Ivy Tech School of Public Affairs & Social Services
Homeland Security / Public Safety
Make the world safer for all
What You'll Learn
The Homeland Security/Public Safety (HSPS) program prepares you for careers in homeland security, fire science, environmental health, emergency management, and various other positions in public safety. You’ll learn on-the-job skills and work towards certifications like the FEMA and IDHS.
In classes, you will:
Strengthen your critical and creative thinking skills.
Learn to recognize and understand cultural and individual differences.
Develop a deep understanding of social, political, civic, and environmental responsibilities as they relate to our society.
Use basic scientific concepts in various settings.
Sharpen written, oral, and symbolic communication skills.
Employ ethical reasoning.
Develop skills for a career or promotional advancement in public safety.
Learn about and adhere to industry standards.
Participate in discussions on historical development, contemporary progress, cultural value, and the social ramifications of modern public safety administration practices.
Receive training on leadership and management.
Develop relevant job skills such as solving management problems, creating strategic plans, enhancing human resource potential, increasing productivity, and addressing internal organizational issues.
Career Options
Homeland Security and Public Safety professionals work across a wide array of positions with the ultimate goal of keeping our communities safe. Some of our students choose to begin working right after completing their Ivy Tech program. Others go on to pursue additional higher education to prepare for a homeland security or public safety career. If you think this could be the pathway for you, picture yourself in the following roles:
Security Guard
Border Patrol Officer
ICE Officer
Law Enforcement Officer
Emergency Management Agency Personnel
Fire Fighter
Fire Lieutenant
Fire Captain
Fire Chief
Fire Investigator
Code Enforcement
Facility Safety Officer
Lab Technician
Environmental Field Technician
Lab Personnel
Water Quality Personnel
Waste-Water Treatment Personnel
Facility Safety Personnel
Hazmat Technician
Clean-up Technician
Degree Types Offered
Credential Type
Associate Degrees – Career-Ready Degrees
Associate Degree – Transferable Degree
Long-Term Certificate
– known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
Short-Term Certificates
– known as Certificates (CT)
Note: Program availability varies by location and not all program tracks are offered at each campus/location.
Associate Degrees – Career-Ready Degrees
Homeland Security/Public Safety AAS students earn several FEMA and IDHS certificates. They also gain key knowledge and skills regarding incidents and operations in Homeland Security and Public Safety.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in HSPS is to complete one or more of the certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security and public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Associate degree graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
The coursework within this degree prepares students for careers in health and safety in manufacturing and various environmental areas of study. Students have several opportunities to take exams that will result in IDHS, IDEM, and FEMA certifications.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in HSPS is to complete one or more of the certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security and public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Associate degree graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
The Fire Science AAS gives you the opportunity to earn several IDHS and FEMA certificates while teaching you essential skills you can use to land a job or gain a promotion as a Firefighter.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in HSPS is to complete one or more of the certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. The certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security and public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Associate degree graduates must complete a total of 61.5 credit hours:
The Associate of Science in Homeland Security/Public Safety (HSPS) is perfect for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree. You can save upward of $10,000 by completing your first two years at Ivy Tech and then transferring!
Talk to our transfer advocates for information about continuing your education after completing your associate degree at Ivy Tech. You are also encouraged to contact the university to which you plan to transfer. Note that admission is not guaranteed just by enrolling in the HSPS program. You will need to be admitted to the institution you intend to transfer to.
