Security Studies, CAS

College of Law

Suite 300 - Dineen Hall

315-443-2284

Questions about the program can be directed to Keli Perrin (kaperrin@law.syr.edu) or by calling INSCT at 315.443.2284.

https://securitypolicylaw.syr.edu/our-work/academicprograms/cas-secstudies/

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Security Studies is a 12-credit, interdisciplinary program for law and graduate students preparing for careers in national security, homeland security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. Certificate students collaborate across range of subjects, benefitting from faculty expertise in national and homeland security; international and atrocity law; military operations and defense strategy; counterterrorism law and policy; counter-proliferation policy; diplomacy and international relations; mass communication; cybersecurity law, policy, and engineering; conflict and postconflict studies; and more. Alumni form an extended, active, and influential network, boosting INSCT’s reputation as a “go to” organization for shaping discourse on security challenges.

Certificate students collaborate across range of subjects, benefitting from faculty expertise in national and homeland security; international and atrocity law; military operations and defense strategy; counterterrorism law and policy; counter-proliferation policy; diplomacy and international relations; mass communication; cybersecurity law, policy, and engineering; conflict and postconflict studies; and more.

Alumni form an extended, active, and influential network, boosting INSCT’s reputation as a “go to” organization for shaping discourse on security challenges. Students also can join the INSCT-supported Student Association on Terrorism and Security Analysis.

Candidates for the CAS take six credits (two courses) chosen from the required courses list and six credits (two courses) from a wide choice of elective courses.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and describe the central themes around globalization, global security, foreign policy, and models of conflict, particularly the role nation-states and international organizations play in the modern global system.

2. Explain and evaluate traditional and non-traditional security threats. Think creatively about complex problems in order to produce, evaluate, and implement innovative possible solutions, often as one member of a team.

3. Build knowledge in focused topic areas, such as international cybersecurity, security strategies in the Middle East, nuclear weapons, political risk assessment, and press relations.

4. Communicate acquired knowledge and skills effectively to a range of professional audiences, evidenced through written and oral communication.

Certificate Requirements

Required Course (choose two courses/six credits):

Central Challenges in National Security Law and Policy (PAI 730 /LAW 883 )
Comparative Civil-Military Relations (PSC 785 )
International Security (PAI 717 )
National Security and Counterterrorism Research Center (LAW 882 )
National Security Law (LAW 700 )
US Defense Strategy (PAI 739 )
US Intelligence Community: Governance and Practice (PAI 738 )
US National Security Policy (PAI 718 /PSC 718 )

Elective Courses (Choose two courses/six credits)

Each semester SPL reviews the course offerings in the law school and the graduate schools to identify courses that count as electives. SPL also evaluates any new course offerings for inclusion in the program at that time. See here for more information.