Certificate in Homeland Security

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.

Homeland Security Certificate 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. Course listings are below:

Security Studies Program

Core

Sample electives

GPPI Courses

Core

Sample electives

Deadline

The application deadline for the Spring 2008 semester start is NOVEMBER 1, 2007.

Certificate Application Materials

Prospective applicants should submit an online application or paper application from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

  • Non-refundable Application Fee

  • Resume

  • Statement of Purpose*

  • Official Transcripts (all prior institutions)

  • Official Recommendations (2)

  • TOEFL/IELTS (required for all non-native English speakers)

*Address intellectual interests and professional and academic goals. Carefully explain how the Homeland Security certificate specifically fits into your future academic and professional plans (not to exceed 500 words)

Send application materials to:

Virginia Amundson
Attn: Credentials - Homeland Security Certificate
Georgetown Public Policy Institute
3520 Prospect Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007

The application fee is $70 for online applicants, and $80 for paper applicants, payable by check made out to Georgetown University.

All parts of applications (including recommendations and transcripts) must reach us by the application deadline. Admissions will be done on a rolling application basis. Your earliest possible application is encouraged.

Certificate Application Requirements

Admission to the graduate school requires that applicants have achieved at least a B (3.0) average in attaining their bachelor's degree.

This is an interdisciplinary program and does not require an extensive background in the security studies or public policy.

Cost

The Homeland Security Certificate is a stand-alone certificate program within the Security Studies Program and the Georgetown Public Policy Institute. The 2007-2008 tuition rate is $1392.00 per credit. Certificate = 5 courses (3 credits each) = $20,880.00