Supplement your Degree with a University Certificate in Security Management (15 credit hours)
Security is a critical component in modern society focusing on the reduction of risk to individuals, critical infrastructure, and assets. Security is achieved through enhancements in physical, cyber, operational, and other protective measures designed to deter, reduce, and mitigate threats and the resulting consequences. With rapidly evolving technology and increasing domestic and foreign threats, the need for knowledge and expertise in the field of security operations continues to grow.
Not only is security paramount in the public sector, but leading private sector corporations and businesses realize the devastating impact of security failures. Security shortcomings not only result in substantial economic loss, they impact corporations in other areas including the loss of life, loss of information and trade secrets, damage to reputation, and interruptions in trade.
Given these high-stakes circumstances, the demand for individuals with knowledge in security operations continues to rise, creating opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines.
Career Opportunities
Law Enforcement (Federal, State and Local)
Corporate Security Operations Cyber Security Operations
Transportation and Border Security
Dignitary Protective Services
Intelligence Analyst/Professionals
Homeland Security Positions
U.S. Military Services
Retail Security/Loss Prevention
University Certificate / Security Management (15 Hours)
Required – 12 Credit Hours | Electives – 3 Credit Hours
Required Courses
HLS 210 Cyber & Physical Security
HLS 310 Personnel Security
HLS 320 Security Management
HLS 391 Risk Analysis
Elective Courses
Electives – 3 Credit hours
Choose 3 hours from one of the following areas in consultation with the certificate advisor: BUS, CIS, CRJ, GBU, INF, PLS, or RMI.
Course Descriptions
HLS 210 – Cyber and Physical Security
Principles of cyber and physical design and application to include assessments and subsequent identification of countermeasures as well as policy development and implementation in an effort to safeguard life and critical infrastructure.
HLS 301 – Critical Infrastructure Protection
Identification, prioritization, and protection of critical infrastructure including information technology, telecommunications, chemical, transportation, energy, water, medical, and emergency services.
HLS 310 – Personnel Security
Examines employee and contractor integrity through background screening, security awareness, ethics programs, and audits. Analyzes special programs to protect key personnel, and employees in high-risk environments and workplace violence mitigation.
HLS 320 – Security Management
Evolution and application of traditional and current theories in leading and managing corporate and government/Industrial security operations. Areas covered include management, supervision, and leadership of a security organization.
HLS 349 – Cooperative Study/Internship
The student works under faculty and field supervisors in placement related to the student’s academic studies. A minimum of 80 hours of work is required for each academic credit.
HLS 350 – Workplace Investigations
Overview and management of criminal, civil, administrative, and internal investigative processes in the workplace, including interviews, reports, and ethical and legal considerations related to investigations.
HLS 391 – Risk Analysis
History and process of vulnerability and risk assessment (VRS) as it relates to the protection of critical assets and infrastructure. Instruction in common VRA techniques used in both the public and private sectors.
HLS 402 – Counterintelligence
History, structure and operations of the US counterintelligence community. Includes legal foundations of counterintelligence and critiques of recommended changes to the community.
HLS 430 – Terrorism and Violent Extremism
Coverage of politically-motivated extremist violence in the United States. Includes discussion of definitional issues, radicalization, major attacks, current threats, and principal extremist groups and their ideologies.
HLS 445 – HLS Field Experience
This course is designed to broaden the educational experience through observational work assignments in cooperating agencies. A minimum of 80 hours of observation.
HLS 455 – HLS Independent Study
Individual reading and research on a problem within the field of homeland security. Students must have an independent study proposal form approved by faculty supervisor and department chair prior to enrollment.