Campbell to offer course on Homeland Security

     The catastrophic events of 9/11 and the threat of global terrorism led to the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security in 2002. Charged with securing the nation and preserving our freedoms, the office not only shoulders a grave responsibility but offers a variety of challenging job opportunities.

     To take advantage of these opportunities, Campbell University has developed a course entitled Introduction to Homeland Security, designed by Dr. Tony Martin who is affiliated with the Department of the Army at Fort Bragg. The course, which Martin teaches, is available this fall to Campbell students at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base.

     “We’re not offering an undergraduate degree in Homeland Security,” said Tom Harris, dean of Extended Campus Education for Campbell University. “We want to provide students with an understanding of the opportunities that are available to them in this field.”

     With its mission objectives to disrupt terrorist attacks; secure the borders, airports, seaports and waterways; research and develop the latest security technologies and respond to terrorist assaults, the Homeland Security Office embraces a number of career fields.

     The office of Science and Technology requires the planning, funding and management of topflight research and development programs in almost all technical fields, for example, while the office of Management requires employees to work in a variety of areas—from human resources and administration to budgeting, procurement and intelligence technology.

     “Who would have thought that the Office of Homeland Security would be looking for accountants?” asked Harris. “You can see that the field is wide open.”

     Among his many course requirements, Martin, a Campbell graduate and recipient of a Ph.D. in political science from Duke University, has students identify errors or weaknesses in America’s Homeland Security program and propose solutions to these problems. They must also complete three National Incident Management courses online to earn FEMA certificates of completion. Some of the courses include, Introduction to Incident Command System, National Incident Management System, National Response Plan and National Infrastructure Protection.

     “This course will provide students with an opportunity to become part of the solution for increasing domestic security by placing heavy emphasis on research and theory development in support of the critical missions identified by the Homeland Security National Strategy,” Martin said.

     For more information, contact the Office of Extended Campus Education at 910.893.1278, and visit the Homeland Security Website at www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/homeland