While the rest of us are learning this stuff as we go along (sometimes the hard way), at least one aviation school has included a security component in its curriculum. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University now offers a BSc. in Global Security and Intelligence Studies. The course is run in conjunction with aviation-related studies and includes foreign languages, comparative religion and study of the effects of world events on security. It’s taught by former CIA analyst Philip E. Jones. Enrollment topped 100 students for the first semester and the university expects that to increase in coming years. “Aviation has always had its dark margins,” said Richard W. Bloom, the director of the program. He said the Sept. 11 attacks “finally broke down resistances and increased motivations that a number of security issues were finally important enough to address.” Student Laura McDaniel had more practical concerns. “My friends are saying, ‘Hey, there [are] no jobs. I need a marketable skill other than flying airplanes.'”
…And Getting Schooled In Security
Key Takeaways:
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has launched a new Bachelor of Science in Global Security and Intelligence Studies, integrating it with aviation studies and covering related topics like foreign languages and world events' impact on security.
- The program was created in direct response to increased awareness of aviation security issues following the 9/11 attacks, addressing the "dark margins" of aviation.
- Taught by a former CIA analyst, the degree aims to equip students with marketable skills beyond traditional flying roles and saw strong initial enrollment, expected to grow.
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