Transportation Safety, Security, and Emergency Management (TSSEM) Certificate
The Certificate in Transportation Safety, Security, and Emergency Management (TSSEM) (formerly Transportation Security Management), offered by the Lucas Graduate School of Business and supported by the Mineta Transportation Institute, offers students a unique opportunity to develop expertise across the three interrelated topics of transportation safety, security, and emergency management. Safety management protects from harm caused by non-intentional hazards, security management protects from intentional human behaviors, and emergency management prepares organizations for effective organizational response in the face of emergencies.
While safety, security, and emergency management are each independently critical to protecting human life, property, and the environment, transportation professionals are much more successful at managing any one of the three when knowledgeable about all three topics.
Completing the certificate prepares students for careers across the transportation industry. Public-sector transportation organizations are required by law to have staff working on both safety and emergency management, and in recent years new federal mandates require public transit agencies to prioritize safety management. Students who complete the program would be well prepared for such positions as Chief Safety Officer of a public transit operator and emergency manager or security manager for a transit or transportation agency.
The program enables students to earn 9 units of course credit that may later be applied to the Master of Science in Transportation Management (MSTM) program. Additionally, students who complete the emergency management course (MTM 226A) earn certification in the California Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS). Students who complete the security course (MTM 226B) also earn two certificates from the Department of Homeland Security/New Mexico Tech.
Intakes
- Jan
- Aug
Application Processing Time in Days: 30
Minimum English Language Requirements
| English Level Description | IELTS (1.0 -9.0) | TOEFL IBT (0-120) | TOEFL CBT (0-300) | PTE (10-90) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expert | 9 | 120 | 297-300 | 86-90 | |
| Very Good | 8.5 | 115-119 | 280-293 | 83-86 | |
| Very Good | 8 | 110-114 | 270-280 | 79-83 | |
| Good | 7.5 | 102-109 | 253-267 | 73-79 | |
| Good | 7 | 94-101 | 240-253 | 65-73 | |
| Competent | 6.5 | 79-93 | 213-233 | 58-65 | |
| Competent | 6 | 60-78 | 170-210 | 50-58 | |
| Modest | 5.5 | 46-59 | 133-210 | 43-50 | |
| Modest | 5 | 35-45 | 107-133 | 36-43 | |
| Limited | 4 | 32-34 | 97-103 | 30-36 | |
| Extremely Limited | < 4 | < 31 | < 93 | < 30 |
Job Opportunity Potential
San José State University (SJSU), located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers strong job opportunities both on and off campus. The university hires for faculty, staff, and administrative positions across various departments. Students can find on-campus part-time jobs, internships, and research assistant roles to support their studies. Through its Career Center, SJSU connects students and alumni with employers, internships, and career fairs. The university uses Handshake, a dedicated job portal, where thousands of internships and job listings are posted regularly. SJSU also has auxiliary organizations that provide additional employment options. With its location in Silicon Valley, students gain access to tech companies, start-ups, and Fortune 500 firms for internships and full-time employment. The business, engineering, and computer science programs are especially well linked with industry. Graduates benefit from strong employer demand, particularly in technology, finance, and innovation-driven roles. SJSU is known as one of the top public universities in California for career outcomes. Overall, the university provides excellent professional exposure, making it a strong launchpad for careers in the U.S. and globally.
PSW Opportunity
Post-Study Work visa or permit, allowing international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies, typically through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Eligibility:
To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time in a US educational institution for at least one academic year and be seeking work related to their major.
Duration:
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT, either before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).
STEM OPT:
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields can apply for an extended OPT period of up to 24 months.
Contact our PSA counselor for more information
Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria
Entry Requirements (Undergraduate)
- Completion of high school (12 years of education) with strong academic results.
- GPA requirement: minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (equivalent to around 80–85%).
- Must meet subject-specific requirements depending on the chosen major (Math, Science, or English prerequisites).
- Submission of official transcripts in English.
- SAT/ACT: Not mandatory for international students (test-optional).
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) is required.
English Language Proficiency (IELTS & Others)
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.0 (no band less than 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: 80 (minimum 18 in each section)
- PTE Academic: 44
- Duolingo English Test (DET): 120
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR PSA COUNSELOR
- Course Type: Full Time
- Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
- Duration: 01 Year
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Total Tuition Fee:
17692 USD
Average Cost of Living: 14000 USD /year
Application Fee: 70 USD

