<p>I am interested in Embry Riddle's Global Security and Intelligence Studies program. I would like a career in either an intelligence agency (especially any sort of counter-terrorism task force) or even in security management of the private sector. I am also just looking for any information about the degree and the ERAU in Prescott in general (that i can't read off the website). Is it a reputable program or just a joke major. What do u take out of it (knowledge and skill sets) that would be attractive to employers. How is it compared to the Homeland Security degree. Would I be better off just getting a International Relations Degree with a language minor. I would love to hear any personal stories related to GSIS or ERAU in general. Just trying to make some college choices and wondering if this is the place for me. Thank you for your help.</p>
<p>@Nilloh - We had many of the same questions… our family just got back from a visit to ERAU in Prescott and it seems like the “real deal.” Cool facilities, friendly students and staff, ok dorms, nice campus. We even sat in on a class in the GSIS major (my son, class of 2012, is also interested in that program).</p>
<p>The thing that makes it particularly attractive is that they do seem to have support from and lots of funding and grants from employers in both the public and private sector. The evidence of this was everywhere as we toured the buildings. The GSIS major is the third largest major at the Prescott campus and we didn’t get the impression that it was a joke major or anything like that. Certainly, there’s a heavy focus on aviation and engineering, but the “softer” majors, like GSIS and Aviation Business Management were well-represented among the students we met.</p>
<p>Options for varsity sports are limited, it’s spendy, and only 18% of the student body is female. It’s also quite small – as I’m sure you already know – with only 1500 students. This makes the campus feel a little “sleepy” in comparsion to other campuses we’ve visited. Of course, as I’m sure you also know: It’s spendy. But after the visit, ERAU-Prescott is now my son’s #1 choice.</p>
<p>I’d sure like to hear from some alumni and/or former students, though!</p>
<p>Not familiar with the GSIS major (except, love the way they pronounce it “gee-sus”) as my son is an AE major, but if you have questions about ERAU from a parents’ perspective, I’d be happy to try and answer. My son is a senior graduating this spring; he’s currently VP of the student government association and active in just about everything that occurs on campus, so I might be able to add insight to campus life. It’s been a great 4 years for him and was always his #1 choice, even though his stats made him competitive for higher tier schools.</p>
<p>If you haven’t seen [this</a> story](<a href=“http://prescottaz.com/main.asp?SectionID=260&SubSectionID=1148&ArticleID=91325]this”>http://prescottaz.com/main.asp?SectionID=260&SubSectionID=1148&ArticleID=91325) on a couple of current GSIS students, take a look.</p>