Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in International Security

The Graduate Certificate in International Security is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of international security issues. Students who complete this certificate will gain a greater understanding of how and why organized violence is used in contemporary world politics. They will learn to explain the outbreaks, durations, and terminations of war; the causes of human suffering during wartime; and the ways in which human beings can suffer from insecurity even during times of peace.

Program Overview

The certificate is designed to prepare students to become competent analysts of contemporary and future international security issues. Students will gain experience in using a variety of theoretical approaches, with a heavy emphasis on research methods and research design.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:

1. Identify and describe theories of International Relations as they relate to international security studies.
2. Explain complex phenomena with reference to academic theories and concepts.
3. Produce rigorous research into international security topics, and convey findings to diverse audiences.

Program Requirements

• Course List Code | Title | Credits
  ---|---|---
  POLS 531| International Security Studies| 3
  Select a minimum of 9 credits from the following:| 9
  • POLS 533| Advanced Topics in US Foreign Policy|
  • POLS 534| International Environmental Security|
  • POLS 535| Emerging Threats in International Security|
  • PPA 540| International Policy Toolkit|
  • PPA 542| Policy Accountability--Non-Democratic Regimes|
  • PPA 544| Ethics and Efficacy--Global Policymaking|
    Program Total Credits:| 12