Qualifying homeland defense analysts.

• Position: Washington PULSE

When the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act was being written, the idea of a national university for homeland security professionals was bandied about, but didn't make the final draft.

Almost two years later, the office of the director of national intelligence is seeking to rejuvenate the idea, said John Cohen, a senior government advisor. The goal will be for federal, state and local professionals to be able to "speak the same language," he said.

About 75 universities across the nation are now offering homeland security degrees, but...