Required Courses
Associate degree graduates must complete a total of 60 credit hours:
Long-Term Certificate
known as a Technical Certificate (TC)
The Technical Certificate (TC) in Homeland Security/Public Safety equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide basic services in public safety. Depending on their course load, a student may also have the opportunity to test for several IDHS certifications.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in Homeland Security/Public Safety is to complete one or more of the certificates offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. This TC is designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security or public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue our associate degree that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your TC to an associate degree at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 31 credit hours:
Short-Term Certificates
known as Certificates (CT)
The Driver/Operator Certificate (CT) teaches basic firefighting terminology and tactics as well as various aspects of fire apparatus/pumper operability. Students can also sit for the IDHS Certificate in Driver/Operator- Pumper.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in Homeland Security/Public Safety is to complete one or more of the certificates and/or technical certificate offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. All of our certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security or public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
The Environmental Certificate (CT) teaches students about the NIMS system and its application to environmental health and safety. Students also test for several IDEM certifications in wastewater management.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in Homeland Security/Public Safety is to complete one or more of the certificates and/or technical certificate offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. All of our certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security or public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
The Fire Fighter Certificate (CT) gives students foundational knowledge of fire service and its operations. Students can also test for the minimum required certifications to qualify for employment at some fire departments.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in Homeland Security/Public Safety is to complete one or more of the certificates and/or technical certificate offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. All of our certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security or public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 19 credit hours.
The Fire Prevention and Investigation Certificate (CT) equips students with the ability to investigate fire scenes and provides exposure to interoperability between public safety agencies. This program allows students to sit for the IDHS Fire Investigator certification as well as the Fire Inspector 1 certification.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in Homeland Security/Public Safety is to complete one or more of the certificates and/or technical certificate offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. All of our certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security or public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
Through the Fire Service Administration Certificate (CT), students can earn the Fire Strategy and Tactics Certification and the Officer 1 and 2 certifications from IDHS. They'll study contingency planning and operations with other agencies.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in Homeland Security/Public Safety is to complete one or more of the certificates and/or technical certificate offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. All of our certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security or public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
In the Ivy Tech Hazardous Materials Certificate (CT) program, students sit for the IDHS Hazmat Operations and Hazmat Awareness certification exams. They'll also study EPA and other environmental regulations.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in Homeland Security/Public Safety is to complete one or more of the certificates and/or technical certificate offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. All of our certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security or public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
The Homeland Security Certificate (CT) program gives students the opportunity to take exams for the IS100, 200, 700, 800, 300, and 400 certifications. They'll also be exposed to various concepts across Homeland Security.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in Homeland Security/Public Safety is to complete one or more of the certificates and/or technical certificate offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. All of our certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security or public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
In the Public Safety Certificate (CT), students take exams for the IS100, 200, 700, 800, 300, and 400 certifications. They also have the opportunity to sit for the IDHS Hazmat Awareness and Operations exam.
Earn a Certificate on the Way to Your Associate Degree
A recommended path to one of the associate degrees in Homeland Security/Public Safety is to complete one or more of the certificates and/or technical certificate offered by Ivy Tech while working toward the degree. All of our certificates are designed to provide gateways toward entry-level homeland security or public safety careers, so you can begin working quickly. You may then choose to pursue a credential that requires more credits and time in order to learn more and move up in your professional career. You can apply the credits from your certificate to your higher-level credential at Ivy Tech to make the most of your time and tuition.
Required Courses
Graduates must complete a total of 18 credit hours.
Homeland Security / Public Safety is offered at 14 Ivy Tech locations in Indiana. Each location offers a unique combination of certificate and degree options:
People in this profession have many options when it comes to where they can spend their careers. You’ll find homeland security and public safety professionals working in public safety facilities and agencies, emergency management agencies, labs, water quality agencies, large commercial facilities, fire departments, and insurance companies.
Careers in this industry often involve:
Active listening
Critical thinking
Strong writing and verbal communication skills
Social perceptiveness
Ability to quickly assess and evaluate a scene
Giving and receiving mentorship
Sound Like You?
If you identify with the traits above, homeland security/public safety may be the path for you! Take the next step to get started or speak with your local advisor to learn more.
Prerequisite Courses for Homeland Security/Public Safety
There are no prerequisites for the Homeland Security/Public Safety program.
No Expiration of Credits
There is no expiration date for course credits that were earned in previous years from Ivy Tech Community College.
