Security Studies

The Certificate can be customized to students’ individual interests and career goals. Those who are interested in information technologies and cybersecurity can develop a variety of skills needed by public and private entities to analyze imminent threats and develop response strategies to homeland and cyber threats. Alternatively, those with visual and verbal learning styles can concentrate on learning critical foreign languages as there is a demand for such skills in government, the private sector, and international organizations. Those interested in research careers can focus on research and analysis on issues of war, peace, and security. Strong interpersonal skills, willingness to travel, and cross-cultural communication are essential for a successful career in these fields.

Students with a certificate in War, Peace, and Society may pursue careers in federal, state and local government, private businesses, the non-governmental sector, and academic and policy research centers. Those who want to pursue careers in national security may consider joining federal agencies (e.g. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, FBI, CIA), local governments, or private contractors operating in this area. Another career pathway includes the Foreign Service and jobs with governmental bureaucracies dealing with war, peace, and security. Others choose careers in the non-governmental sector (e.g. advocacy groups like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, etc.) and private companies with global outreach. Finally, many graduates continue their education and join research teams, think-tanks, and academia.

The Departments of Political Science and History specialize in topics of war, peace, and security. They have a long tradition of scholarship on these topics and partner closely to offer this interdisciplinary certificate. The WPS Certificates partner with other departments and programs in the social sciences and humanities (e.g. sociology, criminal justice, Judaic studies, Africana Studies, Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, etc.) to expand the breadth and depth of security studies at UC. Some of our students have pursued senior projects on security issues, won prestigious university and national awards, and been awarded competitive grants to research homeland and international security. Similarly, our faculty have excelled in and won awards for their service and contributions to the field.

The Departments of History and Political Science, in partnership with the University of Cincinnati’s Experience-Based Learning and Career Education (ELCE) Division, offer experiential learning opportunities though internships for academic credit and a semester-long course of study in Washington, D.C. Our departments offer short-term faculty led and semester-long study abroad opportunities in partnership with UC International. These programs help students improve their language skills and also learn about political, economic, social, and cultural challenges facing different countries. Those who are interested in continuing their education at UC can also apply for a joint BA/ JD 3+3 degree allowing them to continue their education at the UC College of Law upon graduation from the College of Arts and Sciences. Such programs are available to students in Political Science, International Affairs, and History.

Additionally, our vibrant campus offers numerous extracurricular and social activities that impact students’ understanding of contemporary security. Our students participate actively in the Model United Nations student club, the History Club, UC Mock Trial Team, Students for International Security, and Amnesty International. Model UN and Mock Trial delegates compete nationally and often win competitive awards.