Free: MA in Homeland Security (RA)

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by me again, Nov 14, 2009.

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  1. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    Eligible state and local officers may apply for a free MA in Homeland Security from the Naval Postgraduate School.

    Here is the information:

     
  2. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

    I know several people who have been through the NPS program. They all have noted what a great experience the program was for them, especially the networking opportunities available. Entrance to the program is extremely competitive, but the price (free) is right and the fact that the residencies are in Monterey, CA are incentive enough to at least try for addmission.

    If you are interested and can gain access, I recommend trying the free, online course in Critical Infrastructure Protection from NPS to give you an indication of the scope and depth of the program.
     
  3. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    I signed up to the Navel Postgraduate School for the exclusive purpose of taking that one particular course!!! Access was granted last week.

    Here's a snippit of it:

     
  4. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member

    I've already completed three of the courses including this one. I'm curious if you are an applicant and complete all the modules if it would help you in gaining entrance. Since it's so competitive to get in it wouldn't hurt.
     
  5. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    What did you think of the course? How long did it take you to complete? Do they provide a certificate of completion after finishing it?

    If they have an oversupply of applicants for the MA program, then one critera for selection would be to choose personnel who are key figures in their community -- people who are in a position to be able to implement some of the strategic concepts that are being taught. For example, if an NBC strike hits a city or a county, then those key personnel would be in a position to be able to:
    - know who to call at the federal level i.e. knowing who to call for CBIRF
    - having the authority to seize malls, auditoriums and large buildings to handle mass causalities
    - knowing how to implement protections for key infrastructures i.e. water plants, water resouviors, power stations...

    Thus, selecting a police chief, a sheriff, a fire executive and other key personnel is concurrently selecting people who can execute the life-saving measures that are being taught in the MA program.

    The federal government is spending vast amounts of money to train key personnel on how to handle an infrastructural collapse of the United States for when an NBC strike is launched. If we have enough trained personnel in key positions throughout the country, it will aide in a more rapid recovery and response. That's why there is a large push in all colleges and universities to creates Bachelors and Masters degrees in Homeland Security. When the BIG ONE comes, we will hopefully have enough people who are trained in response methodologies at every level of government. Hopefully. Naturally, it will never be enough -- but it's better than nadda.
     
  6. Refugee

    Refugee New Member

    I work for a LE agency within DHS and it's incredibly competitive to even get my agency to allow you to apply. My agency will only let very senior management even apply.

    I just accepted a job with another LE agency also within DHS so I guess I'll find out how difficult they make it for their people to be able to apply for this program. Not looking forward to 5 months at FLETC though.

    This Masters program is one I've been eying for a while and would absolutely love to get in at some point.
     
  7. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member

    I enjoyed the course. It breaks down each sector and explains in detail why each is important, discusses techniques in protecting these assets, and the implementation of these ideas. It took me about two weeks to finish this particular course. I chose it because it looked like the most interesting one that is offered. There is a certificate that can be printed out but as far as looks go it leaves a bit to be desired. Great course and honestly one of the best I've taken so far.
     
  8. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    Does the certificate say how many hours it's worth and, if so, how many hours does it have listed? Or does it say CEUs instead of hours?

    The certificates from St. Petersburg College list the number of hours it's worth -- usually about 8 or 16 hours. I haven't registered for anything from the FBI Virtual Academy (yet), so I don't know what's listed on their certificates.
     
  9. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member

    The FBI virtual Academy leaves a whole lot to be desired unless they've done a major redesign. I haven't been there recently though so maybe they've changed things.

    The certificate does not list hours or CEU's but if you look at each module it shows you exactly how long each one is. I believe there is a formula for computing hours/CEU's/Contact hours although I've never done it before.
     
  10. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    What kinds of courses does the FBI Virtual Academy offer? Anything in leadership?
     

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