Transfer Credit for Prerequisite Courses
Prerequisite courses completed at colleges other than Ivy Tech will only be considered for general education selection points if transfer credit has been awarded and courses appear on the Ivy Tech transcript prior to the application deadline.
TR grades are not recognized by the online application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that transfer credit has been awarded and that TR grades are updated to transfer letter grades (TA, TB, TC) on their Ivy Tech transcript.
It is recommended that college transcripts be submitted to the Registrar’s office for evaluation and transfer credit at least four weeks prior to the program application deadline to ensure adequate time for processing.
Homeland Security/Public Safety Courses
Descriptions of Homeland Security/Public Safety courses can be found in our online course catalog.
View required classes and course descriptions for:
See when specific courses will be offered by searching our course list in Schedule Builder. First, select the semester you’re looking for and then enter the name of the course in the search bar.
If you’re a current student, upcoming courses are easy to find in Schedule Builder in MyIvy.
Course Formats
Homeland Security/Public Safety courses are available via traditional/in-person, online, and hybrid formats. Additionally, the Homeland Security/Public Safety long-term certificate and associate of science programs are available fully online for those who are seeking an online degree option.
Big Dreams? Go for Honors
If you're motivated and want a more robust, personalized academic experience, consider enhancing your associate degree in Homeland Security/Public Safety by pursuing an Honors pathway. Honors courses are fully virtual with opportunities to meet and network with honors students and faculty across the state. The coursework is designed to support a student’s spirit of inquiry and intellectual growth, as well as foster multicultural awareness and leadership. View eligibility requirements
Graduating with a Homeland Security/Public Safety degree with an Honors pathway can help you stand out as a high-achieving college student, boost your resume, and help you land an acceptance letter to a top four-year college or university.
The Ivy Tech application is free and easy—you don’t need a certain test score, GPA, or class rank to get started at Ivy Tech. Applying takes about 10-15 minutes and can be completed entirely online.
No Application Deadlines
Ivy Tech does not have a deadline for admission. Our 8-week class sessions start throughout the year—in January, March, June, August, and October—and there is no hard deadline for applying for any of the start dates. It's important, though, to apply early enough that you'll be able to complete all the degree planning, financial aid, and registration activities that need to happen before your first day. We recommend you apply about one month before you intend to start classes. See upcoming start dates
STEPS TO APPLY
(1) Apply to Ivy Tech
If you’ve never applied to Ivy Tech Community College before (or if it’s been two years since you last attended classes here), your first step is to apply to Ivy Tech. You can apply online or in person. To apply in person, reach out to your local admissions team and arrange a meeting. Or, stop by any campus on any Tuesday for Tuesdays@TheTech to receive personal assistance with applying and registering for classes.
After you submit your application, you'll be asked to upload documentation—such as SAT/ACT/PSAT scores or high school and college transcripts—that can assess your readiness for college-level coursework and help us make sure you are taking classes that are the right fit for you. How to upload assessment documents
If you don't have your scores or transcripts at your fingertips, don’t worry. Go ahead and submit your application. You can go back to upload assessment documents at any time until the end of the term for which you applied.
(3) Look for a Confirmation Email
Once your application is processed, you will receive a confirmation email at the email address provided on your application. Typically the email will arrive within 1-2 business days of submission, but during peak processing periods (April-June) could take up to 5-10 business days.
The email will contain instructions on how to register for classes, as well as important information regarding your Ivy Tech student portal (MyIvy account), tuition, payment options, and more.
(4) Create an Account in MyIvy
MyIvy is Ivy Tech's online student portal. Students use MyIvy to check e-mail, register for classes, pay tuition, manage financial aid, get the latest news and announcements, and much more. MyIvy also contains "QuickLinks" to the Ivy Tech websites and online tools you will use most often. Learn more about MyIvy
Before you can register for classes you will need to submit documentation or complete an assessment test. Your test scores can help us determine the best English and math starting classes for you. See the Test Score Course Placement Chart
If you submitted assessment documentation during the application process, your advisor will likely be able to work with those documents to determine course placement and you won't need to take any further steps. If you don't have any of those documents or the scores don't meet minimum thresholds, don’t worry! Your advisor will direct you to complete our free Knowledge Assessment to help develop your customized learning path to better prepare you for courses.
