Certificate in United Nations Studies and Critical Global Issues

 

Overview

The City College of New York (CCNY) and the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) offer a new Certification in United Nations Studies and Critical Global Issues for students who want to gain knowledge about the UN system. The certification teaches contemporary global issues, theoretical approaches, and the inner workings of the UN system to address global challenges.

Structure of the certificate

To obtain this Certificate, students must take four of the below listed courses related to the United Nations system (12 credits total) offered by the MA Program in International Affairs at CCNY. The course Critical Global Issues is mandatory for all students.

  • IR B6922 Critical Global Issues (3 credits)
  • IR B6200 International Organization (3 credits)
  • IR B6300 International Law (3 credits)
  • IR B6927 International Political Economy (3 credits)
  • IR B6925 Peace Making and Negotiation (3 credits)
  • IRB 6928 Human Rights and World Politics (3 credits)

In addition to the four CCNY courses, students are required to:

  • Participate in one visit to the UN Headquarters. 
  • Take 10-hours of online coursework offered through UN system e-learning platforms. The students can select relevant courses from e.g., UN CC: e-Learn, UNU-INWEH Learning Centre, FAO eLearning Academy, UNEP eLearning and UNDRR eLearning. Each chosen course must provide a certificate of completion as proof of participation. 

Who Can Apply

  • Graduate students seeking specialized knowledge of the UN and contemporary global issues
  • Applicants should have strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Students interested in international organizations, public policy, diplomacy, and government.

Timeline

Fall 2026: Launch of the certification with the inaugural cohort.

For details and more information, contact MIA Interim Director, Dr. Jean Krasno at jean.krasno@gmail.com.