Homeland Security Certificate* Course Descriptions

HSD 500 QSM Principles and Applications in Homeland Security & Defense
This is the foundation course for the over-all program. Homeland Security and Quality Systems principles and best practices are integrated to provide a practical methodology for achieving effective work-related projects. The case study method is introduced, using actual examples such as the Oklahoma/ Murrah Building bombing. Emphasis is placed on bringing the group to a common vocabulary and knowledge platform, e.g., Ishikawa diagrams, within the NGS method. General readings are introduced which will be discussed in detail later in the program, e.g. National Resource Plan (NRP), Homeland Security Presidential Directives (HSPD) 5-10. (3cr)

HSD 542 The Unconventional Threat to Homeland Security
This course introduces the operational and organizational dynamics of terrorism, whether by individuals or fully organized groups supported by state-led terrorism. Emphasis is on violent clandestine activity, that whatever its motivation, has a political purpose and effect. Students will design effective counter-measures for responding to operational and organizational threats. (3cr)

HSD 587 Critical Infrastructure: Vulnerability and Protection
Critical Infrastructure protection is one of the cornerstones of homeland security. While PDD-63 lists 8 sectors, the National Strategy for the Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets lists 11 sectors. This course develops a network theory of vulnerability analysis and risk assessment called model-based vulnerability analysis, used to extract the critical nodes from each sector, model node vulnerabilities, and then apply fault and risk reduction techniques to derive the optimal strategy for protection of each sector. By the end of the course, students will be able to apply the model to infrastructures in their own workplace. (3cr)

HSD 566 Master’s HS Business Project III
A faculty review ensures that the Master’s Business Projects meet NGS requirements have demonstrated practical understanding of applied systems management, and have achieved tangible financial results supported by statistical and financial analyses at their employer or sponsor. (3cr)

Curriculum is subject to change.

*Not available in Massachusetts. Not available to Massachusetts residents.