Homeland Security Management Institute

Program Introduction

On May 25, 2006 the New York State Education Department approved and registered the Long Island University Homeland Security Management Institute’s Master of Science in Homeland Security Management degree – the first and only registered Master’s degree in Homeland Security in New York State and the first fully online graduate degree program to be offered by Long Island University. The Homeland Security Management Institute will begin offering the fully online M.S. in Homeland Security Management in the fall of 2006.This academically rigorous and professionally relevant 36-credit online Master’s degree builds upon and expands the 15-credit online Advanced Certificate in Homeland Security Management - an online graduate credential the Institute began offering in September 2005. The 15 credits of the Advanced Certificate program form the core curriculum of the Master’s degree in Homeland Security Management, permitting qualified students completing the Advanced Certificate to continue their studies and earn both the Advanced Certificate and the Master’s degree without any loss of credit.The Homeland Security Management Institute has quickly emerged as a leader in graduate-level Homeland Security/Homeland Defense education, achieving broad recognition for the exceptional quality of its online graduate curriculum, for the unrivaled combination of academic credentials and practical professional experience among its faculty of Senior Fellows, for the superb leadership and ongoing program guidance provided by its renowned Board of Advisors, and for the outstanding professionalism of its highly competent students. The Homeland Security Management Institute has been recognized and commended as “one of the nation’s leading graduate programs in the Homeland Security/Homeland Defense field” by Dr. Paul Stockton, Associate Provost of the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, which began offering the nation’s first graduate degree in Homeland Security in 2002. “The Institute’s Senior Fellows are the real deal.”All courses are delivered entirely online in an ‘asynchronous’ format that permits busy professionals from across the nation and around the globe the flexibility they want and need in graduate study. The powerful WebCT learning platform software permits students to log in to a secure class Web site and participate in threaded discussion board dialogues or complete other course requirements at any time of the day or night. Students are never required to be online at a particular time or to be physically present at any particular place. Because our students are drawn from a diverse range of professional and occupational specialties and represent a variety of geographic regions, agencies and levels of government, the online discussions incorporate a broad array of perspectives and experiences. In turn, these varied perspectives and experiences provide a comprehensive and unsurpassed understanding of the breadth, depth and complexity of the nation’s homeland security enterprise.The online Master’s degree in Homeland Security Management consists of a total 36 credits, distributed as follows:

Core Courses (15 credits)
HSM 500 - Introduction to Homeland Security Management
HSM 520 - Constitutional Issues in Homeland Security Management
HSM 530 - Domestic and International Terrorism
HSM 540 - The Intelligence Function in Homeland Security Management
HSM 550 - Homeland Security and the Private Sector
Note: The 15-credit core is identical to the current Advanced Certificate in Homeland Security Management curriculum.

Required Courses: (9 credits)
HSM 600 - Emergency Management
HSM 610 - Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Disaster and Terrorism
HSM 620 - Research Design and Methods in Homeland Security Management

Practicum: (3 credits)
HSM 630 - Practicum: Graduate Internship in Homeland Security or
HSM 640 - Practicum: Exercises in Homeland Security
Note: Students experienced in a Homeland Security field may, upon application to the Program Director and demonstrated competency in the practical aspects of Homeland Security Management, receive a waiver to substitute an appropriate Elective course for the Practicum requirement.

Electives: (3 credits)
HSM 650 - Border and Transportation Security
HSM 655 - Critical Infrastructure and Key Resource (CI/KR) Protection
HSM 660 - Funding and Grant Evaluation
HSM 670 - The Economics of Terrorism and Extremism
HSM 680 - Global Terrorism and Geopolitical Configurations
HSM 690 - Post 9/11 America
HSM 700 - Critical Issues in Homeland Security Management
HSM 710 - Weapons of Mass Destruction
HSM 720 - Advanced Study in Homeland Security Management
HSM 730 – Leadership in Homeland Security Management

Research: (6 credits)
HSM 750 - Thesis Research Consultation I
HSM 760 - Thesis Research Consultation II

Note: HSM 760, Thesis Research Consultation II, must be taken in the student’s final semester.

