|
Up until 9/11, many Americans had not heard the term, “Homeland Security.”
Could you define it?
Homeland Security is a concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks, to reduce vulnerability to terrorism,
and to minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur. It establishes policies to strengthen preparedness, prevention,
and response to threatened or actual domestic terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies by a national
domestic all-hazards preparedness goal. “All-hazards preparedness” refers to preparedness for domestic
terrorist attacks, major disasters, and other emergencies
What types of courses are involved in the study of Homeland Security?
Tulane's program in homeland security studies mixes courses such as Health and Medical Issues in Emergency Management,
Intelligence Research, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Maritime Security, and Domestic and
International Terrorism with classes in economics, political science, philosophy and public speaking.
What job types does this course of study prepare a student for?
The federal government has identified homeland security as one of its 14 high-growth industries because of its
potential for adding jobs or transforming businesses by technology or innovation that will require new employee
skill sets. Career Voyages, a collaborative effort between the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education, has identified 32
“In-Demand Occupations” that are considered homeland security related. These range from first responders
to occupations related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, (such as physicists, biochemists,
and computer technology professionals.)
What is the typical profile of a homeland security student (background, goals, etc?)
Eighty percent of our students are working professionals many of whom are first responders, current and former military, as well as
emergency managers. The remaining 20% are typical college students; some having some sort of family connection with security
professions. Our students range in age from 19 to 56.
Briefly, what is your background that led you to direct this program?
I am a retired naval officer who combined the applied principles of Navy damage control and leadership with the
experience gained providing logistic and organizational support to FEMA in Washington, DC after the attack on the
Pentagon and my experience as a strategic planner in Afghanistan to create an all hazards approach to homeland security.
Is the Homeland Security program unique to our area (in other words, are there other schools
offering anything similar)? And, are other schools in the U.S. offering similar courses of study?
Our program is the only one of its kind in New Orleans. The only other program in the state is at Baton Rouge Community
College which offers a certificate in emergency management. A September 2007 report, entitled The Homeland Security Academic
Environment, written by John Rollins and Joseph Rowan, identified a total of 227 institutions offering homeland security
programs, and nearly 1,800 courses associated with these programs. “Institutions of higher education continually try
to identify segments of the market that are valuable and underserved, and which their organizations can capitalize on their
expertise, capabilities, and resources to make a difference,” said Robert Price, who directs the Center for Homeland Security
at Towson University. “Developing innovative solutions and educating the future leaders in homeland security and emergency
preparedness are very worthwhile and necessary pursuits.” Tulane's unique approach is based on the DHS approved concept
of all hazards mitigation. Most other college programs focus on counter-terrorism and often offer little in the way
of emergency management courses.
What types of skills and personal characteristics are necessary for a career in this discipline?
We seek students who aspire to leadership roles in this diverse and challenging field. Our program is a detailed and integrated overview
of the two broad homeland security categories of terrorism and disaster preparation and response that emphasizes leadership and informed
decision making. The ability to lead and manage in an environment of rapid change and the ability to prepare, assess, analyze, and act
are essential attributes of our most successful students. It is a rapidly growing field with a high demand for skilled leadership.
What plans do you have for future expansion of the department or course offerings?
We have a number of initiatives underway that we intend to result in the creation of a master’s degree in professional
studies with a concentration in homeland security. Additionally we are working to provide National Incident Management Training
(NIMS) training and a certification process that will result in a DHS approved designation as a certified emergency manager
and a state approval as a Louisiana certified emergency manager. We are also exploring a partnership of another university
to submit a proposal to be designated as a DHS Center of Excellence for Critical Infrastructure protection.
|
|
