National Security Studies, Minor

The Minor in National Security Studies provides an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for public and private sector national security careers through acquisition of subject matter expertise and analytical skills. The minor exposes 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 Minor in National Security Studies provides the insight and skills needed to succeed in these professions.

Matriculation Requirements

1. Admitted to bachelor degree program at UVU  
2. Students must take either CJ 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice SS or POLS 1100 American National Government AS for matriculation.

Program Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Total Credit Hours		24
Students must take one of the following for matriculation:
CJ 1010	Introduction to Criminal Justice SS	3
or POLS 1100	American National Government AS
Discipline Core Requirements		21 Credits
NSS 2010	Introduction to National Security WE	3
NSS 301R	National Security Area Studies	3
NSS 475R	Current Topics in National Security	3
NSS 4600	National Security Law	3
Complete 9 credits from the following:		9
CNST 4795	Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3)
NSS 4210	Law of War WE (3)
CJ 4160	Constitutional Criminal Rights (3)
CJ 3340	Terrorism and the Criminal Justice System (3)
ESMG 310G	Introduction to Homeland Security GI (3)
HIST 3440	The History of World War I (3)
HIST 345G	The History of World War II GI (3)
HIST 4140	Genocide in the Twentieth Century (3)
HIST 430G	Violence and Social Conflict in Latin America GI (3)
CYBR 2700	Information Security Fundamentals (3)
MILS 259R	Current Topics in Military Science (3)
MILS 4200	The Profession of Arms I (3)
MILS 4210	The Profession of Arms II (3)
PJST 3020	The Ethics of War and Peace (3)
PJST 3100	Introduction to Human Security (3)
PJST 3400	Conflict Transformation Resolution and Sustainable Peace WE (3)
POLS 1440	Introduction to Middle East Politics (3)
POLS 2100	Introduction to International Relations SS (3)
POLS 3100	Survey of International Terrorism (3)
POLS 3210	World Diplomacy (3)
POLS 3400	American Foreign Policy (3)
POLS 3500	International Relations of the Middle East (3)
POLS 3600	International Relations of East Asia WE (3)
POLS 3610	International Organization WE (3)
POLS 4500	International Conflict and Security (3)
POLS 4610	International Law (3)
or other course approved by department advisor or director.

Graduation Requirements 

Completion of discipline core and electives with a C- grade or higher.

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
CJ 1010 or POLS 1100	Introduction to Criminal Justice SS or American National Government AS	3
	Credit Hours	3
Semester 2
NSS 2010	Introduction to National Security WE	3
	Credit Hours	3
Second Year
Semester 3
NSS 4600	National Security Law	3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	6
Semester 4
NSS 301R	National Security Area Studies	3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	6
Third Year
Semester 5
NSS 475R	Current Topics in National Security	3
Elective		3
	Credit Hours	6
	Total Credit Hours	24

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.