Homeland Security Hits Master's Level

Former marine James Gillis graduated in May from the undergraduate program in homeland security offered through the Tulane School of Continuing Studies, but he's looking forward to continuing his education through a new master's degree program that will launch in spring 2010.

Gillis is among a growing number of students interested in the program, perhaps because of heightened concern about domestic terrorism and recent years of powerful hurricanes in the Gulf.

"Enrollment for homeland security studies has doubled in the past year," says Keith Amacker, director of the homeland security studies program. "The addition of an MPS degree will offer a range of academic disciplines including medical issues for non-medical emergency managers, intelligence analysis, maritime security and advanced approaches to counter terrorism."

Amacker says that New Orleans is a good location in which to offer the degree.

"In the New Orleans area alone, there are hundreds of military and civilian personnel whom we believe are our potential students," says Amacker.

Gillis is anticipating the opportunity to apply to the graduate program when it becomes available. He plans to find civilian work relating to national security.

"Most government positions take graduate education into account, and I believe that I can achieve greater earning and responsibilities with advanced education," says Gillis.

The MPS degree is the first of its kind to be offered by the university, Amacker says. Tulane joins Georgetown, New York and Cornell universities as well as other leading institutions that also offer the program.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university and submit an application, statement of interest and official college transcripts. A 3.0 undergraduate grade point average is required. For more information, e-mail Keith Amacker or call 504-865-5555.