Since September 11th, the U.S. Department of Labor has been predicting that the employment of security management personnel will grow faster than all other occupations due to the threat of terrorism. More than at any other time, corporations are upgrading their existing security systems or contracting with private firms to secure their facilities and provide worker protection. This need is not expected to be short term. Concerns with threats to property and persons in our country will continue to grow in the years ahead. Trends clearly demonstrate increased demand in all aspects of investigative services, perimeter safeguards, surveillance systems, risk management, and armored car services.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is pleased to announce a new Certificate Program in Security Management and Homeland Security, offered by the Criminal Justice Department in conjunction with Continuing Studies and Corporate Education.

This part-time certificate program is designed for personnel working in the areas of public safety, security management, and law enforcement; executives in corporations responsible for overseeing in-house security programs; and information technology professionals. Criminal justice students interested in enhancing their future career prospects may also benefit from this program by broadening their studies to encompass security within private industry.

This certificate program was recently featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Read the article (.pdf) for details!

All courses can be applied toward UMass Lowell's part-time Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

Required Courses: (4)
44.115 Introduction to Homeland Security
44.241 Physical Security
44.312 Security Management
90.385 Introduction to Information Security (Cyber Security)

Electives - Choose 2:
44.212 Weapons of Mass Destruction
44.234 Criminal Law
44.248 Terrorism
44.326 Domestic Terrorism and Hate Crimes
44.342 Criminal Profiling
44.343 Forensic Psychology
44.380 Selected Issues in Criminal Justice

Note: Some of these courses are also offered on campus. See our current course listings on this site or refer to the current Continuing Studies Course Bulletin for a list of available on campus courses.

Course Descriptions

44.115 Introduction to Homeland Security
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.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

44.212 Weapons of Mass Destruction
This course will center on Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their potential use by terrorists to obtain their goals. We will explore the origins, development and weaponization of Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and Radiological Systems and Devices. The course content is designed particularly for the First Responder to such incidents of WMD. The class will focus on the preparation and execution of plans and policies to counter this threat.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

44.234 Criminal Law
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 crime, defense, and crimes against persons and property, defenses that pertain to criminal responsibility, capacity, crimes against persons and property, defenses to criminal charges and sentences.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

44.241 Physical Security
Addresses the basic principles of physical security, with emphasis on tailoring these principles to the protection of specific operations and facilities. In addition, students will learn the significance of proper planning, design, and modern techniques and devices that enhance security while reducing costs.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

44.248 Terrorism
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.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

44.312 Security Management
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.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

44.326 Hate Crime
The issue of hate crime is examined, focusing on federal and state statutory laws and the dynamics of police, court, and corrections-based responses to the problem.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

44.342 Criminal Profiling
This course provides an overview of the development and characteristics of the types of offenders who become criminal psychopaths.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

44.343 Forensic Psychology
The application of psychological theories, principles, and research to issues of concern to the criminal justice system.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

44.380 Selected Topics in Criminal Justice
An advanced course of study and examination of a variety of current issues and topics in criminal justice. Students without a sufficient background 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.
Prerequisite:
Credits: 3

90.385 Introduction to Information Security (Cyber Security)
This course will present an overview of the threats to your information technology infrastructure and intellectual property with an emphasis on the detection and prevention of intrusions or theft. The protection of services such as the World Wide Web, file sharing and email will be analyzed. The vulnerabilities and hardening of major operating systems such as Linux and Microsoft's Windows 2000 will be discussed. The course takes a holistic approach - discussing the technical but focusing on the need for proper training and procedures in the maintenance of an effective yet secure information technology infrastructure. While the material of the course is technical in nature, no systems administration or software development experience is assumed. A good familiarity with the use of the Internet and computers is required and some knowledge of TCP/IP would be helpful.
Prerequisite: 90.160 and 90.202, or equivalent
Credits: 3

Certificate Requirements