Certificate in Kurdish Studies

The Kurdish people are the fourth largest ethnic group in the Middle East, forming distinctive minorities in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and several European countries. They are also one of the largest ethnic groups without a state of their own. Consequently, the Kurdish question remains one of the most salient trans-border issues in global politics. UCF is home to the nation’s first and only academic entity dedicated to the study of Kurdish issues, Kurdish Political Studies Program. Students who complete this certificate will develop a unique insight into Kurdish politics and longstanding issues within Kurdish society. This interdisciplinary certificate contributes to student’s intellectual growth, knowledge, and understanding of the Middle Eastern politics and society. It is beneficial to students seeking careers in the government, academia, non-profit organizations, and private companies working on security and humanitarian issues.