phd national security studies

Public Policy PhD in National Security Studies Strategize, Mobilize, Protect

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Help Protect America’s Future by Pursuing a Public Policy PhD in National Security Policy

Do you want to play an integral role in creating effective policies designed to keep our nation safe? Perhaps you’ve worked in the public sector or national defense for some time, and you’re searching for a valuable, terminal degree that can help you maximize your earning potential and take your career to new heights. If you have a passion for public policy and national defense and you’d like to prepare for a research-based career that allows you to serve as an advocate for policies you believe in, our PhD in Public Policy – National Security Policy is a great option.

Throughout American history, the United States has faced countless domestic and international security threats. The study of national security challenges isn’t just an academic subject — it is crucial to America’s sovereignty. At Liberty, we recognize the importance of studying public policy and national security, and we’ve designed our public policy PhD in national security studies program with full awareness of the national security challenges that the United States faces. Our PhD in Public Policy – National Security Policy has been designed to help you anticipate and confront both foreign and domestic threats.

Through our flexible and affordable online courses, you will study a wide range of national security issues — including operational strategy, lawmaking, policy implementation, and law enforcement — that can help equip you to combat foreign and domestic threats to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy – National Security Policy can provide you with well-rounded training in the essential theories and practices of government and policymaking while also giving you deep insight into national security challenges and potential solutions.

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• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s PhD Degree in Public Policy – National Security Policy?

This degree is more than an ordinary PhD in national security and strategic studies online. Our public policy and national security PhD can help make you a principled, well-rounded public policy expert who has an advanced understanding of national security policy, public policy, and political science.

By specializing in national security, you can become better equipped to manage the most challenging security issues of our time. The knowledge and applicable biblical values you gain through this program can help you make a greater legislative impact on policymaking. With these tools, you can be equipped to conduct research, work with policymakers, and implement laws that help increase the quality of life for the people in your jurisdiction.

Our PhD in Public Policy – national security studies is taught by a distinguished group of expert professors who have a vested interest in your success. We realize that college is about more than writing essays and taking exams, which is why our professors are available for mentorship and professional guidance. You can learn from the experience of our instructors as you work towards the completion of your public policy PhD and pursue job positions upon graduation.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from nearly 40 years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you, and we look forward to working with you to accomplish your personal and career goals. Each course within our public policy doctoral program is taught from a Christian worldview, and we believe our focus on ethics and moral decision-making as they relate to public policy development helps set us apart from other universities.

What Will You Study in Our Doctoral Degree in Public Policy – National Security Studies?

Our online doctoral degree in public policy – national security can help train you to effectively shape national security policies in the areas of legislation, communications, politics, and international relations. This degree allows you to take advanced courses in policy and governmental functions as well as conduct in-depth, meaningful research as you write your dissertation.

Liberty’s public policy online PhD in security studies is divided into 4 sections: core policy courses, research-focused courses, national security courses, and a dissertation sequence. In the public policy section of this PhD program, you will study the foundations of public policy, natural law, government, and the Gospel’s role in public policy. You will also explore the Founding Era, the US Constitution, contemporary challenges to the Constitution, federalism, and competing visions of statesmanship.

The research courses of our online doctorate in public policy – national security studies offer an overview of quantitative and qualitative research methods for policymakers, policy analysis and research design, and data analysis for policymakers. This section of our PhD program in public policy administration and national security is designed to prepare you for the research you will conduct as you write your dissertation.

Our national security courses will guide you through studies in the relationship between public policy and national security efforts, historic national security policies, and research in national security policy. Your dissertation consists of 5 sequential courses that conclude with a dissertation defense where you will present your findings to our Helms School of Government faculty.

Through our PhD in Public Policy – National Security, you can become a more knowledgeable and prepared professional who is capable of navigating complex policy issues and mitigating national security threats. Whether you want to work in the defense sector, as a member of a legislative body, or at a think tank, our public policy PhD in national security studies can help you accomplish your career goals. Partner with us and take your career to new heights.

Potential Career Opportunities

Our PhD in Public Policy – national security studies is designed to help equip you for a number of career options. By successfully completing our public policy and national security PhD program, you can become prepared to pursue the following career options:

• Counterterrorism analyst
• Federal agent
• Government employee
• Intelligence analyst
• National security policy researcher
• Professor (higher education)
• Senior public policy analyst

Featured Courses

• PLCY 700 – Foundations of Public Policy
• PLCY 802 – Competing Visions of Statesmanship
• PLCY 805 – Policy Analysis and Research Design
• PLCY 880 – Introduction to National Security Policy Studies

Degree Information

• This program falls under the Helms School of Government .
• View the Graduate Government Course Guides (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan (PDF)

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Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

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Admission Information for Liberty’s PhD in Public Policy

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

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Who May Qualify?

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• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Discounted divinity block rate – $2,700 per semester *
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate of $395/credit hour.

Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ), but the $300/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liberty university accredited.

Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

How long are the courses in this program, and what are the scheduling options like?

This program is mostly offered in an 8-week course format with no set login times!

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Security Studies Doctorate

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Prepare for a career in international affairs, foreign policymaking, policy research or military service with this rigorous interdisciplinary program covering a wide range of issues related to international security.

The online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in security studies will help prepare you for a career in research, teaching, foreign policymaking and military service through a broad exploration of topics, including war, civil conflicts, insurgencies, terrorism, foreign policymaking and international affairs. Students will receive an interdisciplinary education from award-winning faculty that builds on rigorous historical and social scientific research methods. The two core departments are history and political science, but students may draw on expertise and coursework from other disciplines as well.

*This estimate is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.

