National Security
A career field that’s more important than ever
The need for qualified professionals with the knowledge and skills to address threats to safety spans both the public and private sectors. National security careers are now a part of every industry.
One of only a few programs of its kind in the area, the Berkeley College Bachelor’s degree program in National Security can prepare you for a range of careers through a curriculum developed with input from a range of security experts based on the current and anticipated needs of various types of organizations. The program covers a broad understanding of homeland security, emergency management, technology, communications, intelligence, critical infrastructure, terrorism, and other important aspects of security.
All of the program’s major courses can be completed in a seven-week format online.
Specialization
The National Security program offers five concentrations in specialized areas of study. Declaring a concentration can also help graduates stand out to potential employers. Students will not need to declare a concentration until registering for their third semester.
Intelligence
Intelligence is information gathered that involves threats to our nation, its people, property, or interests; development, proliferation, or use of weapons of mass destruction; and any other matter bearing on the U.S. national or homeland security. The intelligence community’s primary mission is to collect and convey essential information that the policymaking, law enforcement, and military communities require to execute their appointed duties.
Critical Infrastructure
From hospitals to power plants, dams, water facilities, and transportation systems, critical infrastructure supports every aspect of our lives. The Department of Homeland Security has identified 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks are so vital that incapacitation or destruction would debilitate the nation’s security, economy, public health, and safety.
Public-Private Partnerships
Ensuring the security and resilience of the nation is a shared responsibility in the delivery of goods or services to the public. Public-Private Partnerships provide tremendous advantages for the nation to meet its national security needs and have been implemented to include a wide range of social services, public transportation, and environmental and waste-disposal services.
Information Security
Information Security refers to the processes and methodologies which are designed and implemented to protect electronic, and any other forms of confidential, private, and sensitive information or data from unauthorized access, use, misuse, disclosure, destruction, modification, or disruption. Information security and cybersecurity are often confused. Information Security is a crucial part of cybersecurity, but it refers exclusively to the processes designed for data security.
Pre-Law
This concentration focuses on Americanl law, judicial process, and national security law while enhancing legal writing, analytical thinking, and research skills. Students in this concentration take courses that cover a range of legal topics and issues, developing the ability to read with clear understanding, think critically, solve problems, and communicate with precision and clarity. The Pre-Law Concentration, along with the Pre-Law Advisory Center (PLAC), will guide students in the law school admission process.
Learn from highly qualified experienced professionals
Professors in the National Security program are chosen for their relevant academic credentials as well as their professional experience. They have worked with such entities as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force, the West African Task Force, and the Olympics. They have trained with the FBI National Academy, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the National Incident Command System, as well as, the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), and the National Incident Management System, among other vital organizations.
Benefit from:
- Small classes with personal attention from instructors with professional experience with the in-demand skills required for this cutting-edge field
- A focus on applying knowledge gained from the program to real-world security issues
- An emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills
- You may have the opportunity to participate in an internship or job-related assignment for a valuable learning experience
- Exceptional networking opportunities through faculty and alumni connections
Degree Program