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Graduate Certificates

The Penn State School of International Affairs offers a range of graduate education programs to produce rewarding career paths in the global arena. Our four graduate certificates offer working professionals, students, and those interested in advancing their knowledge of international issues a flexible program that can be easily completed in less than one year.

SIA students on the career trip to Washington D.C.

International Affairs Certificate

Widen your career options in international relations, public policy, intelligence, defense policy, military affairs, and more..
SIA Coverdell Fellows

International Development Policy Certificate

Study geopolitical, cultural, and legal aspects of international affairs pertaining to economic development.
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International Security Studies Certificate

This certificate is a strong addition to the resume of anyone interested in a career in international relations, public policy, intelligence, defense, military affairs, counterterrorism, diplomacy, law enforcement, international organizations, or international law.
SIA students at the Council on Foreign Relations

International Public Policy Certificate

This certificate will help you expand your career options and build your knowledge and skills in the rapidly evolving field of international public policy.
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Online International Affairs Certificate

This 12-credit graduate certificate is offered fully online by SIA through Penn State World Campus and can be completed in one year. Gain a deeper understanding of policy on the global stage through an interdisciplinary approach to international affairs that offers an opportunity to explore related fields and topics.

Our graduate certificates offer essential foundations to the field of international affairs.

Our certificate programs specialize in providing a global perspective and preparing leaders in a range of careers. In addition, these certificates broaden the perspectives and global knowledge of students working in a range of careers outside of global affairs.

Students pursuing a graduate certificate in the School of International Affairs can expect to gain:

  • understanding of the major factors that form the foundations of international affairs through coursework on economic development, globalization, and international diplomacy and law,
  • a unique balance of academic study, hands-on training, and professional development to match the rapidly evolving global job market, and
  • experience working with a faculty that contains decades of experience as former ambassadors, senior government advisers, higher education leaders, senior officials of international organizations, and foreign policy experts.