Earn a Homeland Security Degree
As a student in Ivy Bridge’s Associate of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security program you’ll receive a general college education with a strong emphasis in national security and criminal law and procedures. That means you’ll take courses in the Knowledge Skills Core such as English composition and mathematics as well as specialized sophomore-level courses in criminal justice and homeland security. Your courses will cover topics such as contemporary issues in terrorism, incident management, sociology, and criminal procedures that will give you the academic background you need to pursue a variety of homeland security positions and career paths.
Learn more about Ivy Bridge’s homeland security degree program: Request more information or talk to a friendly advisor now at 855-413-4752.
Explore the program:
Core Classes
Major Requirements
Curriculum Map
Possible Career Paths
Knowledge Skills Core
As a student in the Associate of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security program you’ll take courses in the knowledge skills and liberal education core. This collection of 24 credit-hours includes courses in oral communication, writing composition, mathematics, computer information systems, politics, and psychology that provide the academic foundation you need to be successful in any career or academic program.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|
| COM 241 | Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 |
| CIS 101 or 111 | Foundations of Information Technology and PC Applications or Intro to Systems and Applications | 3 |
| ENG 141 | Expository and Research Writing | 3 |
| ENG 142 | Introduction to Literature and Criticism | 3 |
| MAT 173 or Above | College Mathematics 173 (or above) | 3 |
| POL 101 | Introduction to American Political Processes | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Open Elective From: | ECO, MGT, POL, PSY, SOC | 3 |
COM 241 - Introduction to Mass Communication
(3 hours)
A survey course examining the various media (i.e., newspaper, radio, television, film, etc.) comprising the mass media in contemporary American society. Emphasis is given to the history, structure, and potential effects of each medium.
CIS 101 - Foundations of Information Technology and PC Applications (3 hours)
This course is a survey of fundamental functions of a computer, Internet, file management, and an introduction to the Microsoft Office Suite. This course does not count for credit toward graduation..
CIS 111 - Information System & Applications (3 hours)
This course is designed for students who have used MS Word regularly and have an understanding of MS Windows. Topics covered include responsible use of information technology; hardware concepts; the use, development, and maintenance of spreadsheets (Excel); the creation of electronic presentations (PowerPoint); and an introduction to databases (Access). This is a hands-on skills and a conceptual course. Participants will be required to demonstrate software proficiency in the lab, as well as, through objective written tests.
ENG 141 - Expository and Research Writing (3 hours)
This is a course in written communication. Emphasis is placed on development, structure, and writing of abstracts, summaries, and critiques. Literary devices such as pro/con, cause/effect, comparison/contrast, persuasion/argumentation essays and research/synthesis skills are used through a research paper.
ENG 142 - Introduction to Literature and Criticism (w) (3 hours)
This course presents drama, short stories, novel, poetry and critical essays from literary critical perspectives. Through reading, discussion, and critical writing, students become familiar with representative genres in literature as well as authentic critical approaches. This is a writing intensive course.
Prerequisite: ENG 141 or concurrent
MAT 174 - Finite Mathematics (3 hours)
This course applies mathematical techniques to solve real-world problems and involves the study of topics including linear models, systems of equations, financial math, logic, probability, and statistics.
Prerequisite: MAT 173 (“C” or better) or placement
POL 101 - Introduction to the American Political Process (3 hours)
A survey course that covers the American democratic process and the distribution of authority and responsibility between the federal, state, and local levels.
PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology (3 hours)
Introduction to psychology as a behavioral science, including historical background, human development (genetic and physical) from birth through death, the senses and perception, intelligence and creativity, and the principles of conditioning, learning, memory, and forgetting.
Major Requirements
As a student in the Associate of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security degree program you’ll take specialized courses in the criminal justice and homeland security field.
| Course Number | Course Title | Credit Hour |
|---|---|---|
| JUS 110 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| JUS 200 | Contemporary Issues in Terrorism | 3 |
| JUS 201 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| JUS 202 | Criminal Procedures | 3 |
| JUS 215 | Homeland Security and the Legal System | 3 |
| ENF 100 | Understanding Incident Mangement and Your Role | 3 |
| ENF 154 | Homeland Security Overview | 3 |
| ENF 160 | Crime Prevention | 3 |
| POL 151 | Introduction to National Security Studies | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Principles of Sociologoy | 3 |
| Two Electives From: | Two courses at the 100/200 level | 6 |
JUS 110 - Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 hours)
A survey of the Criminal Justice System and of its major subsystems: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Emphasis will be not only on structure and functions of the various components, but also their interactions. The course will also introduce the student to the basics of criminal justice research through the use of the collection of the National Criminal Justice Reference Service and other professional sources of information.
