CONNECT WITH US!
Summer 2022
Connect With Us! is a quarterly newsletter that typically features 海角社区 Connect's online programs and the faculty, staff and students associated with them.
FEATURED PROGRAM: MASTER OF DEFENSE AND STRATEGIC STUDIES (MDSS)
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
- Convenient 100% online format
- Flexible, asynchronous classes ideal for military and working civilian students
- Accelerated seven-week courses
- In-depth curriculum examines current defense and security challenges
- Ideally suited for students interested in intelligence and national security careers
- Financial aid and military benefits available
- Available on the Academic Common Market (ACM)*
*Residents of states that participate in the ACM, MAY qualify for in-state tuition for this program while residing outside of Texas. Contact the ACM Coordinator of the state in which you are residing for more information; contact info by state is available at
TYPICAL EMPLOYERS
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- Department of Energy
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of State
- Department of Defense
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
.
JOBS YOU COULD HAVE
- Federal special agent
- Strategic communication specialist
- Cyberwarfare specialist
- Defense consultant
- Homeland defense specialist
.
海角社区 EDGE AND DEFENSE AND STRATEGIC STUDIES
Our student success initiative, the 海角社区 Edge, develops upon students’ assets through a variety of high-impact experiences. These experiences are designed to improve student skills and give 海角社区 students a competitive advantage as they move forward in their lives and careers.
Our goal as a campus is to provide these 海角社区 Edge experiences to all students, regardless of their area of study, so they will graduate with a competitive advantage over their peers.
These are the Edge experiences Defense and Strategic Studies students will have and the Edge skills they will graduate with:
EDGE EXPERIENCES
- Research and Scholarly Activities
- Learning Communities
- Creative Activities
- Online Experiences
EDGE SKILLS
- Communication
- Global Awareness
- Leadership
- Problem Solving
- Entrepreneurship
- Social Responsibility
- Critical Thinking
MEET SOME RECENT GRADUATES
"I’ve found tremendous value in the degree as I continued my professional career in the Army. The MDSS program equipped me with the tools to better understand contextual issues facing the strategic landscape." - Matthew J. Reed, Graduate
"This program is so absolutely rewarding throughout the entire duration, and it echoes through my life daily. [It] is a guaranteed positive return on investment."- Mike Jones, Graduate
"I credit my Master of Defense and Strategic Studies (MDSS) with giving me opportunities that my previous academic performance would not have provided. My MDSS degree helped in my selection for Resident Command and General Staff College and the Advanced Military Studies Program at the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS)." - Matthew Graham, Graduate
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: DR. PAUL ASHBY
Director/Advisor, Master of Defense and Strategic Studies (MDSS) and Lecturer in Security Studies
Dr. Paul Ashby has been teaching in the Master of Defense and Strategic Studies (MDSS) program at 海角社区 since 2015. He grew up in the United Kingdom and moved to El Paso, where his wife is from, that year.
His background is in International Relations; he has a Ph.D. in that subject from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. He has since taught a variety of subjects in both countries. His biggest area of interest and expertise is U.S. security cooperation with Mexico, but he also 海角社区es security cooperation within U.S. grand strategy more broadly.
"I’ve learned over time how to make sure connections and communication are established early so students know they can call on my help if and when they need it. I am still working on improving that because nothing is ever perfect, but I am proud of the system we have and the results it has helped produce with some of our fantastic students."
FROM THE BLOG
If you’re thinking about pursuing a Master of Defense and Strategic Studies degree, or if you’ve already decided to apply, you’re on the cusp of making a great career move. .
“What’s the worst that could happen?” For those who work in Homeland Security, that’s not a rhetorical question – it’s their mission. If you’re passionate about helping and protecting others, and making a meaningful difference, a career in this growing field could be perfect for you. .
If you’re considering advancing your future in security, you may be wondering what sector is the right fit for you. But did you know that you can get a master’s that combines both homeland security and cybersecurity to make your choice that much easier? Here are the basics of what you need to know. .
PLEASE CONTINUE TO STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO
海角社区 Connect
Kelly Hall, Suite 115
500 海角社区 University Avenue
El Paso, TX 79968
utepconnect@utep.edu | 1-800-684-海角社区