Total: 36 credits

Course Descriptions

HSM 500 - Introduction to Homeland Security Management
This introductory course surveys the major policies, practices, concepts and challenges confronting practitioners in the complex field of Homeland Security Management. The course provides an overview of various threats to domestic security from terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and other related risks and vulnerabilities, examining the government and private sector organizations, strategies, and systems involved in protecting against and responding to these threats. Using a case study approach, the course focuses on the managerial, political, legal and organizational issues related to crisis planning and response, the National Incident Management System, risk assessment and mitigation, communications and technology systems, medical and public health emergencies, and infrastructure protection. Note: This core course is part of the Advanced Certificate curriculum.

HSM-520 - Constitutional Issues in Homeland Security Management
This course provides students with an overview of the various statutes, case law, and Constitutional issues governing the activities of practitioners involved in the Homeland Security enterprise at the federal, state and local levels. These issues and bodies of law are of critical importance to Homeland Security practitioners and policymakers, and the course considers their important social, ethical, and political implications. The central focus of the course is on the question of how to balance the goals, objectives and activities of effective Homeland Security against the compelling need to preserve and extend fundamental American civil liberties. The course examines the Constitutional and legal framework of the Homeland Security enterprise, discusses specific Constitutional issues and cases as they apply to Homeland Security, and considers the relationship between Homeland Security policies and the preservation of civil liberties. It examines the effectiveness of various court decisions and legislation including the USA PATRIOT Act in preventing and responding to the threat of terrorism as well as their role in shaping the development of Homeland Security agencies, policies, strategies, and infrastructure. Note: This core course is part of the Advanced Certificate curriculum.

HSM 530 - Domestic and International Terrorism
This course provides an in-depth examination of the threat of terrorism and its impact on the Homeland Security enterprise by exploring the overall phenomena of terrorism as well as the complex motivations, ideologies, goals and tactics of various domestic and international terrorist groups. Cultural, religious and economic influences on terrorism will be considered. Students will analyze these groups in light of historical, contemporary and potential future acts of terrorism in order to refine their knowledge of terrorism prevention, detection, response and investigation. The course focuses upon such topical issues as state terrorism, political terrorism, revolutionary terrorism, religious and apocalyptic violence, weapons of mass destruction, and terrorist tactics and targeting, as well as the practical strategies and approaches of counterterrorism. Note: This core course is part of the Advanced Certificate curriculum.

HSM 540 - The Intelligence Function in Homeland Security Management
This course acquaints students with the concepts and practices involved in the process of collecting, analyzing and evaluating intelligence and in managing the intelligence function, as well as the influence of intelligence in shaping homeland security decision-making at the federal, state and local levels. It examines the structures, roles, and interactions of the foreign and domestic intelligence communities, the intelligence gathering and analysis capabilities of criminal justice and private sector entities, and the use of intelligence processes to support homeland security investigations, planning, and policy formulation. Based in a case study approach, students in this course will develop an understanding of intelligence tradecraft and the analytic and research skills used in intelligence work, as well as an appreciation for the ethical, Constitutional, and civil liberties issues involved. Specific topics considered include open source intelligence, assessing the reliability and validity of information, intelligence sharing, covert and counterintelligence operations, Homeland Security managers as both producers and consumers of intelligence, and the future of homeland security intelligence. Note: This core course is part of the Advanced Certificate curriculum.

HSM 550 - Homeland Security and the Private Sector
This course explores the relationships and interactions between various private-sector institutions and public-sector Homeland Security organizations at the federal, state and local levels. It examines the specific roles, responsibilities, and vulnerabilities of private-sector entities in protecting critical infrastructure as well as in preventing, deterring, and responding to crises. Among the institutions and organizations considered are public utilities, the private security industry, mental health workers, hospitals and biomedical facilities, the public health sector, chemical and hazardous materials companies, shipping and transportation companies, airlines and airports, the financial services industry, and information technology and telecommunications companies. Particular emphasis is paid to mitigating and managing the threat of nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological (NBCR) weapons.
Note: This core course is part of the Advanced Certificate curriculum.

