New Degree Develops Global Security and Intelligence Specialists


Embry-Riddle designed its bachelor's degree in global security and intelligence studies (GSIS) to produce a new generation of security and intelligence professionals.

The program, offered at the Prescott, Ariz., campus, explores global interrelationships in areas such as politics, economics, society, science and technology, military developments, public health, and the environment.

Students learn to solve problems and think critically on issues such as terrorism and asymmetrical warfare, transportation security, and threats to corporations, computer systems, and telecommunications. Other issues include illegal trafficking networks, prohibited weapons, international crime, population migrations, natural disasters, pandemics, and homeland security.

The GSIS program has eight components:

  • General education courses covering math, the social sciences, computers, and communication
  • Science and technology courses
  • A core of global studies courses on the role of societies, cultures, economies, systems of thought, military developments, and environmental concerns in shaping the world
  • Advanced security and intelligence courses
  • Elective courses
  • Proficiency in a non-English language, demonstrated by oral and reading competency or 12 credits of college-level foreign language courses
  • A senior thesis involving research and recommendations on a topic relevant to security and intelligence
  • Optional co-op internship
The GSIS program also encourages students to gain international experience through travel or study abroad.

For information about the new degree, call (800) 888-3728, (928) 777-3837, or e-mail Philip Jones at jonephil@erau.edu.