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Gain Skills to Prevent and Respond to Man-Made and Natural Disasters
Work within the parameters of Congressional acts, presidential directives, and national strategies that influence decision-making in homeland security.
Identify the roles and shared responsibility of key agencies and partners at federal, state, and local levels, and of the private sector.
Plan and organize imperatives related to homeland security and emergency management.
Utilize the all-hazards and whole-community approach to national preparedness and emergency management.
Online Homeland Security Certificate Courses
Online Homeland Security Certificate Courses
This 12-credit graduate certificate helps shape future leaders by teaching a broad-based knowledge of homeland security issues and strategies at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as in the private sector.
Required Courses (6 credits)
- 3credits
Fundamentals of Homeland Security provides foundational knowledge about homeland security policy, strategy, organization, and legal issues in the U.S. context.
- 3credits
Analyzes, evaluates, and critiques homeland security plans in practice.
Electives (choose 6 credits)
- 3credits
Provides knowledge about protection of critical infrastructure as an aspect of homeland security
- 3credits
Addresses international cooperation in Homeland Security and compare select national approaches as well as teach related practical methods of analysis.
- Prerequisite
HLS 801, HLS 803, HLS 805, and PADM 802 (In certain cases, students may be eligible for a prerequisite waiver based on prior academic or professional experience.)
- 3credits
Explores psychological impact of disasters and terrorist attacks on victims, families, rescuers, and society and methods of reducing negative effects.
- 3credits
The homeland security framework depends on strategic planning and organization. This course examines the key issues associated with these.
- 3credits
Examination of the roles of the public and private sectors and the military in preparing for, mitigating, and responding to disasters.
- 3credits
Provides new insights of the emerging threats, disruptive technologies, and techniques for analyzing them to plan for the future of Homeland Security.
- 3credits
This course will provide an overview of transnational crime and its effects on homeland security.
- 3credits
Provides an overview of the homeland defense mission and defense support of civil authorities during disasters, and the distinctions between the two.
- Prerequisite
HLS 801
- 3credits
This course assesses the controlling authorities that pertain to homeland security, from the U.S. Constitution to major federal statutes, court decisions, and executive directives.
- 3credits
Integrating multiple functional business areas to resolve global business problems and improve organizational performance.
- or:3credits
Overview of human behavior in organizations, and implications for managing and leading individuals, teams, and organizations.
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.
Start or Advance Your Career
Start or Advance Your Career
You can use the knowledge gained from this program and the support of Penn State career resources to pursue careers in a variety of fields, depending on your goals.
Job Titles Related to This Degree
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
Career Services to Set You Up for Success
From the day you're accepted as a student, you can access resources and tools provided by Penn State World Campus Career Services to further your career. These resources are beneficial whether you're searching for a job or advancing in an established career.
- Opportunities to connect with employers
- Career counselor/coach support
- Occupation and salary information
- Internships
- Graduate school resources
Ready to Learn More?
Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.
Ready to take the next step toward your Penn State graduate certificate?
Costs and Financial Aid
Costs and Financial Aid
Learn about this program's tuition, fees, scholarship opportunities, grants, payment options, and military benefits.
Costs and Financial Aid
Graduate Tuition
Graduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register. Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
2024–25 Academic Year Rates
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
---|---|
11 or fewer | $1,027 per credit |
12 or more | $12,325 per semester |
2025–26 Academic Year Rates
How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | Cost |
---|---|
11 or fewer | $1,037 per credit |
12 or more | $12,448 per semester |
Paying for Your Certificate
Students pursuing a certificate are considered "nondegree," a status that is not eligible for federal student aid, including the Federal Direct Stafford Loan program. A private alternative loan may be an option to consider.
Additionally, Penn State offers many ways to pay for your education, including an installment plan and third-party payments. Penn State World Campus also offers an Employer Reimbursement and Tuition Deferment Plan. Learn more about the options for paying for your education.
Students pursuing a degree and meeting all other eligibility requirements may qualify for financial aid.
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
Additional Cost of Attendance Details
To view the detailed list of cost of attendance elements:
- visit the Tuition Information site
- click the plus sign to expand the table
- select a semester from the World Campus row
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this program.
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
A Head Start toward a Master’s Degree
Not only can this program help create opportunities in your career, it can also give you a solid head start toward a full master’s degree.
Degree Program Related to This Certificate
The 12 credits earned for this certificate can be applied to the following Penn State World Campus degree program, if you apply and are accepted into the program:
Learn from one of the first and most comprehensive homeland security programs. You may complete the base program or choose from a diverse range of specialization options — all designed to develop highly trained future leaders in roles that include national security.
Learn more about the Master of Professional Studies in Homeland SecurityWho Should Apply?
Who Should Apply?
This certificate is ideal for federal, state, and local emergency management officials, law enforcement personnel, and 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.
