New programs focus on national security
By Pat Mack
Issue date: 2/3/10 Section: News
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But the changes go much deeper than appearance.
"I've never been more excited," said Dr. Mike Witkowski, an associate professor of criminal justice.
It has been over eight years since 9/11 - one of the gravest events in our nation's history - and Americans are still experiencing the aftermath.
The most infamous breach of U.S. domestic security spotlighted the need to increase safety on the home-front, and that effort has brought major changes to the criminal justice program at Detroit Mercy.
After receiving a $551,000 federal grant and approval from the U.S. National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security (also created in response to the 9/11 attacks), UDM has adopted two graduate programs aimed at preparing professionals to prevent future threats.
The recently added master's programs focus on information assurance and intelligence analysis.
Although this certainly increases opportunities for criminal justice undergraduates who wish to seek a graduate degree in the field, it also provides the university with some re-furnished, state-of-the-art rooms.
The changes have created a buzz on campus.
Last week, Dr. Charles Marske, dean of the college of liberal arts and education, announced that he would be resigning at the end of the school year and becoming a faculty member in the criminal justice department.
Marske told professors and staff that he wanted to be part of the effort to address what he described as the gravest threat to the country.
According to Witkowski, the field of intelligence analysis is expected to expand drastically in the coming years with hiring by government institutions.
The professor estimated that as many as 1,400 jobs in the United States Air Force and 1,600 jobs with the Federal Bureau of Investigation will be created.
In these intelligence gathering and analyzing machines, the screenings for positive morality and high qualifications are rigorous, he said.
Witkowski believes that UDM's faith-based education provides a crucial advantage with its emphasis on producing analysts who are honest, ethical leaders.
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