Mission Statement

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Mission

It is the purpose of the Homeland Security (HS) Program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is to enhance and expand the discipline of homeland security by developing and delivering the highest quality academic and professional program in the field. Academic courses, projects and field experiences are designed to provide exposure to concepts, procedures, and operations consistent with those found within agencies and organizations charged with securing the American Homeland. The outcomes-based curriculum captures the diversity and richness of the homeland security enterprise by providing students state-of-the-art knowledge, skills and abilities that graduates will need to successfully enter the HS field.

The goal of the HS program is to be a leader in HS education and an example to our peers and colleagues by enabling our students to think critically and creatively about the challenges facing America's security and wellbeing.

The philosophy of the HS program is centered on and guided by concern for ethical and responsible behavior rooted in a culture of professionalism and patriotism. We believe a vibrant future for homeland security rests in the character, integrity, knowledge, skills, and abilities of our graduates.

The intent of the HS program is to accomplish its mission by:

Serving the student body, the department and college, and external community in support of the university’s overall mission.
Encouraging high quality teaching, scholarship and service to the community, university and the profession.
Conveying an appreciation for high ethical standards, a robust work ethic, and a desire for lifelong learning.
Applying state-of-the-art technology and methodology into the HS classroom.
Collaborating with homeland security experts and leaders to ensure we have the best curriculum, and top quality student internship and job opportunities.
Preparing students for either graduate school or immediate employment in the field of homeland security.

Meeting Needs of Market Place and Student Interests

The Applied Aviation Sciences Department in the College of Aviation offers the Bachelor of Science degree in Homeland Security (BSHS). With faculty who have more than 70 years of combined experience, the BSHS curriculum is based on an outcomes-based methodology which includes the needs of the marketplace, and expert input from U.S. military and governmental experts and practicing professionals. To enhance the quality of the HS educational experience, subject matter experts from a variety of HS disciplines are often invited to provide guest lectures or teach entire courses.

Core Courses

Core courses include law and policy, terrorism studies, emergency management, risk assessment, intelligence analysis, strategic planning, environmental security and transportation security.

Homeland Security Tracks

Track 1 consists of the Core plus one of two Areas of Concentration (AOC): Terrorism Studies or Emergency Management.

Track 2 is Cyber Security and it consists of the Core plus extensive Computer Science courses; no AOC is required. Students interested in Cyber Security, Network Administration or Data Assurance are encouraged to take this technical track. The HS program also requires an internship designed to provide students with a rich real-world experience.

College of Aviation