Welcome to IHSEM
IHSEM’s mission is rooted in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications that protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure.
The Institute for Homeland Security and Emergency Management
The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Institute for Homeland Security and Emergency Management (IHSEM) is dedicated to advancing the field of disaster preparedness and response through innovative research, applied science, faculty-student research collaboration, first responder training and community-focused resilience initiatives. Established by the NCCU Department of Criminal Justice in 2007, IHSEM serves as a hub for exploring risk science and developing evidence-based strategies to address natural and human-made hazards. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, IHSEM contributes to cutting-edge research and training in disaster management, with the goal of enhancing resilience at the local, state, and national levels.
$1.5M
Funding for Delivery of Emergency First Responder Training
241
Total Number of Courses Delivered to First Responders
5,515
First Responders Trained
Innovative and Cutting-Edge Research
IHSEM is spearheading innovative research in disaster telemedicine, focusing on solutions for rural communities in North Carolina during catastrophic disasters and medical surges. The IHSEM also released a documentary highlighting faculty-student collaboration in advancing disaster telemedicine.
Overview
The Institute for Homeland Security and Emergency Management (IHSEM) at North Carolina Central University is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to advancing homeland security, emergency management, disaster preparedness, and community resilience through research, education, training, and public engagement. Established by the NCCU Department of Criminal Justice in 2007, IHSEM serves as a hub for innovative solutions that address natural hazards, public safety challenges, and emerging security threats. Through faculty-led research, student engagement, and partnerships with government, nonprofit, healthcare, and public safety organizations, the Institute bridges academic scholarship with practical applications that strengthen preparedness and response capabilities at the local, state, and national levels.
IHSEM is committed to building safer and more resilient communities by providing specialized training for emergency responders, conducting applied research on critical issues such as disaster telemedicine and rural disaster resilience, and fostering collaboration among students, practitioners, and community stakeholders. The Institute has delivered hundreds of emergency management and homeland security training programs to thousands of participants nationwide while creating opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through research, internships, and professional development initiatives. Through its focus on innovation, workforce development, and community outreach, IHSEM continues to prepare the next generation of homeland security and emergency management leaders while strengthening communities' capacity to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies.
IHSEM advances education, research, and training to strengthen disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community resilience with a focus on underserved and rural populations.
Faculty-Student Collaboration
Faculty subject matter experts and student researchers at IHSEM collaborate to develop innovative solutions and policy-driven knowledge in disaster resilience, emergency response, homeland security, and public safety.
Academic and Training Programs
Through targeted training programs, IHSEM equips emergency responders and community stakeholders with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to effectively prevent, prepare for, and respond to crises.
Research Initiatives
Research initiatives at IHSEM drive innovation in areas such as disaster telemedicine, threat group radicalization, public housing disaster resilience, and community emergency preparedness via faculty-led and student-engaged projects.
Community Outreach
Community outreach at IHSEM builds trust and capacity by engaging local, rural, and faith-based communities with education, preparedness resources, and collaborative planning for all-hazards resilience.
Unlocking Potential: NCCU Summer Research Journey
The NCCU Summer Research Journey highlights students from North Carolina University research experiences and engagement at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center for Accelerating Operational Efficiency (CAOE) at Arizona State University (ASU) during the summer of 2024.
Other Internship Opportunities
Durham County | Justice Services Internships
This program offers paid and unpaid internships, on an as-needed basis, for undergraduate and graduate students within the Justice Services Department.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Students and Graduates | FBIJOBS
The FBI invites students and recent graduates to apply for paid internships and entry-level career options, providing challenging and rewarding assignments across various U.S. locations.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers Internship Programs
These programs allow college students majoring in criminal justice, criminology, or related fields to participate in a federal law enforcement training environment, combining hands-on training and work experience.
Homeland Security Professional Opportunities for Student Workforce to Experience Research
(Application due January 5, 2026)
Sponsored by the Office of University Programs of the Department of Homeland Security, HS-POWER is a 10-week research internship for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM or relevant social sciences to work on homeland security-related research.
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Internships
This organization offers Spring, Summer, and Fall internships (10-12 weeks) in which students support advocacy, programs, research and training aimed at advancing law enforcement and criminal justice issues.
North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) Internships
NCDPS provides structured internships for high school to college students (paid or unpaid) that offer hands-on exposure to public safety careers across areas such as communications, engineering, IT, juvenile justice, and more.
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) Internships
The internship program is open to currently enrolled college juniors/seniors or graduate students in a variety of disciplines, offering experience in how a state investigative agency functions, and supplements classroom learning.
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) Internship Program
This internship program offers students opportunities to serve the community and gain on-the-job career-advancing experience by supporting the department’s mission to uphold the law, protect the public, and enhance public safety.
Raleigh Police Department (RPD) Internship Program | Raleighnc.gov
RPD’s college internship program offers paid internships across three semesters for seniors or graduate students, allowing them to work alongside sworn and civilian professionals and gain experience in a modern police department.
U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division | Undergraduate Internship Opportunities
The Criminal Division invites undergraduate and graduate interns to assist with a variety of complex legal and factual tasks such as research, document preparation, and litigation support in sections like international affairs and violent crime.
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Students, Interns, Recent Graduates and Fellows
The DOJ’s Pathways Programs provide structured pathways for students and recent graduates to explore federal careers through paid internships or developmental experiences, with potential conversion to permanent roles.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis Internship Program
This internship program is designed for current undergraduates and graduate students and offers placements in intelligence analysis, collections, partnerships, and management to help build future homeland-security intelligence professionals.