National Security Studies Undergraduate Certificate

Program Description

The National Security Studies certificate is intended for students who are interested in careers as analysts or policymakers promoting national and global security. Students learn about U.S. national and international security systems, as well as the range of existing, potential, and emerging security threats, both domestic and foreign. With coursework that emphasizes problem solving, communication and cross-cultural understanding, students learn how to critically analyze these threats and craft appropriate policy responses to them.

Admission Requirements

Any degree-seeking student may apply to the program by meeting with the certificate advisor. If not a current degree-seeking student, applicants may apply as non-degree and meet with the certificate advisor to be admitted into the certificate program only.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Understand the range of threats to national and international security;
• Be able to analyze threats and design appropriate responses to them.

For More Information

Required Course (3 credit hours)

PLS 2120 - American National Government Credit Hour(s): 3

Elective Courses (12 credit hours)

Choose 4 courses with at least one course from each category:

National and Global Security Threats

PLS 4320 - International Politics of Cyber Security Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4630 - International Conflict Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4720 - Terrorism and Counterterrorism Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4750 - Weapons of Mass Destruction Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4870 - Politics of Intelligence Gathering Credit Hour(s): 3

Area Studies

PLS 4510 - Contemporary African Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4530 - Politics of Russia Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4540 - Politics of the Middle East Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4560 - Politics of Europe Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4570 - Politics of Developing Nations Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4580 - Latin American Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4620 - US- India-Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4650 - Politics of Nationalism Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4660 - Political Institutions and Issues- South Asia Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4670 - Chinese Domestic Politics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4850 - Chinese Foreign Policy Credit Hour(s): 3
And other courses approved by your certificate advisor.