Nuclear Deterrence Graduate Certificate

• 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.

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.

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)

Recommended Course Path: 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.

Ready to take the next step?

You can enroll in your first course in the:

• Spring
• Summer
• Fall

See the schedules in the academic calendar.

Search For Courses

To find certificate courses in the DCE Course Search and Registration Platform:

• Under Search Classes, scroll to Browse by Degree, Certificate, or Premedical Program.
• Select Graduate Certificates.
• Choose Nuclear Deterrence Graduate Certificate to explore program courses.

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.