SAIS offers two non-degree certificates for students and professionals seeking to expand on a chosen area of interest without pursuing a degree. The certificates can serve as an important professional credential for those working in an increasingly complex global environment. Each certificate requires a series of four graduate-level courses. Students will need at least two terms to complete a certificate.
Certificate-bound students should be aware that all fall and spring semester courses are offered on a space-available basis only. Some courses will not be available, even if they could be applied toward a certificate. Certificate candidates should therefore be prepared to pursue courses in an alternate term. Summer Courses are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and are therefore not subject to the same space constraints. Summer Courses are also all held in the evening, making them convenient for working professionals. Tuition for Summer Courses is also lower than fall and spring tuition.
Certificate in International Studies
The certificate offers a broad overview of international relations and allows for a concentration in a series of related courses for those students wishing to specialize. It also offers general training for those wishing to achieve a wider appreciation for international politics. The certificate is offered to non-degree students who successfully complete a series of four courses taken from any of the non-language academic programs.
Required course: Theories of International Relations.
Certificate in International Development
The certificate incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to the study of developing countries. It offers an opportunity to conceptualize development problems through social, political, economic and environmental aspects of development. This certificate is offered to non-degree students who successfully complete a series of four courses within the International Development curriculum.
Required courses: Comparative National Systems and Introduction to Economic Development.
General Certificate Information
Once non-degree students have been accepted to SAIS Non-Degree Programs through the standard application process, they can request to work toward a certificate. Certificate candidates must schedule an appointment to meet with an adviser by calling 202.663.5716 and submit the Certificate Plan of Action Form. Students are not considered officially enrolled in pursuit of a certificate until they have met with an adviser and submitted the Certificate Plan of Action Form. SAIS degree-program students and alumni are not eligible to pursue either certificate. Accepted, incoming SAIS degree students will not receive a certificate if the required course work was completed after they were accepted as a degree candidate.
Audited courses may not be applied toward a certificate. In addition, the courses Macroeconomics and Microeconomics do not count toward either certificate.
Courses with a failing grade of “C” or "F" do not count toward either certificate. Non-degree students who receive a failing grade are not eligible to take additional courses at SAIS or to complete a certificate.
Please be aware that admission to SAIS Non-degree Programs is entirely independent from degree-program admission and in no way implies acceptance to any of the SAIS degree programs. We are also unable to provide career services support to non-degree students. We encourage you to contact the Office of Non-degree Programs if you have any further questions.
The information below includes program-related disclosures provided pursuant to federal regulations issued by the United States Department of Education on October 29, 2010, required for title IV eligible certificate programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
Certificate in International Studies (CIS) and Certificate in international Development (CID)
This webpage contains information for certain SAIS title-IV eligible certificate programs (“GE programs” or title IV-eligible programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation) that are no longer recruiting students or accepting enrollments. Although these GE programs are closed to new enrollments, SAIS is providing the following program-related disclosures pursuant to federal regulations issued by the United States Department of Education on October 29, 2010.
The following GE Program is inactive and did not have students enrolled for the 2010-2011 academic year:
Certificate in Emerging Markets