Course Descriptions
Homeland Security
MHS 7000
Contemporary Issues in Homeland Security
3 credits
Students will gain an understanding of the concept of Homeland Security and its relevance in today’s society. The macro and micro definition of Homeland Security will be thoroughly discussed. An in-depth review of the events which placed Homeland Security as a top priority of the U. S. Government will be made. Students will be given an overview of the statutory authority given to officials in the various government entities who have responsibility for Homeland Security. This overview will include a review and discussion of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the U. S. Patriot Act. Review and discussion of the structures of federal, state and local entities responsible for Homeland Security and the means in which they are coordinating their efforts with each other are examined. Other areas related to Homeland Security will be addressed to include: hazards, safety and security, mitigation and preparedness, response and recovery, communication and technology. Finally, the course will include a discussion of how tighter Homeland Security could threaten a person’s civil liberties.
MHS 7001
Sociology of Terrorism
3 credits
Students will gain an understanding of modern terrorism. The focus of this course will be on terrorism with an emphasis on contemporary issues relating to Homeland Security. This course will address the impact that terrorism has on society and everyday life. Cultural and religious foundations of modern terrorism will be addressed as well as how the intelligence and law enforcement community deals with these issues. Students will learn the tactical and strategic solutions that are currently being employed in the field.
MHS 7002
Legal Aspects and Policy of Homeland Security
3 credits
This course presents the overarching legal framework for counter-terrorism, particularly as it relates to global issues. The course will address constitutional, statutory, and regulatory issues relating to counter-terrorism law enforcement activities, including both authorizations and limitations.
MHS 7003
Risk Assessment and Management
3 credits
Students will be exposed to the study of risk assessment and management in the context of Homeland Security. Topics will include threat assessment, analysis and management of critical infrastructure, resources and locations by both law enforcement and private industry. The course will include national threat assessment, analysis and management while emphasizing practical local and regional issues as well as hands-on planning utilizing case studies.MHS 7004
Crisis Leadership
3 credits
The focus of this course is the study of the crisis phenomenon as it affects law enforcement and private industry. Topics include hostage/barricade incidents, workplace violence, school violence, product tampering, and major case issues. Emphasis is placed on the decision-making process. Protocols for dealing with several types of incidents and the behavioral issues of perpetrators will be discussed. Topics will also include crisis management theory, planning responses to crisis, formation of crisis management response teams, and dealing with the aftermath of crisis situations.
MHS 7005
Border and Transportation Security
3 credits
This course will examine Homeland Security as it applies to border protection and security of critical infrastructures. Students will examine the prevention of and response to terrorist attacks within the context of border and transportation security. Issues will be examined from a pro-active, problem-solving perspective.
MHS 7006
Topics in Intelligence
3 credits
This course will investigate current topics relating to intelligence activities in the context of Homeland Security. The course will also address constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and public policy issues relating to intelligence activities, including both authorizations and limitations.
MHS 7007
Strategic Planning in Homeland Security
3 credits
Students will learn to customize and create icons, attributes, templates, palettes and chart properties that complement their investigations. Students will build their importing and analytical skills while learning techniques for manipulating charts created with mass data. Emphasis will be placed on learning the analysis tools and how they can be used to examine chart focus and to find commonalities within and between charts. Students learn more about attributes and will be introduced to analysis attributes and how they can be used for analysis.
MHS 7008
Fundamentals of Bio-Terrorism
3 credits
This course will explore biological weapons and agents, their methods of dissemination and exposure, as well as effects and treatments. Bioterrorism will be examined from an international and domestic perspective by identifying impending threats to the U.S. as well as countries or terrorist groups with the existing capability or possibility for the development of bio-agents and attacks. Federal and local preparedness will be addressed with an emphasis on identification of potential threats and expedient, efficient responses. Bio-attacks and war games will be explored with a focus on potential casualties and socioeconomic impact.
MHS 7009
Emergency Management Processes, Policy, and Administration
3 credits
This course investigates current topics relating to emergency management in the context of homeland security. The course will address constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and public policy issues relating to emergency management activities, including both authorizations and limitations.
MHS 7010
The Emergency Management Cycle
3 credits
This course investigates the emergency management cycle. The course will address key components and processes of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
MHS 7011
Organizational Continuity
3 credits
This course examines organizational continuity as a concept and as a practice. The course will explore each of the commonly accepted Continuity Capability Elements (CCEs), as described by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).MHS 7012
History, Policy, and Legal Aspects of the US Intelligence Enterprise
3 credits
This course will provide students with a comprehensive overview of the modern US Intelligence Enterprise from the World War II era to present. The course will address constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and public policy issues relating to the application of intelligence activities in both foreign and domestic environments. Additional course content will focus on the criticality of protecting the privacy, civil rights and civil liberties of US citizens during domestic intelligence activities. MHS 7013
Applying the Intelligence Process
3 credits
This course investigates the six-step process used to generate unbiased intelligence analysis for use in policy and operational plan development. The course will include in-depth analysis of the specific process which includes, Planning and Direction, Collection, Processing, Analysis, Dissemination and Feedback.
MHS 7014
Intelligence to Protect the Homeland
3 credits
This course expands the student’s knowledge about protecting the homeland by analyzing and applying the foundational concepts of intelligence. Specific areas of analysis and discussion will include: the intersection between homeland security and criminal intelligence: the organizations responsible for implementing intelligence in the homeland; the growth of state and locally operated fusion centers; and the integration of private sector organizations seeking to protect US critical infrastructure.
MHS 7020
Capstone
3 credits
Students will complete a capstone project that will be designed to meet a need of either the student's current workplace or a selected human service agency and may include program development, evaluation or other research needs identified by the agency. The student's project will have a practical application and benefit to the host organization. The capstone may be more of a creative project, such as an executive position paper, a documentary project or designing a new program based on quantitative or qualitative data from a variety of sources. Students may also complete a practicum/internship project that is an intensive mentored experience in the field of homeland security. Students are assigned an individual faculty member who will provide guidance throughout the process.
MHS 7021
Capstone
3 credits
A unique component of the emergency management concentration is that students will have the opportunity to complete preparations, practice exams, and application materials to prepare them to sit for the pre-eminent entry-level emergency management certification. The Capstone course is designed to walk students through the application and preparation steps for AEM certification, which provides further added value relative to employer needs and job applicant qualifications.
MHS 7033
Research Methods in Criminal Justice
3 credits
Students will learn the scientific methods used in the study of issues related to crime and criminal justice. Topics will include the relationship among theory, hypotheses, and empirical research. Various methodological designs, including survey research, quasi-experimental research, and qualitative research will be explored. The language and terminology used in the interpretation of data will be presented. Issues that govern the research of crime and criminal justice will be discussed, including ethics and confidentiality.
Prerequisite(s): MHS student