Certificate in Homeland Security Studies

Admissions Requirements          Application Process          Curriculum Requirements          Cost          

The September 11th terrorist attacks put homeland security at the very top of the national public policy agenda. There is perhaps no more important mission facing the U.S. government. But, as the National Strategy for Homeland Security argues, securing the homeland is also an extremely complex mission that requires a coordinated and integrated effort from all levels of society - the federal government, state and local governments, the private and nonprofit sectors, and the American people. The concept of "homeland security" focuses on protecting the nation from terrorist attacks but it also encompasses planning and preparing for natural disasters. As Hurricane Katrina so tragically demonstrated, the results of such disasters can be every bit as catastrophic (if not more so) as a terrorist attack.

The Certificate in Homeland Security Studies is a 5-course, 15-credit curriculum that prepares students for these new challenges. Jointly offered by the Security Studies Program (SSP) and the Georgetown Public Policy Institute (GPPI), the Certificate gives students an interdisciplinary perspective appropriate to the complexity of the homeland security mission. Students interested in pursuing a full Master's degree in either program may apply for admission upon completion of the Certificate program and may request that the credits earned for the Certificate be applied to the Master's program.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

To be considered to the Certificate program, each applicant must have achieved at least a B (3.0) average in attaining their bachelor's degree.  In addition background in the security studies or public policy fields is highly recommended.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Prospective applicants should submit an online application or paper application from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.  All parts of applications (including recommendations and transcripts) must reach us by the application deadline or we will not accept the application.  

Resume
Statement of Purpose*
Official Transcripts (all prior institutions)
Official Recommendations (2)
TOEFL/IELTS (required for all non-native English speakers)
Non-refundable Application Fee**

 *Statements of purpose should address intellectual interests and professional and academic goals; specifically how the Homeland Security Certificate complements your current and/or future academic and professional objectives.  Essays should not exceed 500 words. .

**The application fee is $75 for all applicants and is payable by check made out to Georgetown University.

Send application materials to:

        Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
        Attn: Credentials - Homeland Security Certificate
        Georgetown University
        Intercultural Center, Suite 302
        3700 O Street, N.W.
        Washington, DC 20057-1005

CURRICULUM REQUIREMENTS
Students must complete 15 credits of coursework, taking one core course from SSP and one core course from GPPI. Similarly, students take at least one elective course from each program. The 15 credits must be completed with in two academic years.  Course descriptions are below:

GPPI Courses
Core Course:
PPOL 740  Decision Making for Public Policy

Sample Public Policy Electives:
PPOL 612  Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations
PPOL-665 US Civil Military Relations
PPOL-687 Religion and Peace-Building
PPOL 810  Risk Assessment
PPOL-811 Leadership in Crises and Disasters (1.5)

SSP Courses
Core Course:
SEST 513   U.S. Homeland Security

Sample Security Studies Electives:
SEST 521  Theory and Practice of Intelligence
SEST 546  Terrorism and Counterterrorism
SEST 551  Science, Technology and Homeland Security
SEST 540  Al-Qaeda
SEST 522  Intelligence and National Security Policy Making
SEST 612  Intelligence Oversight


COST
The Homeland Security Certificate is a stand alone certificate program within the Security Studies Program and the Georgetown Public Policy Institute.