**[Alcorn State University -- Proposed Master of Science Degree in
Homeland Security]{.underline}**

Alcorn State University, School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences in
conjunction with the School of Graduate Studies are proposing a Master
of Science Degree in Homeland Security. Alcorn State University will be
the only land-grant historically black college and university (HBCU) in
the United States to implement an online Master's Degree program in
homeland security. The proposed Master of Science Degree in Homeland
Security will be offered online and will be designed primarily for the
following groups: all local, state, and federal homeland security and
emergency management professionals, business and industry professionals,
volunteer agency personnel, local elected officials, and undergraduate
agriculture students. Students will learn both theoretical and practical
knowledge and skills that will prepare them for employment in homeland
security, emergency management, public safety, government agencies, law
enforcement, public policy planning, health care, or with agricultural
producers. If desired, homeland security and emergency management
professionals may choose to enroll in these proposed courses for course
credit or substitute their approved certification training hours (via
prior training) for one or more of the courses listed above for official
course credit.  A framework for this degree program can be established
in a [36-hours]{.underline} requirement as follows: 

Proposed Master of Science Degree in Homeland Security curriculum:

-   Into to AgroTerrorism

-   Public Issues in Homeland Security

-   Agricultural and Environmental Law

-   Counterterrorism Tactics

-   Emergency Operations Management

-   Environmental Chemistry or Contaminant Hydrology

-   Radiation Biology

-   Biosecurity

-   Weapons of Mass Destruction

-   Food Safety and Security

-   Plant and Animal Diseases

-   Research in Public Health and Safety

Likewise, we will develop two [undergraduate]{.underline} minor areas of
study (specialization areas) in homeland security with a major in
agriculture. Agriculture majors enrolled in emphasis areas such as
general agriculture, animal science, environmental science,
international agriculture, plant and soil science, and forestry can
select a minor in either a *Biosecurity* specialization or AgroTerrorism
specialization. Each specialization will require students to focus their
studies around 12 semester hours of courses listed above as approved by
faculty advisors during their senior year. Alcorn State University
currently has the capability to deliver seven (7) of these courses.
However, these existing courses must be adapted and revised for the
online homeland security initiative. We can begin scheduling a few of
these courses as early as the 1st Summer session 2006.   

Alcorn State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of
the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

For more information:

> Contact: Bruce W. McGowan, Ph.D.
>
> Assistant Dean, School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
>
> Alcorn State University
>
> 1000 Alcorn Drive 690 \* Alcorn State, MS  39096-7500
>
> \(601\) 877-6137 or 6526
>
> \(601\) 877-6219 FAX
>
> Email: <bmcgowan@lorman.alcorn.edu>
>
> Kenneth L. Stallings, Ph.D.
>
> Chairperson, Department of Agriculture
>
> Alcorn State University
>
> 1000 Alcorn Drive 750 \* Alcorn State, MS  39096-7500
>
> \(601\) 877-6525 or 6527
>
> \(601\) 877-6523 FAX

Email: <kstall@lorman.alcornedu>

> Gregory Reed, Ph.D.
>
> Associate Director, Small Farm Development Center
>
> Alcorn State University
>
> 1000 Alcorn Drive 329 \* Alcorn State, MS  39096-7500
>
> \(601\) 877-3933
>
> \(601\) 877-6523 FAX  
>
> Additional Information:
>
> Additional Phone:
>
> Update: 8/16/05