**With qualifying master's degree

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Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet the general university admission requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Undergraduate and graduate degree from a recognized and accredited institution
• International applicants must provide an Affidavit of Financial Support and documentation of English language proficiency. Detailed information about these issues is provided on the   international students website .

Program-Specific Application Deadlines

• For fall semester: January 8 or May 7*
• Fall semester: January 8

Additional Documentation

Your application must include the following:

• See the security studies application page for details and forms.
• At least two of the three letters should be from those who can speak authoritatively to your potential to succeed in graduate studies in an academic context.
• The test scores may not be more than five years old, and they must be sent to Kansas State University directly from ETS (photocopies of scores are not acceptable).
• There is no code available for Security Studies. Please use the general Kansas State University code (6334) and inform the KSU Graduate School that your scores have been sent to K-State and should be uploaded to your online application in Security Studies.
• Official reports of Graduate Record of Examination (GRE) test scores are required for the Ph.D. program.
• An official transcript from each academic institution you have attended (including Kansas State University, if applicable) since high school.
• This should be between ten and thirty pages and representative of your best scholarly work. Term papers, thesis chapters, and copies of published articles are all examples of acceptable writing samples.
• These requirements may be waived for applicants who have earned a degree from a college or university in the United States not more than two years before the time of application.
• The fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. is $65.00.
• The fee for international applicants (individuals who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the U.S.) is $75.00.

*The application deadline can be extended to May 7 for domestic applicants who do not require funding to attend.

The security studies doctorate will prepare you for roles in research or teaching or to advance your career in fields such as:

• international affairs
• foreign policymaking
• policy research and analysis
• intelligence analysis
• military services
• homeland security
• law enforcement

An additional 30 hours will be research hours towards the dissertation.

Required Courses (15 credits)

Historical Research Sequence (6 credits)

• HIST 911 – Historical Approaches to Security (3 credits)
• Hist 912 – Historical Methods in Security Studies (3 credits)

Political Research Sequence (6 credits)

• POLSC 900 – Advanced Research Methods I
• POLSC 901 – Advanced Research Methods II

Final Doctoral-Level Required Course (3 credits)

This course must be taken after completing the history and political science two course research sequences. Each student must complete a directed reading with the chair of the student’s doctoral committee. The course is intended to allow the student to hone his or her dissertation topic in one-on-one consultation with the doctoral chair.

• HIST 985 – Readings in History (1-3 credits)
• POLSC 985 – Readings in Security Studies (1-6 credits)

Additional Coursework (15 credits)

The other fifteen hours of coursework will be elective courses chosen in consultation with the Ph.D. committee to prepare the student for research and teaching in security studies, as well as to help prepare for the Ph.D. exams. These electives may be drawn from History, Political Science, or other disciplines. Courses outside history and political science, or below 700-level, require prior approval of the student's supervisory committee.

The intent of the Ph.D. coursework is to prepare students for writing the dissertation. Upon completion of the Ph.D. coursework students will have the research skills necessary to complete a dissertation-length scholarly study on a well-defined topic developed in consultation with their Ph.D. Chair.

Foreign Language Requirement

There is no fixed language requirement for the security studies Ph.D. program. In some cases, English language skills may be sufficient for completing the degree. In other cases, a student’s research plans may necessitate a deeper knowledge of statistical research methods rather than a foreign language skill. Different projects will ultimately require a different set of skills. Accordingly, each student’s advisory committee will determine what, if any, foreign language requirement may be necessary for the completion of the dissertation project.

Related Programs

Security Studies

About the program.

The Security Studies Program’s (SSP) mission is to teach a new generation of analysts, policymakers and scholars to think critically and act responsibly in the face of the 21st century’s most pressing national and international security problems. At SSP, we offer a multidisciplinary master’s degree designed to prepare graduates for positions within the defense and security fields, and our curriculum is designed to give students a broad array of course options addressing numerous areas of study. Through their study at SSP, young professionals are able to apply their recent theoretical undergraduate education to practical policy applications. Meanwhile, students with mid- to long-term experience in the military, intelligence and defense contracting sectors enhance their practical knowledge with critical thinking, analytical writing, and theory-based solutions. Class sizes are kept small, allowing students to learn not only from their professors, but also from their peers. SSP recognizes the benefit of having students who are currently working or interning in the security field. As such, we not only accommodate but encourage part-time students. All but a small number of SSP courses take place in the evening, as do many of our social and academic events.

Connect with Us

Program Contact: Doug Umberger – [email protected]

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Degrees Offered

Accelerated program (georgetown students only), joint degree programs.

• M.A./Ph.D. (Government)

Admissions Requirements

For general graduate admissions requirements, visit the Office of Graduate Admissions’ Application Information  page. Review the  program’s website  for additional information on program application requirements. Application Materials required:

• Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Application Form
• $90 Application Fee
• Resume or CV (No page limit)
• Statement of Purpose: Your statement of purpose is not to exceed 500 words and should address your intellectual interests and professional and academic goals. The statement of purpose is a critical component of the SSP application. Please carefully explain how SSP specifically fits into your future academic and professional plans.
• Optional Statement: As Georgetown is a diverse, global community, we encourage you to upload a brief statement of up to 500 words to help the Admissions Committee understand the contribution your personal background and individual experiences would make to our community. As appropriate, you may wish to address any educational, familial, cultural, economic, and social experiences that have helped to shape your educational and professional goals; or how your background (e.g., first generation student, resident outside the U.S.) or activities (e.g., community service and leadership) will contribute to the diversity of perspectives and ideas at Georgetown University.
• Transcripts: Applicants are required to upload to the application system copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. Do not send electronic or paper copies of your official transcripts before receiving an offer of admission. Review the Graduate School’s How to Apply webpage for additional details and FAQs.
• Letters of Recommendation from three (3) individuals who can assess the applicant’s qualifications and preparation for graduate study in security studies. Letters of recommendation are to be submitted electronically using the online application system. Personal letters of recommendation, such as those from colleagues, coaches, and family friends, are not accepted.
• Official GRE scores sent directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). See SSP website for additional information on standardized testing.
• Supplemental Analytical Writing Sample: Please answer the following prompt in no more than 600 words – Discuss a security challenge facing the US or the international system and identify potential solutions.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Application Deadlines

