Security as an Integral Part of DOD Programs ED501.10

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

Description: This course is a comprehensive study of Defense Security as a cross-disciplinary function that supports the missions of DOD commands and agencies. The course addresses DOD security as a profession by integrating skills, disciplines, and responsibilities within the security field. It addresses the emerging role of multidisciplinary security generalist.

Students who register for this course should have a comprehensive understanding and some work experience with DOD security practices across disciplines. We recommend that students obtain the Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC), one of the core Security Professional Education Development (SPēD) Certifications, prior to registering for this course.

Note: The Registration for upcoming semesters of Advanced and Graduate courses begin 3 months before a semester start date. At that time, the "enroll me" button will become active and will allow users to register.


Course Learning Outcomes: This course is designed to enable students to:

  • Analyze, explain, and assess the broad scope of disciplines and functions within the DOD security arena
  • Examine and analyze critical and emergent issues within the DOD security disciplines and functions
  • Assess and analyze the costs and effects of policy decisions on the security program and its interrelationships with other DOD programs
  • Identify, analyze, and explain the strategic effects of security program success or failure within the DOD
  • Assess and summarize the broad scope of competencies of a security generalist


Delivery Method: Virtual Instructor-led Education (VILE)

Length: 16 Weeks

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

Clearance Requirement: None

Number of Students per Course: 20

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

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

Prerequisites: N/A

Credit Recommendation: (What's this?): Three semester hours in security infrastructure or security management - graduate degree category.

Professional Development Units per SPēD: 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.

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ED501 Digital Badge

Students earn a CDSE Digital Badge upon course completion, which can be shared on your social media page like LinkedIn or Facebook. The course digital badge confers the ACE Learning Evaluation credit recommendation for the course.