National Security Studies, Certificate of Proficiency

The NSS certificate of proficiency is aimed at students with a baccalaureate degree who are looking to re-tool or specialize in national security in order to enter or advance in a national security career. The certificate will provide an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for and allows existing professionals to advance in public and private sector national security careers through acquisition of subject matter expertise and analytical skills. This certificate will expose students to the wide variety of critically important security challenges and issues faced in the twenty-first century, such as terrorism and cyber security, nuclear proliferation and weapons of mass destruction, piracy and global pandemics, sovereignty and the use of force, and civil liberties and the rule of law. Students will also acquire skills such as critical thinking, writing, briefing, and analysis techniques specifically tailored for the national security field, but applicable in many others. Whether students are interested in counterterrorism, homeland security, intelligence gathering and analysis, foreign relations, law and politics, diplomacy, or international development, the NSS certificate of proficiency will provide insight and skills needed to succeed in these professions.

Matriculation Requirements

Students must have Advanced University Standing or have completed a baccalaureate degree  

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Total Credit Hours		18
Discipline Core Requirements		12 Credits
NSS 2010	Introduction to National Security WE	3
NSS 301R	National Security Area Studies	3
NSS 4600	National Security Law	3
POLS 4500	International Conflict and Security	3
Elective Requirements		6 Credits
Complete 6 credits from the following:		6
NSS 4210	Law of War WE (3)
NSS 475R	Current Topics in National Security (3)
CJ 3340	Terrorism and the Criminal Justice System (3)
CYBR 2700	Information Security Fundamentals (3)
POLS 3100	Survey of International Terrorism (3)
POLS 3400	American Foreign Policy (3)
POLS 4610	International Law (3)
or other course approved by department advisor or director.

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 18 credits.
2. Overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0.  
3. Completion of discipline core and electives with a C- grade or higher.
4. Residency hours -- minimum of 5 credit hours through course attendance at UVU.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Semester 1		Credit Hours
NSS 2010	Introduction to National Security WE	3
NSS 301R	National Security Area Studies	3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	9
Semester 2
NSS 4600	National Security Law	3
POLS 4500	International Conflict and Security	3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	9
	Total Credit Hours	18

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the U.S. national security system and process, including familiarity with the National Security Council, executive departments and agencies, presidential powers, congressional roles and powers, applicable international and domestic law, and current geographical and functional issues in the national security field.
2. Demonstrate analytical thinking and reasoning, professional writing, and public speaking and presenting skills.
3. Apply both theoretical and practical approaches to complex national security problems, employing appropriate context to a decision-making framework.