National Security and Counterterrorism Law, CAS

Director, Hon. James E. Baker, Suite 300, College of Law, 315-443-2284

Questions about the Program can be directed to Keli Perrin (kaperrin@law.syr.edu) or by calling Syracuse University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law (SPL) at 315-443-2284.

http://insct.syr.edu/our-work/academicprograms/pcr-certificate/

Description:

The CAS in National Security and Counterterrorism Law is an interdisciplinary, 15-credit program of study for law and graduate students specializing in national security, homeland security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and related fields. The interdisciplinary nature of the CAS enriches students’ legal understanding as program recipients collaborate with students and faculty from a range of disciplines, including public administration, international relations, political science, communications, and history. Students benefit from the expertise of faculty in military planning and operations, global counterterrorism and arms control policy, counter-proliferation policy, diplomacy and international relations, mass communication, terrorist methods and psychology, history, and economics.

15 credits in security-related coursework give students a solid understanding of:

- The legal framework for national security decision-making, including the respective powers of the President, Congress, and the Judiciary.

- The legal authorities governing the use of military force, intelligence operations, and public access to national security information.

- US and international responses to terrorism, including law enforcement, intelligence, military, and diplomatic approaches to counterterrorism.

- The challenges of homeland security preparedness and response.

Admission:

The program is open to students matriculated into law and graduate programs at Syracuse University. Students must meet the requirements of their respective colleges.

Satisfactory Progress:

Maintain a 3.0 GPA average in any courses in the required list. No courses may be taken pass/fail.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and describe foundational case law, significant statutes, historical and political contexts, and the NS architecture. Apply NS laws to diverse fact patterns and scenarios.

2. Locate and evaluate research materials specific to the field of national security.

3. Demonstrate writing capacity, preferably through drafting law and or policy memoranda.

4. Develop an interdisciplinary perspective to solving security problems.

Required Courses: Must take TWO courses (6 Credits)

LAW 700 - National Security Law 3 credit(s)
LAW 790 - Counterterrorism and the Law 3 credit(s)
PAI 730 - Problems in Public Administration 1-3 credit(s)
LAW 832 - Cyber Security Law and Policy 3 credit(s)
LAW 822 - National Security & Counter Terrorism Research Center 3 credit(s)

Electives: Must take THREE courses (9 Credits)

Each semester SPL reviews the course offerings in the law school and the graduate schools to identify courses that count as electives. SPL also evaluates any new course offerings for inclusion in the program at that time. See here for more information.

All Students Must Complete the Writing Requirement:

An academic paper on a security topic that satisfies the upper class writing requirement for Syracuse Law; OR
Students may take at least one course that requires a significant written product on a security topic: LAW 883 or LAW 822
Complete the Capstone Project:
Examples of a Capstone Project include, but are not limited to, a research paper, clinical work, an externship, or a substantial collaborative project. The project must be approved by the Program Director; OR
Students may take one or both of two classes whose cumulative work constitutes a Capstone Project: LAW 883 or LAW 822