Certificate in Terrorism Studies
A non-degree graduate program designed to provide professional training in the study of extremist groups – and states – that employ the tactic of terrorism.
Students of the Certificate in Terrorism Studies take courses, seminars, and workshops on terrorism taught by faculty in the Graduate School of International Policy and Management (GSIPM) and the Monterey Terrorism Research and Education Program (MonTREP), internationally recognized as a leading center of expertise on terrorism and ideological extremism.
The focus of the program is on the study of violence-prone extremist groups and their historical evolution, ideological motivations, organizational structure, demographic profile, operational methods, and potential interest in carrying out mass casualty attacks, including through the acquisition and use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). During their studies at MIIS, Certificate in Terrorism Studies students are eligible to work as research assistants on various MonTREP projects, including on the WMD Terrorism database, researching terrorist organizations and networks, and timely analyses of events and issues related to terrorism. Students trained in Terrorism Studies at the Monterey Institute go on to careers focused on analyzing, assessing, or combating terrorism. Most graduates work in responsible positions in US government agencies, international organizations, academic research centers, and the private sector.
Admissions Requirements
Individuals holding advanced degrees (i.e., an MA or above, or the equivalent) or having equivalent levels of work experience in the areas of international policy, law, various sciences, intelligence analysis, or related law enforcement fields may apply for admission to obtain a Certificate in Terrorism Studies. Please contact one of our Enrollment Managers for more details.
Monterey Institute students enrolled in degree programs (including the BAIS, MAIPS, MPA, MBA, MAIEP, and the MA degrees granted by the Graduate School of Translation, Interpretation, and Language Education may also apply for admission for the Certificate in Terrorism Studies. Completing the Certificate requires a minimum of 16 credits in addition to those required for a degree. Students may not count the same credits toward both a degree and a non-degree Certificate.
Required and Optional Courses (16 credits)
Required Course
All students earning the Certificate in Terrorism Studies must complete the following course:
Optional Courses and Workshops
In addition to the above required course, students earning the Certificate in Terrorism Studies must complete at least 12 credits from the following courses:
- IPOL 8517 Terrorism in Southeast Asia (4 credits)
- IPOL 8538 Political Violence in the Mid-East (4 credits)
- IPOL 8569 Terrorism and Violence in Eurasia (4 credits)
- IPOL 8555 Money Laundering and Terrorism Finance (4 credits)
- IPOL 8627 Seminar: Militant Islamic Movements (4 credits)
- IPOL 8632 Seminar: Advanced Terrorism (4 credits)
- IPOL 8658 Seminar: CBRN Terrorism (4 credits)
- IPOL 8668 Seminar: Terrorism in South Asia (4 credits)
- WKSH 8542 Counterterrorism (1 credit)
- WKSH 8540 The Terrorist-Trafficking Nexus (1 credit)
- NPGA 8510 Naval Postgraduate Agreement (credit varies)
The requirements listed above are effective as of June 1, 2011.
