JCC is now offering an Associate in Science degree in homeland security on the Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses.
The program was approved by the State University of New York and the New York State Education Department.
In describing the purpose of the new degree program, Marilyn Zagora, vice president of academic affairs noted, “Our faculty developed the homeland security degree program in response to the growing national and regional need for expertise in a field of study which is integral to our country’s well-being.
“We identified a growing interest among area students for the skills that would position them for careers in homeland security in which they can contribute to the safety of their communities and the nation,” added Dr. Zagora. “JCC is proud to lead the way in offering this timely, relevant, and meaningful educational opportunity.”
Students who plan to work in intelligence gathering or state and federal law enforcement positions will benefit from specialized education in homeland security, according to Marilyn Gerace, JCC’s dean of social sciences and business division and director of criminal justice and public safety programs.
“JCC is one of the few regional institutions offering a dedicated homeland security degree,” said Gerace. “This program provides both full- and part-time students interested in homeland security careers, especially those planning to work in intelligence or state and federal law enforcement positions, the skills to prepare them for further study of homeland security or intelligence at four-year institutions.”
Among the factors considered in developing the new degree program, Gerace noted, are increased federal spending on counter-terrorism measures, management of refugee crises and immigration concerns, and a focus on homegrown violent extremism.
Students in JCC’s homeland security program will develop an understanding of constitutional and ethical concerns in intelligence gathering and analysis, the roles of government agencies and their collaboration in homeland security efforts, and the key elements of research, writing, and briefing practices.
Additional information is available by contacting JCC’s admissions office, 716.338.1000.