Graduate Catalog
2023-2024
 
Policies, Procedures, Academic Programs
Security Studies
PSOC
Address:
Political Science (0130) Major Williams Hall Room 515 220 Stanger Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Contact this Certificate
Email Contact(s):
Web Resource(s):
• Website
Phone Number(s):
• General Contact:
540/231-6572
• Graduate Program Director:
540/231-8843

Certificate Overview

The graduate certificate program in Security Studies is designed for non-degree-seeking students and graduate students at Virginia Tech who wish to demonstrate special competence in Security Studies. This certificate program responds to existing demand by degree-seeking and non-degree students, studying on campus or through online courses. Study security issues in a holistic lens. Learn how to think critically, write concisely and brief effectively by acquiring the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to gather, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data relating to questions of national and international security, defense policy in specific world regions, terrorist and counterterrorist operations, and insurgency, counterinsurgency, and urban warfare.
How to Apply:
Fill out the online application for participation in the certificate program.
Upon processing of the application, you will be contacted
with information about the submission of additional
required materials. Thank you for your interest.

Admission Requirements

Applications for the Graduate Certificate in Security Studies will be considered from students enrolled in a graduate degree program at Virginia Tech and from non-degree and Commonwealth Campus students who have been permitted to take courses by the Graduate School. Certificates will be awarded upon application for the certificate and application for certificate conferral once course requirements have been completed.

Course Requirements

Completion of a total of 12 credit hours; 6 credits in required courses and 6 elective hours. Students must receive a grade of B or better in each course.

(Note: Students will not be allowed to retake a course for a better grade if they receive below a B.)

Required courses:

  • PSCI 5444 - International Politics
  • PSCI 5484 - American Foreign Policy

In addition, students must complete at least 6 credit hours from the following:

  • PSCI 5324 - Executive Branch
  • PSCI 5464 - Critical Security Studies
  • PSCI 5474 - Global Governance
  • PSCI 5514 - Global Security
  • PSCI 5524 - U.S. Foreign Policy after 9/11