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International Relations ,Certificate

International Relations, Certificate

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / International Relations

Conflict, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Intelligence, Policy Analysis, Security, Studies, diplomacy

This program's name has changed effective Fall 2025. The previous name was International Studies.


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 conflict and cooperation across the globe, political and economic institutions, and dynamics between state and nonstate actors. Students begin with foundational instruction on U.S. political institutions or global politics and then progress to advanced coursework that examines public policy, political leadership and political change. After receiving foundational instruction on international relations, students examine relations among nations, including America's role in the world; key international themes such as national security, intelligence, diplomacy and trade; and the intersection of politics, culture, and national and global identities. Coursework develops students' analytical and communication skills, and they have options for experiential learning, including internships.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No

Curriculum
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Additional 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.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Career opportunities

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

Graduates are equipped with the skills to 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 many areas, including 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.

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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