JUS 200 - Contemporary Issues in Terrorism (w) (3 hours)
A comprehensive exploration of contemporary terrorism that helps the student develop the knowledge and skills they need to critically assess terrorism in general and terrorist incidents in particular. This is a writing intensive course. Offered through Online and Off-campus programs only.
Prerequisite: JUS 110
JUS 201 - Criminal Law (3 hours)
An analysis of criminal laws from their development under common law to their present day applicability under constitutional and statutory standards with special emphasis on practice with the Ohio Revised Code.
Prerequisite: JUS 110
JUS 202 - Criminal Procedures (3 hours)
An understanding of the constitutional and other legal ramifications affecting the procedure of criminal arrest, search, seizure, and evidence.
Prerequisite: JUS 201
JUS 215 - Homeland Security & the Legal System (3 hours)
This course will examine the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (organizational restructuring of U.S. investigative, security and catastrophic response agencies). An overview will be provided of the CONPLAN (U.S. Governments Interagency Domestic Terrorism Concept of Operations Plan). Presidential Directives 39 and 62, the Patriot Act and evolving case law will also be discussed. The legal approach to terrorism/homeland security will be examined along with the potential effect of these laws and procedures on the civil liberties of citizens of the United States. Additionally, there will be an analysis of international borders and airport security relating to the 4th amendment.
ENF 100 - Understanding Incident Management and Your Role (3 hours)
This course provides overview of strategic practices and serves as a basic and pragmatic guide for emergency response practitioners. Emphasis will be placed on how this system is applied to all hazards for all government levels, across the four phases and all functions of emergency management. It includes the role of national, regional and local services in a variety of disasters. This class is appropriate for business and industry, firefighters, emergency managers, EMS, police and other interested parties.
ENF 154 - Homeland Security Overview (3 hours)
This course presents an introduction to the public and private sector dimensions of the theory and practice of homeland security at the national, regional, state, and local level. The perspective will include an overview of the administrative, legislative, and operational elements of homeland security programs and processes, including a review of homeland security history, policies, and programs. The student will examine, in general, terrorism and the intelligence issues that support homeland security operations.
Prerequisite: JUS 110
ENF 160 - Crime Prevention (3 hours)
An examination of crime prevention and security programming responding to commercial, retail, industrial, and governmental proprietary needs. Review of physical, personnel, and informational security.
Prerequisite: JUS 110
POL 151 Introduction to National Security Studies (3 hours)
This course provides an introduction to the study of national security and the national security process. It introduces students to the instruments of national power and how those instruments are used to support and achieve national interests and objectives. The course introduces the key actors, processes, and issues associated with national security. Students will have a better understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with security policy in a world characterized by globalization.
SOC 101 - Principles of Sociology (3 hours)
Introduction to the basic concepts of sociological study, elements of social life, social patterns and institutions, and the process of maintenance and change in society.
Homeland Security Curriculum Map
The Associate of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security curriculum map gives you an overview of the academic path we recommend most students in the homeland security degree program follow. As an Ivy Bridge student, you’ll use the curriculum map to guide your conversations with your success coach and academic advisors as you set up an academic schedule that works for you. Download a PDF of the curriculum map now>
Homeland Security Jobs and Careers
The homeland security field covers a variety of careers securing boarders, airports, and waterways; responding to terrorist assaults and natural disasters; and enforcing customs and immigration laws. From prevention and response and general mission support to travel security and intelligence, there are a variety of career options open to those interested in playing a vital role in making America a safer, more secure nation.
Customs and Border Protection
The U.S. Customers and Boarder Protection department is responsible for safeguarding nearly 7,000 miles of land borders and more than 2,000 miles of coastal waters. The department offers a variety of job opportunities including positions in information technology, law enforcement, and working as a patrol agent.
Job functions may include understanding immigration and nationality laws, detecting and apprehending terrorists and terrorist weapons, facilitating the flow of legal immigration and goods, and preventing the illegal trafficking of people and contraband.
Transportation Security
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens nearly two million passengers every day in order ensure the safety of travelers and the public. There are a variety of career options working in transportation security including law enforcement, security operations, airport security, and management. Specific positions include security officers, inspectors, and air marshals.
Job functions vary greatly depending on the position but may include inspecting rail cars, patrolling subways, screening for harmful objects at checkpoints in airports, and working with law enforcement and other agency partners to secure public modes of transportation.
Prevention and Response
Prevention and response careers working for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Coast Guard involve protecting the public and providing preparedness and response during natural disasters and other hazards. Prevention and response professionals are often the first responders during a disaster but also help prepare for, protect against, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Positions include public assistance, community relations, environmental/historical preservation, community recovery, operations, planning, and safety and security.
Learn more about Ivy Bridge’s criminal justice and homeland security program:
Request more information or talk to a friendly advisor now at 855-413-4752.