TSU launches homeland security, intelligence studies program

Tennessee State University is one of four schools in the United States to start a federally funded program that trains students in the field of national security and intelligence. The pilot Center for Academic Excellence in Intelligence Studies will offer courses in the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business that emphasize political economics. Classes are scheduled to start in Spring 2007 and will be taught by TSU faculty.

One of the reasons that TSU was selected was because TSU has a track record of producing graduates who have gone on and done well in the intelligence community,” said William Lawson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.”This gives us an opportunity to add to our stature in this area and really help the intelligence community diversify the talent pool.”

The three-year grant of $750,000 for each year is funded by federal agencies including DHS. In addition to coursework at TSU, students will also have a chance to study abroad in China, Africa, and Europe. Those who complete eighteen hours of semester work in the center will receive a minor certificate, Lawson said.

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