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Certificate Program in Security Management and Homeland Security

With UMass Lowell's Security Management and Homeland Security certificate online, you will gain the skills and knowledge to help keep our country safe.

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Security Management and Homeland Security Certificate Online

Help address growing threats to the U.S. with UMass Lowell's six-course Security Management and Homeland Security certificate online. You'll gain knowledge of national security issues, including emergency response, homeland protection and computer and network security.

The online Homeland Security certificate is for public safety personnel, law enforcement, corporate executives overseeing security programs and IT professionals. Criminal justice students may also benefit from this certificate by broadening their studies to encompass security within the private sector.

Just 6 Courses

Just 6 Courses

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One of the Most Affordable Tuitions in the Nation

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Variety of Financial Aid and Scholarships Available

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Apply Anytime

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One Success Leads to Another

Apply credits from lower credentials to higher ones. Our programs are designed to build upon themselves:

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Certificate Program in Security Management and Homeland Security
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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Interested in a career in Homeland Security, Cybersecurity or International Security? Explore our Security Studies Master's Degrees.

Curriculum Outline

-Total Courses Required: 6 (18 Credits)

Required Courses (3 Courses / 9cr)

Electives (Choose 3 / 9cr)

Course Descriptions

CRIM.1150 Introduction to Homeland Security (3cr)

This course will encompass the study and relationship between those entities and institutions necessary for the protection of the United States. Course instructional material will examine the components of Federal, State and Local Police Agencies, as well as the role of Private Security and Emergency Responders needed to facilitate the implementation of the Homeland Security Act. Particular attention will be focused on Policy, Plans and Procedures at governmental and community levels.

Notes:

For permission numbers and questions regarding the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, please email Christopher_Harris@uml.edu

CRIM.2130 Emergency Management (3cr)

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the various ways in which a corporation and local municipality can plan for a disaster before it occurs. Topics covered include risk identification and assessment of multi-hazards whether natural and man-made, violence in the workplace, development of crisis and disaster incident management programs, and business/agency continuation planning.

CRIM.2340 Criminal Law (3cr)

The historical origins and development of criminal law from the early common law to contemporary decisions and statutes. Constitutional and statutory factors as they pertain to criminal responsibility, capacity, crimes against persons and property, defenses to criminal charges and sentences. Sections of the Massachusetts Criminal Code and other statutes will be covered where applicable.

Notes:

For permission numbers and questions regarding the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, please email Christopher_Harris@uml.edu

CRIM.2480 Terrorism (international and domestic) (3cr)

This course acquaints the Criminal Justice student with the concept of terrorism at both the international and domestic levels. Topics include the history of terrorism, terrorism today and terrorism in the future. Counter measures taken to respond to terrorist threats are also examined.

Notes:

For permission numbers and questions regarding the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, please email Christopher_Harris@uml.edu

CRIM.3120 Security Management (3cr)

Addresses the basic interdisciplinary principles of security management including planning, budgeting, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. This course will also cover marketing security services to management, risk management, civil and criminal liability, and labor relations. Each aspect of the course is designed to prepare security managers to face the new challenges as broader and more cost-effective protection is required with fewer resources. The course will also bring about greater awareness and understanding of the various options available in security and loss control. It will identify a number of risk areas and outline various deterrent and preventative methods.

Notes:

For permission numbers and questions regarding the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, please email Christopher_Harris@uml.edu

CRIM.3260 Hate Crime (3cr)

This course examines prejudice as a motivation for criminal behavior. The criminological theory for hate crime is reviewed, as well as historical perspectives of this crime category.

Notes:

For permission numbers and questions regarding the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, please email Christopher_Harris@uml.edu

CRIM.3420 Criminal Profiling (3cr)

This course provides an overview of the development and character of the many types of offenders who become criminal psychopaths. The course explores the various methods used in classifying and predicting criminal behavior derived form the field of Criminology, Psychology and Forensic Science.

