Homeland Security

Graduate Information

Graduate Information

OFFICE: Chemical Sciences Laboratory 120
TELEPHONE: 619-594-5960
WEBSITE: http://homelandsecurity.sdsu.edu

Associated Faculty for Homeland Security

Eric G. Frost, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences, Co-Director of Homeland Security Program
Lance W. Larson, Ph.D., Co-Director of Homeland Security Program
Cathie J. Atkins, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology and Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs of the College of Sciences
Murray E. Jennex, Ph.D., Professor of Management Information Systems
David L. Kimbrough, Ph.D., Professor of Geological Sciences
Stanley R. Maloy, Ph.D., Professor of Biology and Associate Vice President for Research and Innovation of Graduate and Research Affairs
Khaleel Mohammed, Ph.D., Professor of Religious Studies
Cezar M. Ornatowski, Ph.D., Professor of Rhetoric and Writing Studies
Patrick J. Papin, Ph.D., Professor of Physics, Emeritus
Kathleen D. Sweetser, Ph.D., APR+M, Professor of Journalism and Media Studies
William G. Tong, Ph.D., Albert W. Johnson Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Aaron C. Elkins, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Management Information Systems
Enrico A. Marcelli, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology
Amy S. Schmitz Weiss, Associate Professor of Journalism and Media Studies

General Information

The homeland security program emphasizes international and collaborative approaches in the educational process and study abroad is required for all students in the program. Semester, short-term (one to two weeks), and summer study abroad opportunities are provided by the college and university in countries depending on the interests of students. Topics include art and antiquities smuggling and fraud, collaboration, communications, counter human trafficking, law enforcement, locations of major disasters, nation building, opportunities to assist other countries in their efforts with disaster response, security diplomacy, technology, and other interest areas. Study abroad is a research component for the thesis or thesis project and develops student credibility and capability for eventual career advancement.

Of particular note, the homeland security program sponsors collaborative study abroad efforts in Mexico that builds positive relationships with government, non-government, and the private- sector in Baja California who work together to make the border region a productive, secure, and vibrant partnership. Working with Mexican officials to solve shared problems offers opportunities to build solutions to complex problems as models for problems and opportunities worldwide.

Contact a homeland security academic adviser for evaluation and approval of a program of study and information on study abroad opportunities. The primary focus is to build classes, research, and study abroad for a career preparation portfolio.

Admission to Graduate Study

The homeland security program accepts admission for both the fall and spring semesters. The application deadlines are posted on the website at https://hsec.sdsu.edu/admission or can be obtained from the homeland security program directors or graduate adviser. All students must satisfy the general requirements for admission to the university with classified graduate standing as described in Admission and Registration . In addition, students must demonstrate sufficient preparation for the program. This may include a bachelor’s degree in sciences, engineering, law enforcement, international security, public policy, or a related discipline providing educational preparation for a career in homeland security. The degree must be from an accredited institution or indicate completion of equivalent academic preparation as determined by the Graduate Dean. Evaluation of a student’s transcript will be made on an individual basis by the admissions committee to determine whether evidence of sufficient preparation can be demonstrated. A student whose preparation is deemed insufficient by the admissions committee may be admitted as conditionally classified and will be required to complete specified courses in addition to the minimum of 30 units required for the degree.

The grade-point average required for admission to the master’s program in homeland security is 2.85 in undergraduate coursework plus satisfactory scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE. An interview by the admissions committee may also be required.

Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application available at http://www.calstate.edu/apply along with the application fee.

All applicants must submit admissions materials separately to SDSU Graduate Admissions and to the homeland security program. For information about specific admissions requirements, visit http://hsec.sdsu.edu/admission.

Graduate Admissions

The following materials should be submitted as a complete package directly to:

Graduate Admissions
Enrollment Services
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-7416

Official transcripts (in sealed envelopes) from all postsecondary institutions attended;

NOTE:
- Students who attended SDSU need only submit transcripts for work completed since last attendance.
- Students with international coursework must submit both the official transcript and proof of degree. If documents are in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
GRE scores (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682);
English language score, if medium of instruction was in a language other than English (http://www.ets.org SDSU institution code 4682).

Homeland Security Program

The following materials should be submitted electronically to the homeland security program admission committee. Submission instructions are available at http://hsec.sdsu.edu/admission.

Two letters of recommendation from persons in a position to judge academic ability (in sealed, signed envelopes);
One letter of recommendation from a person in a position to judge professional ability and potential (in sealed, signed envelope);
A two-page maximum personal statement giving reasons for choosing homeland security as a degree objective;
A two-page maximum personal statement summarizing applicant’s qualifications, skill sets, and life experiences as they apply to the homeland security degree;
A current resume or curriculum vitae.

Advancement to Candidacy

All students must satisfy the general requirements for advancement to candidacy as described in Requirements for Master’s Degrees .