Security Studies Minor

https://cola.unh.edu/political-science/program/minor/security-studies

The security studies minor will provide students with the opportunity to explore the many dimensions of security through the interdisciplinary study of political science, anthropology, communication, geography, history, humanities, justice studies, sociology, women's and gender studies, economics and aerospace studies. This well-rounded curriculum will enable students to build upon their interest in political science by specializing in an area of increasing importance — domestic and global security.

The field of security studies has always been important within the discipline of political science, but the concept of security has broadened and become more problematized in recent years. Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, federal, state and local governments created thousands of jobs that require knowledge of security issues and the ability to conduct research. Leaders at all levels count on staff with analytical skills to design and conduct research to support decision-making, and communicate the results of this research effectively to policy-makers. Individuals who understand the national security environment and have the ability to design and conduct research are in critical demand in the public sector, private sector and not-for-profit entities.

For more information, contact Madhavi Devasher, 603-862-8020.

  1. Five courses (20 credits)
  2. Students must receive a grade of C or better for a course to count toward the minor requirements.
  3. No more than 8 credits may double count between majors and minors. Thus, political science majors pursuing the security studies minor can only double count up to two of the three required political science courses below. The third required course must be taken in addition to courses taken to fulfill major requirements.
Required Courses
Select one core POLT course of the following:4
World Politics
Strategy and National Security Policy
International Security
Select two intermediate POLT courses of the following:8
United States in World Affairs
Civil Rights and Liberties
People and Politics in Asia
Wealth and Politics in Asia
Drug Wars
Ethnicity ,Violence, Democracy
Revolution and Protest in Latin America
Politics in China
Comparative Politics of the Middle East
World Politics 1
Introduction to International Political Economy
Strategy and National Security Policy 1
The Global Information Grid's Disruptive Impact on Government, Politics, and Society
United States Policy in Latin America
Asian Challenge to Global Order
International Security 1
The Rise of China
Counterterrorism: Nation states' responses to terrorist activity
Selected Topics in International Politics
Smart Politics
States and Societies in the Middle East
Politics of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India
Comparative Environmental Politics and Policy
Theories of International Relations
International Political Economy
Security Intelligence Study
International Organization
Seminar in Comparative Politics
Seminar in International Politics
Electives
Select two electives from other disciplines (at least one must be in a humanities department or program)8
Total Credits20
1

If not counted for core requirement. 

Electives within humanities departments and programs:

HIST 537Espionage and History4
HIST 619Foreign Relations of the United States4
HIST 620Foreign Relations of the United States4
HUMA 525Humanities and the Law4
PHIL #635Advanced Topics in Philosophy of Law and Justice4

Electives outside humanities departments and programs:

CMN 456Propaganda and Persuasion4
JUST 405Technology, Crime, and Society: A Forensic Exploration of High-Tech and Digital Crime4
PSYC 756Psychology of Crime and Justice4
SOC 450Contemporary Social Problems4
SOC 515Introductory Criminology4
SOC #656Terrorism4
SOC 693Global Social Change4
Other POLT courses can be approved by the core faculty upon request.

Once students have declared the minor, they are required to meet with the coordinator or appropriate affiliated faculty adviser at least once per semester for regular review and assessment of their program, learning outcomes, and progress toward the degree.

Transfer credits may be approved by the coordinator to count toward the minor. If the transfer credit is accepted by the University and fits within the scope of the minor, it will be considered.