National Security Studies

Professional Studies Building, Room 449
201-200-2275
http://www.njcu.edu/nationalsecurity

The National Security Studies Department focuses on a student-centered, scholar-practitioner approach to education. Its mission is to facilitate access, create opportunities and provide a supportive environment for achieving academic success, learning, and appreciation of subject matter, professional and personal growth, and the acquisition and development of identified and marketable global and disciplinary competencies. The Department’s vision is to create a diversified, current, innovative, successful, and exemplary program that will integrate theory and practice through the knowledge, skills, and abilities that will enable students to be globally competitive in the field and discipline of national security.

The National Security Studies Department is one of only a few departments in the country recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in both cybersecurity and intelligence. We have maintained our cybersecurity excellence award from the National Security Agency (NSA) for years at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. In 2019 the department was awarded a second CAE, in intelligence, from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). These awards help our students in the job market and demonstrate our ongoing ability to provide an award-winning education at an affordable price. 

All faculty are current practitioners and have distinguished careers in the many and diverse fields of national security. For details on our faculty, please visit the department's faculty page.  

This National Security Studies degree program is designed for practicing security leaders, as well as those students who seek careers in national, corporate or information assurance/cyber security. All course work is offered on campus, at our satellite program at Wall, NJ, through our University Partnerships, at Middlesex County Community College, at Bergen County Community College, in web-enhanced format, and online. We are adding new locations across the state. For the latest info, please see the department's web page.

Abdullah Al-hayajneh, Co-Chairperson
Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity

Michael Krantz, Co-Chairperson and Coordinator - Middlesex Campus
Professor of National Security Studies
Rutgers University, B.A., Seton Hall University, M.A., Ph.D.

Richard J. Cosgrove, Coordinator - Wall Campus
Associate Professor of National Security Studies
New Jersey City University, B.A.; Seton Hall University, M.A., Ed.S., Ed.D.

Kathleen Rennie
Associate Professor of Marketing
Rutgers University, B.A.; Seton Hall University, M.A., Ph.D.

Juste Codjo, DSc Program Coordinator
Assistant Professor of National Security Studies
Université d’Abomey-Calavi (Benin), B.A.; Webster University, M.A.; U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, Graduate Certificate; Kansas State University, Ph.D.

Laszlo Molnar, Graduate Program Coordinator
Associate Professor of National Security Studies
Budapest University of Economic Sciences (Hungary), M.A. & Ph.D.; Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University & J. F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University - post-doctoral studies, special student and visiting scholar.

Kutub Thakur, Cyber Defense & Security Program Director

Assistant Professor of National Security Studies
New York Institute of Technology, B.S., University of Wisconsin - Platteville, M.S., M.P.M. Certificate; Pace University, Ph.D.

Michael Wiltsey
Associate Professor of National Security Studies
Monmouth University, B.A.; John Jay College of Criminal Justice, M.A.;  Drexel University, Ph.D.

Abdullah Al-hayajneh
Assistant Professor of National Security Studies
Ahliyya Amman University, B.S.; New York Institute of Technology, M.S.; Capitol Technology University, Ph.D.

Jonathan Rosen
Assistant Professor of National Security Studies
Columbia University, Ph.D.

Professional Security (SECU)

SECU 600 National Security (3 Credits)

This course provides students with a broad perspective of National Security. It lays the foundation of one of the three key areas in the field of Professional Security Studies, focusing on the importance and impact that National Security has on the public and corporate America.

SECU 605 Corporate Security (3 Credits)

This course exposes students to a systematic approach used to monitor low-probability, high-impact events that could adversely impact a company's strategic plans and/or tactical execution. Students will examine the traditional and alternative approaches to the indications and warning process, to include effective security planning and implementation.

SECU 608 Introduction to Fraud Examination (3 Credits)

The student will be introduced to the elements that constitute fraud as well as who commits fraud. This course will cover the various types of fraud, the techniques used to detect fraud and the various anti-fraud initiatives that an organization uses to prevent and/or limit fraudulent acts.

Pre-Requisite(s): ACCT 251 Financial Accounting and ACCT 252 Management Accounting or equivalent.

SECU 610 Cyber Security (3 Credits)

This course provides an overview of Cyber Security. It exposes the dimensions of our network, information-based society, reviews the impact of information security on institutions, privacy, business and government risks, the development of legislation and examines the dimensions of networks, protocols, operating systems and associated applications.

