Program Overview

Graduate Degree Program

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is dedicated to training and mentoring a new generation of scholars and analysts capable of examining questions related to the behavior of terrorists and terrorist groups and to the issue of how societies can best prepare for dealing with a terrorist threat or responding to a terrorist attack. START’s Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis provides participants with advanced education on the causes, dynamics, and impacts of international and domestic terrorism. Participants also develop the methodological skills necessary to pursue advanced research on and analysis of terrorism.

Abstract

The program consists of four required courses. Each course is offered once per calendar year, in an online, synchronous learning environment. The program can be completed in as little as 12 months to 24 months. The program is appropriate for individuals interested in (and/or currently) working in fields related to intelligence analysis, homeland security analysis, or analysis of other relevant topic areas; and individuals interested in (and/or currently) conducting scholarly research on terrorism and responses to terrorism.

Financial Assistance

START does not currently provide financial assistance to Graduate Certificate students.

General Requirements

• Statement of Purpose
• Transcript(s)
• TOEFL/IELTS/PTE (international graduate students)

Program-Specific Requirements

• CV/Resume
• Writing Sample (optional)
• Description of Research/Work Experience (optional)

Visa Eligibility

This program is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must have earned a 4-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree at a foreign university. A 3.0 GPA is preferred, but experience may substitute. GRE scores are not required.

Application Deadlines

• Domestic Applicants:
  • US Citizens and Permanent Residents: August 7, 2026 (Fall), January 6, 2026 (Spring), N/A (Summer)
• International Applicants:
  • F (student) or J (exchange visitor) visas; A, E, G, H, I, and L visas and immigrants: August 7, 2026 (Fall), January 6, 2026 (Spring), N/A (Summer)

Program Details

The START Consortium at the University of Maryland has pulled from its extensive experience in the field of terrorism research and analysis in order to formulate the Graduate Certificate curriculum. Students are drawn from the academic and professional worlds, which brings a range of perspectives to the virtual classroom. Its goal is to provide a well-rounded and sophisticated approach to the subject matter and to cultivate a stimulating learning environment.

Faculty

• Last Name: Boyd
  • First/Middle Name: Marcus
  • Graduate Faculty Status: Full Member
  • Academic Credentials:
  • Positions: Graduate Director, Terrorism Analysis
• Last Name: Pate
  • First/Middle Name: Amy
  • Graduate Faculty Status: Full Member
  • Academic Credentials:
  • Positions: Professor, Terrorism Analysis

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Analysis is a post-baccalaureate certificate program that provides advanced education on the causes, dynamics, and impacts of international and domestic terrorism. The program is designed for individuals interested in working in fields related to intelligence analysis, homeland security analysis, or analysis of other relevant topic areas, as well as those conducting scholarly research on terrorism and responses to terrorism. The program consists of four required courses, offered in an online, synchronous learning environment, and can be completed in 12-24 months. The program is not eligible for I-20 or DS-2019 issuance by the University of Maryland. Eligible applicants must have earned a 4-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree at a foreign university, with a preferred GPA of 3.0. GRE scores are not required. The program does not currently provide financial assistance to Graduate Certificate students. The application deadlines for domestic and international applicants are August 7, 2026 (Fall), January 6, 2026 (Spring), and N/A (Summer). The program is led by faculty members with expertise in terrorism analysis, including Marcus Boyd and Amy Pate. The program aims to provide a well-rounded and sophisticated approach to the subject matter, cultivating a stimulating learning environment for students from academic and professional backgrounds.