Law and public service

In this program, you’ll examine multidisciplinary aspects of the U.S. military and the history of war, as well as the implications for veterans, their families and society. You’ll also explore how the public understands the role of the military and those who serve the country, veterans’ representation in the media and arts and how scholars in national security ask questions and propose solutions.

Additionally, you’ll gain in-demand skills, such as:

• Adaptability and problem solving.
• Cross-functional collaboration and teamwork.
• Endurance, strength and resilience.
• Holistic understanding of diversity and inclusion.
• Leadership.
• Transparent communication.

Who’s a good candidate for this program?

While this military and veteran studies degree is ideal for active service members looking for career advancement, military service is not needed to apply. It’s also a good fit for veterans, reserves, National Guard members, military family members and those interested in the history of the military and war.

Additionally, this program is suitable for professionals with a variety of career backgrounds who want to develop a specialization in military and veteran studies. Whether you have experience in public service serving veterans, teaching or academia, this degree provides a pathway to a career in this emerging field.

Specialize your studies with a portfolio track

Completing the required portfolio track allows you to gain hands-on experience and refine your career interests. In the 15-credit-hour track, you’ll learn about theory and history, as well as participate in an internship or individualized instruction. You’ll then compile a portfolio of previous work to demonstrate what you’ve learned. Available portfolio tracks include:

• Counseling and counseling psychology for military and veteran communities.
• Leadership in military and veterans' organizations.
• Principles of health care for military, veterans and their families.
• Public leadership, service and policy.
• The military and veterans: Historical perspectives.

In our interdependent world, hazardous incidents can affect individuals, organizations and communities. In this program, you’ll explore an integrative approach to managing risk and building resilience in the face of natural and human-caused disasters. You’ll also gain perspective of the economic, social and public policy implications of disasters, terrorism and national security threats.

Additionally, you’ll learn how to assess vulnerabilities and manage risk associated with crisis situations, promote security and protect critical assets. Upon graduation, you’ll have an interdisciplinary skill set, including:

• Collaborating across teams and organizations.
• Communicating with the public and emergency services communities.
• Conducting risk and vulnerability assessments.
• Deploying human capital and technological systems for decision support.
• Management and strategic planning.
• Writing for multiple audiences.

What you can do with a bachelor's in emergency management and homeland security

You can pursue a variety of roles in disaster response and preparedness, ranging from an emergency preparedness specialist in a public health agency to an analyst in corporate global security operations. Other career paths include security policy, program planning, crisis operations, quality assurance, mission support and more.

If you hold a role as a first responder, nonprofit worker or government employee, earning a bachelor’s in homeland security and emergency management can also boost your upward mobility. This program may also be an ideal fit for veterans or active-duty service members transitioning to civilian work.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

• Master of Arts in emergency management and homeland security.
• Master of Public Administration.
• Master of Science in program evaluation and data analytics.

Does this degree prepare me for disaster relief jobs?

Yes. With the abilities you’ll develop related to emergency operations, continuity management and cross-organizational communication, you’ll be equipped to work on teams responding to any disaster. This can include intentional human acts (e.g. terrorism), accidental human hazards (e.g. chemical releases from train derailments) or disasters from natural hazards (e.g. hurricanes or wildfires).

Additionally, this program places an emphasis on professional development and applied coursework to build skills. You’ll have the opportunity to complete certifications that support your career, such as credentials offered by the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA).

This program prepares you for a rewarding career where you can make a difference in your community and around the world. If you’re interested in volunteering or working for organizations that advance the causes of social justice and human rights, this program may be a great fit for you. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to work in community-engaged advocacy and effectively support marginalized groups.

The skills you’ll develop in this program

A social justice and human rights degree is an interdisciplinary program that prepares you to advocate for rights and equality in local, national and global contexts. This program draws from a variety of social science disciplines including politics, sociology, history, anthropology and linguistics. Examining perspectives from all of these disciplines will prepare you to address pressing issues related to racial justice, immigration, feminism, refugee rights and more.

In addition to gaining broad expertise in these topics, you’ll be equipped with transferable skills from across the social sciences, including writing, communication, research and statistical analysis of human rights data. As you hone your skills in writing and research, you’ll gain essential knowledge related to rights and justice by taking nine credit hours from three different interdisciplinary tracks:

• Identity and place.
• Law, citizenship and migration.
• Social justice and inequality.

Get the opportunity to participate in research with faculty

As a student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in research with faculty for funding or academic credit through the New College Undergraduate Inquiry and Research Experience program. The faculty you meet throughout your courses can help you connect to other faculty who share your interests and have space for an NCUIRE student. This research can strengthen your resume and allow you to stand out among the competition when entering the workforce.

Additionally, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master's degrees include:

• Master of Arts in social justice and human rights.

Forensic science degrees focus on applying scientific methods to matters of law. In this program, you’ll explore the investigative and scientific principles behind examining different types of evidence from crime scenes. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped with the analytical skills required to pursue jobs related to forensic investigations.

Scientific and technological advances, as well as increasing caseloads, mean there is expected to be an increased demand for skilled forensic technicians over the next decade. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job growth for forensic science technicians is projected to increase 13% from 2022-2032, much faster than average for all occupations.

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop in this program

In this forensic science program, you’ll learn how to uncover and analyze evidence that can be used in court during criminal and civil cases. You’ll learn the essential science, investigative and communication skills needed to meet this demand and be successful in the field. The beginning of the program focuses on building strong foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry and math. You’ll take various lab courses, including two organic chemistry labs which must be completed in person.

Later in the program, you’ll take advanced forensic science courses covering the common techniques used in crime labs. Key course topics include forensic botany, toxicology, forensic anthropology, molecular genetics and more. These courses will teach you how to analyze crime scenes, fingerprints, DNA, blood patterns and other types of evidence. Graduates will be equipped to pursue careers or a graduate degree in forensics and other science-related fields.

Gain hands-on experience with in-person lab sessions

To gain necessary laboratory skills and hands-on experience, this program requires two separate, in-person lab experiences in Arizona.

The first lab experience includes one week at ASU’s Tempe campus to complete two organic chemistry labs, followed by a four-day in-person biochemistry lab session at the ASU West campus in Glendale. Alternatively, you may complete equivalent organic chemistry lectures and labs at an approved local college or university. The biochemistry lab, a 300-level course, cannot be taken at a community college.

To finish the program, you’ll complete a two-week in-person session at the ASU West campus during the summer. This experience covers key forensic field skills including photography, fingerprint analysis, blood pattern analysis and DNA analysis.