Homeland Security
Homeland Security is designed for those who wish to pursue a career in state, local, or federal government, including state or federal homeland security departments or agencies such as Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, United States Secret Service, etc., as well as more traditional law enforcement and policing.
Why study Homeland Security at Coastal Georgia?
Criminal Justice students studying Homeland Security at Coastal benefit from our strong ties to the nearby Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC). Our students expand their knowledge outside of the classroom by learning from guest speakers, attending special seminars and tours, and conducting internships with state, local, and federal government entities.
What will I learn?
By concentrating in Homeland Security, students will learn to critically think about and address the complex areas included within the “homeland security enterprise,” including emergency management and disaster planning, as well as immigration and border security challenges. Seniors will benefit from real world experience by participating in an internship. Past internships have been completed in entities across all levels of government.
What can I do when I graduate?
Graduates are employed in a variety of federal, state, and local governments, including several components of the Department of Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, United States Secret Service, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers. Other graduates are employed by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and multiple states and local entities and departments.
Cynthia Atwood
Education
M.S. in Criminal Justice, Georgia State University
B.S. in Police Administration, Eastern Kentucky University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Homeland security policy, recruitment and retention challenges and best practices in policing, predictive indicators of corruption and criminal activity in prison systems, measuring the effectiveness of pracademic led criminal justice degree programs
J. Alexander Atwood
Education
LL.M. (General Studies-Constitutional, Criminal, and International Law), Georgia State University School of Law (Summa Cum Laude)
J.D. Law, John Marshall School of Law (Cum Laude)
M.A. International Relations (focusing on Low Intensity Conflict and Terrorism), Webster University
B.S. Criminal Justice, Georgia State University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching portfolio encompasses a full range of undergraduate courses in criminal justice and public administration, delivered through diverse modalities including in-person, hybrid, and distance learning formats. Courses taught include Introduction to Criminal Law, Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice, Courts and Criminal Procedure, and specialized topics such as Organized Crime, and Ethics in Criminal Justice. These offerings reflect a commitment to bridging theoretical foundations with practical applications drawn from extensive experience in law enforcement, legal practice, and public service. My research interests center on Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, International Law, and Criminal Procedure, with particular emphasis on the intersection of legal doctrine, enforcement policy, and governance. Scholarly activities include presentations and publications addressing judicial interpretation, free speech, civil discourse, and counterterrorism policy. Selected works and/or presentations include Judicial Interpretation as Viewed Through District of Columbia v. Heller, The Erosion of Free Speech in Western Europe, Canada, and the United States, and From Law Enforcement to Armed Conflict: The Legal Transformation of U.S. Counter-narcotics Policy. These contributions underscore an ongoing commitment to advancing discourse on constitutional governance, ethics, and the evolving challenges of law enforcement in a global context.
Dr. Don Mathews
Education
Ph.D. in Economics, Georgia State University
M.A. in Economics, DePaul University
B.A. in Economics, University of Illinois
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My primary teaching and research interests are the history of the capitalism vs. socialism debate, American business history and U.S. macroeconomic history. Most of my published research, however, are reports I’ve written as Director of the Reg Murphy Center at the College of Coastal Georgia, as well as “From the Murphy Center” newspaper columns in The Brunswick News.
Dr. Nelbert St. Clair
Education
Doctor of Science in Information Systems & Communications (D.Sc.)
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Dr. St. Clair’s teaching interests focus on cybersecurity, digital literacy, and information technology, with an emphasis on practical applications and workforce readiness. He is passionate about integrating hands-on learning experiences, such as competitions and real-world projects, to prepare students for careers in the evolving tech landscape. His research interests include cybersecurity education, diversity and inclusion in technology fields, and strategies for enhancing digital resilience in underserved communities. Recent scholarly activities including serving as a workshop speaker at the 2nd Annual Digital Literacy Block Party (Charlotte, NC, Sept. 2025), and contributing to student success in the National Cyber League Spring 2025 competition, where all six CCGA teams ranked in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, Dr. St. Clair has supported research on representation of Black cybersecurity professionals, aligning with his long-standing commitment to equity in tech.
Dr. Melissa Trussell
Education
Ph.D. in Economics, Georgia State University
Master of Public Administration, Georgia State University
B.S. in Discrete Mathematics, Georgia Institute of Technology
Master’s Certificate in Data Analytics, Georgia College and State University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Dr. Trussell studies the economic impacts of childhood trauma and ways to mitigate those impacts. As an associate of the Reg Murphy Center for Economic and Policy Studies, she produces scholarly op-eds for The Brunswick News on an assortment of topics of interest to readers.
Most recent peer-reviewed publication:
Trussell, M.R. & Farley, H. (2003). Economic impact of CarePortal donations in Glynn County, Georgia. Journal of Public Child Welfare, 18(5), 1074-1083. https://doi.org/10.1080/15548732.2023.2299490