Associate of Arts in Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness

 

DEGREE AT A GLANCE:

    • Number of Credits
    • 61
    • Cost Per Credit
    • $ 250
    • Total Tuition*
    • $ 15,250
  • *(Before Transfer Credit)
 

Program Description

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, there is great discussion about the new methods of terrorism and how to effectively counter the threat posed by terrorist groups armed with weapons of mass destruction. Political and military leaders are still grappling with strategies to combat the terrorism as witnessed by events around the world and daily in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Students in this program will explore the motivations for terrorism, terrorist strategy and tactics and the implications of terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction. Terrorism presents real challenges to government and national security communities due to the many different domestic and international terrorist groups, each with their own leadership, motivations, political objectives, and their own repertoire of tactics. The fact that these groups continue to evolve and mature in their capability means even greater challenges lay ahead for the U.S. military and government agencies involved in combating terrorism and in ensuring national security.

The fully developed degree program at APUS prepares students for the complexities of this field, along with preparation in a number of areas across the spectrum of weapons of mass destruction, counter terrorism and national security. In its degree programs, APUS takes an integrated approach that reflects this discipline in its current emergency state.

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Program Objectives

In addition to the institutional and general education level learning objectives, the Associate of Arts in Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness also seeks the following specific learning outcomes of its graduates. With reference to each of the respective areas of weapons of mass destruction, graduates in this degree program will be able to:

  • Recognize the threat to the U.S. posed by both domestic and international terrorist groups and state actors armed with weapons of mass destruction.
  • Describe the threat posed to society by chemical agents.
  • Relate the threat posed to society by biological agents.
  • Identify the threat posed to society by radiological and nuclear terrorism.
  • Review the use of detection and monitoring equipment and personal protection and decontamination practices for the first responder.

Admission Requirements

American Public University is part of American Public University System, a regionally accredited university offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. All courses are online, so students have the flexibility of taking classes any time or any place that fits their schedule. Our degree programs are designed to be challenging and relevant to working adults in both the public and private sectors and can help enhance their current career or prepare them for a career change.

Students come to our university from across the globe with varying educational backgrounds and diverse educational and career goals. Choose the category below that best describes you:

Our 5-step admissions process will allow you to apply for admission, complete your new student orientation, request a transfer credit evaluation, apply for Federal Student Aid, and register for classes. Get started today!

Have Questions?
Our admissions staff is available Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET to answer your questions and provide assistance with the admissions process. You can reach us by phone at 877-777-9081, e-mail us at info@apus.edu, or connect with us via Live Chat.


 
Core Requirements
24 Hours
NAME
DESCRIPTION
CREDITS
HLSS104
Chemical and Biological Defense
3 hours

This course examines CBRN weapons, agents, materials, and delivery means. Students will learn the principles of CBRN Defense including; CBRN avoidance, CBRN protection, and CBRN decontamination. Each of the principles will be discussed in relationship to homeland threats from both terrorists as well as by accidental release and attacks by state and non-state actors.

HLSS151
Introduction to Terrorism
3 hours

This course introduces students to the study of terrorism and the challenges that terrorism poses to American national security. The course will examine definitions of terrorism and explore the evolution of the terrorist phenomenon over the course of the 20th century including the rise of the global Jihadist network and the American response.

HLSS154
Mind of a Terrorist
3 hours

This course explores psychological and behavioral perspectives of terrorism. Specifically, the course examines the circumstances underlying why people radicalize and join terrorist groups, engage in terrorist activities, assume various terrorist roles, and, in some instances, de-radicalize and disengage from terrorist activities.

HLSS212
Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Hazards
3 hours

This course builds on the CBRN hazards and principles learned in HLSS 104. It provides an in-depth study of the history of CBRN agent and material development and use by nations, nation-states, state-sponsored organizations, and terrorists. This course further examines CBRN threats worldwide and reviews CBRN Arms Limitations, Treaties, Organizations, Regimes and Agreements. Finally, the course discusses various approaches to deter use of CBRN agents, materials, and weapons.

