Master’s grads raise eyebrows

SAN DIEGO – The first students to earn master’s degrees in homeland security from San Diego State University have faced a lot of curious questions about their eclectic, even controversial academic discipline.

“The first thing they ask me is are you a spy? I tell them no, I’m the furthest thing from a spy,” said student Steve Price, who was among those receiving diplomas Sunday and is considering becoming a cybersecurity consultant. “There is a novelty factor. People are incredulous.”

The program and others like it around the United States study the history and tactics of terrorism but often also look at technology, surveillance, pandemics, drug trafficking and society’s problems during earthquakes, hurricanes and bombings.