Program Summary
Online Homeland Security Certificate
Penn State’s online Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security provides an excellent education for homeland security professionals and can shape future leaders in the field. Enrolling in the certificate program shows that you want to acquire the broad-based knowledge of homeland security issues and strategies at the local, state, and federal level as well as in the private sector.
Graduates of the certificate can gain an understanding of:
- origins and organization of the Homeland Security Enterprise
- relevant Congressional acts, Presidential policies, and national strategies
- roles and shared responsibility of key agencies and partners at federal, state, and local levels, and from the private sector
- planning and organizational imperatives related to homeland security and emergency management
Why Penn State for Your Homeland Security Education
Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs offers this unique certificate as part of the online Homeland Security Program. Based on a partnership of six colleges, the Penn State Homeland Security portfolio is one of the nation's most respected and comprehensive HLS programs, designed to educate professionals and prepare leaders to make societies more secure in a global era of evolving threats in an all-hazards spectrum.
The 12 credits earned in this certificate may be applied toward the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Base Program, if you apply and are accepted into the program.
Who Should Apply?
The homeland security certificate is open to candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree. The certificate is ideal for federal, state, and local emergency management officials, law enforcement personnel, members of the military, as well as employees connected with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies looking for a broad-based homeland security education. Individuals in the private sector, including finance corporations, insurance agencies, and security consultants, may find the program provides valuable and relevant skills.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
As a graduate with this certificate, you can find work in such occupations as:
- emergency management
- facilities management
- disaster recovery
- education
- administration/management
- policy planning
- community practice
- research
Information for Military and Veterans
Are you a member of the military, a veteran, or a military spouse? Please visit our military website for additional information regarding financial aid, transfer credits, or application instructions.
Online Education at Penn State
Penn State has a history of 100+ years of distance education and more than a decade of experience in online learning. We create an online learning environment that offers you the same quality education our residential students experience in a face-to-face setting. Learn more about Penn State World Campus.