Practical Application Of National Security Principles
Practical application of national security principles
Objective
Demonstrate Practical Solutions And Knowledge Base
Students completing the Master of Science degree in Homeland Security Studies will be able to provide comprehensive analysis and apply problem solving techniques to complex issues applicable to defense of the Homeland; particularly with respect to critical infrastructure protection and crisis management.
Indicator
Successful Performance In Practical Exercises And Internship
Integration of theroetical approaches to problem solving with practical analytical solutions is a primary indicator of the success of the program's learning objectives. During the internship experience, security studies graduate students reoutinely recevie critiques and personal evaluations from both the facutly member monitoring the student (internship director) and the employer who supervises the student intern. In addition, students provide written progress reports during the internship process.
Criterion
85% Of The Security Studies Students Will Score Greater Than 85% For Their Internship Practical Exercises
It is not enough to perform well in the classroom. Nearly each course students take in the Security Studies program requires successful completion of some measurable out-of-class project or outcome. Students will score greater than 85% on these practical excercises at the apex of their training experience during their internship.
Finding
Successfull Completion Of Internship Requirements
Thirteen students completed interships and graduated from program in 2014/15.
Action
Meeting Learning Outcome
Students kept journals and submitted reports to the supervising faculty member. All exceeded 90% on these practical elements. 12 of 13 graduates obtained employment in homeland security related agencies or corporations.
Goal
Demonstrate Core Knowledge Competency
Demonstrate that students are learning the core competency areas required in the field.
Objective
Demonstrate Knowledge And Integration Of Core Competencies
Students graduating with a master's degree in Security Studies will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and assessment of the major issues and pinciples related to Homeland Security.
Indicator
Integrated Major Paper
The Capstone course, CRIJ 6388, for Security Studies graduate students requires substantial research and integration of theories and principles of completed coursework in the program. The culminating project in this course requires students to state a Homeland Security or related issue and place it in context of the related security field. This paper requires a comprehensive literature reivew, analysis of the issue in relation to national threat, explanation of how the issue was reslolved, and how the issue may have been resolved differently. Through this anaylsis, core competencies in the field should be demonstrated.
Criterion
A Score Of 80% On The Assessment Rubric
The scoring rubric for the core competency project in the Capston course consists of four areas; 1) statement of the issue, 2) review of the salient literature, 3) appropriate sources cited, and 4) reflections of how the curriculum contribted to your abiltiy to solve the issue. Each student completing the capstone course will score 80% or higher on the rubric.
Finding
Successfull Completion Of Capstone Requirement
Thirteen students completed the Capstone Project during AY 2014/2015 and all exceeded 80% on the assessment rubric. Grading elements included the degree to which they were able to locate their project within the homeland security field, the quality of the overall work, and the professionalism of the required presentation.