Courses

This 12-credit certificate program consists of four required courses.

After completing this certificate, you may only need to take an additional seven courses to obtain Penn State's 33-credit online Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security — Counterterrorism Option, if you apply and are granted admission into the master's program.

Required Courses (12 credits)

3

credits

Surveys the history, evolution, strategies, techniques, tools, and contemporary issues related to counterterrorism in the world today. The course has a comparative focus, examining both U.S. counterterrorism and counterterrorism in other states and contexts. The course makes use of specific case examples of counterterrorism and engages normative/ethical debates on counterterrorism.
3

credits

Investigates the role economic, political, and social factors play in determining patterns of international and domestic terrorism and terrorist activity.
3

credits

Provides a comprehensive summary of the factors that promote the radicalization process, as well as the theoretical and practical foundations of efforts at counter-radicalization and de-radicalization.
3

credits

Introduces students to the various resources and analytical techniques available to terrorism and counterterrorism experts today. It introduces them to the major sources of data on terrorist groups, terrorist incident reports, risk climates, and legal and criminal justice data surrounding terrorism and counterterrorism. It provides students with critical data-gathering and analysis skills useful to practitioners and engages them in reporting and threat-briefing exercises.

Prerequisite
Students must complete PLSC 569 or PLSC 836 or PLSC 837 BEFORE taking PLSC 838

Course Availability

If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.

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