National Preparedness & Homeland Security Certificate
Build the knowledge and skills to help organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies, disasters, and other threats. This interdisciplinary certificate prepares you to contribute to decision-making across emergency management, homeland security, crisis communication, and risk management.
Certificate at a Glance
Prepare to contribute to emergency preparedness, homeland security, and organizational risk management across a range of professional settings.
Complete four required core courses and two elective courses.
Explore emergency preparedness through perspectives from security, health, technology, business, and public service.
Develop practical skills in risk management, emergency response, crisis communication, and continuity planning.
Complete the certificate as a standalone program or use it as preparation for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a national security-related field.
Who Should Participate
Professionals
- Employees of local, state, and federal entities working in emergency preparedness, homeland security, and related fields.
- Business professionals responsible for risk management, emergency management, or continuity of operations planning.
- Professionals working with first responders and first receivers or preparing to move into leadership positions in these areas.
Students & Career Changers
- Veterans interested in building on their experience in decision-making and crisis leadership.
- Current degree-seeking students looking to develop expertise in an important and growing field.
- Career changers interested in a data-driven approach to preparedness, planning, and implementation.
Program Expectations
Through this certificate, you’ll develop practical skills and learn to:
Plan & Manage Risk
Develop and implement organizational risk profiles, continuity of operations plans (COOPs), business recovery plans, and other risk management activities.
Coordinate Response
Use knowledge of federal, state, and local agency responsibilities to effectively plan and execute emergency response activities.
Apply Incident Command
Apply incident command protocols and consensus-building approaches in emergency and preparedness settings.
Communicate in a Crisis
Communicate effectively in a crisis, both verbally and in writing, and transfer information effectively to support positive outcomes.
Program Requirements
The certificate requires 18 credits: 12 credits of required core courses and six credits of electives.
Core courses cover foundational content and procedures central to national preparedness and emergency response, along with analytical tools and approaches. The core includes a capstone experience in which students plan, role-play, and report on a complete disaster scenario involving critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, government, transportation, health, and telecommunications.
Elective courses allow students to gain additional knowledge or experience relevant to their current or intended career paths in areas such as health, information security, and business continuity.
- No course with a grade below C will be accepted for certificate credit.
- Students must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average to earn the certificate.
- All four required core courses must be completed at the University of Pittsburgh.
- A maximum of six credits may be accepted from other institutions for elective courses.
- Students should consult with their advisor and/or core course faculty early in the program to identify elective courses appropriate for their career and academic interests.
How to Declare
Students interested in the National Preparedness & Homeland Security Certificate should meet with a CGS advisor to discuss the certificate and their academic or professional goals.
Learn More About CertificatesCurriculum
Complete 12 credits of required core coursework and six credits of electives. Students must successfully complete at least one other core course before registering for the capstone course. The capstone may be taken concurrently with another core course.
Required Courses: 12 credits
Electives: 6 credits
Complete two courses from the list of approved electives.
Additional Information
- Students must meet all relevant course prerequisites. NPHS Internship and NPHS Independent Study courses may be repeated for credit with permission.
- With approval of the NPHS certificate advisor, students enrolled in the SHRS Emergency Medicine (EM) program may apply up to six credits of EM courses toward the NPHS certificate electives.
Resources & Flexible Options
Flexible Learning Options
Many courses include online and hybrid formats, allowing you to build your skills wherever you are.
View Online CoursesPlanning Resources
Use the NPHS Certificate Checklist (PDF) to map out your required courses and monitor your progress toward completing the certificate.
Download Checklist (PDF)Pitt Opportunities
You’ll have plenty of support and opportunities to get involved at CGS and across the University of Pittsburgh community.
Explore Pitt Resources
Connect with University centers focused on national and international security and explore topics related to emergency preparedness, security, and risk.
Ford Institute for Human Security »
Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies »
Study Abroad / Away
Explore emergency preparedness through an immersive study-away experience, including the Disaster Relief and Response in Oregon program, which offers insight into U.S. disaster management, Wilderness First Aid certification, and an NPHS certificate elective.
Questions
Program Faculty
Carey Balaban & Ken Sochats
Note: Requirements are subject to change. Check with an academic advisor before registering.