By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-985742.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Medaille College students a have a new career path available to them this fall.
Medaille rolled out the region's first four-year degree program for Homeland Security.
In recent years, colleges have watched their criminal justice programs become increasing popular. Young students brought up on shows such as CSI and Law and Order flocked to the programs to become detectives or forensics experts.
But there's a different specialty in criminal justice now gaining in popularity. Steve MacMartin is Director of Medialle's new Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security program.
School officials said veterans seem especially interested in the program. But MacMartin, who recently retired from Homeland Security, said there are many opportunities in Homeland Security for anyone.
MacMartin has witnessed all facets of the security industry in his 31 years as an investigator for Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
MacMartin said offering the program in Western New York also makes sense. He said there's a particularly high demand for security personnel in this potentially vulnerable border region.
Medaille received accreditation for the degree program earlier this year.