Top 10 Homeland Security Certificates Online in 2025

The field of national security has expanded tremendously since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, making homeland security one of the largest agencies in the federal government. This is a field where you can find employment in counterterrorism and law enforcement roles all over the country. If this interests you, consider earning a homeland security certificate online from one of the institutions listed below.

Are There Online Homeland Security Courses With Certificates?

Yes, there are several ways to earn a homeland security certification online to prepare for a lucrative career in criminal justice, public safety, counter-intelligence, emergency response, security management, and related public service fields. You can find certificate programs for homeland security at various community colleges, universities, and private/nonprofit training institutions.

What Will I Learn in an Online Homeland Security Certificate Program?

The specific content for these certification programs varies by institution, but if you enroll in a homeland security or counter terrorism certificate online, you can expect a robust curriculum. These programs typically cover topics like national security, transportation security, risk management, homeland defense, the role of first responders during terrorist scenarios, protecting critical infrastructure, and other subjects within criminology.

Top Online Homeland Security Courses and Certificates

Check out these reputable schools that offer a homeland security online certificate. This section describes each program, the tuition costs and financial aid, program duration, and certification options.

1. American Military Institute

American Military Institute (AMI) offers an online undergraduate certificate in homeland security. AMI's 18-credit program requires courses like Critical Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security Legal and Ethical Issues.

• Cost: $250 to $350 per credit hour
• Program length: Eight to 16 weeks
• Certificate included: Yes

2. Liberty University

Liberty University has an advanced certificate in homeland security for graduate students in the field. Classes are 100% online in eight-week sessions. Program applicants should submit sealed official transcripts proving they have at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all other college coursework.

• Cost: $410 per credit hour
• Program length: One year
• Certificate included: Yes

3. Berkeley College

Berkeley College has a four-course homeland security certificate available 100% online. This is an undergraduate-level certificate, which some students get while working on a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or national studies.

• Cost: $3,180.00
• Program length: Six months
• Certificate included: Yes

4. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas has an online graduate certificate in homeland security, featuring convenient eight-week sessions. Many graduates pursue roles in both industry and government after completing this 12-credit-hour certification. The program curriculum follows the requirements set by the American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS).

• Cost: $313 per credit hour
• Program length: Six to 12 months
• Certificate included: Yes

5. Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers a fully online 15-hour undergraduate certificate in homeland security. It has three required courses and two elective courses in the field. Students get the chance to explore relevant topics like international terrorism, cyberterrorism, domestic terrorism, gang activity, white-collar crime, and organized crime.

• Cost: $270 per credit hour
• Program length: Six to 12 months
• Certificate included: Yes

6. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University's graduate homeland security certificate serves as a stand-alone certification and a great resource for continuing education in the field. Students enroll in this program to learn strategies for assisting organizations in crisis prevention, developing cyber threat models, and even natural disaster relief services.

This certificate requires 12 credit hours in course subjects like maritime security, cybersecurity, global security, and cyber systems engineering.

• Cost: $486 per credit hour
• Program length: Six months
• Certificate included: Yes

7. University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado - Colorado Springs offers a graduate-level homeland security certificate, which you can take on campus, online, or a hybrid of both. This program focuses on security threats to the U.S., counterterrorism, natural disasters, and more.

If you enroll in the university's Master of Public Administration (MPA) or Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) programs, you can apply credits from this certificate toward those degree programs as well.

• Cost: $4,444 per semester
• Program length: Two semesters
• Certificate included: Yes

8. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has a homeland security program focused on advanced training at the graduate level. This 12-credit certification helps students build better skills related to intelligence gathering, counterterrorism response, and national security policy comprehension.

• Cost: $659 per credit hour
• Program length: Six to 12 months
• Certificate included: Yes

9. Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU) has a ''micro-cert'' for homeland security specialists, which you can complete fully online for just $500. This program emphasizes the essential role of law enforcement in homeland security, especially in the nearby coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico.

Students complete this program by taking five short courses over the course of 180 days.

• Cost: $500
• Program length: About 180 days
• Certificate included: Yes

10. Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College has an affordable homeland security certificate, with about 90% of the curriculum online. It prepares graduates for meaningful careers in organizations such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Secret Service, police departments, and the nearby City of Rochester.

• Cost: $204 per credit hour
• Program length: One to two years
• Certificate included: Yes

How We Select Certificate Programs

This is how we selected each certificate in homeland security online program. These institutions offer online coursework at affordable tuition rates with valuable certification options.

• Program cost: The tuition, application fees, and other costs are reasonable.
• Program value: These certificates can help you land a job in government agencies, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and private sector organizations.
• Certification options: We chose certificate courses that finish with either a hard-copy or digital certificate, proving you mastered the course materials.

FAQs About Online Homeland Security Courses

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding online homeland security courses. These address questions about the value of our degree, the credentials you need to enter the field, and more.

Can You Get a Homeland Security Degree Online?

Yes, you can complete a certification and almost any other homeland security credential online. We listed several schools with certification options, but many of the same institutions also have undergraduate and graduate degrees in this field.

What Credentials Do You Need for Homeland Security?

The credentials you need depend on the type of position you seek. Some of the more senior positions in homeland security go to experienced military and law enforcement personnel, but earning a certification or other college degrees can give you a chance to climb the ranks.

Many homeland security or cybersecurity graduates have the chance to earn entry-level employment soon after finishing their credentials, since these are in-demand fields.

What Are the Benefits of Earning a Homeland Security Certificate Online?

The first advantage is that you do not have to drive anywhere to attend classes, unlike on-campus programs. These certificate programs also provide plenty of self-paced options and are flexible for working professionals with other obligations. Finally, earning an online certification is a fast way to increase your promotion chances if you already work in a homeland-security related position.

What Are the Best Homeland Security Courses Online?

There are many well-respected schools that allow you to earn a homeland security and national security certificate online. The best programs provide clear certificate requirements with plenty of elective courses, continuing education options, and support in finding a new job after finishing.

Discover Online Certificate Programs

Learn.org can help you find the best online certificate program for homeland security and several other in-demand fields. Check out everything we have for online bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, graduate certificates, and other viable degree programs.