The program is open to candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree. Individuals in the private sector — including finance corporations, insurance agencies, and security consultants — may find the program provides valuable and relevant skills.
Set Your Own Pace
Set Your Own Pace
Whether you are looking to finish your program as quickly as possible or balance your studies with your busy life, Penn State World Campus can help you achieve your education goals. Many students take one or two courses per semester.
Our online courses typically follow a 12- to 15-week semester cycle, and there are three semesters per year (spring, summer, and fall). If you plan to take a heavy course load, you should expect your course work to be your primary focus and discuss your schedule with your academic adviser.
To Finish Your Certificate in Less than a Year
- Take 3–4 courses each semester
To Finish Your Certificate in One Year
- Take 2–3 courses each semester
To Finish Your Certificate in Two Years
- Take 1 course each semester
Timelines may vary based on course availability.
Convenient Online Format
This program's convenient online format gives you the flexibility you need to study around your busy schedule. You can skip the lengthy commute without sacrificing the quality of your education and prepare yourself for more rewarding career opportunities without leaving your home.
A Trusted Leader in Online Education
Penn State has a history of more than 100 years of distance education, and World Campus has been a leader in online learning for more than two decades. Our online learning environment offers the same quality education that our students experience on campus.
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, and application instructions.
How to Apply to Penn State
How to Apply to Penn State
Apply by December 1 to start January 13
Application Instructions
Deadlines and Important Dates
Complete your application and submit all required materials by the appropriate deadline. Your deadline will depend on the semester you plan to start your courses.
Spring Deadline
Apply by December 1 to start January 13Summer Deadline
Apply by May 1 to start May 19Fall Deadline
Apply by August 1, 2025, to start August 25, 2025
Steps to Apply
For admission to the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox 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.
Applications are submitted electronically and include a nonrefundable application fee. You will need to upload the following items as part of your application:
Official transcripts from each institution attended, regardless of the number of credits or semesters completed. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you are a Penn State alum, you do not need to request transcripts for credits earned at Penn State but must list Penn State as part of your academic history.
GPA and Test Scores — Postsecondary (undergraduate), junior/senior (last two years) GPA is required.
GRE or GMAT scores are NOT required for admission.
English Proficiency — The language of instruction at Penn State is English. With some exceptions, international applicants must take and submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Minimum test scores and exceptions are found in the English Proficiency section on the Fox Graduate School's "Requirements for Graduate Admission" page. Visit the TOEFL website for testing information. Penn State's institutional code is 2660.
To begin the online application, you will need a Penn State account.
Create a New Penn State Account
If you have any problems during this process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Please note: Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application or create a new Penn State account. Please visit our Returning Students page for instructions.
You can begin your online application at any time. Your progress within the online application system will be saved as you go, allowing you to return at any point as you gather additional information and required materials.
- Choose Enrollment Type: "Certificate Admission"
- Choose "WORLD CAMPUS" as the campus
Checking Your Status
You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form.5. Complete the application.
Admissions Help
If you have questions about the admissions process, contact an admissions counselor at [email protected].
Contact Us
Contact Us
Have questions or want more information? We're happy to talk.
To learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, please use the contacts below.
For questions regarding how to apply, contact:
World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]
For questions about the program, contact:
Melissa Forkey
Homeland Security Degree Base Program, Certificate, and Undergraduate Minor
School of Public Affairs
777 West Harrisburg Pike
160W Olmsted Building
Middletown, PA 17057
Phone: 717-948-6322
Fax: 717-948-6320
[email protected]
Learn from the Best
Learn from the Best
The Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security is offered in partnership with the Penn State Harrisburg School of Public Affairs. Our courses are taught by distinguished faculty who have special training and experience teaching in an online environment.
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.
Faculty
Emma Leonard Boyle, Ph.D.
- DegreePh.D., Political Science and African Studies, Penn State
- DegreeM.A., Political Science, Penn State
- DegreeM.Sc., African Studies, Oxford University
- DegreeM.A., International Relations, The University of St Andrews
Emma Leonard Boyle is an associate professor of political science and the chair of the homeland security programs. She received her Ph.D. in Political Science and African Studies from Penn State, and her research interests include terrorism, the geography of political violence, and gender-based violence in civil wars. She has previously worked at the Center for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence (CSTPV) at the University of St Andrews and the International Center for the Study of Terrorism (ICST) at Penn State.
Nicholas Eftimiades
- DegreeM.S., Strategic Intelligence, National Defense Intelligence College
- DegreeB.A., East Asian Studies, George Washington University
Nicholas Eftimiades retired from the U.S. Department of Defense. His 34-year government career includes employment in the CIA as a technical operations officer, a special agent in the U.S. Department of StateBureau of Diplomatic Security, and a senior intelligence officer in the Defense Intelligence Agency. He held positions in analysis, human and technical intelligence collection, and management, with numerous overseas assignments.