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College of Professional Studies

Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Certificate

Prepare yourself for leadership success in the ever-changing and challenging global environment of security and emergency management.

Program Format
Online
Time Commitment
Part time, Full time
Duration
6 - 12 Months
Entry Term(s)
Fall, Spring
Meets F1 visa requirements
No

Program overview

Learn from security experts

Northeastern University’s Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security and Emergency Management helps you grow your career in security and other related industries. As the world becomes more complex, there is a growing need for professionals with the skills to manage security and navigate emergencies in the public and private sectors.

Our program lets you learn from leaders and constitutional scholars with expert credentials. You’ll engage with security experts who have worked as White House policy advisors, FBI agents, CIA operatives, and military officers. You’ll gain invaluable insights into the intricacies of intelligence collection and analysis within the context of a democratic society.

  • Study online or in Boston as a part- or full-time student.
  • Build your skills, knowledge, and resumé.
  • Expand your future opportunities with smaller investments of time and money than are required for an advanced degree program.
  • Stack credits from this certificate program into Northeastern’s Master of Arts in National Security and Intelligence program.

Admissions

Apply to the program

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and real-world professional experience in your area of interest. Apply to take your career to the next level.

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines*

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.


  • Online application

  • Professional resumé

  • Unofficial undergraduate transcripts; official transcripts required at the time of admission

    • The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)

  • English language proficiency proof. Students for whom English is not their primary language must submit one of the following:

    • Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date

    • TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores

  • Other materials may be required

Program objectives

Prepare for success

Gain the skills to thrive in security and emergency management.

Develop strategic leadership capabilities

Gain the advanced skills and strategic thinking abilities needed to manage complex security challenges and lead teams in government and private organizations.

Build comprehensive security expertise

Focus on today’s homeland security principles, emergency management frameworks, and risk assessment methodologies to effectively manage evolving threats and vulnerabilities.

Advance your professional abilities

Stand out as a qualified security professional with new competencies in crisis response, policy analysis, interagency coordination, and adaptive problem-solving.

Connect with us

Want more information?

We’re here to answer your questions about this program, the application process, and more. Complete the form below to receive additional program details and speak with a member of our enrollment team. 

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Degree building

Earning a graduate certificate is a fast and affordable way to acquire specialized skills while building toward your master’s degree. Upon completion of this certificate program, you may be able to apply your credits to an eligible master’s program, saving time and money on your degree.

Some of the eligible master’s programs for this certificate include:

Contact an enrollment counselor to learn more about eligibility requirements.

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Cost of attendance

Tuition and financial aid

  • $14,592
    Tuition in USD

Estimated Total Tuition

This is an estimate based on the tuition rates for Academic Year 2025-2026 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time. Select programs at select campuses offer additional scholarships of up to 25% off the listed price for domestic students studying on campus. For more detailed information, please visit Student Financial Services.

For students interested in pursuing financial assistance or educational loans, additional educational costs, known as Cost of Attendance (COA) components, can be included in the calculation of aid and loan eligibility. Components may include food, housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal expenses, and the cost of obtaining a first professional licensure. You can find comprehensive details on the Student Financial Services website. Please keep in mind that COA can vary significantly depending on academic program, enrollment intensity, and individual circumstances.

There are many ways to pay for your education, including scholarships, financial aid, and more. Connect with a financial counselor to learn about your options and make your dream a reality.

Visit tuition & financial aid
Online Programs

Your education, your way

A person with curly hair in a white zip-up jacket sits at a modern kitchen table, focused on their laptop. They hold a mug and appear engaged, with natural light filtering through a window behind them.

Northeastern's online classes give you the same top-tier education you'd get in person, on a schedule that works for your lifestyle and career needs. They offer a range of videos, interactives, breakout sessions, and experience-focused learning opportunities to immerse you in the material and build community. You'll graduate with the same degree as your in-person peers.

#8

Northeastern's national ranking for Most Innovative Schools

(U.S. News & World Report, 2024)

53.5%

Percent of graduate students in the U.S. enrolled in online courses

(NCES, 2022)

97%

Percent of students in the U.S. who recommend online education

(BestColleges, 2024)