Why Study National Security Studies
Students completing the proposed NSS program will be well versed in the areas of homeland security, international security, and identifying terrorism and violent extremism -- complex challenges facing the entire global community. The program will emphasize the application of theoretical perspectives to the multi-faceted security environment, as well as research methodologies to the analysis of real world problems. Graduates of the program will be competitively positioned for careers in all sectors of national defense, homeland security, and criminal justice, as well as prime candidates for advancement in their military careers.
The Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies (NSS) major will cultivate analytical and critical thinking skills, open opportunities for career advancement, and prepare graduates for further academic endeavors. This major will foster opportunities for the general student body, active duty military personnel, and retired military personnel. The NSS program supports APSU’s Vision for fostering quality learning environments that “create a collaborative, integrative learning community, instilling in students’ habits of critical inquiry as they gain knowledge, skills, and values for life and work in a global society”. It also speaks to APSU’s mission “of raising the educational attainment of the citizenry, developing programs and services that address regional needs”.
An online delivery method allows APSU to deliver services to people currently working
or wanting to work in national security related professions across the state, region,
and nation and/or deployed across the world. It is anticipated that many graduates
of the NSS program would work in professions related to Fort Campbell and/or surrounding
areas in securities-related occupations. Similarly, APSU seeks to attract students
from the region whose increased education would improve professionalism and service
in the state and nation. National employment prospects are encouraging as fields related
to national security remain among the more in demand professions
Housed within the Department of Criminal Justice, the current tenure track and adjunct
faculty of that department have expertise in areas of homeland security, global security,
terrorism studies, administration of justice, and policy analysis. However, as an
interdisciplinary degree, the BS NSS program will draw upon the expertise of the faculty
from various academic backgrounds. The program will draw upon the expertise of faculty
in the following departments: Agriculture, History, Philosophy, Political Science
and Public Management, Sociology, Psychological Science and Counseling, and Criminal
Justice. As the program grows, APSU will add new faculty and complementary courses
to enrich its offerings and reflect current trends in the discipline. As domestic
and international security evolves and adapts to new challenges, the BS in National
Security Studies will equip students with relevant knowledge applicable to careers
in the field.
What Will I Learn
- Identify issues, problems, or informational gaps in the field of inquiry
- Demonstrate proficiency in formal writing in various national studies context
- Demonstrate proficiency in oral communication in various national security contexts
- Identify fundamental issues associated with the application of scientific methods related to national security studies issues
- Apply research and analysis techniques to the explanation and resolution of an information gap, issue or program, by producing a project in your respective field
- Design research projects based on acquired knowledge and theory
- Demonstrate a comprehension of globally diverse perspectives