Global Terrorism Minor Program Applications Due Feb 22nd

START has developed an undergraduate minor in Global Terrorism, a cross-disciplinary program housed in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at the University of Maryland. The minor is designed to train the next generation of terrorism analysts, including students who plan to pursue graduate study related to terrorism as well as employment in the federal, state, local, non-profit, and/or private sectors. The program is part of the University of Maryland’s Global Studies program, alongside the minors in International Development and Conflict Management, Global Poverty, and International Engineering.

START is currently accepting applications to the program from University of Maryland undergraduates. Students from all colleges and majors are encouraged to apply.

Student Learning Outcomes

START's goal for the minor is to provide interested students of all majors with the education and training they need to pursue graduate education focused on terrorism research or employment in the ever-expanding homeland-security community, including opportunities within the public, private, and non-profit sectors. By the end of the minor program:

• Students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the theories explaining the formation of terrorist groups and the motivations behind terrorist behavior;
• Students will have developed a comprehensive understanding of the impact of terrorism on groups and individuals;
• Students will have developed first-hand experience working in the homeland security community; and
• Students will have developed a capacity to conduct research on terrorism using a range of analytical tools and research methods.

*Attention, START has moved offices – please see below for updated application drop-off location*

Eligibility and Application Process

The minor program is limited to 30 students per cohort. Students eligible to apply for selection must meet all of the following requirements (by the time of application):

• 30 university credits completed, with at least 15 credits awarded by the University of Maryland;
• Strong academic record (minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred); and
• At least three full semesters remaining at the University of Maryland prior to graduation.

In selecting students to participate in the program, START emphasizes academic achievement, extracurricular achievement, levels of demonstrated interest in terrorism and/or homeland security (through coursework and/or activities), and diversity of academic disciplines.

Application Process and Deadline

Interested students must submit a completed application package in hard copy to START headquarters at 8400 Baltimore Ave, Suite 250. Applications are due by 5:00 pm on February 22, 2013.

Each application must contain:

• Three copies of the completed application;
• Three copies of the applicant's one-page resume;
• Three copies of the applicant's unofficial transcript; and
• One copy of a completed faculty recommendation form in a sealed envelope. Recommendations should come from University of Maryland faculty members when possible, but the committee will also accept letters from advanced graduate students at the University of Maryland who have taught the applicant, as well as from faculty members at other universities who have taught the applicant. Recommendations should not come from graduate students at other universities, from employers, or from family friends.

Please note: Late and/or incomplete application packages will not be considered.

A committee comprised of faculty and staff affiliated with START will review applications and select no more than 35 students for the program's 2013-2015 cohort.

Notification

Applicants will be notified of the selection committee's decision by March 15, 2013.

Questions

Please direct any questions to education@start.umd.edu.