Serve your community.
Build the skills and confidence needed for a career in homeland security.
An A.A.S degree in Criminal Justice can help you improve the quality of life in your community and give you a career you can be proud of. Get introduced to essential concepts and acquire valuable knowledge that will aid you in your career within the criminal justice system. Moraine Valley’s program prepares students for entry-level careers, including careers in policing, the courts and corrections.
Moraine Valley additionally offers three supplemental certificate programs that include, Emergency Management, Homeland Security and Security and Loss Prevention.
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Protect what matters with a Career in Homeland Security
Get introduced to essential concepts and acquire valuable knowledge that will aid you in your career within the criminal justice system.
Homeland Security
The Homeland Security certificate is designed for students pursuing their A.A.S. in Criminal Justice who want to enhance their skill set and become more marketable in the workforce.
Moraine Valley鈥檚 Homeland Security Certificate will give you a strong foundation in homeland security principles and allow you to compete more broadly for first responder and emergency planner positions. Our curriculum covers the roles of the emergency management system, including public health and private sector participants; legislation and civil liberties; intelligence gathering; risk assessment and prevention techniques; and counter-terrorism initiatives.
Local, state and federal agencies need well-trained people to provide guidance before, during and after crisis situations. Corporations also need to protect their property and staff and plan for possible threats to their business. Therefore, people with specialized knowledge in public safety are likely to be in high demand. This certificate will help you stand out.
Consider earning an Emergency Preparedness Certificate along with your Homeland Security Certificate at Moraine Valley to master all aspects of crisis management and safety. 鈥淪tacking鈥� these certificates can provide you with an excellent hiring advantage.
Upon program completion, Homeland Security students will be able to:
- Define and discuss local political concerns, governmental organizations, legal issues, record keeping requirements and the future of FEMA in disaster and recovery functions
- Define NIMS levels 100 and 200 certifications and describe Blood-borne Pathogens Standards required by OSHA.
- Identify and describe Biological and Chemical Hazards and discuss decontamination principals.
- Develop plans utilizing best practices for Emergency management including Emergency Action Plans, defined exit routes, and basic evacuation principles.
- Discuss electrical safety standards, risks, and respiratory protection requirements for first responders.
- Define and identify structures to provide safety and security to accommodate modern technology and communication equipment.
- Discuss and develop working plans for mitigating threats, addressing natural disasters, and potential Pandemic threats.
- Define and discuss terminology related to Homeland Security.
The Homeland Security Certificate at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in about two years.
This program serves students enrolled in the college’s credit programs in Criminal Justice, Security and Loss Prevention and Fire Service Management. It also provides access to non-degree seeking students from the public sector as well as elected and appointed officials seeking a general background in emergency management.
Moraine Valley is proud to be partners with the Cook County Sheriff Training Institute, Illinois Department of Corrections and North East Multi-Regional Training, Inc. For more information, please email Michael Espinoza at espinozam9@morainevalley.edu.
If you鈥檙e looking for information regarding the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), please refer to this document to help you apply.
Potential careers in Criminal Justice
Moraine Valley鈥檚 Homeland Security certificate allows students to build the knowledge and analytical skills needed to help protect people, infrastructure and communities. Study emergency management, critical infrastructure protection, public safety, cybersecurity fundamentals and homeland security strategies while preparing for careers in government, emergency response and private security.
Explore credentials within this program
These degree and certificates are part of the same program and allow you to explore specialized areas, with some designed for graduates looking to advance their skills.
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Anni Rasmussen
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The Addiction Studies program is more than just a career path鈥攊t鈥檚 an opportunity to truly impact lives. Addiction affects individuals, families, and entire communities, creating a growing need for skilled and compassionate professionals. In this program, you鈥檒l gain a strong understanding of the full continuum of care, effective treatment approaches, and how to support people on their journey to recovery. Join us and start building a meaningful and rewarding future for all.
Faculty with real-world experience.
Your instructors don鈥檛 just teach the material, they鈥檝e worked in the field. With experience in counseling, treatment programs, and community outreach, they bring real examples and practical knowledge into every class. You鈥檒l learn what to expect and how to prepare for your first role in the field.
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Program Details
View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.
| Program | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 1361 | Public Service |
Faculty Spotlight
Celebrating the passionate instructors who inspire, support, and engage our students every day inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications Department
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