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For months, representatives from area educational institutions worked to create a unique degree program as part of a Homeland Security Training Initiative developed by the Pennsylvania Region 13 Counter Terrorism Task Force and its Homeland Security Training Consortium.

Education partners to date:

Westmoreland County Community College
Beaver County Community College
Butler County Community College
Allegheny County Community College
Geneva College
University of Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania State University

Several of the member schools will launch the program for the fall semester while others will join and offer the degree in spring, 2011. Articulation agreements are in place for all community colleges and the 4-year institutions; therefore, students can earn a certificate, associates, bachelors, and a master’s degree in Homeland Security.

This degree offers the academic preparation and practical experience and training needed for an entry-level technician or support type position in the homeland security or emergency management field. Students will learn to conduct threat and vulnerability assessments, continuity of operations planning, and learn aspects of public safety programs including emergency medical, police and fire services, and they will gain insight into international terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.

Students also will complete online Federal Emergency Management Agency courses and will be certified in Incident Command Systems, National Incident Management, and Continuity of Operations Planning.

Sample Courses:

• Orientation to Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
• Planning and Response
• Perspectives on Terrorism •
• Introduction to Physical Security and Deterrents to Terrorism
• Homeland Security Grant Writing and
• Grant Management
• Continuity of Operation Planning
• Introduction to Cyber Security

Career Opportunities
Employment within the security sector is booming, and in fact, the Department of Homeland Security is the second largest agency in Washington. Plus a wide spectrum of job positions, such as intelligence analysts, auditors, planners, inspectors, trainers, surveillance specialists, finance and accounting professionals, social scientists, and numerous other roles require this type of degree background. And these positions are not just federal positions, they are numerous local, regional, and state homeland security and emergency management agencies.

Special Admission and Selection Criteria
There are specific criteria for admission and selection, which include:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• All applicants must submit evidence of (Act 33-34) criminal record check and Pennsylvania Child abuse History Clearance at the applicant’s expense.
• Individuals who are residents of Pennsylvania for less than one year must submit a FBI clearance.
• A separate application process is required to be considered for admission.
• Based on class capacity, practical exercises and other various factors, enrollment may be limited.
• Criminal Check – A positive criminal check• showing convictions for any felony or misdemeanor two or higher convictions will result in denial of admission.
• Child Abuse – A positive child abuse record will result in denial of admission.
• Urine Drug Screen – A positive drug screen may result in denial of admission.

Scholarships and Grants
Financial support is available if you are a veteran or firefighter enrolled in the program.

Spread the word about this exciting new degree program to all Region 13 first responders, first receivers, your neighbors, and your friends.
Email Cliff Shrum at shrumc@wccc.edu or Kelly Barcic at kbarcic@prbchs.org for more details.