National Security Studies (NSS)
NSS 2010. Introduction to National Security WE. (3 Credits)
NSS 301R. National Security Area Studies. (3 Credits)
NSS 3050. US Intelligence Community. (3 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing
Pre- or Corequisite(s): NSS 2010
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.
Pre- or Corequisite(s): NSS 2010
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 Credits)
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.
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 4200. Intelligent Systems and Data Policy. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing
Pre- or Corequisite(s): NSS 3750
Explores how intelligent systems, (e.g., artificial intelligence, quantum information sciences, and blockchain) are poised to change the strategic landscape for both businesses and governments by commoditizing data and changing decision-making paradigms. Analyzes the potential applications of these technologies across private sector and military-use cases. Discusses strategic investment and resourcing surrounding these technologies by near-peer geopolitical rivals.
Pre- or Corequisite(s): NSS 3750
Explores how intelligent systems, (e.g., artificial intelligence, quantum information sciences, and blockchain) are poised to change the strategic landscape for both businesses and governments by commoditizing data and changing decision-making paradigms. Analyzes the potential applications of these technologies across private sector and military-use cases. Discusses strategic investment and resourcing surrounding these technologies by near-peer geopolitical rivals.
NSS 4210. Law of War WE. (3 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
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.
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 4260. Hypersonic and Advanced Aeronautics. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing
Pre- or Corequisite(s): NSS 3750
Analyzes developments in aerospace technologies which pose national security threats or could have potentially transformational implications. Assesses the strategic, legal, and policy issues surrounding hypersonics, satellites, space travel, and exploration. Examines the resourcing and development of these technologies by near-peer geopolitical rivals.
Pre- or Corequisite(s): NSS 3750
Analyzes developments in aerospace technologies which pose national security threats or could have potentially transformational implications. Assesses the strategic, legal, and policy issues surrounding hypersonics, satellites, space travel, and exploration. Examines the resourcing and development of these technologies by near-peer geopolitical rivals.
NSS 4300. Intelligence Cycle and Collections. (3 Credits)
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.
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 4320. Robotics and Autonomous Systems. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing
Pre- or Corequisite(s): NSS 3750
Explores the strategic changes posed by automation and autonomous systems. Examines battlefield applications of automated weapons systems including drones and smart munitions. Applies how robotics, internet of things (IoT) devices, and automated logistics can disrupt socioeconomic and political standards.
Pre- or Corequisite(s): NSS 3750
Explores the strategic changes posed by automation and autonomous systems. Examines battlefield applications of automated weapons systems including drones and smart munitions. Applies how robotics, internet of things (IoT) devices, and automated logistics can disrupt socioeconomic and political standards.
NSS 4400. Statecraft and Strategy. (3 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
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.
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 4650. Emerging Tech Policy Lab. (3 Credits)
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing and departmental approval
Trains students to effectively manage projects, manage risk, research methods, perform analytical writing, conduct presentations, and work in teams. Prepares students to interact with clients in a professional environment and produce high-quality products.
Trains students to effectively manage projects, manage risk, research methods, perform analytical writing, conduct presentations, and work in teams. Prepares students to interact with clients in a professional environment and produce high-quality products.
NSS 475R. Current Topics in National Security. (3 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
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.
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. (1-9 Credits)
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.
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. (1-3 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
NSS 6500. US National Security Policy and Strategy. (3 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
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.
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 Credits)
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.
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.