New Opportunities Through Counterterrorism Studies

The threat of terrorism has been a part of the globalalso how to brief key decisionmakers about emerging
strategic security environment for decades. Newrisks and threats posed by terrorist activity.
developments in the pervasiveness of terroristWhat types of career opportunities are available for
activity - notably the global jihadist movementstudents of Counterterrorism Studies? No matter
headed by al-Qaida - heighten the need for focused,what your individual counterterrorism career goals
comprehensive education requirements and offeringsmay be, there are literally thousands of jobs in this
in counterterrorism studies.growing strategic security sector available today
Counterterrorism career opportunities have expandedthroughout the United States and throughout the
in prevalence and importance after 9/11 and theworld.
subsequent terrorist attacks in Bali, Madrid, andAcross all counterterrorism jobs are common
London.requirements for individuals that possess a minimum
The need for counterterrorism studies has neverof a four-year degree with extensive, direct
been greater and the demand for qualitycounterterrorism experience or an advanced degree
counterterrorism education is likely to continue toin a highly-related field (like terrorism or intelligence
grow. While there are many different types ofstudies). In all cases, a master's degree is desirable
counterterrorism jobs available across all levels ofand for many counterterrorism jobs, is a minimum
government and even private industry, there arequalification.
few places that offer degrees in counterterrorism atLinks to a Few of the Top Counterterrorism
the four-year or master's level.Employers - Department of Homeland Security, -
What is Counterterrorism Studies? CounterterrorismCentral Intelligence Agency (CIA), - Federal Bureau of
studies seek to educate those interested inInvestigation (FBI), - Bureau of Immigration and
understanding, and eventually offsetting, the use ofCustoms Enforcement (ICE) - Lockheed Martin, -
terrorism tactics in global warfare. Unlike traditionalBooz Allen Hamilton, - Gerard Group International LLC,
acts of violence, terrorists use asymmetric methods- Interpol, - Arnold and Porter, LLP, - Patton Boggs,
to achieve their objectives.LLP,
What Counterterrorism Professionals Need to KnowTo fully understand and effectively counter terrorist
Counterterrorism professionals need to understandactivity, you need a highly-specialized education in
terrorist group dynamics, strategy, targeting, andterrorism studies. In order to meet this challenge you
tactics as well as how policies are formulated,need to have an education that mixes theory with
developed and implemented to counter terroristpractical classes in order to give students the tools
planning and operations. Senior-level analysts need tothey need to be successful throughout their careers.
not only possess a deep knowledge of terrorism, but