This certificate examines topics like global governance, the executive branch, the evolution of political systems, and regionalism as they pertain to security. This program requires 12 hours of graduate-level courses from an approved list. This 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.
What You'll Study
Completion of a total of twelve credit hours; 6 credits in required courses and 6 elective hours. Students must receive a grade of B or better in each course.
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
PSCI 5534 - Regionalism and Political Development
Campuses:
Virginia Tech Blacksburg Campus, Virginia Tech Online (Virtual)
Instructions:
Residential/On Campus, Online Courses for Virtual Option
September 2025
Virginia Tech
925 Prices Fork Road,
BLACKSBURG,
Virginia,
24061, United States
Admission to the Graduate School is contingent upon receipt of a four year (or 3 year degree recognized by the Bologna process) bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and the presentation of evidence of potential to pursue graduate work.
Minimum GPA 3.0 (4 Scale)
English language Scores:
A minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based test (PBT) or 90 on the internet-based test (iBT) is required for consideration of the application. On the iBT, sub-scores of at least 20 on each subtest (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing) are required for admission. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required for admission.
Application Deadlines: International (Blacksburg Campus) - Spring: September 1; Summer I: January 1; Summer II: February 1; Fall: April 1. International (Online/Virtual Campus Only) - Spring: January 1; Summer I: May 1; Summer II: June 1; Fall: August 1.
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
