National Security - Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)
Not all programs are offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online®. Please review the academic program pages (https://berkeleycollege.edu/academics/index.html) for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online.
Course Requirements
MAJOR CORE COURSES
CIS1115 Computer Applications
3 Credit Hours
Provides an introduction to computer technology with an emphasis on applications. Students learn to use software, such as Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
NTS1102 Introduction to National Security
3 Credit Hours
Introduces students to the National Security program. Students completing this course will know the nature of the national security organizations and their responsibilities, be aware of the major strategic issues confronting the nation, and know the current national strategy for responding to national security threats.
NTS1110 Communications Skills for National Security
3 Credit Hours
Addresses communication perspectives informing national security, strategic intelligence, and the intelligence process. Students will examine U.S. national security history, policy, the development of the intelligence community, and intelligence as processes of communication.
NTS2215 Introduction to Emergency Management
3 Credit Hours
Presents the basic principles of effective emergency management as they have developed over the past six decades, including the rapid evolution of the field in this century. Emergency management related topics include critical infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and information security.
Prerequisite: NTS1102 or JUS1100
NTS2217 U.S. Ethics and Homeland Security
3 Credit Hours
Presents classical ethical theories and explores the ethical implications of war and terrorism in the 21st century. Students analyze controversial issues including torture, bombing of civilians, assassination and targeted killing, and humanitarian intervention. Civil liberties and the Patriot Act will be examined.
Prerequisite: NTS1102
NTS4403 National Security Law
3 Credit Hours
Introduces national security law. This course is intended for NTS majors. Topics include the nature of legal regulations governing national security organizations, the major statutory enactments and case decisions interpreting national security law, and the sources of legal authority for national security operations.
Prerequisite: NTS1102
NTS4460 Capstone Project
3 Credit Hours
The capstone experience is a culminating set of experiences that “captivate, encapsulate, synthesize, and demonstrate learning” (Rowles et al. 2004, 2008). In this Capstone Project course, students will complete Capstone projects and assignments that address and assess the program outcomes for the BS in Justice Studies-Criminal Justice and National Security programs. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout their degree program by applying creativity skills to real-world situations, critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving. This course reemphasizes major topics students have learned throughout their coursework with implications on current or emerging trends along with best practices to explore concepts to help prepare for and succeed in, a career within the criminal justice system or indirectly related fields such as the private sector.
NTS4483 Internship
3 Credit Hours
Allows students to work in a position related to their course of study. Typical responsibilities include writing, researching, compiling data, and administrative projects. Students integrate skills and knowledge learned in their academic experiences and participate in focused online discussions and projects.
Prerequisite: Departmental permission
JUS2000 Career Development
3 Credit Hours
Introduces students to the fundamentals of career development and career planning. The course focuses on setting appropriate discipline specific career goals based on self-assessment exercises that align with skills and competencies. Students learn how to write a professional resume and cover letter, how to communicate effectively in multiple media formats and how to develop effective time management skills.
Note: JUS2000 is only offered as a 7-week course.
JUS3302 Homeland Security
3 Credit Hours
Introduces the emerging issues of Homeland Security and potential terrorist threats. Course topics include the history of terrorism, the National Security Act, the events of September 11th, and overall public safety challenges.
Prerequisite: NTS1102
JUS3314 Introduction to Intelligence
3 Credit Hours
Considers the intelligence function within the context of the Patriot Act. Topics include the use of informants, issues in police interrogation practices, Miranda warnings, electronic eavesdropping and surveillance, and the civil rights implications of electronic evidence.
Prerequisite: NTS1102
JUS3315 Terrorism
3 Credit Hours
Examines the history and causes of terrorism. This course concentrates on the structure and function of major terrorist groups and the response of democratic governments in combating terrorism. Includes an investigation of terrorist activities, legal viewpoints, and media responsibility.
Prerequisite: NTS1102
National Security Studies Elective- 3 Credits
Major Concentration*- 12 Credits
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE CORE COURSES
ENG1105 Writing and Research
3 Credits
An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition. Students are taught to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles. Students are encouraged to appreciate and incorporate the principles of academic and professional writing.
ENG2205 Writing Through Literature
3 Credits
Further develop the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105 through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres.
Prerequisite: ENG1105
ENG3316 The Confident Writer
3 Credits
Explores a wide variety of non-fiction writing genres, including personal profile, journalism, criticism, and more. Students build their reading, writing, and researching skills while also reinforcing the fundamental concepts and current developments associated with the areas of their respective majors.
