behavioral and social sciences requirement
  • Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3) and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1) or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other course(s) to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement
  • WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing requirement
  • IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
  • PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3) or a foreign language course or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, or literature, course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

  • PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3) or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other course to fulfill the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)
  • NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3) or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other course to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement
  • HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3) or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
  • ‡ HMLS 302 Introduction to Homeland Security (3)
  • ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3) or SPCH 482 Intercultural Communication (recommended elective)
  • WRTG 390 Writing for Managers (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing or speech requirement
  • IFSM 300 Information Systems in Organizations (3) or ACCT 326 Accounting Information Systems (related requirement for the major; also fulfills the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement; students should note prerequisites)
  • ‡ HMLS 304 Strategic Planning in Homeland Security (3)
  • IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3) (recommended elective)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

  • WRTG 394/394X Business Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ upper-level intensive writing requirement
  • ‡ HMLS 406 Legal and Political Issues of Homeland Security (3)
  • ‡ HMLS 408 Infrastructure Security Issues (3)
  • ‡ HMLS 414 International Security Issues (3)
  • ‡ IFSM 430 Information Systems and Security (3) or other supplemental major course in technology
  • ‡ BMGT 366 Managing in the Public Sector (3) or other supplemental major course in operations
  • ‡ GVPT 409 Terrorism, Antiterrorism, and Homeland Security (3) or other supplemental major course in intelligence
  • ‡ HMLS 486A Internship in Homeland Security Through Co-Op (3) or other supplemental major course in applied concepts

Capstone Course for Major (to be taken in the last 15 credits)

  • ‡ HMLS 495 Public Safety Policies and Leadership (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (40)

Total credits for BS in homeland security: 120