Security Studies Certificate
The Certificate in Security Studies recognizes students who focus their studies on international and national security affairs. Through the certificate, students develop an interdisciplinary expertise and practical job experience in security studies, including: diplomacy, defense, intelligence, foreign policy, homeland security, international affairs, international development, human rights, war, conflict, peace, and related fields.
Total Hours Required: 18
Requirements
Requirements are listed in the table below. Additional requirements may follow the table, so be sure to read the entire page. Some required courses listed below may also satisfy General Education requirements, including Core Curriculum. Students should also review the University's Undergraduate Minor and Certificate Requirements and Policies.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| GOV 360D | International Security (or a course chossen from an approved list) | 3 |
| Hours chosen from: (chose from at least two different departments) | 15 | |
| Politics in China | ||
| The Politics of Mexico | ||
| Governments and Politics of South Asia | ||
| International Security | ||
| Geography of the Former Soviet Union | ||
| History of Russia since 1917 | ||
| Stalin's Russia at War | ||
| The Decolonization of the British Empire | ||
| Foundations of International Relations and Global Studies | ||
| Nuclear Safety and Security | ||
A course from a list available on the certificate’s website | ||
| College Requirements - Liberal Arts | ||
| Undergraduate Minor and Certificate Requirements and Policies | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
Additional Requirements and Policy
Students are required to take 18 credit hours on a letter-grade basis, earning a combined 3.0 or higher grade point average across at least two different departments, including at least nine completed in residence, and complete an internship in a field related to security studies.
Internship
Students must successfully complete an internship.
- Students are responsible for identifying internship opportunities, applying for internships, informing the Faculty Committee of their internship plans, submitting a proposal for an internship to satisfy the certificate requirement, and submitting proof that the internship was completed.
- Internships must involve substantive work that exposes students to the professional work environment and offers opportunities for networking in their chosen career fields.
- Internships may be with government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, research centers, consulting firms, or other entities that offer professional job experience.
- Internships may be in the fields of diplomacy, defense, intelligence, foreign policy, national security, homeland security, international affairs, international development, human rights, and related fields.
- The Faculty Committee reviews students’ internship experience to ensure it is relevant to security studies and was satisfactorily completed.
- Internships must last a minimum of six weeks of full-time work, or its equivalent (240 hours).
- Internships may be in the United States or abroad.
- Internships may be paid or unpaid.
- Students who accept unpaid internships are invited to apply for a stipend through the Clements Center for National Security’s Summer Student Development Fund. Funds are limited and stipends are not guaranteed for certificate students.
- Students must successfully complete an internship as part of this program. The Faculty Committee reviews students’ internship experience to ensure it is relevant to security studies and was satisfactorily completed. Internship student responsibilities and requirements are published on our website, http://clementscenter.org/programs/seay-partnership-in-history-strategy-and-statecraft/item/864-undergraduate-certificate-in-security-studies. Students should review all published information and consult with their advisor to ensure completion of the internship requirement.
Waivers
Students may waive the internship requirement if they are enrolled in ROTC; have prior military experience with no major disciplinary actions against them; or have extensive prior civilian job experience directly related to security studies. The Faculty Committee reviews applications to waive the internship requirement.