What You'll Learn
- Understanding of nuclear deterrence theory, the history of nuclear weapon development and proliferation, and the cold war’s impact on the arms race.
- Knowledge of the types and effects of the various types of delivery systems and nuclear arms, such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
- Insight into past and current international relations’ frameworks, nuclear security policies in the US and other nation–states in the post-Cold War era, and the changing context of global conflict.
Our Community at a Glance
Certificates are the fastest-growing post-secondary credential in the United States. Learn how to get started, track your progress, and successfully earn a certificate.
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72%
Pursued Certificate to Deepen Expertise or Advance Career
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97%
Working Full Time
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25%
Applied Certificate to ALM Degree
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100%
Would Recommend Certificate
Certificate Courses
The professional graduate certificate in Nuclear Deterrence requires four courses:
- History of the Cold War (required)
- Nuclear Weapons and International Security (required)
- Origins and Evolution of Deterrence Theory (required)
- International Security elective (choose one course from select group)
We recommend completing the three required courses in the order listed above, when possible. Your elective course may be taken at any point in your certificate studies.
You can find courses by course group and term — fall, spring, or summer — in the certificate course search within DCE Course Search & Registration platform.
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 nuclear deterrence certificate. Once completed, those four courses may can 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 (2024–25 rate) | $3,340 per course |
|---|---|
| Average Tuition of Peer Institutions | $5,476 per course |
| Average Total Cost | $13,360 |
