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).

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. 

Required Courses *27
SECU 150Introduction to Security3
SECU 151Security Systems & Design3
SECU 154Careers in Professional Security Studies 13
SECU 220Current Security Problems3
SECU 222Computer Security I3
SECU 280Security Organization & Administration3
SECU 321Seminar on National Security3
SECU 323Risk Management3
SECU 398Research Methods in Professional Security Studies3
Restricted Electives12
Select 12 credits from the following courses: 2
SECU 152Loss Prevention Technique3
SECU 153Occupational Safety and Health3
SECU 155Introduction to International Security3
SECU 210Introduction to Intelligence3
SECU 214Crime Scene Investigation3
SECU 215Behavioral Analysis and Criminal Profiling3
SECU 221Contemporary International Security Topics3
SECU 224Ethics in National Security3
SECU 226Critical Thinking and Problem Solving for Professionals3
SECU 250Security Communication3
SECU 305Special Topics in Professional Security Studies3
SECU 306U.S. Security Interests in East Asia3
SECU 309Intro to Computer and Network Security3
SECU 310Forensic Investigations3
SECU 311Bloodstain Pattern Analysis3
SECU 315Big Data in U.S. National Security3
SECU 322Computer Security II3
SECU 324Security Fraud3
SECU 326Public Speaking for Professionals3
SECU 340Ethical Hacking I3
SECU 345Computer Forensics I3
SECU 350Intelligence Analysis3
SECU 380Policy Development for the Security Professional3
SECU 411Extremist Groups and Security3
SECU 415Intrusion Detection and Prevention3
SECU 422Computer Security III3
SECU 430Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator3
SECU 465Resource Manangement in Security3
SECU 1305Special Topics: Intelligence Analysis and National Security3
SECU 2305Special Topics: National Security Policy3
SECU 3305Special Topics: Executive Communications for National Security3
SECU 4305Special Topics: Domestic Terrorism3
SECU 5305Special Topics: Extremist Groups3
SECU 6305Special Topics: Critical Thinking3
SECU 7305Special Topics: Security Fraud3
LANG 137Spanish I in Law Enforcement3
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.)

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman
Semester 1Credits
ENGL 101 English Composition I 4
MATH 114
Contemporary Mathematics
or Statistics I
or Intermediate Algebra
3
General Education Tier I Course 3
General Education Tier I Course 3
General Education Tier I Course 3
INTD 101 Orientation to College *first time freshmen only 1
 Credits17
Semester 2
ENGL 102 English Composition II 4
General Education Tier I Course OR Math 3
General Education Tier I OR Tier II Course 3
General Education Tier II Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
 Credits16
Sophomore
Semester 1
SECU 150 Introduction to Security 3
General Education Tier II Course 3
General Education Tier II Course 3
General Education Tier III Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
SECU 151 Security Systems & Design 3
SECU 220 Current Security Problems 3
SECU 222 Computer Security I 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
 Credits15
Junior
Semester 1
SECU 280 Security Organization & Administration 3
SECU 321 Seminar on National Security 3
SECU Elective Course 3
SECU Elective Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
SECU Elective Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
 Credits15
Senior
Semester 1
SECU 323 Risk Management 3
SECU 398 Research Methods in Professional Security Studies 3
SECU Elective Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
Elective/Minor course 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
SECU 154 Careers in Professional Security Studies 3
SECU Elective Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3
Elective/Minor Course 3-6
or Co-op experience
 Credits12-15
 Total Credits120-123

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the National Security Studies BS program, students will be able to:

  1. Perform academic research utilizing properly established methods.
  2. Understand the importance of policy in the creation and implementation of national security initiatives.
  3. Exhibit strong written and oral communication skills.
  4. Apply security management and operational skills to government, non-government, and private organizations.
  5. Apply academic perspectives in national security strategies dealing with crime, terrorism, and cyber-attacks in a democratic society.