Homeland Security & Emergency Management Graduate Certificate Overview
The online Homeland Security and Emergency Management Graduate Certificate is designed for law enforcement, public safety, emergency first responders, and military personnel potentially interested in civilian security careers. Led by faculty members who are industry experts, this certificate will familiarize you with threats to the United States, ranging from terrorism and natural disasters to climate change.
Apply Credits to Your Master's Degree
Graduate certificate students may be interested in enrolling in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) program. Up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level College of Public Service coursework completed with a grade of B or better as an unclassified (non-degree) student may be applied to the MPA or MCJ program upon admission, subject to degree plan requirements and program director approval.
Students currently enrolled in the MPA or MCJ programs may count graduate certificate coursework completed with a grade of B- or better toward their degree’s elective requirement, allowing certificate completion along with the MPA or MCJ program. Consult with the College of Public Service’s graduate student services specialist or a relevant program director to verify courses fit into your degree plan.
Homeland Security & Emergency Management Graduate Certificate
College of Public Service
100% Online
Delivery Method
$710*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate In-state
$811*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate Out-of-state
Priority Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline
12
Credit Hours
1 Year
Average Completion Time
Certificate Courses
The Homeland Security and Emergency Management Graduate Certificate consists of five required courses totaling 15 credit hours of graduate coursework. A grade of B- or better is required in each course counting toward the certificate. Certificate students must maintain a 3.00 GPA once admitted to the certificate program. It is possible that completing the certificate could take up to two years, depending on course availability.
Core Courses
- PADM 5950 / CRJU 5950: Emerging Threats
- PADM 5960 / CRJU 5960: Homeland Security & Emergency Management Administration
- PADM 5970 / CRJU 5970: Introduction to Intelligence Practice & Research
- PADM 5980 / CRJU 5980: Environmental Challenges & Human Security
- PADM 5990 / CRJU 5990: Intergovernmental & Public-Private Sector Coordination
You'll learn to:
Understand national critical vulnerabilities and emerging threats to the United States
Analyze the environmental challenges facing humans today and understand ways to counter them
Navigate the relationships between intelligence producers and consumers
Understand the policy, strategy, structure, and operations of federal agencies involved in homeland security
Take the First Step
Complete the form on this page to be contacted by an Enrollment Navigator.
Tuition and Fees
At UCCS Online, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education that fits your budget. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
We’re here to answer your questions and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. Please note: This graduate certificate program is considered a “Course of Study Certificate” and not a Gainful Employment (GE) program, which means it is not eligible for aid, including the College Opportunity Fund (COF).
Complete the formComplete the form on this page to connect with our Enrollment Navigator and get more information about tuition, fees, and more.
In State Cost Per Credit:
$710
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Out of State Cost Per Credit:
$811
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Our enrollment navigators can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. We’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your UCCS Online education.
UCCS Online is military-friendly and committed to providing service members and their families with a high-quality education that fits their distinct needs. As a UCCS Online student, you will have access to UCCS Veteran and Military Affairs, which connects veteran, active duty, reservist, National Guard, and dependent students with fundamental support, services, and resources to ensure academic and professional success. UCCS is a proud home campus to many veteran and military students.
Eligible veteran and military students may use veteran benefits, military tuition assistance, and/or financial aid to pay for their education. Military benefits with UCCS Online include:
- Waived application fee for active duty and veterans
- Military benefits approved program
Connect with our Enrollment Navigators to learn more about the benefits and financial assistance available to military and veteran students.
All students are automatically opted in to the TAAP program with the choice to opt out. The TAAP program provides all your course materials for one flat fee per credit hour. That means no more time spent searching for, ordering, and paying out of pocket for your own course materials.
Many companies offer tuition assistance benefits as part of their employee compensation program. Generally, these policies determine a set number of credit hours per year that the company will fund on behalf of the student/employee. Some policies place a cap on eligible tuition dollars and related expenses while others reimburse employees on a per-credit-hour basis. Get in touch with your organization's human resources department to learn more about your educational benefits.
Admissions Information
Admission to the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Graduate Certificate program requires a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better.
New students interested in pursuing a graduate certificate only must complete the online graduate application, select their intended certificate and pay the $60 application fee. An unofficial transcript showing the undergraduate degree conferred should be sent to UCCS Admissions, 1420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, or electronically to ugapp@uccs.edu. An official transcript will be collected by the graduate college prior to the end of the first semester.
UCCS accepts applications throughout the year through a rolling admissions process. However, submitting your application by the preferred deadlines is advisable.
Our stated application deadlines are as follows, but we admit students up to a week before the semester starts. We have also started admitting students mid-semester before Session B begins.
- Fall Semester: August 1
- Spring Semester: December 1
- Summer Semester: May 1
- Summer 2025 – June 9, 2025
- Fall 2025 – August 25, 2025
- Spring 2026 – January 20, 2026
- Summer 2026 – June 15, 2026
- Fall 2026 – August 24, 2026
- Spring 2027 – January 19, 2027
Expand Your Opportunities
Earn an education that creates opportunity. Start the admissions process with an enrollment navigator by filling out the form on this page today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Online learning will offer you the flexibility to study at the best place and time for you. You can choose a format that is sustainable for your lifestyle, which can help you take into account your current career, family, and other commitments outside of school.
Additionally, at UCCS Online, our online programs are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, which means you’re earning the same high quality degree as traditional students, and your certificate will not mention that it was earned online.
Yes, up to 12 credit hours of graduate-level College of Public Service coursework completed with a grade of B or better as an unclassified (non-degree) student may be applied to the Master of Public Administration or Master of Criminal Justice program upon admission, subject to degree plan requirements and program director approval. Consult with the UCCS College of Public Service’s graduate student services specialist or relevant program director to verify courses fit into your degree plan.
The Homeland Security and Emergency Management Graduate Certificate program is offered online, which means you will not be required to take courses at our campus. In some courses, you may encounter synchronous elements, which means you may need to login at specific times to participate in coursework like live lectures.