National Security - Bachelor of Science
Berkeley College
Key Information
Select location
Campus location
New York, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 13,450 / per semester *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* full-time tuition per semester academic year 2022/23
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
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. Recent events have demonstrated the critical need for those qualified to focus on tasks such as:
- Combating and mitigating the effects of pandemics
- Preventing foreign interference in elections and our democratic process
- Understanding today’s emerging global assets and threats
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.
Specialization
The National Security program offers four concentrations in specialized areas of study. Declaring a concentration can also help graduates stand out to potential employers.
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, critical infrastructure, and key resources.
Information Security
Information Security refers to the processes and methodologies which are designed and implemented to protect the print, electronic, or any other form 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.
Learn from highly qualified experienced professionals
Faculty members in the National Security program have been chosen for their excellent academic credentials as well as their professional experience. They’ve worked with such entities as the FBI, Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), the West African Task Force (WATF), and the Olympics, and trained with the FBI, National Academy, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the National Incident Command System, and the FEMA National Incident Management System, among other vital organizations.
Program Outcome
What sets the Berkeley College National Security program apart:
- 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
Curriculum
Sample Course Sequence
First Semester
- CIS1115 Computer Applications 3
- ENG1105 Writing and Research 3
- MAT2211 College Algebra 3
- NTS1102 Introduction to National Security 3
- SOC1123 First Year Experience 3
Second Semester
- ENG2205 Writing Through Literature 3
- NTS1110 Communication Skills for National Security 3
- SOC2210 Introduction to Sociology 3
- SOC2231 Human Relations 3
- National Security Elective 3
Third Semester
- HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics 3
- MAT2218 Probability, Statistics, & Applied Regression 3
- NTS2215 Introduction to Emergency Management 3
- JUS2000 Career Development 3
- Liberal Arts Elective 3
Fourth Semester
- NTS2217 Ethics in Homeland Security 3
- Free Elective 3
- Liberal Arts Electives 6
- Mathematics/Science Elective 3
Fifth Semester
- ENG3316 The Confident Writer 3
- JUS3302 Homeland Security 3
- JUS3314 Introduction to Intelligence 3
- JUS3315 Terrorism 3
- National Security Elective 3
Sixth Semester
- NTS4403 National Security Law 3
- SCI3303 Human Aggression and Violence 3
- English Elective 3
- Liberal Arts Elective 3
- National Security Elective 3
Seventh Semester
- NTS4483 Internship 3
- Liberal Arts Electives 6
- Free Elective 3
- National Security Elective 3
Eighth Semester
- NTS4410 Research Methods in National Security 3
- Liberal Arts Elective 3
- Humanities Elective 3
- Free Elective 3
- National Security Elective 3
120 semester credits required for graduation
NOTE: 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 Associate 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 a qualifying examination and/or supplementary training may also be required. Job requirements for non-sworn personnel in criminal justice and related agencies vary.