Please visit the catalog archive for details about 2022-23 degrees and programs.

 
Page PDF

Course Descriptions

 

View real-time listing of classes and sections offered.

NOTE: Individual course fees are subject to change. See your account summary in myUVU for accurate charges.

NSS-National Security Studies
NSS 2010
Introduction to National Security WE
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 2010; HIST 1700 or HIST 2700 or POLS 1100 or CJ 1010

Categorizes elements of the national security field. Explores the national security system, focusing on contemporary issues. Analyzes formulation and execution of national security policy through diplomacy, intelligence operations, and military force.

NSS 301R
National Security Area Studies
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing; POLS 1100, HIST 1700, or HIST 2700, or CJ 1010

Examines the national security issues associated with a particular geographic area in the global community. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits toward graduation.

NSS 3050
US Intelligence Community
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines the US Intelligence Community (IC) and its core responsibilities and processes. Assesses the IC's two-fold role to support policy makers and operations, the customer-driven intelligence production cycle, how national foreign intelligence requirements are generated and prioritized, what activities are authorized and which activities are prohibited, intelligence oversight by Congress, and privacy concerns. Evaluates the missions, roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the (IC) constituent agencies and assess the IC's intelligence collection disciplines.

NSS 3350
The Cold War--Culture and Politics
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines the confrontational environment of the Cold War that influenced geopolitics for nearly five decades. Explores the Cold War as a global process – its politics, history and cultural impact, facilitated by the confrontation between capitalism and communism. Investigates the origins of the conflict, the formation of opposing blocs, and the relationship between the center and the global periphery of the conflict.

NSS 3750
Advanced Technologies in National Security
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): NSS 2010 and University Advanced Standing

Introduces students to a variety of emerging technologies which have the potential to cause major both geopolitical and socioeconomic disruptions. Covers a wide range of technologies, including artificial intelligence, hypersonic and space technologies, robotics/autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, biotechnologies, quantum information sciences, blockchain, and cybersecurity. Examines these technologies and analyzes their potential impacts on national security.

NSS 3850
Ethics and Intelligence
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): NSS 2010 and University Advanced Standing

Focuses on the ethical challenges that face individuals and agencies within the United States Intelligence Community. Examines specific ethical issues associated with the collection, retention, and dissemination of intelligence. Analyzes the delicate balance between protecting national security and civil liberties. Uses case study analysis to identify and solve individual and organizational ethical dilemmas at both the national and international levels.

NSS 4150
Cybersecurity Policy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): NSS 2010 and University Advanced Standing

Examines the current cyber threat landscape. Educates students on the history and national security implications of cybersecurity and cyberwarfare. Analyzes cyberwarfare capabilities and current operations of several nation-state actors. Provides the knowledge and skills necessary to operate on the strategic policy level in the cyber world by challenging them to analyze and address real world scenarios. Develops the skillset to prepare, present, and defend strategic policy recommendations. Applies cyber knowledge and skillset across government, private sector, and academic settings.

NSS 4210
Law of War WE
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1100, HIST 1700, HIST 2700, or CJ 1010) and University Advanced Standing

Examines the law that governs situations of armed conflict, including the history and development of the law. Assesses major contemporary issues in this area of the law, to include detention policy, drone warfare, terrorism as a tactic of war, and preemptive force.

NSS 4250
National Security Career Strategies
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): NSS 2010; University Advanced Standing

Emphasizes the development of effective techniques for successfully locating, applying for and securing employment as well as advancing in a National Security-related career path. Includes industry and job research, demonstration, role play, development of writing materials, and application exercises. Provides preparation for internship and career entry experience.

NSS 4300
Intelligence Cycle and Collections
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): NSS 2010, NSS 3050, and University Advanced Standing

Describes the intelligence collection and production cycle. Evaluates the nature, organization, activities, and key issues surrounding the methods of intelligence and counterintelligence collection. Examines historical development and utilizations of the dominant collection activities, including human intelligence, geospatial intelligence, signals intelligence, measurement and signature intelligence, and their role in American statecraft. Explores significant policy issues related to intelligence collection in the U.S. experience, including legal, moral, ethical, organizational, strategic, and performance issues, and measures of effectiveness. Applies specific skills in writing and open source intelligence collection.

