Resilience Studies
Certificate
The Graduate Certificate in Resilience Studies prepares students to manage contemporary transnational risks through a systematic lens.
Program overview
Shape a more secure future
The goal of the Graduate Certificate in Resilience Studies is to prepare students to manage contemporary transnational risks.
Students gain a systematic understanding of the principles and policies for enhancing the resilience of communities and critical systems. Students will meet these goals through the following certificate requirements:
- Participating in a resilience policy course that will introduce students to the synthetic approach to managing transnational risks
- Taking two required gateway courses that support specialization in cyberspace or counterterrorism
- Focusing on applied learning through group assignments and projects on how to respond to man-made threats and naturally occurring hazards
- Exercising leadership through team projects
The goal of the Graduate Certificate in Resilience Studies is to prepare students to manage contemporary transnational risks.
Students gain a systematic understanding of the principles and policies for enhancing the resilience of communities and critical systems. Students will meet these goals through the following certificate requirements:
- Participating in a resilience policy course that will introduce students to the synthetic approach to managing transnational risks
- Taking two required gateway courses that support specialization in cyberspace or counterterrorism
- Focusing on applied learning through group assignments and projects on how to respond to man-made threats and naturally occurring hazards
- Exercising leadership through team projects
- First graduate certificate program with a focus on resilience studies
- Credits transferable to MS in Resilience Studies
- Certificate focuses on policy studies and the intellectual frameworks that guide this developing field
- Students can complete the certificate online, using certain courses
The need to devise strategies to survive disruptive events, recover quickly, and rebuild stronger clearly applies not only to local and national governments and their agencies but also to private industry. Resilience focuses on identifying risk, understanding the systems involved in that risk assessment, and the determination of how to mitigate it, as well as to bounce back and adapt after disruption. Opportunities for graduates with resilience knowledge and skills are sought within:
- Public safety and public health
- Energy/power
- Transportation
- Communications
- Supply chain management
- Government entities, including DHS, FBI, Secret Service, and branches of the military (as a private contractor)
Recent graduates of the MS in Resilience Studies degree have found employment in a wide variety of opportunities, including:
- Data analyst: U.S. Marshals Service
- Program analyst and emergency management: FEMA
- Cybersecurity analyst: major health insurance corporation
- Aviation security specialist: Massachusetts Port Authority
- Security consultant for private industry customers
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.
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.
Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.
Fall
| Admissions Deadline | |
| International Applicants | June 15 |
| Domestic Applicants | August 15 |
Spring
| Admissions Deadline | |
| International Applicants | October 1 |
| Domestic Applicants | December 15 |
Application
Application fee
Personal statement
Resume
One letter of recommendation
Unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended
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 proficiency for international applicants
Program objectives
Prepare for success
The certificate trains students in emerging resilience tactics in support of communities, companies, and countries facing 21st-century transnational challenges.
Students are prepared for multiple career opportunities in resilience fields, as well as new roles such as chief resilience officer for cities or enterprise resilience officer.
The distinguished faculty directly support students’ professional development and post-graduation career opportunities by facilitating networking with respected resilience practitioners.
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Cost of attendance
Tuition and financial aid
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$12,156Tuition 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 aidTotal Cost of Attendance: This figure reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year. The total cost of attendance is dependent on the pace at which students complete the program. Please visit the Student Financial Services site for a more detailed breakdown of pricing per credit and other program fees.
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