ADELPHI, Md. – In response to the increased role of security in government and private industries, and the subsequent need for trained homeland security specialists, the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) today announced that it has added three new undergraduate degrees to its growing Homeland Security program. The new degree programs – Homeland Security, Emergency Management and Information Assurance – were designed to provide students in Maryland and around the world with training and academic credentials that will prepare them to succeed in these critical, fast-growing disciplines.While developing the new degrees, UMUC consulted with government agencies, systems integrators, critical infrastructure firms and management consulting firms. The university wanted to ensure that the needs and desires of these potential employers were being addressed, and that graduates of the programs would have the required knowledge, skills and abilities to succeed in homeland security-related careers.“There has never been a better time to introduce these new undergraduate offerings,” said Don Goff, executive director of the Security Studies Laboratory at University of Maryland University College. “With the heightened awareness of homeland security issues, this is a fast-growing job market. The modern workforce is in desperate need for men and women who are trained to manage 21st century security needs, and we are addressing that need by providing a valuable, real-world education that will prepare our students for success and lead them toward greater employment opportunities.”Starting in fall 2007, courses for the new degrees will be available both online and in traditional rooms at UMUC’s Shady Grove, Md., campus. The new degree programs will provide continuing education and prepare workers in federal, state and local government for professional advancement. In addition, for those students located regionally, their proximity to Washington, D.C.’s federal homeland security agencies and numerous other technology-based companies provides a wide range of employment options.“We’re proud to offer a practical education that is relevant to our students’ – and the country’s –changing needs,” said Dr. Susan C. Aldridge, president of University of Maryland University College. “Our new degree programs demonstrate UMUC’s continued commitment to meeting the needs of students at every phase of their academic careers.” The Homeland Security degree covers the development of the discipline and analysis of current issues, preparing students with the leadership knowledge and skills required for domestic and international security professions, such as: homeland security, international and domestic terrorism prevention, infrastructure protection, strategic planning for security, international relations, intelligence operations and evaluation, and program management.The Emergency Management degree emphasizes planning and preparation for, response to, and recovery from disasters and events of various magnitude and impact. The curriculum is designed to provide the new emergency services manager, as well as the experienced professional, with the knowledge and skills to be a leader in emergency management in both government and industry.The Information Assurance degree emphasizes preparation of information systems security professionals, senior system managers and system administrators responsible for information systems and security of those systems. The curriculum focuses on the practices, policies, operational procedures and technology, and future of information assurance. With the addition of these three undergraduate degrees, UMUC now offers a complete range of higher education opportunities for students interested in homeland security. Students have already had the option of an undergraduate major in criminal justice or fire science, and in fall 2005, the university introduced graduate courses in homeland security management. Taken alone, those courses comprise UMUC’s graduate certificate in homeland security management, or students can choose to take the graduate courses as a specialization in one of five graduate degree programs or in UMUC’s doctor of management program.For more information about UMUC’s Homeland Security degrees, call (800) 888-UMUC. About University of Maryland University CollegeUMUC is the second-largest university in Maryland, serving 90,000 students and offering undergraduate and graduate programs online and on-site. As demand grows for flexible, high-quality degree programs, the Board of Regents projects that UMUC’s enrollments will grow by 101 percent by 2015. In addition, UMUC is the 12th largest degree-granting university in the United States, is one of the largest public providers of online higher education in the nation, and is a unique provider of degrees at the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels related to homeland security. The university offers room-based instruction at 20 locations throughout the Washington, DC metro area.For more information, contact:Kerry O'Neill, MGHPhone: (410) 504-5035Email: koneill@mghus.com Website: www.mghus.com
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