COURSE CURRICULUM

The Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and Criminal Justice programs at Auburn University at Montgomery provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in public safety, law enforcement, and social systems. The HSEM curriculum introduces students to disaster management, emergency preparedness, intelligence analysis, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, and the social dimensions of disasters. Students also explore human trafficking, public safety leadership, and fusion center operations, with opportunities for independent study, internships, and capstone projects to gain real-world experience. The Criminal Justice program covers the American legal system, law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, family violence, criminal law, cybercrime, forensic investigation, and public policy. Students study ethics, gender and diversity in criminal justice, comparative and international criminal justice, and applied statistical methods, along with opportunities for internships, research projects, and senior thesis work. Both programs emphasize analytical thinking, research skills, and practical application of knowledge to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, public administration, emergency management, policy analysis, and related fields.The Sociology program complements these disciplines by examining social behavior, cultural diversity, and institutional influences. Students explore topics such as social inequality, human sexuality, intimate relationships, social problems, health and illness, deviance, social movements, minority groups, family structures, education, and criminology. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, applied social statistics, and research methodology, offering independent studies, internships, and capstone experiences to connect theory with practice. By combining the study of human behavior, social systems, and public safety, students develop a holistic understanding of society and are prepared for careers in government, social services, law enforcement, public health, business, and nonprofit sectors. These programs equip graduates with analytical, research, and communication skills, as well as the cultural and ethical awareness necessary to address complex societal challenges and contribute effectively to communities.