NSS 4400
Statecraft and Strategy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): NSS 2010

Analyzes the theory, history, practice, and challenges of statecraft and strategy in U.S. national security. Examines the various methods of statecraft that are available to policymakers. Evaluates how these methods have been used successfully in the pursuit of national interests and purposes. Assesses instruments of national power, including military power; economic strategy; intelligence; the use of information, disinformation, and propaganda; various types of diplomacy, political, moral, and psychological influence; and other instruments of soft power.

NSS 4600
National Security Law
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing; POLS 1100, HIST 1700, HIST 2700, or CJ 1010

Evaluates the distribution of national security powers amongst the three branches of government. Reviews the laws and policies that govern the legality of war, military operations in wartime, intelligence collection, protection of national security information, foreign intelligence surveillance, covert action, special military operations, offensive counterterrorism operations, detention and interrogation of terrorism suspects, and other current issues in the national security area.

NSS 475R
Current Topics in National Security
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing; POLS 1100, HIST 1700, HIST 2700, or CJ 1010

Presents selected topics in National Security and will vary each semester. Requires a special project related to the area of study. May be repeated with different topic areas for a maximum of 9 credits toward graduation.

NSS 4800
Intelligence Analysis and Tradecraft
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Appraises structured analytic techniques commonly embraced as sound tradecraft within the Intelligence Community (IC) and applies these techniques in the context of actual intelligence cases. Applies the structured analytic techniques of decomposition and visualization, idea generation, scenarios and indicators, hypothesis generation and testing, assessment of cause and effect, challenge analysis, and decision support. Evaluates IC analytic standards and discuss ethical considerations.

NSS 481R
National Security Internship
1 to 9 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Provides academic credit for work for students in a paying or non-paying (volunteer) job for a national security employer or other approved related situation. Emphasizes successful work experience with emphasis on identifying and solving problems. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits toward graduation. May be graded credit/no credit.

NSS 491R
Directed Readings and Special Projects in National Security
1 to 3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Offers independent study as directed in reading, individual projects, etc., at the discretion and approval of the department chair. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits.

NSS 4990
National Security Capstone Seminar
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): NSS 2010, NSS 301R, NSS 4600, NSS 475R, and University Advanced Standing

Includes readings and discussions about a variety of complex national security problems and issues. Offers directed research project tailored to each student's special interests.

NSS 6500
US National Security Policy and Strategy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Masters of Public Services Program or department approval

Examines how the United States formulates national security policy and strategy. Analyzes conceptual foundations, organizational structures and functions, decision-making processes, and priority issues in US national security. Assesses the role and authorities of the President and Executive Branch, congressional oversight, national security policy development and implementation, the implementation and limits of national power, the role of intelligence, the relevant legal frameworks, and specific national security challenges.

NSS 6600
State Responses to Terrorism-Counterterrorism in a Collaborative Environment
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Masters of Public Services Program

Outlines how federal, state, and local law enforcement have developed a standardized information sharing process in an effort to mitigate terror attacks. Analyzes state fusion centers, intelligence-led policing, community engagement, and multi-agency emergency response plans. Utilizes practical lecture, table top exercise, and case studies, to demonstrate how states act independently to prevent, thwart, and mitigate acts of terror stemming from domestic terrorists, transnational terrorist organizations, and inspired lone offenders.

NSS 6700
Intelligence Analysis and Tradecraft
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Masters of Public Services Program.

Appraises structured analytic techniques commonly embraced as sound tradecraft within the Intelligence Community (IC) and applies these techniques in the context of actual intelligence cases. Applies the structured analytic techniques of decomposition and visualization, idea generation, scenarios and indicators, hypothesis generation and testing, assessment of cause and effect, challenge analysis, and decision support. Evaluates IC analytic standards and discuss ethical considerations.

NSS 6800
U.S. Military-Strategy and Structure
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Masters of Public Services Program

Examines the U.S. Military services, commands, and agencies, and its core responsibilities and processes. Assesses the historical roles that the U.S. Military has played in American national security policy. Evaluates the United States' military strategy. Evaluates the relationship between strategy and structure in current U.S. military doctrine and policy.