Cert in Homeland Security

The Certificate in Homeland Security is open to undergraduate and graduate students who meet course prerequisites. It combines criminal justice, public health and related coursework on preparedness and response. Students take an introduction to criminal justice, a public health foundation course and four more electives chosen from a list that includes epidemiology, critical incidents, terrorism and countersurveillance, forensic fire investigation and crisis management. Whether courses count toward a major is decided by the student's home department. The certificate can be finished in one or two semesters depending on course availability, and transfer students must complete a few hours in residence. The program is delivered through Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio, and its requirements appear in the university's 2026-2027 academic catalog. Prospective students should read the catalog entry and consult the department about advising and course sequencing, since specific course lists, prerequisites and policies are set by the department and may change between catalog editions.