SECU 611 Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (3 Credits)

The Intrusion Detection and Prevention course is designed to provide knowledge in intrusion detection and incident response once an intrusion has been detected. Topics covered in this course include computer security, computer network exploitation, intrusion detection, incident handling, hacker exploits, hacker tools and cybercrime investigative techniques.

SECU 612 Computer Network & Network Security (3 Credits)

This course covers in-depth understanding of network security for the Cybersecurity Program. It will introduce concepts of network and internet terminology in information security, information assurance and related legal and ethical issues. The topics span various cybersecurity domains including TCP/IP general concepts, OS identification, scanning, web servers and wireless assets vulnerabilities, cryptography, and network protection.

SECU 613 Operating System Security (3 Credits)

This course covers an in-depth examination of issues in operating system security and assumes prior knowledge of fundamental security concepts. We will be studying research in securing computer and operating systems, with a focus on the design of authorization systems and a thorough examination of concepts, past and present, that continue to be influential in secure systems design. Topics will include protection systems, foundational security principles, classic approaches to system security, system vulnerabilities, mandatory access controls in research and commercial operating systems, capability systems, virtual machines, and security kernels. Selected seminal and current papers in the field will also aid in providing context and further understanding of the area.

SECU 615 Graduate Research Methods I (3 Credits)

Introduction and practice in the use of primary sources, including the review of various methodologies and techniques of research design. Students will gain experience in the development of research proposals and in the use and verification of different types of empirical evidence.

SECU 620 Research Methods II (3 Credits)

This course is a continuation of Research Methods I (SECU 615). After learning research design and descriptive statistical methodology in Research Methods I, students will be exposed to inferential statistical methodology, which they can incorporate into their research design.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 615

SECU 625 Counterintelligence (3 Credits)

Course covers the history and evolution of counterintelligence, covering areas that include passive and active measures, principles and processes, ethics, and evaluation of successes and failures. Students will develop comprehensive knowledge of the use and practices of counterintelligence with respect to homeland and national security interests.

SECU 630 Domestic Terrorism and Extremist Groups (3 Credits)

This course traces the history, emergence, and growth of paramilitary, hate and terrorist groups within the United States. Students will assess the motivations of various groups, their capabilities, and activities within the context of security issues, political activism and the law.

SECU 631 Bio - Terrorism (3 Credits)

This course traces the history of the use of biological agents in wars and terrorism, globally and the United States. Students will assess the motivations of various groups, their capabilities, and activities within the context of security issues, political activism and the law. Students will get foundation study on microorganisms, emerging infectious agents and past global pandemic or epidemic, especially as it relates to various routes of dissemination.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 600 National Security

SECU 632 International Terrorism and Extremist Groups (3 Credits)

This course examines the impact of international terrorism on the U.S. and other countries. Students will study various radicalized groups through an assessment process. Students must be able to identify and articulate a group’s tactics, techniques, procedures, kinetic and cyber capabilities,philosophical orientation and ideology and political activism and engagement.

SECU 635 Contemporary Counterterrorism (3 Credits)

This course examines the evolution of intelligence and counter-terrorism while analyzing U.S. and international policies for combating terrorism, terrorist tactics worldwide, and the scope of terrorism in the twenty-first century. Terrorism and national security, political solutions, and alternatives to current counter-terrorism policy will also be examined.

SECU 640 Critical Incident Command and Response (3 Credits)

This course prepares practitioners to manage critical incidents. Students explore issues relating to the on scene command structure, emergency command center, or field command post and the responsibilities of the Incident Commander, as they develop case scenarios and implement a command structure, overseeing an entire operation.

SECU 645 Corporate Threat Definition and Vulnerability Analysis (3 Credits)

In addition to Corporate Security, understanding corporate threat definition is vital to the National and Cyber security concerns of government, every small and large corporation and business, if for nothing else than for analyzing potential threats and developing sound planning to prevent and/or minimize the impact of threats to private or government entities.

SECU 649 International Diplomacy and Negotiations (3 Credits)

The course introduces building blocks and challenges of international diplomacy, with emphasis on the negotiation process. It aims to raise awareness of the interaction between theory and practice in diplomacy, focusing on key global security issues. The instructor of the course will be a former ambassador to the UN.

