What You'll Learn
The International Relations Graduate Certificate offers a comprehensive exploration of global conflict, cooperation, and diplomacy. You’ll gain the analytical tools and contextual understanding needed to navigate the complex political, economic, and institutional forces shaping today’s international landscape.
- Develop an understanding of international conflict and cooperation.
- Gain insight into various regional and international political institutions and systems and their impact on governance and diplomacy.
- Build knowledge in focused topic areas, such as international political economy, foreign policy, human rights, and geopolitics.
Courses
The International Relations Graduate Certificate requires four courses. You may choose from the following course groups, using the certificate course search.
International Relations Course (Choose 1)
Example courses:
- GOVT 40 International Conflict and Cooperation
Electives (Choose 3)
Example elective courses:
- DEVP 116 Water Crises and Solutions: Engaging Science and Social Science to Develop Sustainable Solutions
- GOVT 1250 Transatlantic Relations after the Ukraine War
- GOVT 1889 Evolution of Deterrence Theory
- GOVT 1723 Propaganda, Past and Present
Searching and Registering for Courses
Available course options vary by term. You can browse options for fall, spring, or summer in the certificate course search within the DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
Our Community at a Glance
Going back to school doesn’t have to mean putting your life on hold.
We’ve designed our certificates and degrees to give you the flexibility to pace your studies to fit your schedule.
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40%
Applied Certificate to ALM Degree
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76%
Working Full Time
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94%
Would Recommend Certificate
Earning Your Certificate
Most of our certificates can be completed online and no formal application process is required to pursue a certificate.
To meet the requirements for the certificate, you must:
- Complete the four certificate courses for graduate credit.
- Earn at least a B grade in each course.
- Complete the courses within three years.
Learn more about pursuing a certificate and the process of requesting your certificate.
Stack Your Certificate Into a Degree
Stackable credential pathways allow you to earn multiple credentials by completing courses that meet overlapping requirements. In the short term, you can earn your biomedical certificate. Once completed, those four courses may count toward either a master’s degree in government or a master’s degree in international relations.
This stackable pathway offers an efficient, cost-effective way to earn short-term credentials to help fill immediate skill gaps and acquire specialized knowledge while building a foundation for long-term success that showcases your expertise in the field.
Learn how to plan a stackable credential pathway.
Cost
Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.
| Our Tuition (2025–26 rate) | $3,440 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,760 |
