By Shayal Gurung ’24, staff writer

In an ever-evolving world of cyber threats and security breaches, homeland security offers a solution to help secure the nation.

Dr. Christopher Dolan is a professor of political science and director of the master of science program in intelligence and security. He teaches homeland security, which helps students develop an awareness of the cyber and physical implications of domestic security in the United States.

“I want students to know how to use publicly available information,” Dolan said. “Like, how to use open-source intelligence tools to develop a sense of how to conduct a thorough investigation of a threat, a risk or a vulnerability.”

Homeland security relates to all things security, such as critical infrastructure, cyber defense, border security, immigration, border patrol and maritime transportation. It’s a course that is very versatile in nature.

Dolan teaches this course to help students build a better understanding of cyber safety and to help students understand where they can go for information on cyber threats.

“I want my students to have each other’s backs,” he said. “To be more aware of public service, the community and protecting public spaces for everyone so everyone can feel safe with them and their families, to conduct their business, to conduct their lives and not have to worry about certain types of threats that are out there.”

From critical infrastructure to natural disasters, homeland security has it all. A coordinated effort among government agencies, law enforcement, emergency response teams and private sector partners, its goal is to prevent, respond to and recover from potential or actual incidents that could threaten national security and public safety.