ABSTRACT
Since the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent formation of the US Department of Homeland Security in 2003, the field of homeland security has continued to evolve in a fascinating mix of politics, policy, and strategy. From the mix of all that has transpired since September, 11, 2001, there are three main themes that have evolved in the practice of homeland security. First, the complexity of the threat environment begets constant change, which in turn requires policy makers and practitioners to work jointly across organizational and national lines and be nimble and adaptive. The second theme concerns the ascendancy of academic homeland security programs and their emerging role in the profession. The third theme is the relationship of homeland security to the health of the economy. This chapter provides a thoughtful overview of the practice of homeland security as it exists, and by virtue of its content, an overview of curricula in homeland security in higher education.
