International Security and Intelligence Studies Undergraduate Certificate
Do you want to advance your understanding of national security and international affairs and policy? Our International Security and Intelligence Studies undergraduate certificate prepares students to ask urgent questions about cybersecurity, national interests, economics, war, history, and so much more, equipping you with knowledge that will prepare you for how work is done today.
Program Overview
The International Security and Intelligence Studies certificate explores how countries coexist on issues of war, economics, cybersecurity, and more.
Students will choose courses from three different research areas—international security and political violence; bargaining and information security; and analytical tools, research methods, and data visualization—all while learning to gather and analyze information relevant to national security and national interests.
Our program prepares students to understand topics on international affairs, foreign intelligence agencies, international laws and diplomacy, as well as the implications of artificial intelligence and geovisualization on threat response and intelligence gathering.
Whatever your unique interests, our program prepares you to hit the ground running in a successful career.
Why Study International Security and Intelligence Studies?
The International Security and Intelligence Studies certificate equips you with wordlwide knowledge that is transferrable to almost any career field. You’ll work alongside passionate faculty and peers who are eager to help you grow and learn, all while having access to exceptional opportunities.
Housed in the Department of Political Science, our program offers a range of departmental scholarships and internship opportunities through its close relationship with the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program (TLIP), as well as study abroad opportunities through its London and Florence Summer Programs.
With a plethora of hands-on learning opportunities and courses that prepare you to hit the ground running, you’ll graduate ready to tackle urgent challenges in international security.
What Can You Do with an Undergraduate Certificate in International Security and Intelligence Studies After Graduation?
An undergraduate certificate in International Security and Intelligence Studies equips you for careers in government, law enforcement, cybersecurity, and even media and journalism.
Students might acquire careers as intelligence analysts in government agencies like the FBI or NSA, go on to law enforcement roles in public police departments, federal agencies, or cybercrime. Others might use their skillsets to educate the public on matters of national security through journalism, media, communications, and even freelancing.
Whatever your unique career path, our program equips you with the critical thinking and inquiry skills to hit the ground running.
Featured Courses
ITS 360 Intelligence, Espionage, and Statecraft
Designed for students exploring careers in intelligence, strategy, or international affairs, this course examines how intelligence and espionage shape the practice of modern statecraft. Students investigate the roles, missions, and methods of U.S. and foreign intelligence agencies, including how information is collected, analyzed, and used to influence decision-making, diplomacy, and global stability. Topics include counterintelligence, covert operations, and the legal and ethical boundaries of intelligence work. Using declassified materials and real-world case studies, students develop core analytical skills essential for navigating complexity and uncertainty in global strategic environments.
POLS 265 Introduction to International Relations
Resource availability, international economics, international security and peace (imperialism, war, diplomacy, the balance of power, international law, and international organization).
POLS 371 Terrorism and Political Violence
This course focuses on the causes and consequences of terrorism and political violence. Students will be introduced to theoretical and empirical research on violent political conflict and the role of non-state actors in our world today. Topics will vary, but may include: trends in armed conflict, underlying causes of terrorism and political violence, characteristics of violent non-state actors, strategies of violent non-state actors, the process of radicalization, and efforts to counter violent non-state actors
POLS 483 Arms Control and Nuclear Proliferation
This course focuses on the development and diffusion of nuclear technology and weapons. Topics covered will vary by instructor but may include: the science behind nuclear fission and fusion, the Cold War nuclear arms race, the development of nuclear strategy, efforts to control nuclear weapons and nuclear technology, arms control treaties, nuclear safeguards, illicit trade in nuclear materials, nuclear states, nuclear terrorism, and efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking to enhance your degree? Consider these programs as a complement to your primary major.
- Political Science, BA
- Global Studies minor
- Applied Cybersecurity, BS
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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