• Spring: October 1
• Fall: January 15

Degree Requirements

Students finish the program when they complete 36 hours of credit while maintaining at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. The program does not accept any transfer credits. To receive an M.A. in Security Studies, students must complete:

• Theory and Practice of Security in the first semester of the program
• Strategy/Policy/Military Operations in the first semester of the program
• The core course in the chosen area of concentration in the first year of the program
• Three additional courses in the chosen concentration
• area studies;
• economics and security; and
• technology and security
• Three electives of the student’s choice, approved by the program
• Students are also required to pass a three-hour written comprehensive examination given during the student’s final semester in the program.

Doctor of Defense and Strategic Studies

Protect, advise and serve across the world

This professional doctoral degree prepares you for high-level roles in today’s security community.

Explore the policies, theories and methods used in diplomacy and defense. Advise on security issues.

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Why earn a doctorate degree in defense and strategic studies?

Study on your schedule

This program is perfect for the working professional. You can take courses fully online, in-person (Washington, D.C.) or a hybrid of both. Go to school full-time or part-time. Complete your degree from anywhere.

Achieve your career goals

The job market needs highly skilled and educated national security professionals. Work in government, defense, international affairs, diplomacy and other areas. Serve in a variety of policy and field positions.

Have a deeper focus

Your classes cover advanced topics like nuclear strategy, intelligence, security affairs and cyber warfare – among others. Dr. Keith Payne, a world-renowned strategist and defense analyst, teaches the capstone course, “Advanced Nuclear Strategy, Deterrence and Arms Control.”

Learn from the best

Your faculty and guest speakers are current/former national security experts. They know the field and have hands-on experience in the topics they teach.

The defense and strategic studies (DSS) department is located in the Washington, D.C. metro area, in the nearby suburb of Fairfax, Virginia. Our student body is diverse, with a mix of traditional, mid-career and active-duty military.

Want to know more? Review frequently asked questions .

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• Missouri: Higher Learning Commission
• Virginia: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

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International and National Security Policy

In a world where problems cross borders and disciplines, where threats that were previously thought to be independent are found to be interconnected, where distinctions between what is domestic policy and what is foreign policy are becoming more and more tenuous, students need training and perspective to break down disciplinary silos. They need the tools and dexterity to work across issue areas and in diverse policy arenas. They need to see connections that others miss, and be able to describe and explain those connections so that others will then see them too. The concentration in International Policy Studies aims to train the next generation of policy leaders who will go on to influence policy making in trade, foreign affairs, security, economic development and the environment.

Note that the courses below are not an exhaustive list; students may select other courses for their concentration with the approval of their faculty advisor. 

Affiliated Faculty

James Fearon

Francis Fukuyama

Judith L. Goldstein

Kenneth Schultz

Allen S. Weiner

Gateway & Elective Courses

Security Studies (PhD)

Program at a glance.

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

The Security Studies doctoral program is designed to produce specialists capable of analyzing and communicating security issues to policy makers, the general public, the government, and academia.

Many graduates will work in military and other governmental organizations, international corporations, and agencies that deal with security. Others will seek employment in research and teaching in institutions of higher education.

The PhD degree consists of 56 credit hours beyond the master's degree. A master's degree is required for admission to the program with at least 30 credit hours of master's level work (including both coursework and thesis hours). The 59 credit hours consist of 17 credit hours of required courses, 15 credit hours of restricted electives, 9 hours of unrestricted electives (including courses offered in other departments, research, independent study, and internship), and a minimum of 15 credit hours of dissertation work.

Total Credit Hours Required: 56 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree

Application Deadlines

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Program Prerequisites

An earned master's degree or it's equivalent in Political Science, International Politics or International Relations, or related discipline. The Graduate Program Director will evaluate the suitability and applicability of MA degrees in other disciplines for admission purposes.

Application Requirements

Financial information.

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

IWP scholar-practitioners teach all the arts of statecraft in a setting that encourages discussion and debate and thoroughly prepares students for career success.

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IWP offers seven master’s degrees with a curriculum that includes statecraft, history, American political philosophy, the Western moral tradition, economics, and moral leadership.

• Master of Arts in Statecraft and National Security Affairs
• Master of Arts in Statecraft and International Affairs
• Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence Studies
• Executive Master of Arts in National Security Affairs
• Master of Arts in Strategic and International Studies (Professional)
• Master of Arts in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)
• Executive Master of Arts in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)
• Professional Master of Arts in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)

Doctor of Statecraft and National Security (Professional)

• Graduate Certificates
• Online Learning
• Cyber Intelligence Initiative
• Strategic Leadership Seminar
• Foreign Language Study
• Internships
• American Statecraft Fellowship
• Civic Thought and Statecraft Fellowship
• In-Person Courses
• Online Courses

The faculty are experts from the national security and international relations fields, scholar-practitioners with both academic credentials and high-level experience.

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The student body includes recent graduates and a mix of mid-career professionals whose various perspectives enrich the classroom experience.

