The certificate program is designed for students who wish to pursue graduate studies but do not need a degree, and those students who already have an advanced degree yet need additional graduate credentials. It is intended to encourage students’ continued professional growth, and to serve as a valuable indicator of achievement and knowledge for current and prospective employers and professional colleagues.

The Institute awards students a Certificate of Graduate Study upon successful completion of 20 credit hours (five courses) in one of the following eight areas of specialization: American Foreign Policy, Comparative Political Culture, Counterintelligence, Democracy Building, Intelligence, International Politics, National Security Affairs, and Public Diplomacy and Political Warfare.

For each certificate there are at least two required courses, and these should be completed prior to the electives whenever possible. Students may choose the other courses needed to complete the certificate in any sequence unless otherwise noted and as long as they comply with any prerequisites. Students must take all courses for credit (not as an auditor), and must attain a B+ average for the five courses in order to receive a certificate. Although there is some overlap between the certificates, completed courses apply toward one certificate only. Students may earn more than one certificate if they so desire. The Institute does not accept credit transfer for its certificate program.

Acceptance into a certificate program does not guarantee acceptance into the Master's degree program. Students who are interested in the degree program should refer to "Changing to Degree Status" under Admissions Requirements.