WHITTIER – A push by Río Hondo College and other supporters has secured recognition of the Homeland Security field as the newest academic discipline by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors.

The recognition, granted Monday, means individuals who earn advanced degrees in the field will be considered qualified for instructional positions in the college system. It is seen as a significant endorsement of the multi-discipline field recently developed from other public safety fields.

“This recognition provides high-level validation for our Homeland Security Program, which prepares students for higher education studies, for entry-level positions and for advancing in fields where they are already established,” Superintendent/President Dr. Arturo Reyes said.

A new labor market report from the Los Angeles/Orange County Center of Excellence indicates about 2,900 jobs will be created annually in homeland security, making it a high-demand field.

Río Hondo College’s program was approved in 2018 by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and builds on its nationally recognized public safety instruction. The College offers a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate of Science in Homeland Security. It is the only program in the region with a dual emphasis on Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Spring semester registration is open through Friday, Jan. 24 in the following courses:

• HMLD 101 Introduction to Homeland Security (CRN 35971)
• HMLD 102 Introduction to Emergency Management: (CRN 37253)
• HMLD 103 Terrorism and Violence in Society: (CRN 37290)
• HMLD 104 Emergency Planning and Response: (CRN 37417)
• HMLD 203 Homeland Security: Leadership, Policy & Practice: (CRN 37988)

“Río Hondo College focuses on ensuring our students have the opportunity to study and train for the critical jobs in the economy of today and tomorrow,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Laura Ramirez said. “Our Homeland Security Program exemplifies this commitment.”

For information, email Homeland Security Program Coordinator Dr. Ygnacio “Nash” Flores or call (562) 463-7733.