Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management Threat Assessment?
Current and potential industry professionals alike will benefit from exposure to a curriculum based on current theories and practices as taught by experts and industry professionals. This certificate program focuses on the application of techniques for assessing, reducing and managing vulnerabilities and threats to critical infrastructure, thus offering students a learning environment unique from other programs. Students will find the curriculum and as well as the expertise of the instructors and guest lecturers tremendously applicable to their current emergency management positions or to positions they aspire to attain.

What is a graduate certificate?
Our certificate programs are designed for busy professionals who want to earn a topically focused professional credential. This is a rigorous educational experience that can be completed more quickly and at less cost than a Master's degree. Most students will earn the certificate in five quarters, taking one or two courses per quarter.

What kind of background is required for admission?
Students include those looking to enter the field of emergency management or homeland security industries and those seeking to enhance their professional development through a graduate certificate. Many students already possess graduate or professional degrees and other specialized certifications in homeland security, law enforcement or emergency management. However, a background in these fields is not required. Applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree (BS, BA, or other) and relevant work experience. Please see the admission section of this website for a complete list of admission requirements.

Who are the course instructors?
Instructors will include industry professionals with extensive professional experience and strong academic backgrounds in the field. Many courses will be supplemented with guest lecturers identified as subject matter experts in a particular topic or area and can lend an increased level of depth to the course.

What are the typical course requirements?
Each course includes lecture, discussion, and guest presentations. Readings include textbooks and recent literature. Students will be required to complete group projects, individual assignments, and/or exams. Courses will also utilize the Blackboard e-Education platform for discussions, group exercises and presentations to students for work outside the classroom.

Is financial aid available?
For information about financial aid, please visit: http://www.northwestern.edu/sfs/school_specifics/scs_grad.html. You should also make sure to check with your employer regarding possible tuition benefits.

Is this graduate certificate program a professional "certification"?
The graduate certificate program does not represent a professional certification; however, students who have successfully completed the certificate program will have also completed a variety of professional development courses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Management Institute. These courses represent a basic, standardized training program required by most emergency planning and response entities. In addition, students will receive course completion certificates that are recognized by employers as the minimum training required for placement in this industry. EMTA certificate courses will greatly enhance the student's mastery of these concepts and build on this basic foundation in all of the proposed courses.