Prerequisite: ENG2205
HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics
3 Credits
Introduces the study of ethics and moral philosophy, including its historical development, the major figures within that history, and ethical and moral issues that face us today. This course presents the perspectives of various schools of thought and encourages students’ own critical thinking on ethical and moral issues in dialogue with others.
MAT2211 College Algebra
3 Credits
Introduces students to solving problems by using geometric and algebraic approaches. Topics include the Cartesian coordinate system, linear equations, absolute value, rational and exponential functions, systems of linear equations, linear inequalities, logarithms, and polynomials.
Prerequisite: CSK85 or placement-based score
MAT2218 Probability, Statistics, and Applied Regression
3 Credits
Introduces a collection of quantitative methods used to analyze data and inform management decisions. The topics that will be covered include describing and summarizing data, sampling and estimation, hypothesis testing, single variable linear regression, and multivariable regression. This course focuses on honing the understanding of key course concepts, managerial judgment, and ability to apply these concepts to real business problems.
Prerequisite: CSK85 or placement-based score
SCI3303 Human Aggression and Violence
3 Credits
Investigates aggression and violence within broad biological and cultural contexts. It begins with an overview of the evolution and hormones of aggression and continues with topics including child abuse, bullying, domestic violence, gangs, sexual violence, hate crimes, murder and mass shootings.
SOC1123 First Year Experience
3 Credits
Explores the challenges students most frequently face in pursuing and achieving a college degree. Students will identify their own perceived challenges, share critical insights to meeting them, and implement their own plan of action to address and overcome such challenges.
SOC2210 Introduction to Sociology
3 Credits
Examines the social institutions such as culture, family, and education that shape and influence the behavior of the individual and groups with emphasis on examining contemporary social problems. Topics explored include: the study of human social life, theories and methods of sociology, and basic sociological concepts.
SOC2231 Human Relations
3 Credits
Students will develop the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions with a focus on the challenges of workplace relationships involving coworkers, supervisors, and customers/clients. Some major skill areas covered in the course include making a good impression with your employer, managing conflict with difficult coworkers, working on a team with diverse groups of people, providing exceptional service for customers/clients, and managing on-the-job stressors.
English Elective- 3 Credits
Humanities Elective- 3 Credits
Mathematics/Science Elective- 3 Credits
Liberal Arts Electives**- 21 Credits
FREE ELECTIVES- 9 Credits
Major Concentrations
Intelligence
NTS2216 U.S. Policy & National Security- 3 Credits
NTS3305 Domestic Terrorism & Violent Extremism- 3 Credits
NTS4404 Counterterrorism & Intelligence Analysis- 3 Credits
JUS4403 Cyber Crime- 3 Credits
Critical Infrastructure
NTS3307 Threat & Risk Assessment -3 Credits
JUS4405 Transportation Security-3 Credits
JUS4407 Global Security-3 Credits
NTS4401 Emergency Planning-3 Credits
Public-Private Partnerships
MGT2200 Principles of Management- 3 Credits
JUS4401 Corporate Security Management-3 Credits
JUS4402 Private Security Management-3 Credits
MGT4430 Leadership -3 Credits
Information Security
ITM2200 Introduction to Networking- 3 Credits
ITM3300 Fundamentals of Network Security- 3 Credits
ITM3302 Disaster Recovery-3 Credits
NTS4402 Digital Forensics-3 Credits
Pre-Law
LAW1100 Introduction to Law- 3 Credits
Three Upper-Level Electives (3000/4000) selected from the following list- 9 Credits
NTS4403 National Security Law or any 3000/4000 LAW course except LAW4430 (Advanced Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy, which requires LAW2210 as a prerequisite and a grade of C or better in ENG1105 and ENG2205) unless otherwise permitted by the Legal Studies Chair
120 SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION
*Nine credits of Major Concentration courses must be at the 3000/4000 level.
**15 credits of Liberal Arts Electives must be at the 3000/4000 level.
Eligibility for some internships required to obtain a Berkeley College degree and employment opportunities in fields related to this program may require candidates to meet specific health requirements or pass criminal background checks prescribed by law. Applicants for whom such requirements may be matters of concern are strongly advised to contact an Admissions counselor prior to enrolling in this program. Note that law enforcement jobs typically require the candidate to be physically and mentally fit and have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, no felony criminal record, no domestic violence charges (felony or misdemeanor), no loan/credit card defaults, and the ability to be licensed (via your agency or department) to carry a firearm. A selection process involving qualifying examination and/or supplementary training may also be required. Job requirements for non-sworn personnel in criminal justice and related agencies vary.