Conflict and Policy Analysis, Graduate Certificate - Post Bacc - COLA, UNH

The Conflict and Policy Analysis Graduate Certificate program prepares students to analyze and address the complex challenges that arise in crisis- and conflict-affected settings around the world. The four-course program includes two tracks: Global Governance or Development/Peacebuilding. To further allow students to tailor their studies, the certificate includes an elective. Emphasizing applied, practitioner-focused skills, the Graduate Certificate prepares students to conduct policy analysis, evaluate programs, map stakeholders, and use data to inform decision-making.

This Graduate Certificate provides a flexible credential for those seeking to supplement their graduate studies in other areas and for those seeking deeper knowledge and skills without committing to a full master’s degree. The Certificate can be started in the fall, spring, or summer term and completed in less than a year across four terms (equivalent to two semesters) in an accessible online format.

Note that this Graduate Certificate is stackable, enabling all Certificate course credits to be applied toward the Carsey School's Master of Science in Global Conflict and Human Security or Master in Public Policy programs.

Program Delivery & Location: Core academic courses for this Certificate program are offered fully online with the option of taking select courses in person on the UNH campuses.

Students enrolled in the Conflict and Policy Analysis Graduate Certificate online program are required to complete a 12-credit program, consisting of 4 courses as follows: 

• 3 Core Curriculum Courses
• 1 Approved Elective Course

With an emphasis on skills building, students in this online Graduate Certificate program will gain tools to apply a holistic approach to solving human security challenges in complex environments. The coursework draws from peace and conflict studies and policy studies. The theoretical core cultivates a deep understanding of the links between civil conflict and international development and the role of policy entrepreneurs in shaping international responses to crisis and building peace. The curriculum strengthens critical thinking and data literacy, emphasizes cross-cultural competence, and bridges theory with practice. Students will gain advanced, applied skills—from stakeholder mapping to policy analysis and program evaluation.

Students can focus their Graduate Certificate studies by choosing a specialization track below. 

Global Governance Track

DEVELOPMENT/PEACEBUILDING Track

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A range of Elective courses are offered online and on campus each term by the Carsey School. Students may also choose relevant Elective courses offered by other UNH departments. Consultation with the Program Coordinator or Graduate Academic Advisor should inform this choice.

 

 

Program Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate strong theoretical and empirical foundations for understanding global policy issues related to crisis, conflict, and human security worldwide.
• Apply practical tools and methods for policy analysis and policy evaluation.
• Design, evaluate, and recommend policy and programmatic interventions for communities in crisis.
• Practice ethically in diverse and complex environments.
• Communicate effectively across cultures and professional contexts.

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Deadlines

Applications must be completed by the following deadlines in order to be reviewed for admission:

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: December 15
• Summer: April 15
• Special: N/A

Application fee: $25

Campus: Online

New England Regional: No

Accelerated Masters Eligible: No

New Hampshire Residents

Students claiming in-state residency must also submit a Proof of Residence Form. This form is not required to complete your application, but you will need to submit it after you are offered admission, or you will not be able to register for classes.

Transcripts

If you attended UNH or Granite State College (GSC) after September 1, 1991, and have indicated so on your online application, we will retrieve your transcript internally; this includes UNH-Durham, UNH-Manchester, UNH Non-Degree work and GSC. 

If you did not attend UNH, or attended prior to September 1, 1991, then you must upload a copy (PDF) of your transcript in the application form. International transcripts must be translated into English.

If admitted, you must then request an official transcript be sent directly to our office from the Registrar's Office of each college/university attended. We accept transcripts both electronically and in hard copy:

• Electronic Transcripts: Please have your institution send the transcript directly to grad.school@unh.edu. Please note that we can only accept copies sent directly from the institution.
• Paper Transcripts: Please send hard copies of transcripts to: UNH Graduate School, Thompson Hall- 105 Main Street, Durham, NH 03824. You may request transcripts be sent to us directly from the institution or you may send them yourself as long as they remain sealed in the original university envelope.

Transcripts from all previous post-secondary institutions must be submitted and applicants must disclose any previous academic or disciplinary sanctions that resulted in their temporary or permanent separation from a previous post-secondary institution. If it is found that previous academic or disciplinary separations were not disclosed, applicants may face denial and admitted students may face dismissal from their academic program.

Personal Statement/Essay Questions

Prepare a brief but careful statement regarding:

1. Reasons you wish to do graduate work in this field, including your immediate and long-range objectives.
2. Your specific research or professional interest and experiences in this field.

Important Notes

All applicants are encouraged to contact programs directly to discuss program-specific application questions.

International Applicants

Prospective international students are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent examination scores. English Language Exams may be waived if English is your first language. If you wish to request a waiver, then please visit our Test Scores webpage for more information.