HSM 600 – Emergency Management
This course examines historical and contemporary theories, principles, and practices of Emergency Management, particularly the all-hazards approach and the related processes of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Using a case study approach, the course considers the evolution of Emergency Management and its practical application within government and private-sector institutions. The roles, responsibilities, and duties of Emergency Managers at various levels of government are discussed, as are the relationships between the agencies, organizations, and individuals involved. The course acquaints students with the National Response Plan and such contemporary Emergency Management systems as the National Incident Management System (NIMS), with specific attention paid to their applicability to crises that include terrorist events, natural and man-made disasters, and other hazards. Note: HSM 600 is a required course.

HSM 610 – Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Disaster and Terrorism
This course examines the traumatic psychological consequences of terrorism and disasters upon individuals and groups, as well as the individual and collective social behaviors that typically become manifest after these events. The course examines a range of psychological and social issues related to terrorism and disaster, including theories of psychological trauma, trauma prevention strategies and crisis intervention, the impact of psychological trauma upon first responders and those directly exposed to terrorism or disasters, the psychological goals of terrorism, and posttraumatic stress. Note: HSM 610 is a required course.

HSM 620 - Research Design and Methods in Homeland Security Management
This course surveys the various quantitative and qualitative analytic methods and research designs used for policy development and evaluation in Homeland Security fields, as well as the critical thinking skills and practical techniques involved in preparing analytical research products and reports. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach to research, and students become acquainted with such research methods as case studies, field research, surveys, content analysis, experimental designs, secondary analysis, and other forms of evaluative research. Various methods of statistical analysis are also covered, preparing students to design and conduct an original thesis research project. Note: HSM 620 is a required course.

HSM 630 – Practicum: Graduate Internship in Homeland Security
Under the supervision and direction of a member of the Homeland Security Management faculty, students participate in a planned program of observation and participation in the management operations of a Homeland Security agency.

HSM 640 - Practicum: Exercises in Homeland Security
Under the supervision and direction of a member of the Homeland Security Management faculty, students undertake a project involving substantive participation in managing a major simulation, exercise, or drill involving multiple agencies or institutions. Student involvement will include planning, designing, developing, conducting and evaluating the simulation or drill.

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HSM 650 – Border and Transportation Security
This course examines the critical tasks and complex challenges involved in securing the nation’s airspace and its land and maritime borders, including efforts to prevent intrusions while facilitating the lawful movement of goods and persons. Border and transportation security issues are examined in terms of their impact on the economy, national security, and public safety, with particular emphasis on the interaction between federal, state and local entities with the military and various private sector industries and organizations. Note: HSM 650 is an Elective course.

HSM 655 – Critical Infrastructure and Key Resource (CI/KR) Protection
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and effects of Hurricane Katrina in the summer of 2003, poignantly illustrated to the world just how vulnerable some of our critical infrastructures (CI) and key resources (KR) were to manmade and natural disasters. This course provides the student with a detailed overview of the way in which public and private leaders are addressing critical CI/KR vulnerabilities that affect our way of life. It will explore and analyze the subsequent National Infrastructure Protection Plan and supporting Sector-Specific Plans to determine if they provide the coordinated approach necessary to set national priorities, goals, and requirements for CI/KR protection. Based on assigned readings of key government documents, independent reports and expert analyses, the student will gain a base of knowledge about the vast scope of effort and activities required to protect the nation's most essential assets. The student will also be able to reiterate the details required to reduce CI/KR vulnerabilities, deter threats, and minimize the consequences of attacks and other natural incidents across the nation.
Note: HSM 655 is an Elective course.

HSM 660 - Funding and Grant Evaluation
This course surveys the various funding sources available in the Homeland Security field, examining the process of grant writing and the criteria and standards used by funders to evaluate grant applications. The course also covers the reporting and auditing responsibilities involved in grants management. Note: HSM 660 is an Elective course.

HSM 670 – The Economics of Terrorism and Extremism
This course focuses on the economic aspects of contemporary terrorism and extremism as well as the financing of terrorist operations. In addition to comparing the economic structures and systems of Western democracies with those of Middle East nations and examining the economic conflicts and disparities that may give rise to or exacerbate extremism and terrorism, topics include money laundering activities and the hawala remittance system. Note: HSM 670 is an Elective course.

