CADS-UIS Program

The Center is actively involved in the development of the new homeland security-oriented curriculum at the University of Illinois in Springfield. This work stems from the recent Homeland Security Education Initiative, started by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

As outlined in the initiative documents, the development of a strong and competitive homeland security sector in Illinois requires both a commitment on the part of the state and on the part of public higher education to design, implement, and support courses, seminars, workshops, internships, and programs (both degree and non-degree) for the student or professional pursuing a career related to homeland security at the national, state, or local level; for those intending to work in the areas of public safety, security management, national and international security, law enforcement, and private industry; and managers, administrators, officers, executives, analysts, and consultants at all levels of government and in the private and non-profit sectors. The proposed courses and programs are intended to prepare skilled professionals with a background in the foundations of science and technology of bio-defense, threat analysis of biological and non-biological weapons, engineering defense, and counter-terrorism/law enforcement defense.

Individual colleges and universities in Illinois are strongly encouraged to develop baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral programs in areas related to disaster and bio-terrorism preparedness appropriate to their particular mission. CADS expertise in these areas contributes to the development of the programs, and opens the way for starting another educational program with the University of Illinois.