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Homeland Security (Graduate Certificate)

Homeland Security (Graduate Certificate)

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Homeland Security (Graduate Certificate)

Cybersecurity, Emergency Management, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Homeland Security, Public Safety, Security, Terrorism

Are you passionate about protecting the United States against threats like terrorism, gangs and organized crime? Explore how law enforcement agencies, the military and other areas of national security collaborate on defense, and acquire the skills and credentials necessary for a career in homeland security.

Program description
Degree awarded: Certificate  Homeland Security (certificate)

The graduate certificate program in homeland security is focused on homeland security as a field related to organizational security.

Students can study topics related to current international and domestic terrorism issues, global security, intelligence analysis, cybersecurity issues, crime prevention and law enforcement.

At a glance
Degree requirements

18 credit hours

Required Core (12 credit hours)
CRJ 553 Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction (3)
CRJ 554 Homeland Security (3)
CRJ 557 Seminar in Domestic Terrorism (3)
CRJ 558 Seminar in International Terrorism (3)

Electives or Research (6 credit hours)

Additional Curriculum Information
Students should see the academic unit for available elective and research coursework.

Students may choose to participate in a study abroad experience in counterterrorism in Israel during the summer term that may be used to fulfill elective coursework. Students who choose this option enroll in CRJ 555 Police and International Terrorism and CRJ 556 Etiology of Martyrdom.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in criminology, criminal justice, homeland security, counterterrorism or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. letter of intent
  4. professional resume
  5. two letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The letter of intent, resume and letters of recommendation are not needed if the applicant is already matriculated in an ASU master's degree program.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Analyze United States homeland security issues and challenges from both national and international perspectives.
  • Evaluate a range of factors contributing to domestic terrorism and international terrorism and possible responses to such threats.
Career opportunities

Graduates of the homeland security graduate certificate program find a strong job market in the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities include supervisory and management positions in criminal justice agencies (federal, state and local), such as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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