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National security is the highest public policy priority and is achieved by teaching future leaders all the instruments of power. Supporting IWP makes this possible.

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IWP students become leaders in the national security and foreign policy fields through the study of all the instruments of power, and 97% earn jobs in their field.

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The Doctor of Statecraft and National Security (Professional) (DSNS) is a degree tailored towards national security professionals, as opposed to those who wish to pursue a teaching career. This program is designed to educate national security professionals in the art of employing the integrated instruments of national power to achieve the ends of policy.

52 Credit Hours (beyond an MA) Three years to complete with full-time student status

The Doctor of Statecraft and National Security (Professional) (DSNS) is a degree tailored towards national security professionals, as opposed to those who wish to pursue a teaching career. In contrast to most Ph.D. programs, it avoids extreme specialization in favor of a broad-gauged understanding of the integrated use of the instruments of national power to achieve the ends of policy.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able masterfully to:

• Understand the main ideological currents of the modern era and their impact on U.S. and foreign behavior.
• Demonstrate expertise in one of the major instruments of statecraft (diplomacy; economics; public diplomacy and strategic influence; intelligence; military).
• Integrate the various instruments of statecraft into national strategy.
• Exhibit knowledge of the culture, political landscape, security challenges, and U.S. interests in a selected region of the world.
• Appreciate the principles of the American founding and the Western moral tradition as applied to national security and foreign policy.

Prerequisite Knowledge: Students will be responsible for, and will be tested on, the following outcome which includes basic elements not already required in the curriculum for this program: “Students will demonstrate an extensive understanding of the national security field including policy, process, and implementation; history; theories; and geography.” Students without a background in these topics should take the relevant courses IWP offers as prerequisites under the guidance of their Doctoral Advisors.

(Note: Students will be responsible for, and will be tested on, the following outcome which includes basic elements not already required in the curriculum for this program. Students without background on these topics should take the relevant courses IWP offers as prerequisites under the guidance of their Doctoral Advisors.)

I am looking to apply my knowledge, rather than develop theory… When I talk about issues in the federal system, my professors understand where I am coming from.

– Dr. Curt Klun (’23)

Doctor of Statecraft and National Security Requirements

To earn the degree of Doctor of Statecraft and National Security, the student will:

• Successfully complete the required courses and electives. All DSNS courses are taught as enhanced versions of our MA courses, which entail: extra readings; a more challenging exam; a longer, more robust paper; and an additional 4-6 meetings with the professor outside of the MA class, which can occur during office hours, and the length can be based on the professor’s judgment of the student’s needs.
• Pass an oral thesis defense in each area of study: 1) Principles of Statecraft and Strategy; 2) Functional Specialty; and 3) Regional Specialty. Note: A student will complete the Principles of Statecraft area of study first. Once he or she has passed the oral defense, the student may then take courses in both the Functional and Regional areas of study. 
• Pass a final written comprehensive examination at the end of one’s studies consisting of a philosophical essay question and strategy memorandum.
• Deliver a paper of 75 pages that demonstrates mastery in each area of study (three 75-page papers in total).

The program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to customize their curriculum according to their interests and needs. This degree is not meant as preparation primarily for teaching, but for those who are or who wish to become national security professionals.

IWP doctoral students are required to take 52 credits within 3 areas of study : Principles of Statecraft and Strategy (20 credits); Functional Concentration (16 credits); Regional concentration (16 credits)

Principles of Statecraft and Strategy

Four required classes, totaling 8 credits:

• 6060 (enhanced version of IWP 606 ): Ideas and Values in International Affairs Two credits
• 6080 (enhanced version of IWP 608 ): Sources of American Political Thought Two credits
• 6150 (enhanced version of IWP 615 ): Western Moral and Political Thought Two credits Note: Students who have taken either 606, 608, or 615 (or all three) should consult with their doctoral advisors to identify suitable substitutions.
• 6900 Principles of Strategy Two credits

Two of the following classes, 4 credits each:

• 6090 (Enhanced version of IWP 609 ): Economic Statecraft and Conflict
• 6280 (Enhanced version of IWP 628 ): Military Strategy: Theory and Practice
• 6360 (Enhanced version of IWP 636 ): The Art of Diplomacy
• 6370 (Enhanced version of IWP 637 ): Public Diplomacy
• 6050 (Enhanced version of IWP 605 ): Intelligence and Policy

IWP 9900 Thesis Research/Writing, 4 credits

Functional Concentration

• Any combination of enhanced classes equaling 12 credit hours ( Note: Selected courses will automatically have the number ‘0′ added to the end of the course number to indicate doctoral level.)
• 9910 Thesis Research (Functional), 4 credits

Regional Concentration

• Any combination of enhanced classes equaling 12 credit hours (Note: Selected courses will automatically have the number ‘0′ added to the end of the course number to indicate doctoral level.)
• 9920 Thesis Research (Regional), 4 credits

The IWP education has been immensely valuable to me. I have not found the core curriculum anywhere else.

– Dr. Matthew Jenkins (’23)

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Doctor of Strategic Security (DSS)

NAU offers a 100% online Doctor of Strategic Security program that expands the boundaries of the traditional security studies program, to educate the mid-and senior-level government, corporate, and defense industry professionals on how to ensure organizations thrive in a safe and secure environment. Specialized industry-relevant coursework centers around what you need to forestall reasonable and probable threats to organizational long-term or essential aims and interests. As you focus on your education which is designed to provide practical working knowledge to thwart threats to meet organizational goals, our team of professionals will help you with the individualized attention needed to reach your own.