HLSS215
Regulatory Issues in Weapons of Mass Destruction
3 hours

This course focuses on the legal and regulatory issues associated with WMD response. Its topics include: associated public law, reporting authorities, jurisdictional and functional issues that govern organizational, technical, medical, scientific, moral/ethical issues, and, other aspects of response.

HLSS301
Homeland Security Organization
3 hours

This course is a study of federal, state, local, private, and other organizational entities involved in homeland security. It addresses the evolution of homeland with an emphasis on the emerging homeland security structure, culture, and organization.

HLSS302
Introduction to Homeland Security and Defense
3 hours

This course offers a broad overview of the key operational and policy areas the United States government employs to best ensure the security of the nation. Students will explore and discover central themes that frame the government’s homeland security operations which emerged after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

HLSS320
Intelligence and Homeland Security
3 hours

The course examines the evolution of the role intelligence has played in the development of homeland security strategies. Particular focus is on the ways in which intelligence policy and oversight influence homeland security decisions.


Institutional Requirements
3 Hours
NAME
DESCRIPTION
CREDITS
COLL100
Foundations of Online Learning
3 hours

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for undergraduate study in the online environment. Students will be introduced to learning theory, the tools available in the online classroom and campus, and online research. Identification of personal learning style allows students to improve their study/learning techniques and prepares them to succeed in college level courses. Students will be introduced to formatting and citation styles. APUS policy and procedure is addressed. There is an emphasis on written communication to assist students in the transition to the online environment.


General Education
34 Hours

Lower Level Electives
0 Hours
Electives are typically courses available at your degree level that are not currently required as a part of your degree program/academic plan. Please visit the catalog to view a complete listing of courses.

Program Completion Rates, Median Debt and More

The following program details are intended to help you make an informed decision about the university that's right for you.

2011-2012 Program Completion Rate
Normal time to completion for full-time student2 years
Graduates who completed in this time133%
Tuition & Fees as of January 1, 2013 Median Loan Debt of 2011-2012 Graduates
Tuition
(before any awarded transfer credit)
$15,250 Federal loans5$0
Technology fee2
(per course)
$50Private educational loans$0
Transfer Credit Evaluation fee3
(if applicable)
$50 Institution financing plan$0
Graduation fee$100 
Books and supplies4$0 
On-campus room and boardNot applicable 

1 Data may be “not available” if the program has no graduates during reporting period or if it has not been in existence the normal time for completion. If 0%, then graduates in the reporting period took longer than the average time, usually because they were part-time students. 91% of our students are working adults and do not take a full-time course load.

2 A $50 Technology Fee will be charged for all future undergraduate and graduate level course registrations, including audited courses. The fee is not applicable for Comprehensive Exam courses. An APUS grant will cover the fee for Active Duty Military, Reservists, National Guard, Vocational Rehabilitation (VOCA), VA and VA Chapter 33 students, and anyone using military tuition assistance (TA).

3 Transfer Credit Evaluation Fee waived for all United States Active Duty Military, Guard, and Reserve personnel.

4 The undergraduate book grant provides textbooks, e-books, and other course materials at no cost to students for courses being taken for academic credit. Students must obtain their own software when required for a course or program.

5 This figure does not include PLUS loans or TEACH grants converted to Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans.

For more information on jobs related to this program, please click on the below links to the O*NET website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

American Public University System (APUS) makes no representation or guarantee that successful completion of an APUS program or coursework will result in employment within a particular field. Many employers take into account various criteria, in addition to education, when determining eligibility for employment. To assist our students in their career search, the APUS Office of Career Services provides students and alumni a variety of tools, resources, information, and guidance to assist them as they pursue their life goals.

 

American Public University System, American Public University, and American Military University are not affiliated with American University.

American Public University System (APUS) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and a member of the North Central Association.

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