A certificate degree program educates students about a specific aspect of their field. Certificate programs also help people to regularly update their knowledge about modern trends in their field. A certificate degree program in international relations and affairs provides basic education of history of international relations, introductory world politics and global institutions and problems. George Washington University, American University and Johns Hopkins University in the United States offer certificate programs in International relations and affairs.
A bachelor's degree is usually a three- or four-year program. The curriculum for a Bachelor's in International Relations revolves around politics of international laws, the rise of Europe, Asian history, world history, foreign policy analysis, political diplomacy and decision making and strategies and global security issues. Many universities in the U.S. offer bachelor's degrees in this field, such as Ohio State University, University of California and Florida State University.
A program leading to a Master's Degree in International Relations aims to offer professional training and knowledge in international law and politics. The master's degree in this area trains students in foreign policy analysis, economics, international politics, diplomacy, foreign languages, regional politics, cultures and studies of security and intelligence issues. Ohio State University, UCLA and other universities in the U.S. offer master's degrees in this field.
A Ph.D. is usually stretched over four to five years, but can be extended to a longer time period. It is also know as a doctorate, and the holder of this degree is referred to as a doctor. A Ph.D. in International Relations focuses on advanced courses of international law and organization, history of diplomacy, ethics in international politics, international humanitarian studies and conflict resolution theory. Most of the work for a doctoral degree is carried out through research and independent study. Enrollment in international relations and affairs programs doctoral programs requires completion of graduate and undergraduate studies in the field.