Post Master’s Certificate in Public Service
100% Online Certificate in Public Service
Complete your studies on your own time
10 months to your Certificate in Public Service
Finish your certificate in just 6 courses
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every Monday
Start your first course when it’s convenient for you
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Program Overview
Degree:
Post Master’s Certificate in Public Service
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Take your public service skills to the next level with the 100% online Post-Master’s Certificate in Public Service at National University. Through NU’s public service certificate, you’ll be prepared to further your career, get a taste for doctoral-level coursework or even transition into a new profession.
You can tailor your NU online public service certificate to fit your career goals with one of these specializations: Criminal Justice or Homeland Security – Leadership & Policy.
Program Requirements
The University may accept a maximum of 3 semester credit hours from a graduate-level program to the University’s Post-Master’s certificate program. Coursework must have been completed at an accredited college or university within the last seven years with a grade of “B” or better. See the Transfer Credit Policy for additional information.
The Post-Master’s Certificate has the following graduation requirements:
- All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma
- Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
- Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s level or higher degree from an accredited academic institution
- Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
Criminal Justice Specialization
6 Courses
Ethics and Criminal Justice
3.0 Credit Hours
This course provides a comprehensive review of ethics and moral behavior in criminal justice. The theoretical foundations of ethics will be introduced and applied to criminal justice practice. You will evaluate the ethical challenges faced by criminal justice professionals and the policies and practices in place to prevent unethical behavior. The ethical obligations in crime scene investigation, evidence handling, and testimony in court will also be addressed in this course.
Management Issues in Justice Agencies
3.0 Credit Hours
This course examines current management issues within the criminal justice field. You will explore concepts and skills needed to address issues and problems confronting the criminal justice system. Issues such as the societal and cultural changes affecting criminal justice agencies will be examined. In addition, you will gain in-depth exposure to the application of theoretical and administrative principles.
Theory in Justice Administration
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, students will analyze the internal organizational structure, roles, and functions of criminal justice agencies. Students will apply administration and managerial concepts and theories to demonstrate competencies in this area. Students will also learn to formulate policies for coordination and control procedures.
Strategic Planning and Implementation in Criminal Justice
3.0 Credit Hours
Strategic planning is necessary for effectively planning both current and future organizational goals of a criminal justice organization. This course will allow you to examine the tools and skills needed in the strategic planning process while understanding the importance of the planning process. This course will also strengthen your ability to analyze, develop, and implement strategic plans to achieve criminal justice goals for an organization as well as to assess and manage improvements for an organization in a specific geographical location. Several criminal justice agencies will be examined within the course to provide you with the widest perspective possible before you begin developing your own strategic planning documents.
Public Policy and Criminal Justice
3.0 Credit Hours
In this doctoral level course, students will examine public policy and criminal justice. Students will analyze the various significant policy models used in the criminal justice system. Students will assess how various participants such as politicians, the police, and the corrections sector impact criminal justice public policy. Students will specify how the media influence criminal justice public policy. Finally, students will evaluate how the courts shape criminal justice public policy.
School of Business and Economics Doctoral Level Elective
Homeland Security – Leadership and Policy Specialization
6 Courses
Homeland Security and Terrorism
3.0 Credit Hours
This course serves as an introduction to the study of homeland security and will provide an overview of the practical discipline, including readings on the various government agencies involved in different aspects of homeland security. The course will also include an overview of the terrorist threat faced today and an examination of how that threat came into being.
Local Emergency Management and Civil Preparedness
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, students will analyze the operations and preparedness of local emergency management systems and their ability to respond to natural and manmade disasters. Students will learn how the National Incident Management System functions and use it to plan the use of emergency response organizations. Students will explain and assess local community capabilities to maintain the safety of their populations and the processes through which local emergency response agencies can request assistance.
Transportation Security
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, students will closely examine transportation networks with regard to the security demands now required. The course assignments include the exploration of the threats to each industry and measures needed to secure the networks from a domestic and global perspective. Regulatory agencies, both domestic and international, will be subjects of study as well as national and international agreements.
Intelligence and Law Enforcement
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course, students will take a critical look at the integration of intelligence operations and law enforcement in the realm of homeland security. Topics will also include the composition of the U.S. intelligence community, roles of various U.S. intelligence agencies, and issues facing the U.S. intelligence community. The course provides the knowledge necessary to utilize strategic intelligence effectively in the law enforcement and public safety realm.
Strategy, Resiliency, and Coping with Fear
3.0 Credit Hours
In this course students will have an opportunity to gain a conceptual understanding of the meanings of strategy, national interests, elements of power, and asymmetric threats. Students also will explore the meaning of the concept of resiliency as well as how terrorists use fear to their advantage. An understanding of these concepts will aid any homeland security professional in performing their duties and protecting the populace.
School of Business and Economics Doctoral Level Elective
Admissions
Transfer Students Welcome
Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.
To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.
Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.
To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.
Accreditations
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.
Why National University?
We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.
Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.
“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”
Francisco R.,
Class of 2016
What makes a degree
with National University unique?
Free Tutoring Sessions
Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.
Online and In-Person
Flexibility meets quality education with our online and in-person learning options.
24/7 Support
Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.
Military Friendly
Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.
Mentoring Network
Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.
Transfer Students Welcome
NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.
Accelerate Your Career With NU
At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.
Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.
Additional Resources
- Click here for Paralegal Specialist Certificate – Corporations program specific course information.
- Click here for Paralegal Specialist Certificate – Criminal Law program specific course information.
- Click here for Paralegal Specialist Certificate – Litigation program specific course information.
- Meet our Faculty
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.
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