Bachelor of Science degree in Security Studies
Earn your degree in Security Studies from Empire State University
The Bachelor of Science degree in security studies is a 120-credit program (beginning in fall 2024) listed with SUNY and approved as a registered degree program through the New York State Education Department. It is designed to serve students currently working in public service, emergency services, law enforcement, and homeland security positions as well as those interested in these career paths. The contemporary security environment is multifaceted and complex. This program addresses that complexity head on by providing coursework in homeland security, research methods and analysis, information security, and a rigorous examination of the social, economic and cultural contexts of security in the United States and internationally. Students will become more effective in their roles within security and related fields.
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree program in security studies must complete the following courses:
Outline of Curriculum Requirement
The requirements as of fall 2024 for the B.S. degree program in security studies consists of:
The following required courses:
- PAFF 1005 Introduction to Security Studies
- PAFF 2005 Introduction to Homeland Security
- PAFF 3003 Security Implications of Global Climate Change
or
EMGT 3030 Leadership & Management in Disaster Response - PAFF 4000 International Dimensions of Security
or
PAFF 4005 Counterterrorism in a Changing World - SOSC 3025 Social Science Research Methods
- PAFF 4132 Legal & Ethical Foundations of Public Service
or
SOCI 4035 Privacy Security & Freedom: Social Concerns for the 21st Century - INFT 2020 Introduction to Digital Crime & Digital Terrorism
- INFT 3020 Cyber Crime & Computer Forensics
Students must also take a minimum of 3 of the following courses:
- CRJS 3020 Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis
- SOCI 3045 Disaster & Society
- SOCI 3065 Perspectives on Terrorism
- POLI 3065 International Politics & Relations
- PAFF 4000 International Dimensions of Security
or
PAFF 4005 Counterterrorism in a Changing World
(one or the other if not taken as required) - PAFF 4132 Legal & Ethical Foundations of Public Service
or
SOCI 4035 Privacy Security & Freedom: Social Concerns for the 21st Century
(one or the other if not taken as required) - PAFF 3003 Security Implications of Global Climate Change
or
EMGT 3030 Leadership & Management in Disaster Response
(one or the other if not taken as required)
* Note that some prior learning may substitute for some required courses. Faculty review and approval is required before a substitution can be made.
** Students must also satisfy all other college academic requirements, which include the SUNY General Education requirements and working with a faculty mentor to meet additional program requirements.
Students completing a bachelor’s degree in security studies will have accomplished the following learning objectives:
- Students will be able to analyze security concerns from various disciplinary perspectives.
- Students will be able to explain the history and strategic approaches to national and global security.
- Students will be able to analyze the interrelationship between human and natural environments in the contexts of individual and national security.
- Students will be able to employ social science research methods and techniques related to the study of security in various forms.
- Students will be able to evaluate moral and ethical implications of policies intended to address security from social, political, economic, and environmental perspectives.
- Students will be able to evaluate strategies and resources employed to maintain security of information in digital environments.
The curriculum is designed to provide students with foundational courses on which to build courses specific to their interests and needs. The program design is flexible enough to provide students the opportunity to bring in college-level learning obtained through work experience through our prior learning assessment process. Courses are offered online, through independent studies, or through a blended approach. Students will work with a faculty mentor to develop a degree plan that matches their goals.
For requirements and procedures for applying to the program, please see the information for Bachelor's Admissions.
If you would like more information about the security studies program, contact:
Department of Social Sciences and Public Affairs Chair
Deborah Amory, Ph.D.
Deborah.Amory@sunyempire.edu
Program Contact
Cathryn Thurston, Ph.D.
Cathryn.Thurston@sunyempire.edu
Administrative Assistant for the School of Behavioral Sciences