Buies Creek, N.C.-In 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the southern coast of the United States with devastating fury. The newly-organized Office of Homeland Security went into action, providing federal support for rebuilding and recovery efforts throughout the Gulf Coast region that continue today. Campbell University’s Criminal Justice program recognizes the importance of the Office of Homeland Security to the safety of the nation and as an emerging field of job opportunity for students. In spring 2010, the department will launch a concentration in Homeland Security for Criminal Justice and Social Science majors.
The Department of Homeland Security has a vital mission to secure the nation from the many threats we face such as terrorism and natural disasters, said Dr. Cynthia Starita, who co-developed the Homeland Security curriculum for Campbell with Professor Cathy Cowling and Dean Tom Harris. The agency requires approximately 225,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, cyber security and chemical facility inspection.
“It also creates a lot of opportunities in the job market for our military people, many of whom already have top secret clearance,” said Cowling, director of the Criminal Justice program. “With our relationship with Fort Liberty and other military bases, it was a logical conclusion.”
A natural fit for ITS majors, the concentration also offers opportunities in federal law enforcement, FEMA, Emergency Management, intelligence and investigative agencies and numerous others, the professors observed.
“No other universities in North Carolina have developed this major,” said Cowling. “This is a unique niche for us and Homeland Security jobs are readily available. They are looking for people for these jobs.”
Five basic courses make up the Homeland Security concentration. They include Terrorism, Organized Crime, Homeland Security, Disaster Preparedness and either ITS 460 or a History Area Study. Depending upon which degree program the student pursues, he or she can earn either a Bachelor of Arts of Bachelor of Science degree.
“I predict the Homeland Security concentration will grow just like the study of forensics did a few years ago,” Starita said. “At first there were very few programs offering it as a major, then there were many.”
Cowling expects the same outcome. “I see it growing from a concentration to a minor to a major,” she said. “This is my hope.”
Campbell currently has 110 criminal justice students and numerous criminal justice minors. For more information about the Homeland Security concentration, contact Cathy Cowling at 910.893.1487.