National Security Studies, Major

About the Program

Faculty: 

Program Director- Politics, Government and Law Program: Dr. Angela Kachuyevski 

Director of the Pre-Law Program, Hon. Christopher J. Cerski, JD 

Professor 

Dr. Warren Haffar

Dr. Favian Martin

Associate Professor 

Dr. Hilary Parsons Dick 

Assistant Professor 

Jennifer Stanley 

Katorah Williams

Adjunct Professors 

Paul Hetznecker 

Allan Branson 

Bachelor of Arts in National Security Studies

The National Security Studies program provides students with the conceptual and research knowledge necessary to think critically about issues of security, from the threat of terrorism to the sovereignty of the nation to investigation and enforcement. The program views national security as a field of critical inquiry in which issues and policies have global implications. Starting with the assumption that security is an important value for all people and nations, the major explores the implications of security policy and the consequences of both insecurity and the quest for increased security at home and abroad. 

Courses in the major build a base of knowledge and construct a process of evaluation and critical inquiry that prepares students for both professional training and graduate-level education. 

The major program of study is committed to a solid examination of the social and cultural nature of security and threat while introducing students to the fundamental 

issues and concepts of security as well as the processes to investigate crime and enforce the law. This includes an understanding of the relationship between national security and political sovereignty, democracy, and international cooperation. Students are encouraged to examine the intended and unintended consequences of the security apparatus and to think comparatively and globally about security issues. 

Students are encouraged to engage in one of several opportunities to learn outside the classroom, including studying away, internships, and participation in our Model UN program, a Global Field Study, or other experiential learning opportunities offered on campus. 

Required courses in Criminal Justice and Political Science provide students with the ability to think analytically and scientifically about issues within a social science framework. Included in this understanding is an awareness of the social and political implications of immigration policy, international law, terrorism and other threats to security. 

Required Courses

Nine Core Courses: 

• CJ 160 Crime and Punishment (4 Credits)
• PS 140 Introduction to International Relations (4 Credits)
• PS 240 U.S. Foreign Policy (4 Credits)
• PS 270 Introduction to Security Studies (4 Credits)

• CJ/PS 211 Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism

• CJ/PS 201 Writing for Criminology or Writing for Political Science

• PS 275 Writing for Law & Public Policy (4 Credits)
• CJ 330 or PS 331 Research Methods

• CJ or PS 490 Senior Seminar I

• CJ or PS 491 Senior Seminar II