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Master of Science in Homeland Security - Cybersecurity Policy Concentration (Program delivered via Virtual Campus)

The Master of Science in Homeland Security (MS-HLS) program is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the homeland security enterprise at the strategic policymaking level. The program will be geared towards homeland security practitioners and provide them with analytical and communication tools to allow them to become decision-makers in one or more areas of the field. The program will also expand their knowledge base of other disciplines within the larger homeland security enterprise thus helping them understand the role of a given discipline, such as law enforcement, fire, emergency services, public health, etc. in the larger homeland security picture. The program curriculum is designed for students with previous coursework and/or prior work experience in homeland security. Although prior knowledge or experience in the homeland security field is not required, it is highly recommended.

The Cybersecurity Policy concentration will focus on the challenges, laws and institutions that govern Cybersecurity policy and will delve into Cybersecurity strategy as well as the role of government and the private sector in Cybersecurity policymaking.

Outcomes (Core):

  • Outline trends in the development and evolution of the HLS enterprise.
  • Analyze current policy issues within the HLS enterprise and/or its sub-disciplines.
  • Use research to suggest policy solutions to existing HLS problems.
  • Explore strategies and institutional frameworks that affect HLS policy.
  • Analyze the role of the intelligence community, first-responders, the military, the private sector and others in the HLS enterprise.
  • Interpret, synthesize and critique the threat posed by terrorism, natural disasters and public health emergencies.
  • Analyze the legal, institutional and policy barriers to unity of effort and enhanced HLS policy and the possible methodologies for circumventing or eliminating those barriers.
  • Evaluate the impact of policies within HLS sub-disciplines on the creation of a common HLS strategy and effort.

Outcomes (Cybersecurity Policy Concentration):

  • Compare competing Cybersecurity governance structures
  • Evaluate challenges to establishment of comprehensive Cybersecurity policy within competing government agencies and the private sector
  • Analyze the dynamics of security and privacy trade-offs as they relate to Internet governance
  • Synthesize core components of law and policy that are implicated in inter-disciplinary approaches to Cybersecurity policy
  • Justify the limits of government and industry roles in Cybersecurity, consistent with fundamental legal and cultural principles which form American society
  • Synthesize multilateral approaches to suggest a framework for future government planning
  • Develop recommendations for multinational approaches to Cybersecurity policy

Degree Requirements

Courses: Core

HLS601Homeland Security Fundamentals

4

HLS602Dynamics of Terrorism

4

HLS603Technology Solutions for Homeland Security

4

HLS604Intelligence Organizational and Policy Challenges

4

HLS605Vulnerability Analysis and Protection

4

HLS606Homeland Security and Government

4

HLS616Research, Writing and Critical Thinking

4

HLS618Private Sector Role in Homeland Security

4

HLS689Homeland Security Capstone

4

Total Credit Hours:36

Courses: Cyber Security Concentration

HLS641Introduction to Cybersecurity Policy

4

HSL642Government and the Cyber Sector

4

HLS643Cyber Organizations and Structures

4

HLS644Emerging Initiatives in Cybersecurity Strategy

4

Total Credit Hours:16

Total Credit Hours: 52

National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Agency have recognized Colorado Technical University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance and Cyber Defense (CAE IA/CD). The CTU cyber security curriculum was certified thereby to map to the DHS/NSA cybersecurity knowledge units. This recognition and certification is valid through 2021.

This CAE IA/CD designation is applicable to this degree program.

Locations

  • Virtual Campus

Area of Study

  • Security Studies & Criminal Justice