Southwestern College Professional Studies

Is a Homeland Security Certificate For Me?

Given the ever-evolving nature of homeland security issues in the United States and those impacting on citizens and countries around the world, the classes in the homeland security certificate program offered by Southwestern College are designed to address a multitude of issues and challenges.

This up-to-date program is taught by practicing professionals who bring real-world applications to each of the classes. Southwestern College has been a leader in the offering of security curriculum at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The homeland security certificate is offered both online and in-the-classroom. The five challenging required courses are delivered in 6-week sessions to allow maximum flexibility for busy professionals like you.

Courses

SMGT 311 Introduction to Security

SMGT 315 Physical Security
—- or
SMGT 320 Information Security

SMGT 321 Homeland Security Fundamentals

SMGT 424 Terrorism-Motivations and Adversaries

SMGT 415 Legal Aspects of Security
—- or
SMGT 430 Contemporary Issues in Security Mgmnt

Course Descriptions

SMGT 311 Introduction to Security

This course includes a detailed review of the representative duties of the professionals engaged in private and public security. It focuses on the latest trends, concerns, and issues in the security industry today. This includes specific threat analysis, countermeasures, the security function, and fundamentals of defense. The course will also provide an overview of the historical development of security.

SMGT 315 Physical Security

Examines physical design, risk assessment, security surveys, barriers, locks, lighting, alarms, entry control, closed circuit television and digital recording systems. The overall process of physical protection system design and integration is also extensively covered.

SMGT 320 Information Security

Provides a framework for analyzing current and projected data and information exposure within an organization. Includes the study of firewalls, virus prevention techniques, network security and common forms of cyber crime.

SMGT 321 Homeland Security Fundamentals

Provides a diverse group of topics related to homeland security. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, critical infrastructure sectors and protection, weapons of mass destruction planning and response strategies, national security, and public management. There is also a review of the essential coordination and communication between government agencies and private entities.

SMGT 415 Legal Aspects of Security

Provides a thorough overview of the legal issues and concepts that security professionals must be familiar with while operating in public or private organizations. A review of legal rights available to security officers, corporations, partnerships, and individually owned businesses for the protection of their property from theft by employees, customers and others is covered. The law of arrest, search and seizure, detention, surveillance and legal consequences are also examined.

SMGT 424 Terrorism-Motivations and Adversaries

Reviews the events, ideas, motivations and histories that result in terrorist acts. This course is an examination of the theories that help explain this volatile behavior surrounding international and domestic terrorism, as well as domestic extremist groups in the United States. A conceptual overview of terrorism, progresses to a focused discussion of the terrorists, investigates the nuances of the terrorist trade, and concludes with a final analysis of modern terrorism.

SMGT 430 Contemporary Issues in Security Management

A survey of contemporary issues affecting the conduct of personnel engaged in managing security within organizations and businesses. Includes an analysis of the impact recent legislation on internal security processes and procedures. Mechanisms and plans to facilitate data exchange with public safety organizations at the local, regional, and national level are discussed.

Admission Requirements

Anyone interested in completing the Certificate in Homeland Security may complete a Southwestern College Professional Studies Application for Admission. The five courses comprising the Homeland Security Certificate can be completed in eight months or less without prerequisites. Individuals completing the Homeland Security Certificate at Southwestern College may apply these 15 credit hours earned toward a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Security Management. Or, they can be applied as electives in other bachelor degrees offered by Southwestern College Professional Studies.

The Homeland Security Certificate is offered in an online format or in the classroom at Ft. Riley, KS. Five required courses are delivered in 6-week sessions to allow maximum flexibility for busy professionals.

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The classes in the homeland security certificate program offered by Southwestern College are designed to address the ever-evolving nature of homeland security issues in the United States and those impacting on citizens and countries around the world.