Graduate Certificates Provide Credential for Career Advancement in Just Two Semesters; Students that Complete Program Get a Jump Start on NDC’s Master of Arts Degree in Security Policy Studies

South Euclid, Ohio, June 19, 2012 – Notre Dame College (NDC) announced today that it is offering an online Graduate Certificate to Master of Arts (MA) Degree program in Security Policy Studies. Students who successfully complete one of the College’s four online Security Policy Studies Graduate Certificates can transfer those credits toward NDC’s online MA Degree in Security Policy Studies. The program gives students the opportunity to gain a credential in just two semesters that they can use to launch or advance their career now, while earning credits that can be applied toward their master’s degree.

“At Notre Dame College, we recognize that some of our graduate students need a credential that can be beneficial to career development today, while still pursuing a master’s degree that supports their long-term career goals,” said Dr. John G. Hatzadony, Director of the Graduate Program in Security Policy Studies and Assistant Professor of History and Political Science at Notre Dame College. “Opportunities in security policy are growing exponentially and both the online Graduate Certificates and online Master of Arts Degree are an investment in the future for students interested in a career in this field.”

The online Graduate Certificates and Master of Arts Degree in Security Policy Studies are geared toward mid-career professionals looking to transition from fieldwork to staff and leadership roles. Potential future careers of graduates include a career in law enforcement, foreign affairs, public safety and more. Current students work at a variety of organizations including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Army, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of State and private corporations.

The Graduate Certificates in Security Policy Studies are offered entirely online; students select one of four emphases: Biodefense, Science and Technology Security Analysis; Transnational Threat Analysis; Terrorism and Critical Infrastructure Analysis; or Strategic Intelligence and Risk Assessment Analysis. While students who successfully complete one of the online Graduate Certificate programs have the option to continue toward the MA Degree, it is not required.

The online Master of Arts in Security Policy Studies is a unique offering. Among the few master’s level programs in the nation that focus on security policy, Notre Dame College is the only institution offering it as a Master of Arts, not a Master of Science, degree, due to its focus on research, analysis and leadership training. The MA in security studies degree is offered in a hybrid format with online courses and three on-campus seminars. Faculty members include academic experts, as well as former professionals like Dr. Hatzadony, who previously served as an analyst for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“None of the other programs I considered impressed me like the Master of Arts in Security Policy Studies at Notre Dame College,” said Brandon Vallee, who is among the first cohort of students enrolled in the program. “One of my favorite things about the program is the academic and professional diversity of the students. My background is in history and political science, but my fellow classmates come from the healthcare, banking, engineering, law enforcement and private business industries. The security studies program is for anyone who wants to make a real difference in the security policy field.”

To learn more about the online Graduate Certificates in Security Policy Studies or the online Master’s of Arts in Security Policy Studies offered by Notre Dame College, visit online.notredamecollege.edu.

About Notre Dame College:
Notre Dame College, a Catholic institution in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame, educates a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility. NDC offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus interdisciplinary programs and self-designed majors. A master’s degree in education and a teacher certification program are available as well as continuing and professional development programs for adult learners. Notre Dame College offers 22 athletic programs for men and women, including football.

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