Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, Emergency Preparedness, and Response

Offered through the Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering and supported by GW's Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management (ICDRM), the graduate certificate program in homeland security emergency preparedness and response provides an interdisciplinary education for those engaged in or seeking careers in homeland security, crisis, disaster and/or emergency management in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

All courses are held in-person on GW's main campus in Washington, D.C. Courses are typically held in the late afternoon or early evening to accommodate working professionals.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Admission deadlines:	Fall – January 15 Spring – September 1 Summer – March 1
Standardized test scores:	The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction. Minimum scores: Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0; or TOEFL: 550 on paper-based or 80 on Internet-based; or PTE Academic: 53. Applicants with lower test scores may qualify for our full-time Applied English Studies program.
Prior academic records:	Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript. Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be uploaded to your online application. Official transcripts are required only of applicants who are offered admission. If academic records are in a language other than English, a copy in the original language and an English language translation must be uploaded. Transcript evaluations should not be uploaded. Applicants with degrees from Indian universities should upload transcripts and/or detailed marksheets.
Statement of purpose:	In an essay of 250 to 500 words, state your purpose in undertaking graduate study at The George Washington University; describe your academic objectives, research interests, and career plans; and discuss your related qualifications, including collegiate, professional, and community activities, and any other substantial accomplishments not already mentioned.
Additional requirements:	Applicants should possess an undergraduate degree in engineering, the physical sciences, or applied mathematics.
International applicants only:	International applicants requiring a visa from GW are not eligible to apply for admission to this program, but may apply for the MS, PhD, or a professional degree (App.Sc or Engr) in engineering management with an area of focus in crisis, emergency, and risk management.

For more information on the admission process, please visit the SEAS Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact for questions:
engineering@gwu.edu - 202-994-1802 (phone) - 202-994-1651 (fax)
9:00 – 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 18 credits, including 3 credits in required courses and 15 credits in elective courses.

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Required
EMSE 6300	Homeland Security: The National Challenge
Electives
Five of the following:
EMSE 6240	Environmental Hazard Management
EMSE 6305	Crisis and Emergency Management
EMSE 6310	Information Technology in Crisis and Emergency Management
EMSE 6315	Risk Management, Hazard Analysis, and Risk-Based Decision Making
EMSE 6320	International Disaster Management
EMSE 6325	Medical and Public Health Emergency Management
EMSE 6330	Management of Terrorism Preparedness and Response
EMSE 6335
EMSE 6345	Building the Resilient Organization: Continuity, Crisis and Disaster Recovery Management
EMSE 6350	Managing Disaster Resilience Through Hazard and Threat Mitigation
EMSE 6820	Program and Project Management
EMSE 6992	Special Topics (as approved by academic advisor)
Appropriate electives from other departments may be permitted with advisor approval