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Certificate Program in Security Management and Homeland Security

Learn the latest topics in national security with UMass Lowell's online security management certificate.

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Next Start Date: May 15

Online Security Management Certificate

Meet the growing threats facing our country and the increased demand for personnel knowledgeable in security management with UMass Lowell's six-course Certificate in Security Management and Homeland Security. The online security management certificate provides in-depth study on national security issues such as emergency response, prevention and deterrence, counterterrorism and computer and network security.

Offered by the School of Criminology and Justice Studies, this certificate is perfect for personnel working in public safety, law enforcement, executives in corporations responsible for overseeing in-house security programs and information technology professionals. Criminal justice students interested in enhancing their career prospects may also benefit by broadening their studies to encompass security within the private industry.

Earn your certificate entirely online or as a combination of online and on-campus courses. All courses can be applied to UMass Lowell's Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

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Career Outlook

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$80.8K/yr
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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

Curriculum Outline

- Required Courses: 4
- Electives: 2

Required Courses (4 / 12cr)

Electives (Choose 2 / 6cr)

Course Descriptions

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

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. 3 credits.

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

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

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

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

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

CRIM majors only

This course examines the application of psychological theories, principles, and research to issues of concern to the criminal justice system. 3 credits. For permission numbers and questions regarding the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program, please email Christopher_Harris@uml.edu

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. 3 credits.

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. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

CRIM.1150 Pre-req

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

44.221 and CJ majors pre-req

This course will present an overview of the issues related to information security from a computer and computer network perspective. We will cover the threats to the information security infrastructure with a focus on the detection and prevention of them. We will discuss protection of PCs, servers, associated computer services (e.g. network, browsers) and data (e.g. file systems, email) through a "defense in depth" or "layered" approach. We will review major software packages, hardware devices, accepted technical and administrative practices that contribute to information security. The vulnerabilities and hardening of major operating systems such as Linux and Microsoft Windows will be discussed. The material is technical in nature however no systems administration or software development experience is assumed. Solid familiarity with the use of the Internet and computers is required and some knowledge of TCP/IP would be helpful. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

INFO.1600 and INFO.2020, or equivalent

Undergraduate Certificate Requirements

Students enrolled in UMass Lowell certificate programs must complete all courses and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 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.

Summer 2023 Tuition

 Cost Per Credit Cost Per 3-Credit Course*

Undergraduate
Online $380 $1,140
Online Business** $385 $1,155
On Campus Lowell $340 $1,020
On Campus Haverhill $300 $900
*If the number of contact hours exceeds the number of credits, tuition is calculated by multiplying by the total number of contact hours.
†Rate will increase slightly in Fall 2023

Additional Costs
Term Registration Fee $30
Late Fee $50

Please note: Tuition and fees are subject to change.

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Applying into an Undergraduate Certificate Program

Apply to an undergraduate certificate program using the Online Application Form or by printing and completing the Undergraduate Certificate Application Form in .pdf file format. Applicants will be required to have either their official high school transcript, HiSET®, GED® or their most recent college transcript if applicable, sent to Graduate, Online & Professional Studies at the address below. Applications, transcripts, and other correspondence should be sent to:

University of Massachusetts Lowell
Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies
Undergraduate Admissions
839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01854

Undergraduate certificate applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and there is no fee to apply. You will be notified upon acceptance.

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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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