Security Policy and Justice Policy

These two related areas of examine threats to security from international and domestic sources, crime, and society’s response to dealing with them. Students conduct research and policy analysis on local, state, and national, and international policies and policy initiatives and provide information for policy makers. Students with interests in Security Policy will learn the theoretical foundations for understanding contemporary security challenges and acquire the skills to apply practical solutions to these challenges. Researchers within the cluster study a variety of topics including terrorism and counterterrorism, insurgencies and interstate conflict, as well as strategic decision making and risk analysis. Students who focus on Crime and Justice policy gain analytical skills, an understanding of the nature of criminal behavior and its impact, and knowledge about the criminal justice system as well as knowledge about a variety of issues related to the control of crime. Students in both areas become familiar with the process of making and implementing justice and security policy and those organizations involved in this process.

Courses for this for this specialty typically include:

  • PPOL 8672 Theories of Crime and Justice
  • PPOL 8671 Criminal Justice Policy
  • PPOL 8800 Criminal Justice Management*
  • PPOL 8000 Causes of Terrorism and Political Violence
  • PPOL 8000 Counterterrorism and Security Policy
  • Also two elective courses approved by the department.

Other courses appropriate for each specialty may be available and students may take these or substitute them for one of the listed classes in consultation with their Advisor and the Director of the Program.

Students are encouraged to develop a focus in other related fields or design their specialty based on faculty resources available. As with all programs, such a program would need the approval of the student’s advisor and the Director of the Program. Program faculty will continue to develop additional substantive and methods courses.