SECU 650 Organizational Crisis Management (3 Credits)

This course examines organizational crisis management. The importance to an organization of having a crisis management plan is emphasized, and planning for crises, developing levels of preparation, identifying factors that need to be managed, forecasting potential crisis situations, and examining key elements of a crisis management plan.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 640 Critical Incident Command and Response.

SECU 655 Computer Security Topics (3 Credits)

Content varies depending on faculty interests, research developments, and student demand, as current topics of advanced research in computer security are examined. Representative topics include but are not limited to formal models for computer security, multilevel data models, and multilevel database management system architectures.

SECU 660 Security, Privacy of Information and Information Systems (3 Credits)

Students will develop knowledge and skills for security of information and information systems. It examines concepts and auditing security at all levels and systems platforms, presents techniques for assessing risk associated with accidental and intentional breeches of security, and studies associated issues of ethics of information and privacy considerations.

SECU 661 Global Threat Assessment: Public & Private Sectors (3 Credits)

This graduate course explores important risk mitigation themes in international security. Through the analysis of geopolitical issues, environmental disasters, crime and social activism, technology, privacy, workplace violence, and extremism, this course will examine Global Security and the art and science of keeping people and property safe in the 21st century.

SECU 665 Information Security Strategy and Policy Development (3 Credits)

Policy, planning and implementation in building a comprehensive information risk management program is emphasized. Students will develop an awareness of hacking and exploiting weaknesses. An overview of the legal framework of network security, formulation of site security policy, countermeasures to secure computers, and integrating security components into an organizational program are also emphasized.

SECU 670 Thesis I (3 Credits)

This course represents a student's initial thesis enrollment.The objective of this course is to guide students towards the successful completion of a thesis proposal that will enable them to complete their study. Completion of all core courses and the courses relating to the specialization that student has chosen in this program (Professional Security Studies) with the exception of Thesis II (SECU 675).

SECU 675 Thesis II (3 Credits)

This course represents a student's continuing enrollment. The student continues to enroll in this course until the proposal is developed and either near completion if not completed and approved by the thesis committee. Completion of all core courses and the courses relating to the specialization that student has chosen in this program (Professional Security Studies) including Thesis I (SECU 670).

SECU 680 Specialized Field Project (6 Credits)

This is an opportunity for students to choose a specialized field research project in place of a thesis or comprehensive exam. Students must complete 24 credits of study before applying. Participation must be approved by the Dean of the College of Professional Studies and faculty committee. Completion of all core courses and the courses relating to the specialization that student has chosen in this program (Professional Security Studies).

SECU 810 Current Issues in Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy (CSLMP) Part I (3 Credits)

This doctoral level course provides students with a broad perspective of current aspects of effective civil security management: National, Corporate and Information Assurance/Cyber Security. The two focus area in Part I are: 1.) security principles and practices and 2.) business principles and practices.

SECU 815 Current Issues in Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy (CSLMP) Part II (3 Credits)

This doctoral level course provides students with a broad perspective of current aspects of effective civil security management: National, Corporate and Information Assurance/Cyber Security. The five key focus areas in Part II are: 1.) Personnel Security, 2.) Physical Security, 3.) Emergency Practices, 4.) Investigations and 5.) Legal Aspects.

SECU 820 Data Analysis for Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy (CSLMP) I (3 Credits)

This course examines the approaches of doctoral level social science inquiry, including experiments, surveys, and qualitative field methods. It is intended to immerse doctoral students into ways of conceptualizing problems, designing research, collecting data, and interpreting those data beyond their master level degree experiences.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 815

SECU 825 Data Analysis for Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy (CSLMP) II (3 Credits)

Statistical and advanced data analysis techniques used by professional security researchers are examined: concepts of probability, normal and related statistical distributions; statistical inference; hypothesis testing; properties of estimators, distribution free (non-parametric) tests; the general linear model; simple and multiple regression analysis; and one and two way analysis of variance.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 815

SECU 830 Doctoral Colloquium in Emergency Operations & Management I (3 Credits)

This is a doctoral level colloquium that synthesizes the continuum between planned and improvised behavior in emergency operations. It emphasizes tools and techniques useful for comprehending and supporting decision making in emergencies, and enables learners to apply them in simulated and actual emergency responses. Practitioners will interact with the students.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 825

SECU 835 Doctoral Colloquium in Emergency Operations & Management II (3 Credits)

This is a doctoral level colloquium that synthesizes the continuum between planned and improvised behavior in emergency management. It emphasizes tools and techniques useful for planning and managing emergencies. Proactive risk mitigation efforts are explored by students to create world class emergency plans for urban civil security organizations.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 825

