Preparing Leaders in Intelligence, Homeland Security and Global Conflict Studies
In the Daytona Beach Department of Security Studies and International Affairs, students learn from practitioners and simulations about protecting the nation from attacks and how to manage conflict. From your first courses to your senior capstone in Global Conflict Studies or an internship for Intelligence & Homeland Security, you'll gain experience beyond the classroom or in-depth knowledge that prepares you for graduate school or work in the private or government sectors.
Building Critical Skills
Develop expertise in critical thinking, risk management, threat mitigation, conflict resolution and strategic planning. Students learn to navigate complex “gray areas” as a neutral fact finder, supporting sound policy decisions.
Connecting to Real-World Issues
Through regular discussions of current events, you will explore how global developments such as the Arab Spring or the Boston Marathon bombings shape security, policy and daily life.
Degrees and Programs
Understand the origins and resolution of global disputes. You’ll study history, politics and international relations to analyze how conflicts emerge and how peacekeeping, diplomacy and policy can address challenges across nations and cultures.
Explore the coordination between intelligence gathering and homeland defense. You’ll learn analytical, operational and leadership skills that support decision making in public safety, defense and private-sector security environments.
In the Department of Security Studies & International Affairs, students are mentored by faculty who actively publish, secure grants and drive innovation.
Learn from expert faculty with real-world experience in security, intelligence and international affairs who bring their research and industry knowledge directly into the classroom.
You’ll gain access to agencies, think tanks, nonprofits and international organizations through internships, research and consulting projects. Partners include:
Government & Security Agencies: FBI, the U.S. Military, Department of State
Think Tanks & Research Centers: Council on Foreign Relations, Center for Strategic & International Studies, Fund for Peace
International & Nonprofit Organizations: United Nations, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch
Career Paths
Graduates with an Intelligence & Homeland Security degree enter careers in areas such as:
Intelligence analysis
Cybersecurity
Risk management
Federal law enforcement
Emergency management
Transportation and border security
Students in the Department of Security Studies and International Affairs extend their learning beyond the classroom through nationally recognized academic teams and honor societies. These organizations connect you with peers who share your interests, build your leadership skills and enhance your academic and professional credentials.
National Security Student Association (NSSA)
The National Security Student Association is a student-led organization focused on learning and experiencing the constantly growing and ever-changing fields of homeland security, international affairs, cybersecurity, emergency management, intelligence and many other subjects related to the security and defense of the United States.
NSSA is a homeland security/global conflict studies-related Embry-Riddle organization comprised of a member base of active and friendly students.NSSA provides members with fun, intriguing and educational activities to engage their personal and professional interests.
Order of the Sword and Shield (OSS)
The Order of the Sword and Shield is the first academic and professional honor society dedicated exclusively to homeland security, intelligence, emergency management and all protective security disciplines. The mission of OSS shall be to promote critical thinking, high scholarship and professional development; to further enhance the ethical standards of the protective security professions; and to cultivate a high order of personal living.
The core values of the Society are excellence, knowledge, ethics and peace. Our motto is ex scientia pax, which means "out of knowledge comes peace." With a goal of peace and safety for all, the protective security profession must utilize knowledge as a primary tool for the accomplishment of this objective. The Society recognizes this commitment and the dedication of individuals to achieve academic and professional excellence.
