Groves of academeStockton College to offer homeland security certificate

Published 28 August 2009

Joining a growing number of colleges and universities, and responding to the growing demand for certifications in various homeland security fields, New Jersey’s Stockton College is offering a blended online and classroom-based certification program

In response to regional needs in the area for infrastructure protection and emergency management, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey has announced the development of a new certificate program in Homeland Security.

The Cape May County Herald reports that the 130-hour program is a blended format that uses online and classroom-based instruction. The certificate program consists of 34 hours classroom-based and 96 hours online instruction. “The blended format is well-suited for working professionals,” explained Cynthia Sosnowski, executive director of Continuing Studies for Health Sciences and Human Services.

Participants will engage in classroom-based learning once every six weeks and further their study through interactive online instruction between classroom sessions. The program begins on 2 October 2009.

Veterans may be eligible to receive funding for the training through a special program made available through the Atlantic Cape Workforce Investment Board (WIB). This training opportunity for veterans is supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funds. “The availability of training dollars for our veterans will allow them to have access to a program that will build on the skills they acquired during military service,” Sosnowski explained.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anarumo, visiting associate professor of Criminal Justice, at Stockton College, Homeland Security continues to be a national priority. “This program will give members of the law enforcement, emergency services, veterans, corporate and public health communities the tools they need to prepare and respond to domestic and foreign threats against our homeland and to respond in emergency situations, whether natural or manmade. The program is unique because it is designed to meet the challenges of both public and private sector personnel.”

In addition to a core course in Homeland Security, the program includes courses in Terrorism, Infrastructure Protection, Sectorized Security, and Psychology of Homeland Security.

Stockton College is fortunate to be able to offer a nationally recognized certificate locally,” Sosnowski stated. Stockton is located one hour from Philadelphia and two hours from New York City. “Our proximity to Philadelphia and New York allows for greater access to this dynamic program,” she concluded.

For more information about the Homeland Security Certificate or other continuing education opportunities at Stockton College, please visit www.stockton.edu/hshs or call 609-652-4227.