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The International Relations Certificate Program takes advantage of coursework offered throughout the Five College Consortium.  At UMass, it is coordinated by advisers in the Departments of Political Science and of History.  The Certificate offers all undergraduates an opportunity to supplement their major with a course of study in international affairs. Courses in the program help students enhance their understanding of the complex international processes—political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental—that are increasingly important for community and individual life in all countries.

The certificate program is composed of seven courses chosen from six areas of study, plus attainment of intermediate-level mastery of a contemporary language.  Intermediate-level mastery is most often demonstrated through four courses (12 credits) of language or equivalent performance on placement exams.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of the Five College interchange while pursuing the certificate, but are not required to do so. Students may include courses taken during education abroad for certificate credit, but these must be approved by one of the campus certificate advisers before going abroad. Information on Education Abroad programs and procedures is available on the International Programs Office website.

Requirements
The International Relations Certificate Program consists of courses covering the following areas of study:
1. One course on introductory world politics;
2. One course focusing on a global institutions or problems;
3. One course on the international financial and/or commercial system;
4. One modern history course paying substantial attention to the development of the international system;
5. One course on contemporary American foreign policy;
6. A contemporary foreign language up to an intermediate-level proficiency, typically attained through four semesters (or 12 credits) of college-level study (i.e., through the courses numbered 240 or 246 at UMass); and
7. Two courses on the politics, economy, and/or society of foreign areas. One of these must involve the study of a Non-Western country or region and can be chosen from the Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East or Third World sections of the Requirement 7 course list.

The complete list of courses at all Five Colleges that satisfy each certificate requirement is available through the certificate website.

Students pursuing the Certificate should keep in mind that a) no more than four courses in any one discipline can be counted toward the certificate, b) no single course can satisfy more than one certificate requirement and c) courses must be completed with a grade of B or better (there is no Pass/Fail option for the certificate).  Students with documented learning disabilities that might affect their progress in the Certificate should consult with an adviser.