International Studies (Certificate)


At a Glance: program details

Certificate Map

  • Location:
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Power and statecraft, national security and globalization. Gain a deeper understanding of the connections between these important concepts and topics discussed in the media every day.

Program Description

Students completing the international studies certificate develop a sophisticated understanding of some of the major issues and trends facing the world today. Courses examine relations among nations, including America's role in the world; key international concerns such as human rights; and the internal politics of specific nations or regions.

The certificate is not a substitute for degree requirements in any subject, including political science. Rather, the required courses add an international and comparative dimension to the student's chosen major.


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

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 prior to the addition of the certificate to the student record.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.


Career Outlook

Graduates who have combined the certificate in international studies with their major program of study may become more marketable to employers. They often decide to pursue employment in diplomacy and international relations, national security or international business.

The international studies certificate program prepares students for careers in government agencies, international governmental and nongovernmental organizations, multinational firms and banks and for graduate studies in international relations and political science.

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.

Management Analysts


  • Growth: 9.7%
  • Median Salary*: 95290
  Bright Outlook

Chief Executives


  • Growth: -8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 189520

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary


  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 80910

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 98560
  Bright Outlook

Training and Development Managers


  • Growth: 6.5%
  • Median Salary*: 120000
  Bright Outlook

Financial Managers


  • Growth: 16%
  • Median Salary*: 139790
  Bright Outlook

General and Operations Managers


  • Growth: 4.2%
  • Median Salary*: 98100
  Bright Outlook

Lawyers


  • Growth: 7.5%
  • Median Salary*: 135740
  Bright Outlook

Sales Managers


  • Growth: 4%
  • Median Salary*: 130600

Supply Chain Managers


  • Growth: 8.2%
  • Median Salary*: 98560
  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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