Mission

The Lincoln University Security Sciences Institute's mission is to integrate the academic and professional development of current and future members of the law enforcement, military, security and emergency response communities. Its vision is to meet the needs of local, state, and federal agencies for a skilled and diverse security sciences workforce through the provision of certificates, education, and training delivered in both traditional and non-traditional modes of delivery. Additionally, with Lincoln’s HBCU-driven history of serving minorities and its reputation as an innovative educational leader in science and security, LU’s Security Sciences Institute is uniquely positioned to make a significant impact in emergency response and security in communities and populations traditionally underrepresented in these fields.

The institute's integration of LU “security sciences” will cover a broad spectrum, including criminal justice, law enforcement, cybersecurity, emergency management, crisis response, military studies, and geospatial information sciences. This collaboration will build on the success of the Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy (LULETA) and ROTC, which are enhanced by experiential learning environments.

The Security Sciences Institute is poised to transform the educational landscape by integrating the expertise of faculty from various colleges within LU and collaborating with external partners and subject matter experts. By the spring of 2026, the Security Sciences Institute and Lincoln's School of Nursing will be located in the Health and Security Sciences Institute. The Institute will incorporate the existing Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy and potentially develop a 911 Call Training Center and Fire & Rescue Training Academy.

The institute provides training for highly needed jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The BLS reports that law enforcement jobs will increase by 3% from 2022-2032. As for cybersecurity, the BLS states that jobs for information security analysts are expected to grow 32% from 2022-2032. As of August 2022, there were over 700,000 cybersecurity positions open in the United States.

Due to the high number of certifications and training required for these positions, opportunities for jobs and advancement are always growing. LU’s Security Sciences Institute offers a dynamic source of new opportunities for students and professionals in the security sciences. The SSI will help to create greater stability in this industry by filling a significant need for education, allowing pathways for new people to enter these important security fields and for existing professionals to advance in their careers.

Most importantly, SSI reflects Lincoln University’s unwavering commitment to advancing the lives and security of our students, the citizens of Jefferson City, all Missourians — and beyond.