Course Listings

Introduction to Homeland Security

HMLS 302 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: WRTG 112 or equivalent. An introduction to the theory and practice of homeland security in both the public and private sector at national, regional, state, and local levels. The objective is to apply management concepts to homeland security, identify legal and policy issues related to homeland security, and compare the four phases of homeland security. 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.

Strategic Planning in Homeland Security

HMLS 304 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: HMLS 406. Recommended: HMLS 310, HMLS 408, HMLS 414, and HMLS 416. An examination of the fundamentals of strategic planning, necessary for the maintenance of domestic security and the operation of the homeland security organization in the public and private sectors. The goal is to develop and analyze homeland security strategic plans. Topics include organizational priorities, planning documents, policy development, legislation, financial operations, and the evaluation process. Analysis covers threat, risk, vulnerability, probability, and impact as parameters for decision making and resource allocation.

Homeland Security Response to Critical Incidents

HMLS 310 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: HMLS 302 and HMLS 406. A real-world assessment of the issues involved in responding to homeland security critical incidents. The aim is to prepare for future challenges, integrate critical incident responses at all levels, and analyze the effect of regulations and laws on critical incident response. Discussion covers historical and potential incidents as they relate to resources, cooperation, politics, regulations, operations, and post incident response.

Legal and Political Issues of Homeland Security

HMLS 406 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: HMLS 302. A study of the legal aspects of and public policy in homeland security. The aim is to analyze governmental and private-sector roles and form a model homeland security policy. The development of public policy in homeland security is examined at 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 of 2001, 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).

Infrastructure in Homeland Security

HMLS 408 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: HMLS 406. An examination of infrastructure protection at international, national, regional, state, and local levels. The objective is to assess threat, risk, and vulnerabilities and recommend protective measures. Topics include critical infrastructure at all levels of government, the private sector, and the international community. 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 using available resources and partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Homeland Security and Intelligence

HMLS 414 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: HMLS 406. A study of the role of intelligence in homeland security. The objective is to interpret the concepts of information; analyze the production of intelligence; and recognize the U.S. intelligence and law enforcement communities, as well as other agencies and organizations that have a part in the nation's homeland security intelligence activities. Topics include the various steps of the intelligence process: the collection, analysis, sharing, and dissemination of information between governments and between government and the private sector. Emphasis is on evaluating current intelligence and enforcement efforts. Discussion also covers future challenges and opportunities for intelligence operations.

Homeland Security and International Relations

HMLS 416 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: HMLS 406. An examination of the relationship of international institutions to U.S. homeland security policy, intelligence, and operations. The aim is to incorporate a global perspective in the development of U.S. homeland security, analyze international institutions that influence U.S. homeland security, and integrate international information sharing in public- and private-sector approaches to security. Domestic security operations abroad are compared to U.S. policy, laws, and procedures. Topics include the commonality of global approaches to domestic security everywhere and the value of information sharing between governments and international institutions.

Homeland Security Capstone

HMLS 495 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: At least 15 credits in upper-level FSCN, EMGT, HMLS, or PSAD courses (numbered 300 or 400). 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 leadership styles in the public safety professions integrates knowledge and 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.¿