The purpose of the standalone, online Undergraduate Certificate in International Studies (CIS) is to educate students about critical political, economic, security and strategic issues that govern relations between nations with a special emphasis on American foreign policy. In addition, students will learn about various regions of the world, their international political institutions and systems as well as their impact on the international political process. Upon completion of the program, graduates of the program will be able to identify and analyze major trends in the formulation and conduct of international affairs, international security, global diplomacy and intelligence, both in government and non-governmental agencies. This Certificate in International Studies Program will be offered online only.
Target Audience
This certificate program targets students enrolled at Norfolk State University, the Tidewater region and the broader public across the country and world. As a standalone, online program, interested, qualified students anywhere in the world can take it.
Time to Complete
Full-time and part-time students may enroll in the certificate program. Degree seeking students may take courses in conjunction with their regular course load. Students attending fulltime can complete the certificate in one academic year (2 semesters). Students attending part-time can complete the certificate in a minimum of one academic year (2 semesters) and up to 4 academic years.
Non-degree seeking full-time students, maintaining a course load of at least 12 credits per semester will be able to complete the certificate in a minimum of one academic year (2 semesters). Part-time students, maintaining a course load of six (6) credit hours per semester, are expected to complete the program in approximately 1½ academic years (3 semesters).
Application and Admission
All prospective students must apply to the certificate program. All applicants must complete the following:
- Submit an application through Norfolk State University’s admissions office and be admitted to the certificate program
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, except for students currently enrolled at Norfolk State University.
- Meet all other requirements for admission as determined by the NSU Admissions Office.
Applicants enrolled in a degree program at Norfolk State University will not be required to pay an application fee.
Students who have not earned a degree in the United States must submit the following:
- Proof of English proficiency. International students must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic exams. Foreign nationals must receive a minimum score of 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language.
Curriculum Requirements
The program consists of a minimum of 18 hours of course work. The curriculum will focus on educating students on international political systems and policies that shape the relationships between major regions of the world including both state and non-state actors. Students will gain an understanding of international political and economic trends, conflicts, treaties, diplomatic and strategic initiatives. Participants will be required to complete 9 credit hours of core and 3 in Area Studies. This is in addition to 3-6 hours of foreign languages. The core courses will introduce students to basic elements of international relations, a comparative analysis of different regions of the world, and in particular studies in American foreign policy. Additionally, the area studies requirement will allow students to specialize in any one of the predetermined regions of the world. The foreign language coursework will focus on fundamental elements (basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills) in order to give students an added advantage on communicating with foreign entities should the need arise.
The Certificate in International Studies consists of eighteen (18) credits.
Group I: CIS Core Requirements - nine (9) credits
** All CIS students must satisfy the following Core Requirements.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| POS 323 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| POS 325 | American Foreign Policy | 3 |
| POS 360 | International Relations, International Relations | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 |
Group II: Area Studies Requirements - three (3) Credits
** Students must choose one course out of the following courses.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| GEO 337 | Geography of Africa | 3 |
| HIS 320 | Independent Latin America | 3 |
| HIS 346 | Twentieth-Century Europe | 3 |
| HIS 365 | Caribbean History | 3 |
| HIS 371 | African History/Cultures 1600-PRESENT | 3 |
| POS 463 | Politics of African Nations | 3 |
Group III: Foreign Language Requirements - three (3) credits
** Students must choose one course out of the following courses.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| ARA 111 | Elementary Arabic I | 3 |
| FRN 111 | Elementary French I | 3 |
| SPN 111 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 |
Group IV: CIS Restrictive Electives - three(3) credits
** Students must choose three (3) credits out of the following courses.
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| BUS 417 | International Business | 3 |
| FRN 112 | Elementary French II | 3 |
| HIS 100 | History of World Societies I | 3 |
| INT 412 | Contemporary Globalization | 3 |
| MCM 390 | Global Media | 3 |
| POS 464 | African Crises: Causes and Effects | 3 |
| SOC 325 | Sociology of Business/Internationalism | 3 |
| SPN 112 | Elementary Spanish II | 3 |
