Helping to Maintain America's Security at Midway College

The phrase "homeland security" appears in almost every newspaper across America on a near daily basis.  But how does this oft-mentioned - and vitally important - phrase relate to one's daily life?  The academic leaders at Midway College have devised a program in Homeland Security studies to educate and prepare those interested in pursuing careers in protecting the citizens of the United States. With courses available both on campus and online, students can now earn a degree in Homeland Security Corporate Management and Assessment. Through the Homeland Security program, Midway College offers courses designed to train students to correctly assess and reshape corporate entities that deal with vulnerability assessment, risk management and other vital areas in homeland security awareness.

At present, several industries represent the growing need for well-trained individuals in the field of homeland security.  The most notable of these include the following: 1) the computer industry and corporations based on the security of computerized data, 2) a wide scope of financial institutions and insurance companies, 3) industries concerned with food preparation and distribution, 4) utilities services (water supply, power generations, etc), 5) medical facilities, 6) industrial manufacturers, 7) public transportation and tourism sectors, 8) import/export corporations, 9) real estate management and protection, 10) global retailers, and 11) government agencies assigned to ensure the safety of the American public.

According to Ms. Judy Marcum, dean of Midway College Online, the biggest areas of growth are in the private sector. "Currently, law enforcement is working proactively to predict and respond to terrorist threats. Typically, individuals in the private sector are more reactive than proactive. The increased focus on making the private sector more proactive will make anti-terrorism initiatives even more effective. The same types of initiatives are taking place here to make our businesses, institutions, and industries safer," she states.

One of the only programs of its kind in the nation, the Homeland Security Corporate Management and Assessment curriculum at Midway College is filled with coursework aimed at preparing graduates to ensure the safety of the American public. In order to implement new and innovative approaches to that end, students will learn important techniques in 1) maintaining and enhancing the nation's corporate security, 2) enforcing state, local, and federal regulations related to homeland security, 3) overseeing correspondence between homeland security-based corporations and first responders from law enforcement, fire safety, rescue, public health, military, and other government agencies, 4) sustaining security in the workplace through the creation of new screening procedures for hiring and improving entrance surveillance, and 5) preparing a corporation for an efficient response to a terrorist attack, through both the application of physical security protocols and the protection of cyber-related materials.

"A person in the homeland security position would need to be able to train all employees in anti-terrorism awareness. Risk management knowledge, good communication skills, and proficiency on the computer are all important to the effective homeland security employee," adds Dean Marcum.

Through Midway College Online's degree-completion program, students can earn their degree in Homeland Security Corporate Management and Assessment at their own pace.  The program is designed for students with busy schedules who desire flexibility in their coursework.  In order to be eligible for admission, the college requires that an applicant be at least 23 years of age, have a minimum GPA of at least 2.50, and have completed between 40 and 60 credit hours of college coursework.  In addition to studying the design, implementation and management of security programs, the curriculum also involves in-depth analysis of problem solving, critical thinking, self-analysis, communication and ethical decision-making.

With such an ever-present need to continually safeguard the daily lives of American citizens, the discipline of homeland security will require an increasing number of new positions over the upcoming decades.  Midway College is ready to help scores of new students join the ranks of security professionals.  In order to learn more about the program, visit Midway College at www.midway.edu.