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School of Security & Global Studies

U.S. Government Security Fundamentals

Online U.S. Government Security Fundamentals Undergraduate NanoCert®

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About This Program

The University’s Security Management NanoCert® programs provide a broad understanding of major security threats and risks affecting government organizations and other governmental entities. 
 
The University’s Security Management NanoCerts offer government and security professionals and those in the military with an opportunity to advance their knowledge about measures to effectively protect government personnel, property, and technically related assets. 

This NanoCert may be of interest to those who wish to pursue a future undergraduate degree. The courses in this NanoCert are designed to bring you closer to completion of the following degree: BA in Security Management.
 
NOTE: Completion of this program does not award any professional certifications but can be applied toward undergraduate coursework ultimately leading to a bachelor’s degree. 

What You Will Do

  1. Identify requirements for managing security in a wide range of U.S. government-sponsored facilities
  2. Interpret the importance of Critical Infrastructure Protection to the national security of the United States
  3. Examine the personnel security clearance process as it relates to access to classified information

Program at a Glance

Number of Credits
9
Cost Per Credit
{{{UndergradTuition}}} | {{{GradPreferredMilitaryRate}}}*
*with Preferred Military Rate
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: 4458

|
This course offers the student an overview of many of the primary laws and policies, which drive the U.S. Government’s security apparatus. There is a vast array of policy covering security topics, which are promulgated throughout numerous U.S. Government agencies. Topics will include the U.S. Constitution, Executive Orders, Presidential Decision Directives, and the National Industrial Program Security Operating Manual. The student will gain an appreciation for the complexities involved in securing U.S. Government sponsored facilities, personnel and information.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
12/25/23 - 05/31/24 06/03/24 - 07/28/24 Spring 2024 Session D 8 Week session
03/25/24 - 08/30/24 09/02/24 - 10/27/24 Summer 2024 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4459

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This course offers the student an in-depth look into the construction and security management requirements of a wide range of United States Government sponsored facilities (domestic and overseas). This course includes coverage of a wide array of natural and man-made threats that must be considered in facility construction as well as special requirements for constructing facilities designed for the protection of classified information. Additionally, this course will cover facility security management procedures and build upon the student’s existing knowledge of basic physical security principles. The student will gain an appreciation for the wide range of facility security applications across the federal government.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/26/24 - 08/02/24 08/05/24 - 09/29/24 Summer 2024 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 4460

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Personnel Security (PERSEC) is the fundamental program in government security that provides a process for vetting and maintaining individuals’ suitability, reliability, and trustworthiness. This course offers the student an in-depth exploration of the steps to gaining access to United States National Security information, facilities and Information Systems. Basic requirements for access with emphasis on the National Industrial Security Program Manual (NISPOM) PERSEC process, as well as processes utilized by the Intelligence Community for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and the Special Access Program (SAP) communities will be covered.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
01/29/24 - 06/28/24 07/01/24 - 08/25/24 Summer 2024 Session B 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Jan 6
Register by Jan 3
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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 for this program. View steps to apply.

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 coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

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*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance.