Military and Diplomatic Studies Endorsement
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With a Military and Diplomatic Studies (MDS) Endorsement, you’ll demonstrate that you have experience with the history and modern political context of our military and foreign service experiences. We know many students bring these experiences as part of their lives or part of their aspirations, and this endorsement helps integrate those experiences and aspirations with students’ academic goals.
Why should I study military and diplomatic studies?
You should add the MDS endorsement if you care about the use of force in the world and the modern challenges facing the international system. An enormous amount of politics and industry is dedicated to warfare and the diplomacy necessary to avoid it. This certificate will equip you to engage well in this realm.What can I do with this degree?
This endorsement is great if you come with military experience and want to translate it into your academic plan. It’s also great if you have aspirations for foreign service or military service and want to equip yourself to carry your education and your faith into that career.
You’ll take four courses—a total of 12-13 credits:
Required
- Intro to International Relations (POS202U)
- One other upper-level political science course—American Foreign Relations (POS310) or Politics of Terrorism and Counterterrorism (POS315)
- World War I (HIS230L)
- World War II (HIS231L)
- The Cold War (HIS305G)
- Modern Middle East (HIS356).
What skills will I develop?
You’ll gain a strong exposure to modern issues of diplomacy and warfare, coupled with challenging opportunities for research, critical thinking, and clear communication.What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?
No matter your primary major, the Military and Diplomatic Studies Endorsement to build credentials for your future. Many students go on to pursue a career with the military, government, or companies with connections to the defense industry.
60%
of students add a second major
60%
recent alumni continuing their studies in graduate school
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The faculty’s ability to disciple me in how to think analytically, empathetically, and creatively has proven to be immensely helpful since my graduation. I am so grateful for the personal attention and challenges I received from my professors as I wrestled with hard questions and reshaped how I applied my faith to the world.
Cody Bishop ’15The professors supported my personal development, academic interests, and writing skills. Also, their class content was extremely relevant to the formation of my identity, values, and thinking.
Jordan Nelson ’13I think the most distinctive strength of this department was its commitment to teaching all sides of the story. Learning about Political Science from different perspectives and about different perspectives was crucial to my growing worldview at the time.
Marisa Tillman ’16By studying Western ideas and the role Christianity has played in society, I believe I had a greater depth of understanding than students who studied American politics in a more narrow sense. In the process, I also improved my reasoning and critical thinking skills: the number one thing employers are looking for in an ever-changing labor market.
Ben Olson ’07I can honestly say that, as a student, I didn't know my professors' political preferences. Getting such a balanced education from a variety of resources has made me a better consumer of information. From the news I read, the podcasts I listen to, and the conversations I have with others—I am constantly consuming from different/varied credible sources in order to get a well-rounded perspective. This information helps me process and create my own, well-informed opinion.
Dawna Diamon ’09The professors are fantastic. They do a great job delivering interesting and relevant material, providing feedback that fosters growth in academic skill, and building relationships with students. I felt cared about and challenged as I developed as a student, and I felt prepared to go out into the real world.
Kyle Kilgore ’20