How to Apply - Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security and Defense
Deadlines and Important Dates
Your degree application, including receipt of all application materials, must be received by the following deadlines to be considered complete. Acceptance of your application makes you eligible for preferred registration for your courses, which is why we encourage you to complete your application as soon as possible.
- July 1 for fall semester admission
- October 15 for spring semester admission
- March 1 for summer semester admission
Admissions Help
Thank you for your interest in continuing your homeland security education through Penn State World Campus. New and prospective students must submit an application for admission when applying to either the master's or a certificate program, along with a nonrefundable application fee. If you have any questions throughout the admissions process, please contact an admissions counselor.
Prerequisites
For admission to the Graduate School, an applicant must hold either (1) a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or (2) a tertiary (postsecondary) degree that is deemed comparable to a four-year bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution. This degree must be from an officially recognized degree-granting institution in the country in which it operates.
Application Materials
A completed application The application must be submitted electronically following the directions provided in the application.
Statement of purpose There is no specific format or content requirement. Your statement of purpose should be a personal statement to the admissions committee and may include any of the following: your reasons for pursuing the degree, why you feel you are a good candidate for the program, and any information you would like the admissions committee to know about you personally and/or professionally.
Résumé
Names of three recommenders
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. All international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), with some exceptions. Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Graduate School "How to Apply" page.
Two official transcripts from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. (Penn State even has a convenient transcript request form. Penn State alumni do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State.) Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Mail transcripts to:
Erica A. Peiffer
School of Public Affairs
Homeland Security Degree Base Program and Certificate
777 West Harrisburg Pike
160W Olmsted Building
Middletown PA 17057
Phone: 717-948-6322
Fax: 717-948-6320
Email: eap16@psu.edu
Send your statement of purpose, résumé, and official transcripts to the Base program office by mail or email. No GRE scores are required. Please have your three recommenders mail or email letters of recommendation directly to Erica A. Peiffer.
How to Apply
Individuals seeking admission to this program must complete and submit the Penn State Graduate School online application. Be sure to read the admissions requirements carefully, as each program has unique requirements.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this degree program.