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  • International Relations & National Security (Certificate)
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International Relations & National Security Certificate

Analyze and evaluate national and international defense policy while focusing on the ways in which nations formulate policy and make determinations on military action.

UND's undergraduate International Relations & National Security certificate will help you gain an understanding of international politics and institutions, as well as the conduct of diplomacy and foreign policy.

Program type:
Certificates/Programs - Undergraduate
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
1-2 years
Credit hours:
14-15
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Why earn an international relations certificate?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


This undergraduate certificate program trains students to analyze and evaluate various aspects of national and international defense policy. Students explore how nations use intelligence, diplomacy and military power to formulate policy, promote regional stability or take military action in a crisis.

This certificate is designed for:

  • Students in Political Science or other degrees seeking to specialize in international relations as part of their undergraduate program.
  • Students at the American College of Norway
  • Veterans and current military personnel looking to complete coursework to support their ongoing professional development.

International Relations Certificate Program

  • Opportunities to enhance your written and verbal communication skills while building foundational knowledge around international relations.

  • Attend classes in person or participate in classes online (asynchronous), viewing instructor materials or streaming video of classes at a later date.

  • Take courses through UND's Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, one of the top 5% of business schools in the world.

  • Pairs well with a Political Science or Global Studies major.

  • Receive personalized career support through the Pancratz Career Development Center. The center is dedicated exclusively to career development for online and on-campus Nistler College of Business & Public Administration students.

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International Relations & National Security Careers

11%

Expected growth of management analyst positions to 2031

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

93K

Median average salary for Management Analysts

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A certificate in International Relations & National Security from UND will help you gain an understanding of a broad range of threats to national and international security, how to examine and analyze those threats, and help determine the best course of action for all. You'll find the flexibility to pursue positions such as:

  • Program Associate
  • Program Analyst
  • Foreign Affairs Specialist
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Program Analyst
  • Counter Intelligence Agent

International Relations Certificate Courses

POLS 320. Foreign Policies. 3 Credits.

Examination of the roles of major powers in the international system, with emphasis on the foreign policies of the United States and other major powers. S.

POLS 321. International Human Rights. 3 Credits.

Examination of factors that contribute to human rights violations and domestic, multilateral and bilateral efforts to combat such violations with emphasis placed on the changing nature of the international system of states.

POLS 225. Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to comparative politics with emphasis on the democratic systems of Europe. F.

POLS 120. Global Perspectives. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to help students think critically about global awareness, diversity, and multiculturalism. This course will provide a foundation for students to later complete a designated global engagement experience. The course explores globalization and its consequences and builds a foundation for students to be informed and globally engaged citizens. F.

Online International Relations & National Security Certificate

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

Most online courses are offered in a flexible asynchronous format; however, some may need to be taken in a live synchronous format.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Synchronous classes are held in real-time. If you’re the kind of learner who likes active discussion and immediate feedback through live interaction, you’ll enjoy this online course format.

Every class is different, but generally, you’ll log into a virtual classroom at scheduled times to:

  • Listen to a lecture
  • Ask questions
  • Participate in class discussions
  • Conduct group activities
  • Participate in video-sharing
  • Have chat conversations
  • Use interactive whiteboards
  • Take live polls

You should prepare for your classes by finishing any assigned readings, compiling questions for your instructor and thinking about how to contribute to the next live class.

Top-Tier Online Student Resources

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

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