Through curricular and experiential learning, START educates, mentors and trains the next generation of national security scholars and practitioners.

The Order of The Sword and Shield

The National Honor Society for Homeland Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management, and all Protective Security Studies and Disciplines

University of Maryland - Omicron Sigma Sigma Chapter

The Order of the Sword and Shield allows students with similar interests and desire for a career in security to network with each other, with alumni, and with professionals and practitioners in the field. The Order of the Sword and Shield is the first and only academic and professional honor society dedicated exclusively to homeland security, intelligence, emergency management, and all protective security disciplines. The mission of the Society shall be to promote critical thinking, high scholarship and professional development; to further enhance the ethical standards of the protective security professions; and to cultivate a high order of personal living.  In addition to its academic purpose, the Society is strongly committed to helping communities prepare for safety and emergency conditions and sponsors many types of informational events throughout the year.

​The Honor Society was established in 2010 on the campuses of St. John's University in New York. It inducted its first members in 2011 and has had an induction class every year since then. The Founding Director, Associate Professor Jeffrey P. Grossmann, serves as the current Executive National Director, and oversees the primary operations of the Society. In an open letter to the industry, Professor Grossmann stated that "together with your support, we will position the Society as the leading resource in academic achievement recognition in the fields of homeland security, intelligence, emergency management, and all protective studies".

The Core Values of the Society are excellenceknowledgeethics, and peace.

Requirements:

  • Must have a 3.25 GPA
  • Must have completed 60 credits
  • Application includes: 
    • Unofficial Transcript
    • Application
    • References
    • $75 Application fee 

College Students

Undergraduate Students

  • Global Terrorism Studies Minor
  • Study Abroad
  • Online Courses
  • Internships

Picture of Graduate Students

Graduate Students

  • MPS in Security & Terrorism Studies
  • Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis
  • Study Abroad
  • Summer/Winter Courses
  • Internships

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Professional Development

  • MPS in Security & Terrorism Studies
  • Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis
  • Online Courses
  • Training

 

Check out START's flagship internship program.