Program Outline
Successful completion of AIU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program with a Specialization in Homeland Security and Crisis Management can provide students with an industry-focused look at the relationship between police agencies and the communities they serve.
We can help you learn how to:
- Apply foundational knowledge of homeland security & crisis management across a range of disciplines.
- Conduct risk analysis and create emergency plans and strategic communications for homeland security & crisis management.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of laws, national security and public policies governing homeland security and crisis management.
- Apply research and analysis of homeland security & crisis management issues.
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of technology and critical infrastructure protection as they apply to homeland security & crisis management.
- Apply key research areas on terrorism, counter-terrorism and natural disaster concepts of homeland security & crisis management through various scenarios.
- Apply concepts of ethics and diversity as they relate to homeland security & crisis management.
Classes Overview
At AIU, more of the courses you take, on average, are devoted to your field of interest than at other similar schools. Your classes may include:
Foundations of Crisis Management
This course introduces students to various concepts and strategies involved in crisis management. Students will learn of different types of disasters (natural and manmade), organizational responses, preparedness, mitigation and recovery techniques.
Terrorism and Homeland Security
This course presents an overview of the key security issues facing the United States in both the areas of Homeland Security and Terrorism. It introduces students to the changing dynamics of homeland security at both the national and state levels. Students will explore the various dynamics of providing security in different settings. Additionally, the history and future of terrorism will be examined.
Critical Infrastructures
Understanding the concepts pertaining to critical infrastructure in fighting terrorism is a core component of Homeland Security studies. The student will learn how to identify the different sectors of critical infrastructure, and the assets within various sectors that must be protected. Various strategies utilized to protect key assets will be covered.
Interagency Collaboration and Homeland Security
This course introduces students to national security policies, the nature of the collaboration that exists between the various agencies involved in Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Federal, state, and local agencies all play a role in Homeland Security and Crisis Management, and this course will assist students to understand how the various agencies interact with each other and work together to protect the nation from all types of hazards and threats. The importance of interagency and intra-agency communication and coordination will be covered.
Psychosocial Dimensions of Terrorism
This course guides students into examining the motivations behind terrorist groups and the psychosocial impact of terrorist attacks. The course will assist students in understanding the impact of fear and government response to terrorism in the media. The students will explore various ways that these responses shape public perception and attitude towards terrorist threats and attacks.
Communication and Crisis Planning
This course combines primary areas of homeland security /crisis management, i.e., intelligence, strategic planning, critical infrastructure, research and analysis, technology and strategic communications to provide students with a basis for developing a coordinated response. Students will develop an emergency plan to address preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery.