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Diplomacy
Students at the UN Field Seminar Class
Certificate

United Nations Studies

Since 1945, the United Nations has served as a vital arena for international diplomacy. Our certificate program in UN Studies offers a deep understanding of the UN and how it operates, including the promise and limits of international cooperation. This knowledge is valuable for a wide range of students and professionals involved or interested in an international career, including:

  • Members of the United Nations Association of the USA and supporters of the UN Foundation
  • UN personnel
  • Diplomats assigned to Permanent Missions to the UN
  • Employees of international organizations
  • Educators affiliated with model United Nations programs

Over the course of the program, you'll become well-versed in how the policy community utilizes — and seeks to reform — the UN. We'll help you to sharpen your policy development and op-ed writing skills, expand your network and ultimately be ready to apply your experience to careers in non-profit/NGO organizations, education, government and private agencies. 

Resources:

BY THE NUMBERS

  • 16 Delegations That Completed the UN Summer Program
  • 18 Average Number of Diplomacy Students Interning
  • 3 Students Who Co-authored with Program Director
  • 2 Secretaries-Featured in School World Leader Forum
MA Diplomacy International Relations

Behind the Scenes at the UN

 

Our UN Insider’s View course immerses students in conversations with United Nations diplomats and briefings on global initiatives.

Ban-Ki Moon

We are natural partners — Seton Hall and the United Nations. Your students and graduates fill our negotiating rooms and the headquarters of the United Nations. They staff our field operations and bring uncommon intellect and professionalism to their work.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Speaking at the School of Diplomacy’s World Leaders Forum

Curriculum

Learn about the UN's day-to-day concerns and realities directly from its officials and other experts. Study human resources management in international organizations and explore how the UN addresses a growing range of transnational problems from poverty and education to climate change. Develop specialized knowledge about UN operations, such as international human rights or public international law through an elective that meets your interests.

The five-course curriculum can be completed in a year or less, and students may apply their coursework toward an M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations, provided they meet those admissions requirements.

(Required Core - Choose three, 9 credits)

  • DIPL 6007 UN Insider's View
  • DIPL 6201 UN Security Council Issues
  • DIPL 6202 Politics at the UN: Relevance and Reform
  • DIPL 6205 United Nations Field Seminar

(Electives - Choose two, 6 credits)

  • DIPL 6002 International Organizations
  • DIPL 6004 Peacemaking and Peacekeeping
  • DIPL 6005 Public International Law
  • DIPL 6015 Human Resources Management in International Organizations
  • DIPL 6031 International Environment Policy
  • DIPL 6113 International Financial Institutions
  • DIPL 6120 Catholic Peacemaking
  • DIPL 6129 Preventing Humanitarian Crises
  • DIPL 6140 International Human Rights
  • DIPL 6276 Global Health Governance

Center for UN and Global Governance Studies

An institutional member of the Academic Council on the United Nations System, this research center explores themes related to the U.S.-UN relationship, international organizations as independent actors, compliance with international courts, transparency in international organizations and the role of international organizations in post-conflict studies.

Learn More about the Center for UN and Global Governance Studies »

Program Faculty

Faculty at the School of Diplomacy are dedicated scholars and practitioners with diverse backgrounds. They bridge the gap between theory and practice - in the classroom and beyond.

View a listing of all School of Diplomacy and International Relations faculty »

MCormack-Hale posing
Fredline M'Cormack-Hale
Professor
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Brian K Muzas, Assistant Professor of Diplomacy and International Relations posing
Brian Muzás
Assistant Professor of Diplomacy and International Relations
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Assefaw Barriagber posing
Assefaw Bariagaber
Professor
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Martin Edwards
Professor and Associate Dean
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About the School of Diplomacy

Just minutes from New York City and a few hours from Washington, D.C., the School of Diplomacy and International Relations is an ideal place to study international relations and practice diplomacy firsthand. Through a unique alliance with the United Nations Association of the United States of America and the United Nations Foundation, students are exposed to today's leaders and policymakers.

Students from around the world come together to participate in a multidisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes multilateral diplomacy, conflict resolution, international economics and leadership. Our distinguished faculty brings essential theories and practical perspectives to the classroom. With a growing network of alumni working in the field of international relations, the School is strengthening international institutions by contributing well-prepared and talented diplomatic professionals.

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