(6) Register for Classes
Once you have completed the steps above, you may register for classes. Ivy Tech students register for courses using the Schedule Builder tool which can be accessed within MyIvy. If you are a new, first-time Ivy Tech student, we recommend that you meet with your advisor who will help you develop your Academic Completion Plan and help you sign up for courses that are the best fit for you.
For a complete list of registration steps, including detailed registration steps, deadlines, and information about holds, withdrawals, waitlists, and refunds, visit our Registration 101 page.
(7) Pay Your Tuition
After registering for your courses, your bill can be viewed in your MyIvy account > Student Dashboard- > View/Pay Balance. Payments can also be made in your MyIvy account. For complete information about payments, including payment options, payment plans, how to make immediate payments, due dates, information about refunds, and more, visit our Payments page.
At this time, we are not offering live fire training at the Ft. Wayne/Warsaw campus. If you are not a current firefighter, and you are interested in completing the AAS in Fire Science degree, it is recommended that you join your local volunteer fire department. You can find contact information through the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association website: https://ivfa.org/directory/. College credit is given after you complete the following training:
Completion of the hazmat awareness and hazmat operations state certifications:
HSPS 122 Hazmat Operations and Awareness (3 credit hours)
Completion of Firefighter I and Firefighter II state certifications:
Nicole Fech Department Chair of Legal Studies, Criminal Justice, and Homeland Security and Public Safety nfech@ivytech.edu
AAS in Fire Science
This degree can only be obtained if a student has already gained state certifications in the following courses:
HSPS 122
HSPS 165
HSPS 167
These certifications will be transferred in and allow the student to complete the degree. Students who do not already have these certifications can earn the requisite certifications and training by starting at the MAAC center.
Homeland Security Certificate
This degree can only be obtained if a student has already gained state certification in the following course:
HSPS 220
These certifications will be transferred in and allow the student to complete the degree.
Public Safety Certificate
This degree can only be obtained if a student has already gained state certifications in the following courses:
HSPS 220
HSPS 222
These certifications will be transferred in and allow the student to complete the degree.
If you’re not yet an Ivy Tech student, contact us at 1-888-489-5463 and we’ll be happy to help.
Current Students
Contact your academic advisor, who can answer any questions you have about the Homeland Security / Public Safety program and your certificate and degree options.
Find Local Advising Contact Info
Don't see a nearby location?
Call 1-888-489-5463 and we'll get you started.
Madison Advising Center
590 Ivy Tech Drive
Madison, IN 47250
Fax 812-265-4028
Zoom Video Calls Available by appointment only. Call 812-256-2580, ext. 4502 to make an appointment.
Advising Team Tricia Miracle 812-265-2580 ext. 4137 tmiracle2@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 812-510-3844 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Wednesdays 9:00-1:00pm & Thursdays 2:00-5:30pm Zoom Link
Lisa Kelley 812-265-2580 ext. 4163 lkelley3@ivytech.edu Text during business hours 502-414-1597 Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours: Tuesdays 1:30pm-5pm & Thursdays 8:30am-12pm Zoom Link
Starting Oct. 28th Tuesdays: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other days by appointment from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. **Special Saturday December 7 @ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1 Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2022 State Occupational Employment and Wage estimates: Indiana.(2023). Lightcast™, lightcast.io. Occupational Overview for Indiana, 2023-2024
2 Associate degree cost is determined by tuition for an in-state, full-time student. Certificate and technical certificate costs are determined by tuition for an in-state, part-time student. Additional fees may be applied. Visit the Tuition & Fees page to learn more.