The online Doctor of Strategic Security degree from National American University’s Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security equips you with the confidence and global perspective you need to successfully lead your organization through today’s complex strategic and security challenges.

Online Doctor of Strategic Security Degree Overview

This 100% online DSS program will provide you with the advanced knowledge, skills, and insights you need to address emerging threat-based challenges to protect others, organizations, and the global strategic environment. You’ll learn how to make a positive impact on the safety and security of others from experts in the field including instructors and guest speakers. This unique program is focused on deterring and preventing threats to safety and security while also providing you the opportunity to engage with faculty and experts who share their practical and relevant real-world experiences and solutions. As a graduate you’ll be able to:

• Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to produce preventive, deterrent and response actions necessary for engaging issues in strategic security
• Produce quantitative and qualitative research to address gaps in knowledge about strategic security matters.
• Effectively communicate key concepts and ideas in a variety of mediums to influence diverse audiences and decision-makers about strategic security matters.
• Work collaboratively in diverse groups to produce a conceptual framework that incorporates the key variables of the security environment to prevent and forestall emerging threats.
• Promote strategic security leadership relative to effective and ethical security outcomes.

Doctor of Strategic Security Degree Classes and Curriculum

The Doctor of Strategic Security degree program consists of three phase requirements: major core courses, a comprehensive exam, and dissertation research. These classes total 90 quarter credits

67.5 credits

Comprehensive Exam

Dissertation Research

22.5 credits

You are estimated to complete your Doctor of Strategic Security degree within five years of beginning the program, however many students complete it within three years.

Online Doctor of Strategic Security Degree Prerequisite Requirements

• A master’s degree.
• Official transcripts documenting completion of a master’s degree.
• Five years of documented work experience in a security-related field or letter of recommendation from a professional attesting to the applicant’s leadership potential.
• Participation in a verbal interview with the dean of the DSS program (or a designee).
• A writing sample or the completion of a timed writing assessment.
• Note: GRE scores will not be required

Online Doctor of Strategic Security Tuition and Fees

• Regular tuition: $475.00*
• Military tuition: $450.00*
• Matriculation Fee: $75.00
• Comprehensive Exam Fee: $200.00

*Per credit hour

Learn more about our tuition schedule .

Online Doctor of Strategic Security Career Outcomes

The online Doctor of Strategic Security program prepares you to deal with the threats to personal or organizational safety and security. You will develop advanced skills in areas such as intelligence analysis, counterterrorism techniques, change management, and ethical decision making, and you will also learn how to create security strategies and policies to help your organization reach its long-range or essential objectives. Most importantly, you will demonstrate to employers that you have the skills to effectively lead security teams in any operational environment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for the Online Doctor of Strategic Security?

• Current mid-and senior-level professionals:  If you are a security professional ready to advance your career at your organization, the online DSS program is a great fit. You will develop the skills and knowledge you need to address all kinds of threats in most any industry or professional environment.
• Future professionals:  If you are able to collect and analyze data, think through solutions, provide insights, and make bias-free recommendations to decision-makers on threats against organizational goals, then this may be the degree for you. If you want to start a career as a strategic security professional and are excited to develop highly marketable skills valued in every field, the online DSS program can help you achieve your goals.

Course Listing

Doctor of strategic security core.

DSS700 – Advanced Strategic Security Analysis and Critique DSS710 – Advanced Counterterrorism Research Methods DSS720 – Strategic Security Information Literacy DSS730 – Applied Research Methodology DSS740 – Topics in the History of Strategic Security DSS750 – Briefings, De – briefings, and Presentations DSS760 – Advanced Leadership and Management DSS770 – Case Studies in Intelligence Regulation and Reform DSS780 – The Strategic Intelligence Process and Policy DSS790 – The Strategic Security Community DSS800 – Protection and Operations Management DSS810 – Advanced Business Communications DSS820 – Advanced Research in Terrorism/Counterterrorism DSS830 – Intelligence Practicum DSS840 – Protection Practicum

Doctoral practicum courses DSS830 Intelligence Practicum and DSS840 Protection Practicum may be substituted for upcoming internship work or upcoming student-employee projects related to strategic security.

DISSERTATION COURSES

DSS861 – Directed Dissertation Research I DSS862 – Directed Dissertation Research II DSS863 – Directed Dissertation Research III DSS864 – Directed Dissertation Research IV DSS865 – Directed Dissertation Research V

Course availability is subject to minimum class size requirements.

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DSS-PLO1: Use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to produce preventive, deterrent and response actions necessary for engaging issues in strategic security DSS-PLO2: Produce quantitative and qualitative research to address gaps in knowledge about strategic security matters. DSS-PLO3: Effectively communicate key concepts and ideas in a variety of mediums to influence diverse audiences and decision-makers about strategic security matters. DSS-PLO4: Working collaboratively in diverse groups to produce a conceptual framework that incorporates the key variables of the security environment to prevent and forestall emerging threats. DSS-PLO5: Promote strategic security leadership relative to effective and ethical security outcomes.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Intelligence and Global Security

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This distinctive program is designed to educate, train and prepare candidates to advance in national security-based academic, government (including intelligence, military and law enforcement agencies), and private sector communities.

Considering today’s complex global security threats this degree will provide doctoral candidates with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary understanding of the confluence of threats posed by terrorist groups, lone actors, para-military guerrilla groups, rogue states’ regular armies, cyber criminals (including state actors and terrorists), climate change, governance breakdowns, and public health threats such as the naturally-occurring biological-based infectious diseases (such as the COVID-19 pandemic). This multidisciplinary program draws on the university’s robust programs in counterterrorism, cybersecurity, computer science, critical infrastructure, and others.

