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Certificate in Transportation Security and Management (CTSM)

MTI, a member of the Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Center of Excellence, has long been a leader in researching terrorist incidents against transportation. The Certificate in Transportation Security Management (CTSM) program offers students access to the latest terrorism prevention and response information based on current research, as well as ICS⁄SEMS⁄NIMS and DHS training certifications.

At the inception of the CTSM, MTI Executive Director Rod Diridon noted, "In light of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, fortifying the security of our transportation system is of utmost importance to transportation agencies. It is critical to educate and train our students in these areas, and simultaneously research and investigate new ways to secure our mass transit systems. We are continually looking for ways to respond to identified security needs. " Since that time attacks in Madrid, London and Mumbai have reinforced the importance of having transportation, emergency management, law enforcement and security professionals plan to recognize, prevent or respond to terrorist activity.

The certificate consists of two required courses–Emergency Management for Transportation Professionals and Security Issues for Transportation Professionals–along with two core courses from the current graduate–level transportation management curriculum. Students may apply six units of credits earned from the certificate program towards MTI´s 30–unit Master of Science in Transportation Management. The emergency management course is taught by Dr. Frances L. Edwards, a renowned disaster response expert, and Dan Goodrich, a specialist in planning, training and exercises for Weapons of Mass Destruction⁄Disruption, will teach the security class.

Students enrolling in "Security Issues for Transportation Professionals " will learn: Concepts and terminology associated with physical security, including

• Various types of physical security mechanisms and how they are blended for maximum effect
• How to conduct a cost–benefit analysis of security plans
• How to recognize explosives, delivery mechanisms, and potential impacts on transportation and transit facilities
• How to audit security for an organization, with concentration on transit and transportation organizations and assets Students will complete two Department of Homeland Security courses as part of the curriculum, and receive DHS training certificates for them: Incident Response to Terrorist Bombing and Prevention and Response to Suicide Bombing Incidents.

 

Students enrolling in "Emergency Management for Transportation Professionals " will learn:

• Principles of the Incident Command System/Standardized Emergency Management System⁄National Incident Management System (ICS⁄SEMS⁄NIMS) with the opportunity to obtain a training certificate
• Emergency Operations Center design and management
• Components of an effective emergency plan for a transit or transportation agency
• Threat assessment for transit or transportation facilities
• Impacts of natural, technological and human–caused disasters on transit and transportation sites and systems. Every student will research a natural or human–caused disaster and lead a seminar on that event.

 

Affiliated with SJSU´s Lucas Graduate School of Business, MTI provides transportation, emergency management, law enforcement and security professionals with an opportunity to pursue an advanced degree while maintaining full–time employment. Courses are delivered in the evening via the Caltrans statewide videoconference network. According to MTI Education Director Peter J. Haas, Ph.D., "MTI is on the leading edge of providing distance learning in a cost–effective, career–friendly format."

MTI was established at San Jose State University by Congress as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991, reauthorized in 1998, and selected through a competitive process in 2002 as a national "Center of Excellence." In addition to the graduate education program, MTI funds research into surface transportation policy and management issues. Additional information can be found at http:⁄⁄transweb.sjsu.edu.

 

For details about MTI´s education program, please contact Dr. Peter Haas, MTI Education Director at 408-924-5691 or haas@mti.sjsu.edu, or Viviann Ferea, Education Program Assistant at 408-924-7570 or ferea@mti.sjsu.edu