Homeland Security Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Nov 9, 2023

Since 2001, national security has needed a new kind of law enforcement professional. It was introduced specifically to deal with gaps in legislation and law enforcement on the ground in the wake of the 9/11 attacks.

A Homeland Security Graduate Certificate is for those interested in a career in military intelligence and investigating domestic terrorism. This certificate will add to your existing criminal justice degree(s), allowing you to work with specialty government agencies and programs.

What Are the Online Homeland Security Graduate Certificate Requirements?

U.S. schools offering homeland security graduate certificates require applicants to adhere to admissions criteria. While exact requirements are at the discretion of the school, most include the following:

  • A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as law, mathematics, or other STEM area (for forensics work)
  • A relevant master's degree in criminal justice, forensics, or law
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75m though some schools may request up to 3.5
  • Official transcripts from all universities attended
  • Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from a non-English speaking country. Relevant standards are PTEA, TOEFL, and IELTS as the most common. Some may accept DuoLingo or ELS112
  • 2-3 letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources
  • A short personal statement of about 500 words and/or an essay

What Type of Classes Are Included in the Online Homeland Security Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Several mandatory and elective courses make up the curriculum of a homeland security grad certificate. The program can usually be completed in around one academic year. Typical coursework includes:

  • Introduction to Homeland Security
  • Foundations of Homeland Defense and Security
  • Current Issues in Homeland Defense and Security
  • Approaches to Homeland Security
  • Strategic Planning and Organizational Imperatives
  • Terrorism
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction
  • Domestic Terrorism
  • International Terrorism
  • Policing and Terrorism
  • Etiology of Martyrdom
  • Security Studies
  • Integrated Emergency Management
  • Religion and the Criminal Justice
  • Federal Criminal Law
  • Organized and White-Collar Crime
  • Multinational Crime
  • Anti-Terrorism Laws
  • Counterterrorism
  • Capstone Project
  • Crisis and Emergency Public Relations

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Homeland Security Graduate Certificate?

Many rewarding careers are open to you with a homeland security graduate certificate. Popular career pathways include:

  • Secret Service Agent: Working for the Department of Homeland Security, NSA, or the CIA, you can work researching terrorist groups, going undercover, and protecting national security on the frontlines.
  • Data and Security Analysts: Working behind a desk, you could examine data provided by field agencies, decoding and monitoring messages between potential terror suspects.
  • Border Patrol Agent: Support efforts to detect terrorism and terrorists at the border, monitoring those entering the U.S. for suspicious activity.
  • Emergency Management: Disaster management needs people with some of the skills acquired during a homeland security graduate certificate. Natural disasters create the same kinds of problems as large terrorist attacks.
  • Transport Security Screening: As part of the TSA, screen people and baggage transporting across the U.S. on domestic flights or transcontinental buses.

Homeland Security Graduate Certificate Programs List

Interested in a homeland security graduate certificate program? Check out our listings below to find a traditional, online, or hybrid program near you.

Arkansas

SchoolLocationDetails
University of ArkansasFayetteville, AROnline - Homeland Security

Colorado

SchoolLocationDetails
Colorado State University PuebloPueblo, COHomeland Security Studies
University of Colorado Colorado SpringsColorado Springs, COOnline - Homeland Security And Emergency Management Leadership

Connecticut

SchoolLocationDetails
University of Saint Joseph.West Hartford, CTHomeland Security Management

Florida

SchoolLocationDetails
Florida International UniversityMiami, FLHomeland Security and Emergency Management
University of South FloridaTampa, FLOnline - Homeland Security

Indiana

SchoolLocationDetails
Ball State UniversityMuncie, INEmergency Management and Homeland Security
Indiana UniversityBloomington, INOnline - Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Massachusetts

SchoolLocationDetails
Westfield State UniversityWestfield, MAHomeland Security

Maryland

SchoolLocationDetails
University of MarylandAdelphi, MDOnline - Homeland Security Management

Michigan

SchoolLocationDetails
Madonna UniversityLivonia, MIHomeland Security

Missouri

SchoolLocationDetails
Missouri State UniversitySpringfield, MOOnline - Homeland Security and Defense
University of Central MissouriWarrensburg, MOOnline - Terrorism and Homeland Security

New Hampshire

SchoolLocationDetails
Southern New Hampshire UniversityManchester, NHOnline - Homeland Security

New Jersey

SchoolLocationDetails
Berkeley CollegeWoodland Park, NJOnline - Homeland Security
Thomas Edison State UniversityTrenton, NJHomeland Security

Pennsylvania

SchoolLocationDetails
University of PittsburghPittsburgh, PAOnline - National Preparedness and Homeland Security

Texas

SchoolLocationDetails
Texas A & M University-Corpus ChristiCorpus Christi, TXHybrid - Homeland Security
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCECommerce, TXOnline - Homeland Security
University of Texas El PasoEl Paso, TXHomeland Security

Virginia

SchoolLocationDetails
George Mason UniversityFairfax, VATerrorism and Homeland Security

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