International Relations, Certificate


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.

Program Description

Students in the international relations certificate program develop a sophisticated understanding of how the world is deeply interconnected and why events happening in one part of the globe may have huge impacts on other regions. Students learn about U.S. political institutions or global politics before progressing to advanced coursework on public policy, political leadership and political change. They examine core issues in international relations, including America's role in the world, violent conflict, diplomacy and trade, and how local identities interact with global trends to shape world affairs. Students develop analytical and communication skills, and pursue hands-on research, including internships.

Learning Outcomes
  • Correctly apply one of the main theories of international relations, liberalism, to a global event or policy.
  • Write about topics of international relations using clear and concise language.
  • Analyze key contemporary global issues.

At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No

Program Requirements

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.


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Career Outlook

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

Graduates can 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 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: 33.5%
  • Median Salary*: 112590
  Bright Outlook

Climate Change Policy Analysts


  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: 80060

Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: -0.7%
  • Median Salary*: 93580

Lawyers


  • Growth: 4.1%
  • Median Salary*: 151160

Operations Research Analysts


  • Growth: 21.5%
  • Median Salary*: 91290
  Bright Outlook

Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 2%
  • Median Salary*: 94680

Public Relations Managers


  • Growth: 5%
  • Median Salary*: 138520
  Bright Outlook

Regulatory Affairs Managers


  • Growth: 4.5%
  • Median Salary*: 136550
  Bright Outlook

Statisticians


  • Growth: 8.5%
  • Median Salary*: 103300
  Bright Outlook

* 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

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