Certificate in National Security and Strategic Studies

The Graduate Certificate in National Security and Strategic Studies addresses the increasing global, regional, and local concern about contemporary security and strategic issues. It provides tools to help individuals understand contemporary national and international security issues as well as appreciate processes and themes at the cornerstone of strategic planning and decision making. The program seeks to enhance students' understanding of the complexity and nature of contemporary security challenges and the range of possible responses to such threats. It thus combines study of theories, strategies, and doctrines related to the causes, conduct, and resolution of conflicts as well as the maintenance of peace.

The certificate offers professional education for graduate students interested in studying the intersections between force and statecraft as well as national security and strategic decision-making in both domestic U.S. and international contexts. It affords opportunities for regional specialization as well as thematic concentrations in diplomacy, intelligence studies, insurgency/counterinsurgency, conflict resolution, and regional security.

With flexible classes offered year round, both in class and online, tailored toward adult learners, students can complete the graduate certificate program studying part time in one year.

Hawai'i Pacific University's Diplomacy and Military Studies (DMS) program is well positioned to deliver this certificate via its distinctive interdisciplinary approach to understanding the intersection between force and statecraft. The certificate program combines the methodological and disciplinary approaches of History, Political Science, International Relations, and Strategic Studies to explore security threats and strategic challenges. Moreover, HPU's articulation agreements with the U.S. Naval War College and  Joint Forces Command College are testament to the rigor, utility, and reputation of HPU's Diplomacy and Military Studies Program. Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in National Security and Strategic Studies and who are subsequently accepted into HPU's Master of Arts Degree in Diplomacy and Military Studies may transfer all their certificate credit toward their MA degree.