Course Listings

Homeland Security Critical Infrastructure Protection

MSHS 600 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of the protection of the nation's critical assets against a wide range of threats. Focus is on developing the knowledge and skills needed to identify vulnerabilities, assess risks, and implement protective measures to ensure the resilience and security of essential systems and assets. Topics include critical infrastructure sectors, risk assessments and management, threat analysis, policy and regulations, and interagency and public/private collaboration.

Homeland Security Cyber Threats and Emerging Technologies

MSHS 610 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An exploration of the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats and technological advancements. Emphasis is on developing the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of the digital age and ensure the security of the nation¿s critical assets. Discussion covers cyber threats, cybersecurity strategies, and the implications of emerging technologies for homeland security. Topics include the cyber threat landscape, cybersecurity fundamentals, risk assessment and management, emerging technologies, legal and regulatory frameworks, and strategic planning and policy development.

Homeland Security, Intelligence, and Information Sharing

MSHS 620 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of the intelligence community and the seamless flow of critical information to protect the nation. Discussion covers the role of intelligence in homeland security, the processes for effective information sharing, and the challenges associated with interagency collaboration. Topics include intelligence fundamentals, intelligence community and agencies, information sharing, data integration and analysis, threat assessment and risk analysis, legal and ethical considerations, and interagency collaboration.

Research and Evaluation Methods

MSHS 630 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A comprehensive overview of research, analysis, and evaluation methods critical to homeland security leadership. Focus is on developing research-based approaches to address complex security challenges and translating research findings into actionable insights for policymaking, strategic planning, and operational improvements in homeland security. Discussion covers research methods focused on real-world applications, such as threat assessment, policy analysis, and emergency response evaluation. Topics include data collection techniques, data analysis, evaluation methods, ethical considerations, and application of research.

Homeland Security Concepts

MSHS 650 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An examination of homeland security issues, especially as they relate to effective policies and strategies for protecting the nation. Focus is on developing and implementing effective strategies to protect the nation from diverse threats. Discussion covers the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of homeland security. Topics include the history and evolution of homeland security, homeland security frameworks and policies, threats and hazards, critical infrastructure protection, principles of risk management and resilience, emergency management, interagency and intergovernmental coordination, and ethical and legal considerations. Activities include practical exercises that simulate real-world scenarios and offer opportunities to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.

Community Engagement and Resilience

MSHS 652 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An exploration of the critical role of community involvement in enhancing homeland security and resilience. Emphasis is on the importance of community engagement and collaboration in achieving national security goals. Topics include principles of community resilience, risk communication, community-based disaster preparedness, public/private partnerships, vulnerable populations, crisis and emergency response, and case studies and best practices.

Disaster Preparedness and Response

MSHS 654 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of the principles and practices of disaster management. The goal is to manage the complexities and challenges of disaster situations and protect and support affected communities. Emphasis is on the importance of planning, coordination, and leadership in mitigating the impacts of natural and man-made disasters. Topics include disaster management frameworks, preparedness planning, emergency operations, response coordination, logistics and resource management, communication and information management, recovery, and mitigation.

Crisis Management

MSHS 660 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An exploration of the principles and practices of crisis management. Emphasis is on the strategic planning, decision-making, and coordination required to effectively respond to and recover from various crisis situations. Activities include analysis of real-world case studies to discern best practices in crisis management.

Coordination, Collaboration, and Partnerships

MSHS 662 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An examination of effective interagency and cross-sector cooperation in homeland security efforts. Emphasis is on the importance of building and maintaining strong partnerships to achieve common security goals. The objective is to demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to build and maintain strong partnerships, facilitate seamless coordination, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Topics include interagency coordination, public/private partnerships, nongovernmental and community-based organizations, collaborative frameworks and models, and crisis and emergency coordination.

Preparedness, Response, Mitigation, and Recovery

MSHS 664 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A comprehensive study of the four key phases of emergency management: preparedness, response, mitigation, and recovery. Focus is on developing the skills needed to enhance community resilience and manage the impacts of disasters and emergencies effectively. Topics include integrated emergency management, policy and legal frameworks, and community and public engagement.

Intelligence Collection

MSHS 671 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An in-depth exploration of the methods and techniques used to gather intelligence. The aim is to demonstrate the skills needed to effectively gather and analyze intelligence to support decision-making and operational planning. Focus is on the various sources and disciplines of intelligence collection.

Intelligence Analysis

MSHS 672 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of methodologies for analyzing intelligence data. Focus is on the processes and techniques used to interpret and synthesize information from multiple sources. The objective is to develop actionable insights to support decision-making in homeland security operations.

Counterintelligence Threats

MSHS 674 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A comprehensive examination of counterintelligence principles, practices, and challenges. Focus is on identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats posed by foreign intelligence entities and insider threats to national security.

Workplace Learning in Homeland Security

MSHS 686 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: ¿¿Prerequisites: 12 credits in program coursework and prior program approval (requirements detailed online at umgc.edu/wkpl). The integration of discipline-specific knowledge with new experiences in the work environment. Tasks include completing a series of academic assignments that parallel work experiences.¿

Homeland Security Leadership Capstone

MSHS 690 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisites: MSHS 600, 610, 620, and 630. A capstone study of homeland security leadership that integrates the knowledge, skills, and competencies gained through previous study and applies them to real-world challenges in homeland security. Emphasis is on developing the essential leadership skills and strategic insights necessary to address the complex and evolving challenges in the homeland security landscape. Activities include a comprehensive, hands-on project that addresses a significant issue within the homeland security field; comprises identifying a problem, conducting in-depth research, and developing innovative solutions; and demonstrates proficiency in strategic planning, policy analysis, crisis management, and leadership.