At a Glance: program details
Certificate Map
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Location:
- Additional Program Fee: No
- Second Language Requirement: No
Program 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.
Program Requirements
The certificate in international studies is comprised of 15 credit hours in political science and global studies. 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.
Foundations for International Studies (choose one course) -- 3 credit hours
The U.S. in the World (choose one course) -- 3 credit hours
Contemporary Issues in International Studies (choose two courses) -- 6 credit hours
Regional or Topical Exploration (choose one course) -- 3 credit hours
Only one of POS 160 Global Politics and POS 360 World Politics courses may apply to the certificate.
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 Outlook
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.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.
Business Intelligence Analysts
- Growth: 35.2%
- Median Salary*: 103500
Climate Change Policy Analysts
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: 76480
Intelligence Analysts
- Growth: 1.5%
- Median Salary*: 86280
Lawyers
- Growth: 7.5%
- Median Salary*: 135740
Operations Research Analysts
- Growth: 22.5%
- Median Salary*: 85720
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Growth: 3.7%
- Median Salary*: 83770
Public Relations Managers
- Growth: 5.9%
- Median Salary*: 129430
Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Growth: 3.3%
- Median Salary*: 128620
Statisticians
- Growth: 31.6%
- Median Salary*: 98920
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.
For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.
Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
To add a minor, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
To add a certificate, please consult with the academic advisor for your major.
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