HSM 680 – Global Terrorism and Geopolitical Configurations
This course critically analyzes the geopolitical context of terrorism prior to and including the Modern Age of Terrorism, which began in the late 1960s and continues today. Changes in political, military, and or economic alliances and policies in the United States and in European and Asian nations often alter, modify, and affect the objectives of extreme terrorist groups and the acts they carry out. Particular attention is paid to perceived threats of terrorism and the geopolitical objectives of the al Qaeda network and terror networks in Chechnya, as well as their impact on the United States, European nations, and nations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa. Note: HSM 680 is an Elective course.

HSM 690 – Post 9/11 America
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 had a profound and lasting effect upon Americans’ political and social behaviors as well as their belief systems and collective social conscience, and this course critically examines how those attacks have changed American public opinion and the ‘American way of life.’ The course explores the roles played by the media, by political figures, and by government agencies at the federal, state and local in shaping contemporary American thought about terrorism, extremism, Homeland Security / Homeland Defense, and the Global War on Terrorism. It examines the public’s specific fears, perceptions, and expectations about terrorism and homeland security. Note: HSM 690 is an Elective course.

HSM 700 - Critical Issues in Homeland Security Management
This course examines the evolving nature of the Homeland Security enterprise by examining a number of contemporary topical issues and their immediate and long-term impact on Homeland Security policies, and practices. Particular attention is paid to the role of the media, law, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and political entities at the federal, state and local levels in determining and shaping Homeland Security policy and practice. Note: HSM 700 is an Elective course.

HSM 710 - Weapons of Mass Destruction
This course provides a detailed overview of current and emerging threats to homeland security posed by Weapons of Mass Destruction, including the range of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) weapons. Among the issues considered in depth are US vulnerability and feasible modes of response to WMD attacks, as well as the technology and availability of WMDs and potential scenarios for their deployment by extremist groups. Note: HSM 710 is an Elective course.

HSM 720 - Advanced Study in Homeland Security Management
Students in this course conduct substantive independent reading and research projects in the Homeland Security field under the guidance of a member of the Homeland Security Management Institute’s faculty and with the permission of the Institute’s Director. Students are expected to prepare a substantial integrative written report at the conclusion of the semester. Note: HSM 720 is an Elective course.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Director of the Homeland Security Management Institute.

HSM 730 – Leadership in Homeland Security Management
This course provides the necessary foundation for an understanding of leadership and challenges to its effective implementation, with a special focus on the complexity encountered in the homeland security and interagency arenas. This course will progress through a process of self-assessment, review of selected leadership models, inquiry into the intersection between recognized leadership competency components and still-emerging HLS competency components, review of the homeland security environment, examination of leadership complexity resulting from the interplay of the interagency and public/private/non-profit sectors, and examination of possible tools to improve one’s leadership competency. The aim is to provide learners the self-knowledge and resources to improve their individual leadership competency working within the complex HLS environment.

HSM 750 - Thesis Research Consultation I
This course prepares the student to complete the capstone thesis requirement. In consultation with a faculty member, the student will identify and develop an appropriate and policy-relevant thesis research issue in the Homeland Security field, refine that issue to distill a research question or questions, identify the sources of information and research methods suitable to complete the thesis, prepare an annotated bibliography of sources to be used, and develop and submit a comprehensive research plan in the form of a Thesis Proposal.

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HSM 760 - Thesis Research Consultation II
With the guidance and supervision of members of his or her thesis committee, the student will carry out the independent capstone research project outlined in the Thesis Proposal submitted at the conclusion of HSM 750 - Thesis Research Consultation I. The student will demonstrate his or her mastery of a substantive issue in the Homeland Security Management field, as well as his or her competence in presenting the results of a substantial academic and/or policy research project in a comprehensive, cogent, and coherent written thesis. The capstone thesis will demonstrate the student’s understanding of the academic and/or policy research process, display his or her capacity to identify, assess, and review relevant literature and other sources of information, confirm his or her ability to formulate cogent research questions, and validate his or her ability to select and use appropriate research methods to explore those research questions.