The market for homeland security jobs is growing in the public and private sectors. Earning a certificate in homeland security at Great Bay can provide emergency-response professionals with the skills and expertise necessary to effectively plan for, prepare for, and respond to a potential terrorist attack. Students pursuing a criminal justice degree may also take the Homeland Security Certificate to enhance their potential employment opportunities.
Upon completion of the Homeland Security Certificate at Great Bay, graduates will be able to:
- Examine the historical and evolving concept of homeland security within the broader political and national security system of the contemporary nation-state.
- Recognize the detailed mitigation, planning, response, and recovery phases to and from a homeland security incident.
- Differentiate among the various homeland security threats to include those that are manmade, technological, and natural.
- Discuss the strategic, operational, and tactical threats presented by chemical, nuclear, and biological agents to include agent characteristics and delivery systems.
- Distinguish among and assess the various homeland security approaches, techniques, and processes, such as analytics, indications, warnings, and forecasting.
- Explain the key administrative and command and control elements of the evolving homeland security relationships among the intelligence community, Department of Homeland Security, interagency processes, and institutions; federal, state, and local intergovernmental relations; and a comprehensive U.S. homeland security strategy.
- Be able to assess the risk of threat and utilize crisis management strategies to develop a plan and minimize organization and community vulnerability.
Applicants should be aware that thorough background checks are completed by potential employers before obtaining any position with arrest or detention powers, and typically, even before being accepted for an internship. Applicants who have a criminal record may not be employable. Due to the possible negative impact on future employability, applicants are strongly advised to discuss any concerns with the department chair before applying to the program.
To be successful in the homeland security field, one must demonstrate the emotional stability required to exercise sound judgment and accept direction and guidance from a supervisor. One must also be able to establish rapport and maintain sensitive interpersonal relationships with employees, customers, and clients. Overall opportunities within homeland security will be favorable for individuals who meet psychological, physical, and personal qualifications.
In addition to Great Bay transfer credit policies, transfer of courses in homeland security more than ten years old will be evaluated by the program coordinator on an individual basis.
Certificate Requirements
Students must also select two additional courses from the following list: