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Academic Programs Development

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Project Report

Project Abstract 

The objective of this proposal is to enhance the professional competencies of the DHS workforce in the critical areas of Border Management and Cross-Border Trade and Transport Security. The methods utilized to meet these objectives entail the development of two certificate programs, a bachelor of science, a minor, and a master’s degree program designed for DHS professionals that work remotely and who are unable to attend face-to-face professional development opportunities. The outcome of this project will include a range of distance learning opportunities to contribute to a common operating framework and provide career-advancement pathways for DHS employees. This curriculum will provide new, timely and geographically broad understanding of the Border Security trends, challenges, and opportunities. The learning outcomes offer a comprehensive and all-encompassing view of Border Management, preparing the HSE and DHS workforce to transfer their knowledge across Ports of Entry, Borders and operation units.  

Project Goals/Objectives 

The BTI Institute’s Education and Training plan is designed with the primary goals of (i) training, seminars and workshops critical to HSE, and (ii) establishing a pathway for post-secondary students to pursue a career path with HSE. The BTI Institute’s plan seeks to meet workforce training needs and support skills development with high quality, timely workforce development offerings to address critical needs of current HSE employees. BTI aims to start testing the courses in the Fall of 2019, and consequently provide a full offering of the programs in Fall 2020. 

The objectives of the education and training academic programs proposal are 

  1. To develop the curriculum of a Bachelor of Science degree, a minor, and a master's degree program in Border Management, Trade, and Transport Security.  
  2. To design two certificate programs in “Borders, Trade, and Transport Security” and “Border Operations Management and Security” that will be offered to current DHS and industry personnel. Each program is comprised of four modules (64 hours each), designed to provide the current workforce with an opportunity to complete one or several modules to enhance their knowledge-base on homeland security issues. 

 Instructional Approach and Methodology

  • Instructional Strategies for Adult Online Learning - Case-study, problem-based and project-based learning, hands-on interactive student-led activities
  • Technology-Based Instructional Resources - Two Learning Management Systems (Blackboard and Canvas), video-lectures, online resources, online communication tools
  • Transversal Competencies - communication skills, presentation skills, data visualization