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Henley-Putnam's Order of the Sword and Shield

Security National Honor Society

Library Guide


Chapter of the Order of the Sword and Shield

Omicron Sigma Sigma

National Honor Society for Homeland Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management and all Protective Security Disciplines  

National American University is a charter member of the National American University (Charter member) Chapter of the National Honors Society – Order of the Sword and Shield.  

The Order of the Sword & Shield National Honor Society represents all of the Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security's disciplines.  They are the leading academic and professional honor society for the complete homeland security mission.

  • Intelligence 
  • Protective Security
  • Emergency Management 
  • Terrorism and Counterterrorism
  • Cyber and Information Security
  • Nuclear Enterprise Security 
  • and all other Homeland Security disciplines.  

Student membership requirements:

  1. Completion of ONE HALF (1/2) of the total number of credits required for your overall program, including completion of ONE HALF (1/2) of all credits in your program (A.S.S., B.S., Masters, Doctoral, or Certificate); and 
  2. Have achieved an overall 3.25 (undergraduate) or a 3.50 (graduate) cumulative GPA or higher (on a scale of 4.0) for ALL CREDITS, including transfer credits, or be in the top 20% of your class standing; and 
  3. Submit all required information, supporting documents with references, and appropriate fees (differs for each method).

Professional membership requirements: 

The Order of the Sword & Shield is also open to any professional who has demonstrated significant achievement in a Homeland Security, Intelligence, Emergency Management, Protections Security or security-related occupation.

  1.  At least 5 years full-time work experience within the security-related sector. 
  2.  A proven commitment to the protection of people, information, assets, or the community at large; and
  3.  An affirmation to abide by all laws, restrictions, regulations, rules, and requirements of the United States of America and its Constitution; and
  4.  Submit all required information, supporting documents with references, and appropriate fees.

Information and Forms

Please review the Qualifications for Membership.  If you believe you are qualified and want to join, we invite you to apply for student or professional induction through the honor society's webpage or through the NAU Chapter.  

The National Honor Society DOES NOT accept mailed submissions.

No applicant shall be denied membership because of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.

Distinctive Benefits for Students or Certified Membership:

  • We provide national recognition of superior academic and professional achievement (the honor society acts as the unifying voice of excellence in our discipline).
  • We provide a national forum for the best educated people in our field to share thoughts and opinions on issues of primary concern throughout our discipline.​
  • We provide an opportunity for high-achieving individuals to network and build new relationships/partnerships with people throughout the many fields of our discipline.
  • We provide standards of excellence helping our industry to be recognized as a valued profession and true academic discipline.

Source: Order of the Sword and Shield (2021). https://www.securityhonorsociety.org/chapters.html 

What New Member Receive: 

  • A personalized induction certificate suitable for framing.

  • ​An official membership card as evidence of your achievement.

  • A personalized Letter of Recommendation/Membership (upon request).

  • Opportunity to purchase and wear academic regalia (cords, stoles, and medals) at your graduation. 

  • Discounts on future Society events and conferences.

Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security at National American University conducts an annual induction ceremony.  For more information please contact: 

Professor Amie Bowman, Chapter Coordinator at email: abowman@national.edu

Dr. Don Cummings, Chapter Advisor at email: dcummings@national.edu

Dr. Barbara Burke, Institutional representative at email: bburke@national.edu

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