Degree/Hours to Complete
A certificate is awarded to the student by Blue Ridge Community and Technical College upon completion of 32 credit hours of course work in a defined area. In many cases, the student may be awarded a Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Certificate while at the same time seeking an Associate Degree. Part-time and special non-degree students who take classes at a slow pace will benefit from the credential that a collegiate certificate provides. Certificates are awarded twice a year in December and May.
General information
The Homeland Security Certificate will introduce students to the Department of Homeland Security, domestic and international terrorism issues, and strategies for countering terrorist threats. The key principles of emergency management and disaster planning will be presented. Students are required to select electives within the Criminal Justice course offerings that complement career and academic goals.
Eligibility Requirements
To become eligible to earn a Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Certificate the student must be a current degree-seeking student or complete the application and admissions process to the college. Eligibility to earn and receive a Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Certificate does not interfere with the degree-seeking status of the student.
Required Courses to Complete Certificate
| Course |
Credit Hours |
| CGEN 100 Critical Thinking and Learning |
3 |
| COMM 202 Fundamentals of Speech |
3 |
| OFTC 102 Microsoft Office Applications |
3 |
| PSYC 203 Introduction to Psychology |
3 |
| CJST 200 Introduction to Criminal Justice |
3 |
| CJST 215 Introduction to Homeland Security |
3 |
| CJST 225 Terrorism |
3 |
| EMSP 100 First Responder |
3 |
| EMSP 101 Introduction to EMS |
3 |
| EMSP 104 EMS Practicum |
1 |
| Electives within CJST courses |
6 |
| Total Credit Hours Required |
34 |