National Security Studies, B.S.
NJCU’s nationally acclaimed National Security Studies Program offers the only Bachelor of Science degree of its kind in New Jersey and is one of only a few departments in the country with certificates of academic excellence from the National Security Agency (NSA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
Our program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of national, corporate and cybersecurity theories and practices, and prepares our graduates to operate on an entry or supervisory level within law enforcement, national security and business environments. With the flexibility built into this innovative program, students can pursue a dual major or minor in a number of areas such as business, computer science, chemistry, languages, and military science (ROTC).
As a part of the curriculum, students can work towards earning department certificates in Big Data & National Security, Cyber Defense and Information Security, Crime Scene Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Extremism and National Security, International Security, and Loss Prevention.
Additional study may include cybersecurity certification from the NSA and DHS, intelligence projects and paid internships, a Master's Degree in National Security Studies, or a Doctorate in Civil Security Leadership, Management & Policy.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses * | 27 | |
| SECU 150 | Introduction to Security | 3 |
| SECU 151 | Security Systems & Design | 3 |
| SECU 154 | Careers in Professional Security Studies 1 | 3 |
| SECU 220 | Current Security Problems | 3 |
| SECU 222 | Computer Security I | 3 |
| SECU 280 | Security Organization & Administration | 3 |
| SECU 321 | Seminar on National Security | 3 |
| SECU 323 | Risk Management | 3 |
| SECU 398 | Research Methods in Professional Security Studies | 3 |
| Restricted Electives | 12 | |
| Select 12 credits from the following courses: 2 | ||
| SECU 152 | Loss Prevention Technique | 3 |
| SECU 153 | Occupational Safety and Health | 3 |
| SECU 155 | Introduction to International Security | 3 |
| SECU 210 | Introduction to Intelligence | 3 |
| SECU 214 | Crime Scene Investigation | 3 |
| SECU 215 | Behavioral Analysis and Criminal Profiling | 3 |
| SECU 221 | Contemporary International Security Topics | 3 |
| SECU 224 | Ethics in National Security | 3 |
| SECU 226 | Critical Thinking and Problem Solving for Professionals | 3 |
| SECU 250 | Security Communication | 3 |
| SECU 305 | Special Topics in Professional Security Studies | 3 |
| SECU 306 | U.S. Security Interests East Asia | 3 |
| SECU 309 | Introduction to Computer & Network Security | 3 |
| SECU 310 | Forensic Investigations | 3 |
| SECU 311 | Bloodstain Pattern Analysis | 3 |
| SECU 315 | Big Data Analysis and Visualization in U.S. National Security | 3 |
| SECU 322 | Computer Security II | 3 |
| SECU 324 | Security Fraud | 3 |
| SECU 326 | Public Speaking for Professionals | 3 |
| SECU 330 | U.S. Security Interests in the Islamic World | 3 |
| SECU 339 | Cyber Incident Handling | 3 |
| SECU 340 | Ethical Hacking I | 3 |
| SECU 345 | Computer Forensics I | 3 |
| SECU 350 | Intelligence Analysis | 3 |
| SECU 380 | Policy Development for the Security Professional | 3 |
| SECU 400 | Cybersecurity and Event Management | 3 |
| SECU 411 | Extremist Groups and Security | 3 |
| SECU 415 | Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems | 3 |
| SECU 422 | Computer Security III | 3 |
| SECU 430 | Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator | 3 |
| SECU 460 | Security and Privacy of Information and Information Systems | 3 |
| SECU 430 | Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator | 3 |
| SECU 465 | Resource Manangement in Security | 3 |
| SECU 1305 | Special Topics: Intelligence Analysis and National Security | 3 |
| SECU 2305 | Special Topics: National Security Policy | 3 |
| SECU 3305 | Special Topics: Executive Communications for National Security | 3 |
| SECU 4305 | Special Topics: Domestic Terrorism | 3 |
| SECU 5305 | Special Topics: Extremist Groups | 3 |
| SECU 6305 | Special Topics: Critical Thinking | 3 |
| SECU 7305 | Special Topics: Security Fraud | 3 |
| LANG 137 | Spanish I in Law Enforcement | 3 |
| Total Credits to Complete Program: | 39 | |
- *
Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher in each required course.
- 1
Capstone Project: All students participating in the BS/NSS program will be required to complete SECU 154-Careers in Professional Security. A student will be required to develop a personal portfolio and create a final paper specific to a national security issue.
- 2
Electives - Select 12 credits of approved electives in National Security Studies and earn a grade of C or higher in each course. Electives may be taken in other departments (e.g. Fire Science, Computer Science, Criminal Justice) with written approval from the National Security Studies Chair. SECU 154 may not count as both a capstone course and an elective. (Please see department for additional information.)
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the National Security Studies BS program, students will be able to:
- Perform academic research utilizing properly established methods.
- Understand the importance of policy in the creation and implementation of national security initiatives.
- Exhibit strong written and oral communication skills.
- Apply security management and operational skills to government, non-government, and private organizations.
- Apply academic perspectives in national security strategies dealing with crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks in a democratic society.