Participants Comment on the Master's Degree Program

Aligning the efforts of local, state, federal, and military partners for homeland security is no easy task and can only be accomplished through a common framework of professional education. That framework must not perpetuate the dogmas of the past, but challenge the status quo, break down barriers that divide us, and return a robust network of highly competent practitioners that will, together, ensure the protection of our citizens and way of life. The Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School provides such an education and in so doing, is an asset vital to our national security.

The CHDS master’s program and its well-earned reputation for developing leaders in homeland security is growing and supporting a multi-disciplinary network that, in the long term, may be our greatest asset for keeping America safe. The program has helped to launch the work and ideas of its students and alumni into the national homeland security spotlight, and, in doing so, has greatly increased both the rate and potential for effecting real change.

The greatest benefit for me was the exposure to so many great minds, both the staff and the students.

Bottom line: the CHDS program immediately draws forth the magnitude of the homeland security challenges facing the nation. Its interdisciplinary approach and academic rigor provides an outstanding background on the broad base of issues, however, the true learning experience stems from the realization that there are many obstacles, challenges, and trade-offs in homeland security. The program provides the basis to analyze current issues in-depth and most importantly, it allows someone to look beyond the crisis de jour to anticipate future implementation issues.

One of the points that I try to include in any comments on my experience in the CHDS Program is this - "In addition to the academic experience, one of the great benefits of the program is the opportunity to participate in discussions of historical and contemporary homeland security-related issues from the perspective of the various and varied disciplines that make up the class. I do not believe that opportunity exists in any other program and I highly recommend CHDS to anyone in federal, state, or local government with homeland security-related responsibilities."

Upon arriving at NPS to begin the CHDS Master’s in Homeland Security program, it was immediately evident that all staff, instructors and administrative support alike, take pride in their program and its reputation, and yet continually seek to improve the program. The quality of instruction and overall academics is not duplicated, anywhere in the US. CHDS is on the frontlines, in the creation and development of the academic discipline of Homeland Security. The Masters or Executive Leadership should be required for all senior leadership level officials, whether in federal, state or local government. The opportunity to discuss current and future cutting edge issues in HS in a collegial atmosphere alone is worth the time investment required. No one who completes this program will ever regret it. The quality of instruction and collegial atmosphere guarantee that. CHDS at NPS offers an unparalleled combination of real life practical experience with scholarship in all relevant subject matter areas.

This program was the most valuable educational experience I have ever had. It broadened my knowledge as a security professional through exposure to the "state of the art" in terrorism preparedness and through a multitude of perspectives from the foremost terrorism experts in the world. Perhaps most importantly the constant interaction with my fellow students allowed a unique realization of the potential, and limitations, of our preparedness as a nation.

Connections, connections, connections. I made them, I learned to understand them, and I use them everyday.

I highly recommend this course to anyone at the senior policy level in homeland security. I found most everything we learned immediately relevant and applicable to the job.

As a law enforcement executive, I was looking for a program to enhance my understanding of emerging domestic threats and the relationship between local and federal Homeland Security agencies. The NPS Center for Homeland Defense and Security provided the best graduate level program I have experienced at any level. The quality of instruction, support, and interaction between leaders representing diverse fields of expertise exceeded my expectations and equipped me to be far more effective in providing leadership in Homeland Defense issues in my region. This degree program is challenging and worth the effort.