The Ph.D. in Intelligence and Global Security program will enable the graduating students to apply theoretical, conceptual, and practical ‘real-world’ skills in intelligence and security studies in their doctoral dissertations that are essential to enter and advance in the public and private intelligence and national security sectors.

This degree provides a path for current professionals in the Intelligence and Global Security field to explore new ground in the critical field of Intelligence and Global Security. The completion of the Ph.D. in Intelligence and Global Security program requires the student to produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the Ph.D. Review Board.

Why Capitol?

Learn around your busy schedule

Program is 100% online, with no on-campus classes or residencies required, allowing you the flexibility needed to balance your studies and career.

Proven academic excellence

Study at a university that specializes in industry-focused education in technology fields, with a faculty that includes many industrial and academic experts.

Expert guidance in doctoral research

Capitol’s doctoral programs are supervised by faculty with extensive experience in chairing doctoral dissertations and mentoring students as they launch their academic careers. You’ll receive the guidance you need to successfully complete your doctoral research project and build credentials in the field. 

Key Faculty

Vice President

Professor of Practice

Adjunct Professor

Degree Details

This program may be completed with a minimum of 60 credit hours, but may require additional credit hours, depending on the time required to complete the dissertation/publication research. Students who are not prepared to defend after completion of the 60 credits will be required to enroll in RSC-899, a one-credit, eight-week continuation course. Students are required to be continuously enrolled/registered in the RSC-899 course until they successfully complete their dissertation defense/exegesis.

The student will produce, present, and defend a doctoral dissertation after receiving the required approvals from the student’s Committee and the PhD Review Boards.

Prior Achieved Credits May Be Accepted

Student Outcomes: 

Upon graduation, graduates will be able to:

• Integrate and synthesize theory and intel within the field of Intelligence and Global Security
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and competencies in Intelligence and Global Security
• Analyze theories, tools and frameworks used in Intelligence and Global Security.
• Execute a plan to complete a significant piece of scholarly work in Intelligence and Global Security
• Critique human skills and practices for selecting teams that work in Intelligence and Global Security

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates are subject to change.

The following rates are in effect for the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning in Fall 2024 and continuing through Summer 2025:

• The application fee is $100
• The per-credit charge for doctorate courses is $950. This is the same for in-state and out-of-state students.
• Retired military receive a $50 per credit hour tuition discount
• Active duty military receive a $100 per credit hour tuition discount for doctorate level coursework.
• Information technology fee $40 per credit hour.
• High School and Community College full-time faculty and full-time staff receive a 20% discount on tuition for doctoral programs.

Find additional information for 2024-2025 doctorate tuition and fees.

I compared multiple programs from different universities and I do believe that Capitol Tech offers the best program for this degree. Capitol Technology University also has a great reputation at my organization.

-Alpha Diallo PhD in Intelligence and Global Security

Capitol Tech demonstrates a robust, interesting, and convincing multidisciplinary intelligence and global security program which draws from a host of programs in counterterrorism, cybersecurity, computer science, and critical infrastructure and suits my research interests.

-Anthony Ibhawaegbele PhD in Intelligence and Global Security

Need more info, or ready to apply?

Academic Catalog > Departments > Department of National Security Affairs > Doctor of Philosophy in Security Studies - Curriculum 694

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Doctor of Philosophy in Security Studies - Curriculum 694

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Doctoral Committee Chair

Daniel Moran, Ph.D.

Code 38, Glasgow Hall, Room 316

(831)656-2059, DSN 756-2059

[email protected]

Brief Overview

Security Studies is a multidisciplinary field based on the traditional academic disciplines of Political Science, History, and Economics. The doctoral program in Security Studies seeks to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to do work of the highest professional quality in these areas, with emphasis on understanding the challenges and characteristics of modern security and defense policy.

The PhD in Security Studies requires three years in-residence, beginning with one year of course work beyond the Master's degree, followed by two years conducting research and writing the dissertation.

Requirements for Entry

Admission to the Ph.D. program in Security Studies is available to officers of all the U.S. armed services, civilian federal employees with agency sponsorship, and to individuals sponsored by selected allied nations. Applicants must possess a Master's Degree in Security Studies or a closely-allied field (Political Science, History, Economics, etc.) by the time doctoral instruction begins.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis, once a complete application has been received. The following materials are required:

• A completed online application, which may be accessed at http://www.nps.edu/Academics/Admissions/ApplyOnline/ApplyNow.html .
• A cover letter specifying research interest and purpose for seeking a doctoral degree, especially in relation to the candidate's previous academic and professional experiences.
• Certified transcripts of prior graduate and undergraduate work. Transcripts of work completed at NPS are not necessary.
• Scores from the Graduate Record Examination, taken within the last five years.
• At least two (2) letters of recommendation, either from former professors or from others in a position to judge the candidate's academic potential.
• Attestation by the student's sponsoring agency or nation that it is committed to provide tuition and salary support during the student's residence at NPS.
• A sample of expository writing (e.g. a paper written for a graduate seminar, a Master's thesis, an article published in an academic or service journal) chosen by the applicant to demonstrate his or her ability to do advanced academic work.

Domestic applicants should forward the materials just described, to the NPS Director of Admissions. International students should forward their materials to the International Graduate Programs Office.

Once a student has been admitted, doctoral study may begin in any subsequent quarter during the following twelve months.

Doctor of Philosophy in Security Studies.

Curriculum Requirements

General Degree Requirements: The NSA doctoral program requires one year of course work beyond the Master's degree. Courses and directed studies are tailored to develop the candidate's analytical and methodological foundations in three functional, regional, or disciplinary sub-fields of security studies, to prepare students to take required written qualifying examinations, and to identify a dissertation topic and write a dissertation proposal.   

