Undergraduate Minor in Global Security Studies (GSST)

Curriculum

The GSSL minor consists of 18 semester hours of study, including a 9-hour CORE SEQUENCE of advanced undergraduate instruction and research designed to provide a foundation in interdisciplinary, team-based, communication-intensive research, and a 9-hour concentration to be taken in CONTENT CLUSTERS, such as language, comparative politics, international studies, science and engineering, education, health sciences, etc. The reason for such broad cluster options is that government and business leaders have communicated clearly to the UTPA planners of this program that the broadest possible higher order knowledge integration skill sets are needed by today’s students who will lead the economy through at least 2050. Students in the GSSL Minor will have study abroad and leadership opportunities, and the support of a strong, academic team. Government and private partners will help secure national internship opportunities.

• Any student with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher may declare the minor, after completing 30 semester hours of college course work. A student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and an average of 3.0 GPA in the minor to receive the minor degree. The 3.0 GPA in the minor courses, as a requirement to graduate with the minor, is non-negotiable.
• The minor requires advising within the minor department, by designated GSSL undergraduate advisor.

PREREQUISITE:

 Two Introductory Language Courses other than English or Spanish (OR) Two Advanced (3000- level or higher) Language Courses in any language other than English. The courses must be approved by the undergraduate advisor.

The purpose of the cluster is to stretch students’ competencies by requiring study clusters that challenge them to master advanced knowledge and skills in fields of study outside their major, and to teach students how researchers and practitioners in these cluster fields think, formulate problems, conduct research, and produce outcomes.

HOW TO APPLY :

1. Schedule an appointment with Dr.Constantine Tarawneh
2. Bring to your appointment your advising forms, transcripts, and resume.

Advising forms can be found at http://crown.panam.edu/GSSL and appointments can be made with Dr. Tarawneh here as well.

Degree Plan

Masters of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: Global Security Studies and Leadership (GSSL)

Curriculum

The GSSL MAIS consists of 36 semester hours of study, including a 9-hour CORE SEQUENCE, an 18-hour concentration to be taken in INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES, and a 9-hour LANGUAGE SEQUENCE. This degree will prepare students for careers in intelligence and national security through focus on advanced research, effective cross-discipline team communication, and critical analysis. Given that jobs in government or private industry often require multidisciplinary cooperation, the GSSL MAIS will prepare students to work with people from different backgrounds, abilities, and knowledge bases. With this approach, students will have the opportunity to gain the perspective and proficiency of multiple disciplines to be prepared for careers in national security.

Through the CORE SEQUENCE, students will learn how skill sets relate to the global context of intelligence/security work. The core courses address the competency skill areas including the history and current structure of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the 16 Intelligence Community Agencies, problem solving, critical thinking, technical writing and leadership.

 The core courses consist of:

• Introduction to Global Security Studies
• Interdisciplinary Research in Business, Science, and Engineering                                       Interdisciplinary Research in Social Sciences and Health Sciences
• Practicum in Global Security Studies

The INTERDISCIPLINARY SEQUENCE addresses critical competencies required to understand the globalization of communication, societies, cultures, governments, businesses, and technology.

The Interdisciplinary courses consist of:

• Culture and Communication
• Principles of Information Technology Systems
• International Management
• Cross Cultural Psychology
• Intermediate Statistics
• Graduate elective course approved by advisor

The LANGUAGE SEQUENCE consists of 9 hours of graduate courses in any one language, other than English.

HOW TO APPLY :

1. Students must apply to graduate school at www.utpa.edu/gradapply
2. Advising opportunities must be made with Dr. Constantine Tarawneh at http://crown.panam.edu/GSSL

Students should bring their advising forms, transcripts, and resume to the appointment.

Course Description