SECU 840 Communications for Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy (CSLMP) I (3 Credits)

This doctoral course presents an overview of the principles and practices of executive level communications in a modern society. It examines internal and external forms of communication for maximizing civil security information dissemination. Practice presentations, discussions, and collaborations are modeled in the course and throughout the doctoral program.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 835

SECU 845 Communications for Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy (CSLMP) II (3 Credits)

This doctoral course explores how to create and implement executive level communication plans that provide outreach to an organization's key stakeholders and how to evaluate the effectiveness of those plans. The communications knowledge base contains the underpinning for the civil security field. All course activities are civil security centric.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 835

SECU 850 Civil Security Policy/Budget Development and Implementation I (3 Credits)

This course covers policy concepts that concern executive level Civil security practitioners: National, Corporate and Information Assurance/Cyber Security. The course will consider policy; the policy process and players; individual policies which influence security around the world; and the role of Civil security leaders in policy development.

Co-Requisite(s): SECU 855

SECU 855 Civil Security Policy/Budget Development and Implementation II (3 Credits)

This course continues the special emphasis placed on budget development and implementation in support of policies. The course will build on the knowledge, comprehension and application of policy and budget techniques used by security professionals. Emphasis is placed on risk management and mitigation in urban settings.

Co-Requisite(s): SECU 850

SECU 860 Dissertation Proposal I (3 Credits)

In this course doctoral students will be guided and assisted in the development of their dissertation proposals in one of the three domains of security: National, Corporate and Information Assurance/Cyber Security. Candidates will develop and refine their hypothesis, and research contemporary related literature.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 855 and Co-Requisite(s): SECU 865

Co-Requisite(s): SECU 865

SECU 865 Dissertation Proposal II (3 Credits)

In this course doctoral students will be guided in the development of their dissertation proposals in one of the three domains of security: National, Corporate and Information Assurance/Cyber Security. Candidates will continue their proposal, and explain in detail their research methodology, as well as design, and data collection instruments.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 855 and Co-Requisite(s): SECU 860

Co-Requisite(s): SECU 860

SECU 900 Dissertation Seminar I (3 Credits)

The doctoral seminar will focus on resolving dissertation issues and problems in preparation for SECU 910 - Dissertation Proposal II, within one of the three domains of security: National, Corporate and Information Assurance/Cyber Security. In a classroom environment, doctoral students develop, present and modify their doctoral dissertation manuscripts.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 865 and Co-Requisite(s): SECU 910

Co-Requisite(s): SECU 910

SECU 910 Dissertation Seminar II (3 Credits)

This doctoral seminar will focus on resolving dissertation issues and problems in preparation for SECU 950 - Dissertation Advisement, within one of the three domains of security; National, Corporate and Information Assurance/Cyber Security. In a classroom environment, doctoral students develop, present and modify their doctoral dissertation manuscripts.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 865 and Co-Requisite(s): SECU 900

Co-Requisite(s): SECU 900

SECU 950 Dissertation Advisement (3 Credits)

In this doctoral course, students will work individually with their Dissertation Mentor and committee members on the completion of their dissertation. To be acceptable, the dissertation must be evidence that the student has pursued a program of research, the results of which reveal superior academic competence and a significant contribution of knowledge to the field of Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 910

SECU 960 Dissertation Completion and Defense (3 Credits)

In this doctoral course, students will work individually with their Dissertation Mentor and committee members on the completion of their dissertation. To be acceptable, the dissertation must be evidence that the student has pursued a program of research, the results of which reveal superior academic competence and a significant contribution of knowledge to the field of Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy.

Pre-Requisite(s): SECU 960

SECU 970 Maintenance of Matriculation for Doctorate in Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy (3 Credits)

Course is designed for students to continue to work one-on-one with their dissertation chairs and other committee members to complete their dissertation. The student will demonstrate rigorous research, ethical data collection and reporting, a synthesis of their conclusions with related literature.

SECU 975 Maintenance of Matriculation for Doctorate in Civil Security Leadership, Management & Policy II (3 Credits)

Course is designed for students to continue to work one-on-one with their dissertation chairs and other committee members to complete their dissertation. The student will demonstrate rigorous research, ethical data collection and reporting, a synthesis of their conclusions with related literature.

prerequisite: and SECU 970 corequisite