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School of Security & Global Studies

Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness

Online Undergraduate Certificate in Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness

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$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
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About This Program

Become familiar with various weapons of mass destruction along with regulatory issues and risk management by enrolling in the weapons of mass destruction preparedness certificate at American Public University (APU).

The undergraduate curriculum is leading-edge, with online coursework designed to prepare professionals to combat potential terrorist threats and protect people and organizational assets. Coursework covers the psychological and behavioral perspectives of terrorism, while providing insight into chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. Additionally, the program acquaints you with how government and private-sector organizations combat potential terrorist threats.

Expert faculty bring real-world knowledge from government, defense, intelligence, and military sectors to your learning.

What You Will Do

  1. Describe the threat posed by chemical, biologic, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons
  2. Name the state and non-state actors most likely to obtain weapons of mass destruction
  3. Identify the motivation, ease, and constraints on both state and non-state actors in acquiring CBRN weapons
  4. Describe countermeasures available to U.S. agencies fighting terrorism
  5. Determine the role of the federal government in disaster response

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
18
Transfer up to 9 credits
Cost Per Credit
$325 | $250*
*with military grant
Save with one of our many grant options
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 3174

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This course explores psychological and behavioral perspectives of terrorism. Specifically, the course examines the circumstances underlying why people radicalize and join terrorist groups, engage in terrorist activities, assume various terrorist roles, and, in some instances, de-radicalize and disengage from terrorist activities.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/30/23 - 06/30/23 07/03/23 - 08/27/23 Summer 2023 Session B 8 Week session
02/27/23 - 08/04/23 08/07/23 - 10/01/23 Summer 2023 Session I 8 Week session
03/27/23 - 09/01/23 09/04/23 - 10/29/23 Summer 2023 Session D 8 Week session
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2910

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This course provides an in-depth study of the history of CBRN agent and material development and use by nations, nation-states, state-sponsored organizations, and terrorists. This course further examines CBRN threats worldwide and reviews CBRN Arms Limitations, Treaties, Organizations, Regimes and Agreements. Finally, the course discusses various approaches to deter use of CBRN agents, materials, and weapons.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/30/23 - 06/30/23 07/03/23 - 08/27/23 Summer 2023 Session B 8 Week session
02/27/23 - 08/04/23 08/07/23 - 10/01/23 Summer 2023 Session I 8 Week session
03/27/23 - 09/01/23 09/04/23 - 10/29/23 Summer 2023 Session D 8 Week session
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2912

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This course focuses on the legal and regulatory issues associated with WMD response. Its topics include: associated public law, reporting authorities, jurisdictional and functional issues that govern organizational, technical, medical, scientific, moral/ethical issues, and, other aspects of response.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/30/23 - 06/30/23 07/03/23 - 08/27/23 Summer 2023 Session B 8 Week session
02/27/23 - 08/04/23 08/07/23 - 10/01/23 Summer 2023 Session I 8 Week session
03/27/23 - 09/01/23 09/04/23 - 10/29/23 Summer 2023 Session D 8 Week session
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4479

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This course offers a broad overview of the key operational and policy areas the United States government employs to best ensure the security of the nation. Students will explore and discover central themes that frame the government’s homeland security operations which emerged after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/30/23 - 06/30/23 07/03/23 - 08/27/23 Summer 2023 Session B 8 Week session
02/27/23 - 08/04/23 08/07/23 - 10/01/23 Summer 2023 Session I 8 Week session
03/27/23 - 09/01/23 09/04/23 - 10/29/23 Summer 2023 Session D 8 Week session
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4525

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The private sector is responsible for much of what has become known as the “homeland security enterprise.” This course will address this expanding role and address the responsibility of private sector entities in securing the homeland.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/30/23 - 06/30/23 07/03/23 - 08/27/23 Summer 2023 Session B 8 Week session
02/27/23 - 08/04/23 08/07/23 - 10/01/23 Summer 2023 Session I 8 Week session
03/27/23 - 09/01/23 09/04/23 - 10/29/23 Summer 2023 Session D 8 Week session
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3345

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Port Security is a survey course designed to provide students with a broad knowledge of port security issues. It will examine the critical importance of ports to trade and their vulnerability to disruption and attack. It will also examine several contemporary issues, including; the importance of sea borne trade to the North American and United States economies, the value of mega ports to sea borne trade, the vulnerabilities of ports to disruption and asymmetric attack, critical port security incidents such as the Halifax Explosion, and defensive measures to protect ports from disruption or asymmetric attack.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/30/23 - 06/30/23 07/03/23 - 08/27/23 Summer 2023 Session B 8 Week session
02/27/23 - 08/04/23 08/07/23 - 10/01/23 Summer 2023 Session I 8 Week session
03/27/23 - 09/01/23 09/04/23 - 10/29/23 Summer 2023 Session D 8 Week session
04/24/23 - 09/29/23 10/02/23 - 11/26/23 Fall 2023 Session B 8 Week session
05/29/23 - 11/03/23 11/06/23 - 12/31/23 Fall 2023 Session I 8 Week session
06/26/23 - 12/01/23 12/04/23 - 01/28/24 Fall 2023 Session D 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Aug 7
Register by Aug 4
Apply Now Request Info

Admission Requirements

  • All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED)!
  • Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application. View steps to apply.

Materials Cost

Technology fee: $85 per course | $0 for active-duty military, National Guard members, and Reservists.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

*Cost Per Credit Hour

U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents, receive a tuition grant that caps undergraduate, master's degree, and graduate certificate tuition at $250/credit hour. 
See all military student benefits.