Graduate Certificate in Global & National Security Policy

Program Description

The interdisciplinary graduate certificate in Global & National Security Policy (GCERT-GNSP) is intended for professionals (and pre-professionals) to create a shorter, more targeted degree program, short of the entire Professional Master of Science in Global & National Security. Some professionals already have advanced degrees and are not seeking a full MS degree. Others may wish to sample GLNS coursework but may not want to commit to the entire Professional Master of Science program. Others may wish to build a targeted skillset around specific courses like global nuclear security or climate security rather than sample across disciplines. 

The graduates will get a grounding in policy analysis and writing skills in the core course, then choose electives for which substantive global or national security content courses to which they can apply their policy or intelligence analysis skills. Thus, students can sample GLNS courses or concentrate in a thematic area of GLNS courses. Graduates will receive a transcribable credit for certificate-level work and decide if they wish to stay and complete the entire Professional Master of Science coursework.

The program also serves as a lower barrier-to-entry to professional GNSPI programs, with an expedited application process that doesn't require letters of recommendation, which we understand can be difficult for professionals who may be far removed from their academic contacts. 

Admissions Requirements


  • BA or BS in any major with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
  • Unofficial transcript.
  • A letter of intent is required and will also serve as a writing sample.
  • A current resume is required.
  • To expedite admissions, the GCERT does not require letters of recommendation or application review by the admissions committe. In their place, GNSPI Director will arrange an interview before conditional acceptance. Applicants transfer from conditionally accepted to full admission after the successful completion of the introductory (or core) course, a positive recomendation by the instructor of the core course, and subsequent review by committee. 
    • Note: When applying through the expedited process, you will still have to input the names and contact info for letters of recommendation. Please use Philip Hultquist, gnspi@unm.edu, 505-277-5115 for the contact info in all three places. 
  • GCERT applications are accepted on a rolling basis; there is no official deadline. 

APPLY HERE

 

Graduation Requirements

The certificate requirements include:

1) a grade point average of 3.0 in each course counted toward the certificate, and

2) 12 graduate credit hours (3 required and 9 electives). Students must pass (with a B or higher) a 3-credit hour core course teaching analytical and writing skills. The options for a core course include:

  1. GLNS500 Introduction to Global & National Security Policy,
  2. GLNS515 National Security and Intelligence Analysis
  3. PUBP501 The Craft of Policy Analysis, or
  4. POLS570 Pro-Seminar in Public Policy.

Students must take 9 credit hours of elective course options, which include any 9 credit hours from a GLNS course listing. Students will be advised that to make the most of their certificate, they should concentrate those electives in the thematic areas that suit their professional development needs, such as Critical & Emerging Technology Policy, Cybersecurity, Global Nuclear Security, Strategic Studies, Transnational Security Policy, or build your own. The GNSPI Director can advise on an appropriate path. 

3) submission of a written portfolio of work performed in each course,

4) a presentation to the Global & National Security Policy Institute that includes a) an overview or portfolio of the student’s work in all courses, and b) a course paper of their choosing.

 

APPLY HERE

For more information or to get your questions answered about the program or application process, please email us at gnspi@unm.edu.