Online Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Investigations, Certificate
Overview
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created as a result of the events of September 11, 2001. According to the DHS, the department currently employs more than 230,000 employees in law enforcement, business operations/mission support, immigration, travel security, prevention and response, cyber, information technology, engineering, intelligence, emergency management and more.
Upon completion of the Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Investigations Graduate Certificate Program, students will demonstrate:
- Improved ability to compete successfully for employment in the homeland security field, including counterterrorism and intelligence disciplines.
- Academic competence in the homeland security, counterterrorism investigations, and intelligence, to include a curriculum that reflects the full spectrum of key issues in homeland security.
- Skill in researching, analyzing, writing, and orally reporting issues of significance in homeland security and counterterrorism investigations.
- Knowledge of high ethical standards and the application of those standards in real-life homeland security-related situations consistent with the Christian humanistic philosophy of St. Francis de Sales.
- Our faculty are nationally-recognized professionals in the field. You’ll be taught by professionally active advanced practice faculty who connect textbook theory with real-world application of tools, processes, and methodologies.
- All criminal justice professionals receive a 20% tuition discount. This discount applies to all DeSales MCJ graduate and certificate programs.
- The flexibility of online. Our online format allows you to continue your professional work while obtaining the skills needed to advance your career.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions to the MCJ program are on a rolling basis, with no standardized exam requirements.
Requirements for admission into the Criminal Justice Graduate Certificate Program are:
- A bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies (Middle States, New England, North Central, Northwest, Southern, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges) or its equivalent from a foreign institution.
- Background or interest in the field of criminal justice.
- Evidence of potential for graduate work: A personal statement that will serve as a demonstration of your ability to write at the graduate level. It should include your personal and professional goals, as well as how the Digital Forensics Certificate from DeSales University can assist you in achieving them.
- Resume Required
Start Dates: See Academic Calendar
Application Information- Deadline: Rolling
- Standardized Exam Required: No
- Official Transcripts Required:Yes
- Personal Statement Required: Yes
- Resume Required: Yes
- International Students:
- English Competency Exam Required: TOEFL
- Transcript Evaluation Required: Yes
- Certificate of Finances Required: Yes
Curriculum
Earn a graduate certificate in just 4 courses.
Required Courses (12 credits)
- CJ 508 - Investigation of Terrorism
A systematic review and analysis of the composition, arrangement and operation of homeland security in the United States at the local, state and federal levels. One theme of the course will be the framework of an appropriate long-term strategy for our collective homeland security as a nation. - CJ 550 - Advanced Counterterrorism
This course will teach students to understand the ideologies of terrorist organizations, their recruitment process, propaganda activities, and tactics. Students completing this course will understand how terrorists think. The course examines potential terrorist attacks, how to prevent attacks, possible measures of terrorist recruitment, finance prevention and how to deal with terrorism in the short and long terms. - CJ 551 - Hostage Negotiations
This course will examine the principles and theory of hostage/crisis negotiations practiced by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The course will further expand on the use of negotiations in international terrorism incidents as well as major hostage events that have occurred in the homeland. This course will incorporate classroom lecturing and practical exercises. - CJ 552 - Introduction to Intelligence Analysis
This course examines how intelligence analysis is used in the Intelligence Community, law enforcement and the private sector. Students will learn how to research, draft, and refine analytic products using structured analytic techniques and effectively communicating analytic judgments consistent with the tradecraft currently used by Intelligence Community professionals.
Academic Catalog
Tuition & Fees
Program Costs
- Tuition/credit hour: $850*
- Graduation Fee: $120
*Tuition/credit hours listed are for 2024/2025 academic year. Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice.
Total cost of the Master's Degree program = $25,500
Total cost of the Graduate Certificate Programs = $10,200
- Returned Check Service: $30
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) fee – 30% of course tuition charge
Note: Tuition and fees are reviewed each academic year and are subject to change with notice.
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and graduate program information sheets
More information
DeSales University is proud to offer actively employed criminal justice professionals a 20% tuition discount for this Master's level Criminal Justice program.*
This discount covers tuition only, and is not applicable towards textbooks or other fees.
The Center for Homeland Security (CHS)
Online Learning at DeSales
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