Student goals for the MS in Security Studies were largely met for this reporting period; however, additional work needs to be done in order to assure that each student receives maximum benefit from the program.  During the last reporting period, student comments regarding quality of instruction were very favorable; however, students suggested the program could include additional and more focused national security-related content. To this end, in Fall 2011 semester a visiting professor was hired who taught four classes this past academic year covering subjects not normally available to students. We will continue this practice in the coming academic year in order to seek additional quality course content pertinent to the Master of Security Studies program. 

Also, greater emphasis needs to be placed on following students' progress as they seek their first jobs.  In fields as variable as Homeland Security or Private Security students are often lost when it comes to beginning a job search.  A well maintained follow-up database of successful student job searches would be a positive step to creating an in-house capacity for getting current students in touch with former students who are already in the job market.  

In summary, while we are generally pleased with our students’ performance in the Security Studies program, we are constantly seeking ways to improve the curriculum’s overall quality, thereby enhancing the overall educational experience for Security Studies students.

We have hired a full-time security studies faculty member, John Payne, who specializes in national security issues. Moreover, we have begun a database of alumni and internship placement sites to facilitate job searches for our graduates.

With two new full-time faculty members and a revamped program we are in the process of developing assessment tools for student outcomes and faculty outcomes. We hope to implement those so they are in place by Fall, 2014. The aforementioned rubrics will be part of that process.