SPA Launches New Cyber Certificate
In the past few years, SPA has continued to build out its graduate programming designed specifically to prepare future leaders in the national and homeland security space for the evolving threat environment. As part of this growth, the Master of Science in Terrorism & Homeland Security Policy (THSP) program now offers students the opportunity to earn a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Policy and Management. Graduate students in the Masters of Public Administration and Masters of Public Policy programs are able to earn a concentration in this important area as well. 聽
Launched in Fall 2021 under the leadership of Dr. Sasha O鈥機onnell, who currently serves as an Executive in Residence at SPA and the THSP Program Director, the 鈥渃yber certificate鈥 was designed for students preparing for non-technical, leadership roles in the public sector. 聽
鈥淲atching the cyber cert come to life and the students fill the classes and engage with the programming has been inspiring,鈥 O鈥機onnell said. 鈥淚 believe our unique focus on providing what 鈥榚very future government leader needs to know鈥 about cyber and tech policy is a truly unique offering that positions our students to not only get jobs in government, but have a hugely successful impact when they get there.鈥
A cornerstone of this new programming is the course 鈥淭echnology Fundamentals for Non-Technical Policymakers鈥 (JLC-696), developed and taught by Dr. James Burrell, an accomplished senior federal government executive, c-level executive, and technology consultant. O鈥機onnell, who worked alongside Burrell in top-level federal positions, invited him to 麻豆视频 to advise on the development of the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Policy and Management and design and lead the tech course.
A core requirement for the certificate, JLC 696 examines how science and technology intersect to affect global and national policy issues.
鈥淭he objective of this course is to introduce students to applied fundamentals of science and technology innovation, development, and adoption for future leaders in government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations,鈥 said Burrell.
The classroom process involves students in the development of a policy framework and applied case studies that illustrate this relationship between technology and policy. Students also develop a policy paper that examines the potential impacts of technology specific to their area of interest.
鈥淭he interest and initiative of the graduate students has been outstanding,鈥 said Burrell. 鈥淎 significant number of students have extensive experience as users of online and cyber technologies and recognize the benefit of developing a deeper understanding of the innovation process and impact that emerging technologies will increasingly have on society, government, and global policy issues.鈥
Current THSP student Clarissa Gallo, who is currently interning with the Office of the Director on National Intelligence, looks forward to applying these concepts in her professional life.
鈥淒r. Burrell has taught me about the technologies transforming the landscape of our lives,鈥 she said. 鈥淭echnology experts and policymakers must work together to create policies that promote safe and sustainable technology practices, and take market potential into account.鈥
Fellow THSP student Evan Gertler, who works at the U.S. Department of Justice, agrees.
"James Burrell effectively bridges the language divide between technologists and policymakers,鈥 he shared. 鈥淐oming in as a student with minimal technical skills, Burrell made the topic of emerging technologies accessible, with the rare opportunity for interactive discussions with such an accomplished expert."
Burrell and O鈥機onnell are excited to expand the cyber certificate offerings.
鈥淭he concepts of cyber technology are transdisciplinary, with applications and impact that involve the entire spectrum of academic programs and policy positions,鈥 said Burrell. 鈥淚t is imperative that public policy programs consider the importance of providing students with a basic understanding of technology fundamentals and the contextual relationships to key policy impact areas, which increasingly represents a critical knowledge requirement for the success of future leaders.鈥
For information about the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Policy and Management, visit the website or email spacybercert@american.edu.