Homeland Security Graduate Credit Certificate Program

In this 12-credit graduate certificate program, students will learn about the origins and organization of the Homeland Security Enterprise, including relevant Congressional acts, Presidential policies, and national strategies, as well as the roles and shared responsibility of key agencies and partners at federal, state, and local levels, and from the private sector. They will apply that knowledge to current situations and select scenarios based on an all-hazards and whole-community approach to homeland security and emergency management.

Courses taken in the certificate program may be applied toward a graduate degree, subject to restrictions outlined in GCAC-309 Transfer Credit. Certificate students who wish to have certificate courses applied towards a graduate degree must apply and be admitted to that degree program. Admission to the graduate degree program is a separate step and is not guaranteed.

The certificate program offers a viable opportunity for those who seek advanced education but do not wish or have not yet determined if they are ready to pursue a full master's degree program. For students in the Intercollege Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security (iMPSHLS), this program may be pursued to earn an embedded certificate as an additional credential.

Effective Semester: Spring Semester 2021
Expiration Semester: Spring Semester 2026

Admission Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies. International applicants may be required to satisfy an English proficiency requirement; see GCAC-305 Admission Requirements for International Students for more information.

Applicants are expected to have a 3.0 or higher GPA in their undergraduate work.

Certificate Requirements

Requirements listed here are in addition to requirements listed in Graduate Council policy GCAC-212 Postbaccalaureate Credit Certificate Programs.

The curriculum consists of two required courses (6 credits) and two electives (6 credits). Students must achieve a GPA of 3.00 or above to be awarded the certificate.

Courses

Graduate courses carry numbers from 500 to 699 and 800 to 899. Advanced undergraduate courses numbered between 400 and 499 may be used to meet some graduate degree requirements when taken by graduate students. Courses below the 400 level may not. A graduate student may register for or audit these courses in order to make up deficiencies or to fill in gaps in previous education but not to meet requirements for an advanced degree.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the origins and organization of the Homeland Security Enterprise.
2. Describe how relevant Congressional acts, Presidential directives, and national strategies influence decision making in homeland security.
3. Identify the roles and shared responsibility of key agencies and partners at federal, state, and local levels, and of the private sector.
4. Assess current situations and select scenarios.
5. Evaluate the all-hazards and the whole-community approach to national preparedness and emergency management.

Contact

Certificate Program Head: Alexander Siedschlag

Primary Program Contact: Lesa Stanford

Email: lis12@psu.edu

Mailing Address: 777 West Harrisburg Pike, 131W Olmsted Bldg., Middletown, PA 17057

Telephone: (717) 948-6050

Program Website: Homeland Security Graduate Certificate