A student is expected to have completed comprehensive examinations, and secured approval of the dissertation proposal by the committee that will supervise its completion, by the end of the fifth and sixth quarters, in residence, respectively.

Degree Candidacy and Dissertation Research: Doctoral students are admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. following successful completion of written and oral qualifying examinations, and the submission of a satisfactory dissertation proposal. Students admitted to candidacy for the degree are thereafter expected to be engaged full-time in dissertation research and writing. Once a completed dissertation has been submitted the student must defend it before the dissertation committee. A representative of the Academic Council and other interested observers will also be present for the defense.

Curriculum Sponsor and ESR Approval Authority

Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans, Policy and Operations) (N3/5).

Subspecialty

Ph.D. in Public Affairs

Graduate Admissions Office 609-258-4836 [email protected]

Admissions Timeline

Clusters of Study

This five-year program is designed to prepare Ph.D. students for rigorous, policy-relevant research on the major threats to international and national security and the relevant strategies, institutions, and capabilities that will be needed to confront those threats.  

The cluster combines social science training in international security and national defense policy, focused study of specific regions of the world, and exploration of the technical and scientific aspects of proliferation, weapons innovations, terrorist and counterterrorist operations, and insurgency and counterinsurgency warfare. This is an in-residence program, though absences may be taken for approved field research.  

Areas of concentration include:

• Grand strategies
• Great powers and stability
• Civil-military relations
• Humanitarian intervention
• Arms control and proliferation
• The threat and use of force
• Cyber warfare
• Biological and chemical weapons
• Terrorism and civil conflict

For more information on program and curriculum specifics, visit the Security Studies page .

The STEP curriculum helps practitioners develop a deeper understanding of the nature of scientific and technological problems and opportunities, the specialized methods used for analyzing scientific and technological issues, and the dynamics of science and technology development and application. The course of study for a STEP Ph.D. student is developed by each student, working closely with a faculty advisor.  

The STEP group focuses on applications of natural and social science methodology in the policy arena. Emphasis also is placed on the interactions among natural and social science in policy analysis.  

• Global climate change
• Air pollution
• Conservation biology
• Tropical disease transmission
• Information technology
• Nuclear power
• Renewable energy

For more information on program and curriculum specifics, visit the STEP page .

At SPIA, we see our diversity as a strength. Having varied perspectives, diverse races and ethnicities, different abilities, cultures, and gender identities in the classroom not only enriches conversation, but it also prepares students to evaluate an issue from multiple angles to help develop thoughtful and effective policy. We welcome people from small towns and big cities, from the United States and different countries all around the world, from large public schools and small private ones, as well as individuals with a whole host of distinctive lived and experienced realities. All are welcome here.

Other schools ask you to invest in your education. At SPIA, we invest in you. If you are accepted into one of our programs, then you are eligible for full financial support for tuition and required fees plus a generous living stipend. There is no extra essay or separate application process.

Our Ph.D. Students

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Military, Security and Strategic Studies

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

Program overview.

Our PhD program addresses a critical need for analysts who can study and assess the multitude of security threats that exist around the world, emphasizing the importance of both a theoretical and policy perspective. This thesis-based degree is focused on interdisciplinary work and is designed to help students interact with military officers, government personnel, security-focused NGOs, and military scholars. With flexible programs, leading scholars in a variety of disciplines, and highly competitive funding packages, we strive to ensure our PhD students achieve success in their strategic studies.

Completing this program

Core Courses: Classics of Strategy, Advanced Analysis of International Relations and Strategic Studies.

Block Week Course:  Students will complete Military and Strategic Studies: Questions and Methods in the week preceding their first term.

Additional Courses:  May include arctic security, Canadian military studies, U.S. security, ethics and morality, intelligence, and other topics.

Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.

Thesis:  Students are required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Banking, Police Service, Government, Military Procurement, Oil and Gas, NATO, Advocacy Groups.

A PhD in military and strategic studies is usually considered a final degree.

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Three core courses and three electives

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment.

Four years full-time; six years maximum

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

See the Graduate Calendar for information on  fees and fee regulations,  and for information on  awards and financial assistance .

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Explore the University of Calgary (UCalgary) from anywhere. Experience all that UCalgary has to offer for your graduate student journey without physically being on campus. Discover the buildings, student services and available programs all from your preferred device.

Admission Requirements

A minimum of 3.70 on a four-point scale over all completed graduate courses in the master's program; 3.40 in the undergraduate program over the last 60 units or two years of study.

Minimum education

A completed Master's degree.

Work samples

A representative piece of written work, normally a master's thesis chapter or major research paper.

• A detailed statement of the proposed thesis research
• A completed application to the Centre, along with supporting documentation
• All post-secondary transcripts

Reference letters

Test scores, english language proficiency.

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ibt)  score of 97 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)  score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 in each section).
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)   score of 68, or higher (Academic version).
• Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL)  score of 70 (70 in some sections – up to the program, 60 in all other).  
• Academic Communication Certificate (ACC)  score of A- in one or two courses (up to the program), “B+” on all other courses.  
• Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency  minimum score of 191.

*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements

January 15 for all documentation

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Learn more about this program

Centre for military, security & strategic studies.

Social Sciences 856 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

University of Calgary 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

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If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.

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Ma in global security studies.

Global security in the 21st century is complex: rising powers, non-state actors, hybrid wars, cyber challenges, resource scarcity. With these challenges comes an opportunity to create smart, effective policies that help shape and protect our world.

