23 May 2006

Longwood University to Offer Homeland Security Minor

Program Connects Globalization, Terrorism and Policy to Give Undergraduate Students an Edge in Growing Career Field

Longwood University today unveiled a new program in Homeland Security available as a minor to all undergraduates. The 18-credit hour program offers students interdisciplinary exposure to the global economic, cultural and political issues relevant to homeland security.

Longwood’s Homeland Security minor is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge in both foreign and domestic issues that will make students more attractive candidates should they decide to pursue homeland security careers in government or business.  Longwood’s program is unusual in its focus on preparing students for work in the formation of homeland security policy.  Programs at other universities often concentrate on preparing students to work with first responders and on crisis management.

Federal, state and local governments, as well as private sector businesses are spending billions of dollars annually on homeland security products and services, an economic reality that continues to create new jobs.  Additionally, a high percentage of employees currently in the field will be retiring over the next five to 10 years.

“The combined effects of economic and political globalization, international terrorism and the concern for improved homeland security are now producing a new set of national needs,” said Chuck Ross, dean of Longwood’s College of Arts and Sciences. “Universities across the country are stepping up educational efforts to meet these needs, and Longwood is proud to join them.”

Ross and the university anticipate high demand for the Homeland Security minor, especially among criminal justice and computer science majors. Interested students will be required to complete three core upper-level courses: Terrorism and Homeland Security in a Global Age, International Relations and The Psychology of Terrorism and Homeland Security. Nine additional elective credit hours also are required.

The Homeland Security minor, offered through Longwood’s College of Arts & Sciences, can be paired with any academic major. It will be available to students this fall.