In an era in which natural disasters, fires, wars, and disruptors like pandemics are merging to magnify security threats, the USC Price Center on National Defense and Public Safety (CNDPS) aims to:
- Develop frameworks and field-tested tools for cross-sector collaboration.
- Deliver executive education for public safety, military, and civil-sector leaders.
- Conduct applied research on multi-domain, multi-jurisdictional governance and security coordination.
- Host policy simulations, leadership scenarios, and case-based training.
Mission & Scope
Our mission is to advance public policy and leadership to address complex, multi-jurisdictional security and governance challenges. The Center focuses on four areas:
- Strengthening civil-military collaboration between installations and surrounding communities.
- Equipping public safety leaders with practical tools and governance strategies.
- Driving public-private resilience efforts for critical infrastructure and homeland security.
- Conducting national and global defense space policy research and training for emerging threat environments.
Why USC Price?
USC Price leverages decades of expertise teaching at the graduate and executive levels to equip local, military, and law enforcement leaders and staff with the practitioner-centric skills needed to effectively manage small cities, installations, and first response capabilities, including public sector partnerships and complex infrastructure ecosystems. USC Price faculty are exceptionally qualified to deliver extensive experience in public administration, policy, governance, and executive education tailored to today’s multi-jurisdictional needs.
Partnerships & Impact
The Center:
- Collaborates with cities, military bases, emergency services, and government agencies.
- Partners with think tanks and national labs on innovation and joint readiness.
- Engages USC ROTC students in center operations and research, building future talent.
- Strengthens institutional trust and response capabilities across the civil-military spectrum.
Featured Article
Naval ROTC Midshipmen learn the lessons of war in France
Featured Faculty: Frank V. Zerunyan
Contact Us
Frank V. Zerunyan, J.D. LL.D. (hc)
Professor of the Practice of Governance
Director, Center for National Defense and Public Safety
Director, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and Nautical Science Programs
Director, Executive Education
[email protected]
Erika Bernal, MBA, CFRE
Associate Dean for Advancement
[email protected]