Homeland Security Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Oct 2, 2024

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.