Certificate in United Nations Studies and Critical Global Issues
About the Program
The Certificate in United Nations Studies and Critical Global Issues is a non-degree program offered by The City College of New York (CCNY) in collaboration with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH). The certificate is designed for students who want a deeper understanding of the UN system, its institutions, and its role in addressing today’s most pressing global challenges.
Students explore contemporary global issues-including climate change, development, human rights, peace and security, water, health, and environmental governance while gaining insight into how the UN system operates in practice.
It draws on CCNY courses in global issues, international organization, law, political economy, peacebuilding, and human rights to give students an integrated understanding of how the UN addresses today’s most pressing global challenges.
Additionally, located in New York City, the program leverages its proximity to the UN Headquarters, integrating classroom learning with direct engagement through site visits and UN guest speakers.
Why Choose This Certificate?
Direct Exposure to the UN System: Gain first-hand insight into the structure, mandates, and operations of the United Nations through coursework, UN guest lectures, and an on-site visit to UN Headquarters.
Critical Engagement with Global Issues: Examine major global challenges such as climate change, global health, development, peacebuilding, and human rights using theoretical, empirical, and policy-oriented approaches.
Experiential Learning: Courses emphasize simulations, case studies, policy writing, debates, and research projects, allowing students to apply concepts to real-world global problems.
New York City Advantage: Study global governance at the heart of international diplomacy, with unique access to UN institutions, experts, and professional networks.
Program Structure
To earn the certificate, students must complete:
- Four CCNY courses related to the United Nations system (12 credits total)
- 10 hours of online coursework through UN system e-learning platforms
- One visit to UN Headquarters
All CCNY courses must be taken in person and be completed with a letter grade of B or higher.
Core CCNY Courses
Students choose four out of six courses, including one required course:
Required Course:
Critical Global Issues (3 credits): Explores major global challenges shaping the contemporary world, including climate change, environmental protection, urbanization, global health, and social development. Students engage with both data-driven and narrative approaches and develop communication skills through policy-oriented writing and media-style blog posts.
Elective Courses:
● International Organization (3 credits): Examines the UN system and other international organizations addressing development, peace and security, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. Includes a UN Security Council simulation.
● International Law (3 credits): Focuses on public international law and cases before the International Court of Justice, with an emphasis on environmental disputes and legal reasoning.
● International Political Economy (3 credits): Analyzes global economic systems, development, inequality, trade, foreign aid, and the political economy of development through research-based projects.
● Peace Making and Negotiation (3 credits): Explores the role of international and regional organizations in conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and negotiation, using historical and contemporary UN cases.
● Human Rights and World Politics (3 credits):
Examines human rights norms, institutions, and enforcement mechanisms, with debates and case-based analysis of global human rights challenges.
UN Engagement
UN Headquarters Visit: Students participate in a structured visit that includes:
- Two expert briefings by UN professionals on selected global issues
- A guided tour of the UN Headquarters, including the General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chamber
UN System E-Learning (10 Hours): Students complete certified online coursework from platforms such as:
- UN CC: e-Learn
- UNU-INWEH Learning Centre
- FAO eLearning Academy
- UNEP eLearning
- UNDRR eLearning
These courses expand global perspectives and connect classroom learning to real-world UN priorities in water, climate, health, and the environment.
Eligibility
- Offered at the graduate level
- Advanced undergraduates (rising juniors/seniors) may apply with a GPA above 3.2
- Strong written and oral communication skills are required
Impact & Benefits
- Builds expertise in international organizations, global policy, and UN governance
- Enhances employability in UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and government
- Provides access to UN professionals, simulations, and real-world policy environments
Program Timeline
Fall 2026: Official program launch with first student cohort