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Homeland Security

Program Codes: HCS.AS
Associate in Science Degree

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The Homeland Security degree program was established in response to the nation's growing homeland security needs.  The degree is designed for students to gain foundational knowledge and skills in order to secure borders, airports, waterways and seaports; prepare for and respond to natural and man-made disasters; provide counter-terrorism and law enforcment intelligence support, and employ the latest security technology.  It can be completed in two years, with credit hours totaling 60.  We offer evening and online classes and have an average professor/student ration of 1:15.  This degree is designed to transfer.   Students may choose to take advantage of our dual admissions agreement with New Jersey City University's National Security Studies Bachelor of Science program, which is offered on both the NJCU and MCC campus.   Experiential credit may be given for veterans or law enforcement officials with extensive training in Homeland Security.
 
Upon completion of this program students will be able to:
 
1. Model successful strategies to effectively evaluate contemporary security challenges facing the United States and other industrialized nations.
2. Simulate effective interpersonal communication, decision-making and critical thinking skills.
3. Outline the processes leading to effective integration of security and emergency management procedures.
4. Employ a foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities in appropriate leadership roles in emergency management, civil security and public policy.
5. Articulate the basic ethical and legal issues impacting the ability of security professionals to operate effectively in both the public and private sectors.
6. Restate the appropriate policy needs at the local, state, and federal level that reflect evolving strategic initiatives associated with homeland security.
7. Identify the basic process of collection, analysis and dissemination of information necessary to address contemporary threats and vulnerabilites.
8. Explain inter-agency cooperation in sharing intelligence information.
 
 
Program Requirements:

Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.

Contact the Department Chairperson

Recommended Course Sequence

Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details

Semester I

Semester II

OR

Semester III

Semester IV

OR

Total Credits 60

Contact Information

History and Social Sciences

Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair 
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu 
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/


Frequently Asked Questions

What will students learn if they study Criminal Justice?

Students examine both the substantive and procedural aspects of criminal law. Particular attention will be given to the functions of the courts and special emphasis will be placed on major U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Students who choose the Correction Administration degree option or certificate will learn about relevant trends with regard to correctional institutions, as well as sentencing, judicial treatment and correctional management philosophies. With the Police Science degree option, students will learn police procedures, constitutional law and community policing.

Are there any requirements that must be satisfied taking courses in the major?

Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or completion of the appropriate course. Students also need a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science or in BIO-010 or CHM-010.

Can students transfer to a four-year college or university?

The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all of the lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements with private institutions may provide similar transfer provisions. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.

How long will it take to complete this degree?

Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.

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