Build Your Future in Homeland Security
The Homeland Transportation Security Program prepares students for employment and advancement in the homeland security industry. This program will provide technical skills and in-depth knowledge relating to the homeland security, administration of justice, organizational protection, and safety with an emphasis on the travel and transportation industries. You will learn key tips from industry professionals about how to be successful in the competitive hiring process and in advancing your career.
In short, we have three primary goals:
- To prepare you to be successful in the competitive hiring process
- To prepare you to pass the rigorous training requirements
- To provide college credit toward certificates, degrees, and transfer that will prepare you for career advancement opportunities
The Homeland Transportation Security Certificate (18 units) offers the theory and application of procedures in homeland protection, transportation security, law enforcement, incident management systems, and disaster preparedness. The program provides students with the basic principles of responding to terrorist activity, managing transportation security–including airports, rail transportation and deep port security, and preparing for natural disasters.
Location
Tech Ed 1 Building, Room 202
Frequently Asked Questions
Homeland Transportation Certificate (18 units)
Associate in Science Transfer Degree in Administration of Justice (60 units)
You may attend full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically take between 12 and 18 units per semester. Basic Certificates (18 units) can be earned in one to two semesters, Advanced Certificates (35 units) in two to three semesters, and AS Degrees (60 units) in two years. Courses are offered on campus, online, during the day and in the evenings.
Homeland Transportation Certificate = 1 to 2 semesters.
AJ AST = 2 years.”
The program is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is 3 units per course. Unit fees for a basic 18-unit certificate would be $828 and a 60-unit associate degree would be $2,760. Most students also qualify for some form of financial aid.
Program graduates work at airports, in law enforcement, legal offices, courts, U.S. Coast Guard, and U.S. Army Special Forces.
Homeland Security employees secure our borders, airports, seaports, and waterways. They research and develop the latest security technologies, respond to natural disasters or terrorist assaults, analyze intelligence reports, and much more. Find out more about their component agencies:
-Citizenship and Immigration Services Maintain the integrity of our nation’s immigration system as a beacon of hope and liberty.
-Customs and Border Protection Work on frontlines or behind the scenes supporting our vital mission.
-Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA seeks highly motivated and creative employees.
-Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE is responsible for enforcing the nation’s immigration and customs laws.
-Transportation Security Administration Careers A wide range of challenging opportunities exists throughout the TSA – just waiting for you to apply.
-U.S. Coast Guard The U.S. Coast Guard is one of five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and falls under the jurisdiction of DHS.
-U.S. Secret Service. Seeks men and women who want a fast-paced, exciting and challenging career.
Cypress College ATC students have many transfer options, including the B.S. Aviation Administration Program at California State University, Los Angeles: http://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/tech/bs-aviation-administration
If you are interested in transferring and earning a 4-year degree, please visit the Counseling Center or make an appointment with our CTE Counselor Jane Jepson at jjepson@cypresscollege.edu.
Students are also encouraged to visit the Cypress College Transfer Center website at http://www.cypresscollege.edu/services/transfer
Please know that there are no academic prerequisites to begin this program; however, there are job requirements that you should review before you begin your coursework. Some of the job requirements are specific and limiting; for example, if you want to be a flight attendant, and an airline says you cannot be taller than 5’9″ and you are 5’10” then you will not receive an offer employment because the airline operates smaller aircraft, and you would be constantly hitting your head. We want to make sure you are aware of some of these requirements before you devote time and money to the career listed below, so we have listed a SAMPLE job announcement. While some companies will have different requirements, you may want to investigate your options and talk privately to your instructor if you have any concerns or questions.
Cyber Security
•Three to five years of similar or related experience
•Associates Degree in related field and/or industry recognized security certification
•Previous data processing experience including networks, PCs, data communications, mainframe and PC programming and data organization.
•Basic working knowledge of Cisco network functionality, Cisco firewalls, and Microsoft server and desktop operating systems, Basic working knowledge of Microsoft software.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
•You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
•Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
•You may be required to pass a background investigation
•You may be required to pass a polygraph
•You may be required to pass initial and random drug testing
•You and your independents must pass a State Department medical examination
•You and your dependents must obtain a valid passport
•You must obtain a valid driver’s license
•Exceptional verbal and written skills.
•Capable of simultaneously managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing tasks.
•Strong interpersonal skills involving contacts both in and out of the organization.
•Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Transportation Security Officer
•Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
•Be at least 18 years of age.
•Pass a Drug Screening and Medical Evaluation.
•Pass a background investigation including a credit and criminal check.
•Not have cumulative delinquent debt of $7500 or more.
•Not have unpaid Federal or State tax liens.
•Not have delinquent child support payments (not applicable if arrears are actively being paid).
•Not have delinquent student loans.
•Not have any unsatisfied court judgments.
My career began as a Ramp Agent at Los Angeles International Airport at the age of 18, serving international airlines loading bags, connecting ground power units, air start units and yes, even the honey bucket on Boeing 707s, DC-8s and DC-10s. I have been a pilot for United Airlines, Champion Air, Skywest Airlines and a Corporate Chief Pilot.
Michael “Mike” Hannah began teaching at Cypress College in 2006. He is retired from the law enforcement profession, serving 30 years here in Orange County. During that period, he gained expertise in many areas of policing including (but not limited to) Community Policing, Tourist Oriented Policing, disaster Preparedness and Homeland Security. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University of Los Angeles and his Master’s Degree from Pepperdine University, Malibu. He is a graduate of California State Peace Officer’s Command College, the FBI National Academy and is a certified instructor by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security. He has been an active member of the Cypress College Advisory Committee since his tenure at Cypress College began.
Program Mapper: View course options for these programs, below.
The Homeland Transportation Security Certificate prepares students for a wide variety of careers, so while there are no academic prerequisites to begin this program, there are job requirements that you should review before you begin your coursework. For example, you may need to pass a physical exam and a 10-year background check, and you may need a U.S. Passport. Some careers may have additional requirements such as the need to wear a uniform within specified guidelines such as conservative hairstyles and no visible tattoos. While each industry will have unique requirements, you may want to investigate your options or talk privately to the program coordinator if you have any personal concerns or questions.
