Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security
Overview | Course Listings | Faculty
Offered online, on campus, or via a combination of formats, the Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security (CHLS) is an outstanding addition to the resume of anyone interested in a career related to homeland security; public safety including emergency management, law enforcement, or cyber security; public service in federal, state, or local government; or the public sector. The program consists of instruction surveying the dimensions of homeland security and national defense, from the traditional concepts of public safety to the emerging concepts of counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
Courses are taught by nationally and internationally acclaimed Texas A&M University Bush School faculty members. Classes include full-time working professionals who bring unique experiences and expertise to the classroom. Additionally, classes include full-time graduate students who pursue the graduate certificate credential to enhance their resume, and also individuals who want to transition into a challenging and fulfilling career in homeland security.
Students are given these areas to choose from for emphasis in their certificate:
- Border Security
- Critical Infrastructure Protection
- Emergency Management and Crisis Preparedness
- National Security Policy and Management
Summer 2025 Bush School Online Course Schedule
Fall 2025 Bush School Online Course Schedule
About the Homeland Security Program
Student Highlight from Bill Campbell
“The Certificate in Homeland Security (CHLS) program at Texas A&M’s Bush School of Government and Public Service was exactly what I needed to augment my existing master’s degree. In the private sector, we are challenged to provide state-of-the-art technology solutions to critical infrastructure providers and first responders. The CHLS program helped me gain key global insight into the broad spectrum of challenges our customers face. I’ve been able to now view the market we serve differently, and more proactively, to ensure we’re not only serving our customers well, but also helping improve the overall security of our homeland.
Technology is ever-increasing, and if deployed across the critical infrastructure sectors intelligently, then all our nation’s citizens benefit. Therefore, it is imperative to continue to educate ourselves on all homeland security challenges. Achieving a level of understanding of these challenges is not just a good idea, but essential.”
William W. “Bill” Campbell,
Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security Alumni, Class of 2016
Our Students
The majority of certificate students are full time professionals seeking a stand-alone credential for career advancement, with the added bonus of graduate credit hours that may transfer as credit toward a graduate degree. Other certificate students are full time, degree-seeking Texas A&M resident students adding a special notation of certificate completion to their transcripts.
Program Cost
Tuition and fees vary each year according to state residency, term of study, and other factors. Distance education differential tuition applies to all online courses. For the most recent cost estimate, please contact the Bush School Online Advising center at 1-866-988-2874 or bushschoolonline@tamu.edu.
To learn about the Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, view this program’s gainful employment disclosures.
Students may apply and be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. Veteran’s benefits accepted!
Information
The Certificate in Homeland Security requires completion of 15 graduate credit hours and is offered via 100% online courses, on campus courses, or through the combination of online and on campus courses. One course is required along with four electives from a variety of course offerings in the certificate overview. Need more information? Email an Enrollment Advisor or call 1-866-988-BUSH (2874).
A Rewarding Career Path!
Check out the types of career paths and/or advancement opportunities pursued by certificate awardees.
| Career | Occupational Code from O*net Code |
| Business Continuity Planner | 13-1199.04 |
| Command and Control Center Specialists | 55-3015.00 |
| Compliance Managers | 11-9199.02 |
| Criminal Investigators and Special Agents | 33-3021.03 |
| Computer Security Specialists | 15-1071.01 |
| Emergency Management Specialists | 13-1061.00 |
| General and Operations Managers | 11-1021.00 |
| Immigration and Customs Inspectors | 33-3021.05 |
| Military Officer Special and Tactical Operations Leaders/Managers, All Other | 55-1019.00 |
| Police, Fire, and Ambulance Dispatchers | 43-5031.00 |
| Police Patrol Officers | 33-3051.01 |
| Program Directors | 27-2012.03 |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager | 11-9199.01 |
| Security Management Specialists | 13-1199.02 |
| Security Managers | 11-9199.07 |
| Training Specialist | 13-1073.00 |
| Transportation Planners | 19-3099.01 |
| Transportation Security Officers | 33-9099.01 |
Complete your Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security in 24 months or less. Financial aid is available!
