Registration in this program is restricted to U.S. Government civilian employees and U.S. military service members only.

Description: This 12-week virtual instructor-led education course provides a comprehensive study of defense security as a cross-disciplinary function that supports the missions of DOD commands and agencies. The course examines DOD security as a profession by integrating skills, disciplines, and responsibilities within the security field, with a focus on the multidisciplinary security generalist role. Key areas of study include information security, cybersecurity, personnel security, physical security, and counterintelligence/insider threat.

Students who register for this course should have a comprehensive understanding and some work experience with DOD security practices across disciplines.

Course Resources: Open Source

Course Learning Outcomes: This course will enable students to:

• Analyze and assess a broad scope of security disciplines and programs in the DOD.
• Evaluate security policy strengths and weaknesses and propose alternative solutions to mitigate or strengthen those policies.
• Analyze current security problems and propose ways to manage risks.
• Estimate the costs and effects of policy decisions on security programs and discuss the interdependence and integration of security systems.
• Evaluate the roles of both security generalists and specialists, focusing on the role of activity personnel vetting managers (APVMs).
• Recommend strategies to increase the knowledge and skills of security leaders.

Target Audience: Restricted to U.S. government civilian employees and military service members

Delivery Method: Virtual Instructor-led Education (VILE)

Length: 12 Weeks

Requirements: This course requires students to complete weekly assignments, including reading, research, and writing assignments similar to those required for a 3-semester hour graduate-level course. Students must make significant commitment of time to complete these assignments.

• Clearance Requirement: N/A
• Attendance Requirement: N/A
• Exam Requirements: N/A

Prerequisites: Freshman English from a regionally accredited institution or equivalent is recommended.

The Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) is recommended, but not required, prior to registering for this course.

Credits Recommendation/Earned:

• ACE Credit Recommendation: Three semester hours in security infrastructure or security management - graduate degree category.
• Professional Development Units per SPeD: PDUs are determined by length of course and IAW with current Certification Maintenance Guidelines.

System Requirements: Check if your system is configured appropriately to use STEPP.

IF STEPP DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE PREREQUISITE COURSE, CONTACT THE Help Desk.

CDSE courses are intended for use by Department of Defense and other U.S. Government personnel and contractors within the National Industrial Security Program.