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National Security Studies, Certificate of Proficiency

Requirements

The NSS certificate of proficiency is aimed at students with a baccalaureate degree who are looking to re-tool or specialize in national security in order to enter or advance in a national security career. The certificate will provide an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for and allows existing professionals to advance in public and private sector national security careers through acquisition of subject matter expertise and analytical skills. This certificate will expose students to the wide variety of critically important security challenges and issues faced in the twenty-first century, such as terrorism and cyber security, nuclear proliferation and weapons of mass destruction, piracy and global pandemics, sovereignty and the use of force, and civil liberties and the rule of law. Students will also acquire skills such as critical thinking, writing, briefing, and analysis techniques specifically tailored for the national security field, but applicable in many others. Whether students are interested in counterterrorism, homeland security, intelligence gathering and analysis, foreign relations, law and politics, diplomacy, or international
development, the NSS certificate of proficiency will provide insight and skills needed to succeed in these professions.

Total Program Credits: 18

Matriculation Requirements:

Students must have University Advanced Standing or have completed a baccalaureate degree  

Discipline Core Requirements: 12 Credits
  NSS 2010 Introduction to National Security WE 3
  NSS 301R National Security Area Studies 3
  NSS 4600 National Security Law  3
  POLS 4500 International Conflict and Security  3
Elective Requirements: 6 Credits
 Complete 6 credits from the following: 6
  NSS 4210 Law of War WE (3.0)  
  NSS 475R Current Topics in National Security (3.0)  
  CJ 3340 Terrorism and the Criminal Justice System (3.0)  
  IT 2700 Information Security Fundamentals (3.0)  
  POLS 3100 Survey of International Terrorism (3.0)  
  POLS 3400 American Foreign Policy (3.0)  
  POLS 4610 International Law (3.0)  
or Other course approved by department advisor or director.

Graduation Requirements:

  1. Completion of a minimum of 18 credits.
  2. Overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
  3. Completion of discipline core and electives with a C- grade or higher.
  4. Residency hours -- Minimum of 5 credits required through course attendance at UVU.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track

Semester 1 Course Title Credit Hours
NSS 2010 Introduction to National Security WE 3
NSS 301R National Security Area Studies 3
Elective 3
  Semester total: 9
Semester 2 Course Title Credit Hours
NSS 4600 National Security Law 3
POLS 4500 International Conflict and Security 3
Elective 3
  Semester total: 9
  Degree total: 18

Department

Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement

The Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement department is in the College of Health and Public Service. To find the most up-to-date information, including Program Learning Outcomes for degree programs offered by the Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement department, visit their website.

Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement department

Program Details

Program Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss the U.S. national security system and process, including familiarity with the National Security Council, executive departments and agencies, presidential powers, congressional roles and powers, applicable international and domestic law, and current geographical and functional issues in the national security field.
  2. Demonstrate analytical thinking and reasoning, professional writing, and public speaking and presenting skills.
  3. Apply both theoretical and practical approaches to complex national security problems, employing appropriate context to a decision-making framework.
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