Students enrolling in the program are required to take an introductory course, SPI 315, usually in the spring semester of sophomore year. In exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the director, this course may be taken other than in sophomore year. In addition to its pedagogical purpose, SPI 315 is designed to help create a sense of community among the cohort of students entering the program.

Students must additionally take four courses on topics of relevance to the program's focus. Two of these must be in the history department, Near Eastern studies or East Asian studies, in international, global, diplomatic history or ancient history, and two in the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, politics department or other departments, on subjects such as grand strategy, international relations, international organizations, international political economy and other subjects related to war, peace and global stability.

All such courses, to be counted toward fulfilling the program requirements, must be on the preapproved course list or approved by the program director. Certificate students who are majoring in history, the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs or politics must take at least eight courses in the respective rosters that do not overlap with the courses designated for the certificate. That is, no more than two courses can count toward both HPD and a major. The program director advises students about other courses of study that may usefully supplement preparations for service in organizations like the State Department and NGOs, which help formulate and implement policies on the world scene.

The program also sponsors an intensive archives institute on original research led by a faculty director. Participation is open to all HPD students by additional application.

Each student must serve a summer internship, generally during the summer following the sophomore or junior year, with an appropriate government agency or official, international organization (governmental or nongovernmental) or think tank focused on international affairs. The program director advises students in identifying appropriate internships. In consultation with the executive committee, the director gives final approval and provides the funding for those students whose internships are approved as meeting program goals. The number of students supported is limited by the availability of funds. It is assumed that any student who is remunerated for an internship will complete the entirety of the program.

The program also fosters the participation of practitioners of diplomacy and other modes of international relations in student learning through visiting professorships, short-term fellowships, workshops, conferences, public lectures and field trips.