Notes:

For permission numbers and questions regarding the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, please email Christopher_Harris@uml.edu

Requirements:

CRIM majors only

CRIM.3430 Forensic Psychology (3cr)

This course examines the application of psychological theories, principles, and research to issues of concern to the criminal justice system.

Notes:

For permission numbers and questions regarding the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, please email Christopher_Harris@uml.edu

CRIM.3480 Advanced Seminar on Weapons of Mass Destruction and Terrorism (3cr)

This course will examine the scientific and technological details of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) weapons; the proliferation of these weapons and international CBRN prevention efforts (like the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, the Chemical Weapons Convention, and the Biological Weapons Convention); and the threat of terrorist groups seeking to acquire and use CBRN weapons, and explore ways to improve our response to this complex threat.

CRIM.3490 Intelligence & National Security (3cr)

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of how the U.S. intelligence community functions, where it fits in the policy making and law enforcement systems of U.S. democracy, and its role in the protection of national security.

Requirements:

CRIM.1150 Pre-req

CRIM.3800 Selected Topics in Criminal Justice (3cr)

An advanced course of study and examination of a variety of current issues and topics in criminal justice. Students without a sufficient background in criminal justice courses should not attempt this course. Subject matter to be announced in advance. Visit the current semester schedule on the Continuing Studies website for more details.

Notes:

For permission numbers and questions regarding the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, please email Christopher_Harris@uml.edu

Requirements:

44.221 and CJ majors pre-req

Undergraduate Certificate Requirements

Students enrolled in UMass Lowell certificate programs must complete all courses and maintain a grade point average of 2.000 or better to earn the certificate. All certificate courses must be completed within a five-year period.

Certificate Completion

Students who successfully complete the certificate program should submit a Certificate Petition Form to have their certificate mailed to them.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition at UMass Lowell is typically half the cost of private colleges, and our online tuition is among the lowest in the nation. Tuition for online programs offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same whether you live in-state, out-of-state or outside of the U.S.

Fall 2025 Tuition

 Cost Per Credit Cost Per 3-Credit Course*

Undergraduate
Online and On Campus $385 $1,155
*Tuition is priced on the listed credit hour unless the contact hour is different. Tuition is then based upon the listed contact hour.

Additional Costs

 Cost
Term Registration Fee $30
Returned Check Fee $30

Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Tuition Calculator

Online Tuition Calculator

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Looking for Financial Assistance?

UMass Lowell offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship options.

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Applying into a Undergraduate Certificate Program

You can apply anytime. There are no deadlines. Applications are accepted throughout the year.

All applicants must submit:
  • An application
  • Official transcripts
    • Please submit official transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities. We're able to help you retrieve transcripts if needed. If you do not have previous college experience, please contact your high school's guidance office to request your transcripts be sent to us
    • If you hold a GED/HiSET, to request they send us your official transcripts please visit:
    • Applicants with foreign transcripts: Transcripts demonstrating completion of a degree require a credential evaluation from:
  • Official test scores
    • SAT or ACT scores are optional, but may be requested if you have been out of high school for less than three years. If you have not taken the SAT or ACT, please email OCE_Admissions@uml.edu to discuss alternative options

Additional Information

Students must be admitted to a degree or certificate program in order to be eligible for most financial aid.

Official transcripts can be sent to us directly from your previous institution either electronically or mailed to:

GPS Undergraduate Admissions
University of Massachusetts Lowell
839 Merrimack St., Floor 2
Lowell, MA 01854-5104

We cannot accept previously opened transcripts, photocopies, PDF email attachments or faxed transcripts.

F1 student visas are not issued for this program.

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Questions Regarding Your Undergraduate Application?

Email OCE_Admissions@uml.edu or call 978-934-2474.

For General Assistance:

Call the Advising Center at 978-934-2474 or 800-480-3190. Our academic advisors are here to help!

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Complete Your Online Certificate Program in Security Management and Homeland Security from an Award Winning Public University.

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