College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Catalog 2016

93 M ASTER OF S CIENCE IN N ATIONAL S ECURITY A FFAIRS (M.S.) Program Description M.S. in National Security Affairs in the Department of History and Political Sciences is designed to provide students with theoretical, research, and applied skills in the emerging academic field of national security affairs. Students in this program will build a core understanding of critical issues informing the field of national security today, including the assessment and analysis of the threat of terrorism in the US and beyond and the analysis of intelligence collection. The program consists of a core of 5 courses (15 credits) offered by the department, and developed specifically for this program. Pedagogically, the program core focuses on building the critical analytical skills graduates need to succeed professionally in the field of National Security Affairs. The ability to critically analyze intelligence information, historical and contemporary issues informing the field, and to perform textual analyses, defines the program core's most important learning outcomes. Following completion of the program core, students will be able to choose one of four concentration tracks offered through CAHSS, and through partnership agreements with other academic units at NSU, including the Criminal Justice track from the Department of Justice and Human Services, and the Cyberterrorism track from the College of Engineering and Computing. To complete a concentration track successfully, students must take 4 courses in their chosen track (12 credits). Students will also complete 2 elective courses (6 credits) from any of the four concentration tracks offered through the program. Students interested in the Cyber Terrorism track are encouraged to speak with the Department as early as possible. After a consultation, it will be determined whether the student can enter the cyber-terrorism track or if additional foundation courses will be required in order to enter and successfully complete the track. The additional courses can count as electives. Program Formats NSA aims at convenience and accommodation by utilizing online course delivery format. The students enrolled in the program are afforded the great flexibility in selecting one of the four concentrations and electives. We know many of our students are already engaged in work in the field of national security and this may preclude them from participating in residential classes. Therefore, the program is designed to be completed entirely online. However, some of the courses are also offered in residential format and students may select those sections as appropriate. NSA students are not required to attend Residential Institutes (RI) on the Fort Lauderdale campus. However, they are encouraged to attend and participate in the event. Currently the RIs are held in February and late September/October. Please visit http://CAHSS.nova.edu/RI for current information. Students may enroll full or part time, taking six to nine credit hours per term. Students who enroll in nine credits per term may complete the program in four terms. Part-time students can complete the program in 2 years. Students register for three terms a year. Degree Plans and Student Advising In the NSA program it is essential for a student to seek advice regarding course selection and their degree plan. They are expected to keep in periodic contact with the department