Security Studies Certificate
The Upper-Division Certificate (UDC) in Security Studies (SEST) is a 15-credit program open to UMBC undergraduates from any major. The certificate provides students with a focused understanding of international, national, homeland, human, and cyber security, preparing them for careers in government, consulting, nonprofits, and the private sector, as well as graduate or law school.
The certificate complements a student’s major by adding specialized expertise in security studies. STEM students gain an understanding of the geopolitical and strategic contexts that shape technical fields, while students in the social sciences develop a distinct specialization that strengthens their academic and professional credentials.
Located in the Baltimore–Washington region, UMBC is well positioned to prepare students for opportunities with employers such as the Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security, intelligence agencies, government contractors, consulting firms, emergency management organizations, and nonprofits. As global security challenges continue to evolve, the SEST certificate equips students with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to address today’s complex security issues.
Certificate Requirements
- 15 total credits required
- All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better
Required 300-Level Course (3 credits)
Complete one of the following:
- POLI 385 – International Security
OR - POLI 395 – National Security Policy of the United States
300/400-Level Elective Courses (12 credits)
Complete four additional courses, including at least three 400-level courses, from the following:
- POLI 382 – Politics of Climate Change
- POLI 385 – International Security
- POLI 388 – International Conflict and Cooperation
- POLI 395 – National Security Policy of the United States
- POLI 430 – The Law of War
- POLI 431 – Spies, Assassins, and Cyber-Warriors: Modern National Security Law
- POLI 437 – International Human Rights Law
- POLI 468 – Disaster Politics
- POLI 470 – Politics of Human Rights
- POLI 471 – Globalization and Transitional Justice
- POLI 481 – Nuclear Weapons in World Politics
- POLI 482 – International Law
- POLI 483 – International Negotiation
Additional Approved Courses
Students may also earn SEST credit through approved Political Science special topics courses when offered. Contact the program coordinator for approval before enrolling.
Resources
Contact Devin Hagerty
Certificate in Public Administration and Policy
The Certificate in Public Administration and Policy prepares students for leadership roles in government agencies and careers in public policy analysis. The program provides a strong foundation in public administration, policy, research methods, professional writing, and hands-on experience through an internship.
Certificate Requirements
- 32 total credit hours required
Core Skills Courses
Complete all of the following:
- ECON 101
- STAT 121
- ENGL 391
Public Administration and Policy Core Courses
Complete all of the following:
- POLI 250
- POLI 350
- POLI 352
- POLI 353
- POLI 354
Internship Requirement
Complete:
- POLI 448 – Internship Seminar
- A part-time spring semester internship
Students fulfill the internship requirement and receive placement assistance through the Department of Political Science’s Policy, Politics, and Public Administration Internship Program.
Elective Requirement
Complete one approved elective course.
With approval from a certificate program advisor, students may substitute courses from other disciplines for some of the required POLI courses.
Internship Eligibility
Admission to the internship program generally requires:
- Junior or senior standing
- A minimum 3.0 GPA
Students who do not meet these requirements should contact the Policy, Politics, and Public Administration Internship Program Coordinator before applying.
Resources
Certificate in Public Administration and Policy Worksheet (2019)