The Center offers a homeland security master's degree and other programs tailored for senior law enforcement managers, fire departments, the military, public health, and emergency management. Students admitted to the master's program must already hold positions with significant responsibilities related to homeland security. A new class of 30 students is graduated every 6 months. Applications are accepted twice a year, with the deadlines being May 1 and December 1. During the 18-month program, students are required to be in residence 12 weeks (2 weeks per quarter). Students complete the remainder of the course through the Internet. In the program, students learn to develop strategies and policies designed to thwart terrorist plans. The curriculum addresses agricultural security, weapons of mass destruction, planning and budgeting for homeland security, technology, and critical infrastructure protection. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pays all tuition costs and travel expenses for State, local, and DHS employees. Non-DHS Federal employees and U.S. military officers must have financial sponsorship. Noncredit, online versions of the master's degree courses are available to security professionals who need the flexibility of self-paced instruction. Other Center programs and resources include the mobile education team seminars, the Executive Leadership Program, the University and Agency Partnership Initiative, and the Homeland Security Digital Library. A new, interactive online homeland security training program, called the Homeland Security Certificate Program, offers first responders at all levels practical guidance on preventing terrorist attacks.