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Certificate Programs

Bard NYC certificate programs provide a unique opportunity for students to engage in focused study in either Globalization & International Affairs or Institutions & Social Change. Students can earn one of these professional certificates by meeting all requirements during the course of their participation in the program (only available during the Fall or Spring semester). Upon successful completion of the program, participants are awarded a professional certificate recognized by New York State in addition to the credits earned for their coursework.

Our Professional Certificates

  • Globalization & International Affairs
    The goal of the Globalization and International Affairs certificate program is to empower students to pursue meaningful careers in global affairs. It was developed in 2001 with the idea that students interested in international affairs could benefit tremendously from spending a semester interning at leading international organizations in New York City, taking classes with faculty who not only have academic credentials, but also real-world experience, and attending talks with leading international affairs experts. Through internships, coursework, and cocurricular programming, students are provided a comprehensive understanding of international affairs, offering a new generation of young leaders insight into how to build a career at organizations in international affairs. 
  • Institutions & Social Change
    The Institutions and Social Change Certificate combines an interdisciplinary curriculum with practical experience in order to prepare students to be change-makers in their communities. Students will consider the complex causes of today’s most pressing problems—be it poverty, criminal justice reform, climate change, reproductive freedom, access to education, or migration, to name a few—and how social action should be focused to effectively address these challenges. As the world’s premier global city, New York City is the dynamic site of both the institutions that entrench inequality and injustice, and the movements and actions that aim to challenge these forces. Thus, the curriculum intentionally centers the city as a kind of field site, through which students can witness and experience first-hand the mechanisms of social change.

Who Should Apply for a Certificate Program?


Applicants may indicate interest in both certificates when applying, but may only earn one certificate per academic term of participation. 
  • Globalization & International Affairs Certificate Program
    This certificate is ideal for advanced undergraduate students in academic fields related to global politics, as well as recent graduates in related fields who are looking to further develop their skills related to a career in diplomacy and global affairs. 
  • Institutions & Social Change Certificate Program
    This certificate is perfect for students looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which organizations and societies interact with contemporary social issues and movements. Bachelor's students and recent graduates interested in careers in advocacy, social justice, and more are encouraged to apply.

Earning a Certificate

Students enrolled in Bard NYC's certificate programs benefit from all of Bard NYC's traditional offerings, including career exploration and NYC programming.

*During course selection, students work with an academic advisor to ensure they meet all certificate requirements. View the course archive here. 
  • Globalization & International Affairs Requirements
    Students can earn this certificate by completing a minimum of 12 credits of approved coursework* from among Bard NYC course offerings and an internship at an international affairs organization for 15-20 hours per week over the course of the semester. 

    Sample Internships
    • Business Council for International Understanding
    • United Nations (SDSN, Global Schools, Youth)
    • Network 20/20
    • Council on Foreign Relations
    • Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs
  • Institutions & Social Change Reqiurements
    Students can earn this certificate by completing a minimum of 12 credits of approved coursework* from among Bard NYC course offerings and an internship at an organization related to the social issue or movement of their choosing for 15-20 hours per week over the course of the semester. 

    Sample Internships
    • Brennan Center for Justice
    • Commonpoint
    • The Common Good
    • Global Justice Center
    • The Legal Aid Society
    • National Coalition Against Censorship
    • Welcome to Chinatown
Alumni/ae Testimonials
More about our Alumni/ae here!
  • Bakai Moldoshev (Fall 2022)
    Bakai Moldoshev (Fall 2022)
    American University of Central Asia
    “I am interning at the nonprofit organization Welcome to Chinatown, which strengthens and satisfies the most important needs of its community and entrepreneurs. During this internship, I am engaged in creating a marketing grant program to connect small businesses and support research projects.”
  • Olivia Dale (Fall 2021)
    Olivia Dale (Fall 2021)
    Bard College at Simon's Rock
    “At One Acre Fund, I’ve learned the importance of social enterprises on valuable impact in the developing world and had gratifying opportunities to work on congressional testimony preparation, legislative research, coalition building, typology work, and more supporting smallholder farmers in the process.”
  • Aditi Mishra (Spring 2022)
    Aditi Mishra (Spring 2022)
    Emory University
    "At the American Association for the International Commission of Jurists, I curate a database of information related to lawyers around the globe who have faced attacks for their work. The numbers and cases are truly astounding; it makes me so thrilled to be doing such important work. Gaining these skills of advocacy at a very intimate level is undeniably important for policy work.”