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International Relations ,Certificate

International Relations, Certificate


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Conflict, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Intelligence, Policy Analysis, Security, Studies, diplomacy

This program's name has changed effective Fall 2025. The previous name was International Studies.


Study the dynamics of rapidly changing global forces such as national security, trade and globalization. Prepare yourself for a leadership position in any discipline and career field that you choose.

Description

Students in the international relations certificate program develop a sophisticated understanding of conflict and cooperation across the globe, political and economic institutions, and dynamics between state and nonstate actors. Students begin with foundational instruction on U.S. political institutions or global politics and then progress to advanced coursework that examines public policy, political leadership and political change. After receiving foundational instruction on international relations, students examine relations among nations, including America's role in the world; key international themes such as national security, intelligence, diplomacy and trade; and the intersection of politics, culture, and national and global identities. Coursework develops students' analytical and communication skills, and they have options for experiential learning, including internships.

At a glance
Curriculum
Requirement Minimum Grade Credit Hours
Foundations for International Relations
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
C 3
Intelligence, Diplomacy, and Security
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
C 3
The certificate is comprised of 15 credit hours from political science, global studies, and international relations courses. At least 12 credit hours must be in upper-division coursework and at least six of those credit hours must be from courses offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. A grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better is required for all courses used toward the certificate.
International Law, Economy, and Institutions
6 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
C 6
Culture, Politics, and Identity
3 Credit Hours
Minimum Grade:C
C 3
Notes
Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment requirements

Incompatible majors: BA and BS in international relations

Requests to declare this certificate are reviewed by the academic advisor in the academic unit offering the certificate. Students may be contacted to discuss the certificate before it is added to their record.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Career opportunities

Graduates who have combined the certificate in international relations with their major program of study become more attractive to employers.

Graduates are equipped with the skills to identify global trends and address issues facing humanity. They have developed a deeper understanding of international policy while leveraging their critical thinking and communication skills, as well as their cross-cultural competencies. Their sector-spanning analytic skills are useful for careers in many areas, including government, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, academia and journalism. Graduates pursue careers as foreign service officers, security analysts and policy analysts, and in other data-driven positions.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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