MA in Global Security Studies Program Overview

Prepare for a rewarding career in foreign affairs or national security with the MA in Global Security Studies program at Johns Hopkins University. Our comprehensive program rests on three pillars: military security, economic security, and energy and environmental security.

Courses cover theoretical and practical aspects of global security always closely connected to today’s most pressing issues. Additional elective courses are available from relevant degree programs including Government, Public Management, Intelligence Analysis, Energy Policy and Climate, Environmental Sciences and Policy, and Communication.

Study on Your Terms

About 90% of our students work full-time while enrolled in the program. We offer a flexible schedule with start dates in the fall, spring, or summer. You can earn your degree online, attend evening classes in Washington, D.C., or a mixture of both.

In-Depth Article

Where Will a Master's Degree in Global Security Take You?

Prepare for a career in foreign affairs or national security with an MA in Global Security. View career paths and how this program helps you meet personal and professional goals.

Why to Pursue an MA in Global Security Studies at Hopkins

Learn From Experienced Global Security Professionals

Our faculty members have worked as scholar practitioners in the United States and across the globe for government agencies, major research universities, think tanks, the U.S. military, and consulting firms.

Concentrations and Electives

Concentrate in Strategic Studies, Economic Security, or Energy and Environmental Security. Round out your courses with fascinating electives like Congress and the Making of Foreign Policy, Transnational Organized Crime: Gangsters of the Global Underworld, and Covert Action and National Security.

Center for Data Analytics, Policy, and Government

Our mission, to provide a strong foundation of knowledge upon which innovative policy programs and promising leaders can develop, informs all of The Center’s initiatives. The Center encompasses several degrees and certificate programs designed to enhance understanding of the processes of government and global security.

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Security Policy Studies Master of Arts

You’ve seen conflict in the U.S. or abroad, and more than most people, you understand the threats and risks we face. Terrorism, cybersecurity, strategic competition, climate change, hostile states, armed conflicts — all of our most pressing global security issues need leaders who can face these complex challenges with the confidence, training, and skills to make a difference.

Maybe you’ve recently graduated and you want to learn more about what’s possible in the security field, or perhaps you already know you want to advance your current career with a master’s degree and security clearance. Wherever you’re at today, the Security Policy Studies Master of Arts (SPS) degree from the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University unlocks career options that other master’s degrees cannot. 

Read more about the SPS program and take a program preview with you today — it has even more information about the lifelong value of this degree.

The SPS Program is Celebrating its 45th Anniversary!

Learn more about the history of the Security Policy Studies Program at the university since it was first launched in 1979.

A Brief History of SPS

A Master’s in Security Studies Built for Real-World Issues and Graduate Success

Learn to analyze, design, and execute policy-based initiatives.

The unique policy focus of the SPS program will equip you for security work with the broadest and deepest influence.

Concentrations Available

Choose from one of four policy concentrations in the SPS program, and complete 15 credits in your chosen area of focus. You’ll gain an understanding of the most important security threats and risks shaping the 21st century — and how to respond through policy that has a significant impact. 

SPS Concentration Fields

U.S. National Security

What does this mean .

Deepen your knowledge of key threats and risks facing U.S. security policy, and explore topics such as grand strategy and planning. Analyze U.S. regional strategies, from Asia to the Arctic, and global issues such as nuclear policy, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, climate change, arms control, and space policy. Also, study strategic competition with China and Russia and the challenges posed by Iran and North Korea.

Transnational Security

Study powerful non-state actors and processes shaping the 21st century. Explore security issues that cross political borders, such as insurgency, terrorism, organized crime, cyber conflict, maritime security, and migration. Or focus on the transnational processes generating a range of security implications, such as environmental change, energy trends, and  infectious diseases and pandemics.

Conflict Resolution

Explore the causes of organized violence, the major trends in armed conflicts, and how to manage and resolve them. Key topics include understanding civil wars, interstate disputes, early warning and prevention, stabilization and peace-building, humanitarian governance, countering violent extremism, and international law. You can also hone in on particular international organizations or regions of the world.

Science and Technology

Discover how emerging technologies and scientific innovation are generating security risks and threats as well as opportunities. Also, learn how current security policies must evolve in response. Study conflict dynamics in cyberspace and how artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and robotics are shaping the 21st century. Or deepen your knowledge of security issues in outer space and the challenges posed by weapons of mass destruction.

Leverage Our Network as You Extend Your Own

The Elliott School reputation and our respected security faculty will connect you with the best opportunities as a student and beyond graduation. Our faculty are real-world security policy practitioners and leading researchers. They have the insights and inroads to where the real work is done in our thriving global security policy hub: Washington D.C.

Let Us Show You What's Possible

Many new students don’t understand just how large the international security landscape really is. The US intelligence community alone is composed of 18 organizations, and they all have specialized security needs. Our faculty and career coaches will help you take it all in and find the perfect path for your goals and interests.

Not long ago, these students were right where you are now. Listen to what they’ve already gained in the program and how they’ve been able to apply it.

"If you’re interested in security, if you’re interested in policy development, this is the place to be because you are right next to the Capitol. You’re a block-and-a-half away from the White House. When foreign dignitaries come, many times, the Elliott School is able to get them to come and give talks, so you will have access to information and people that you would never interact with if you were to go to other universities."

Jason Nunes Army Officer, SPS student specializing in U.S. National Security

Download our SPS Program Preview to learn more about the value of an SPS Degree

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A Master's Degree with the Flexibility for Your Priorities and Obligations

You’re busy and driven and need a degree that works with everything else in your life. 

From application to graduation, you’ll find that the SPS program experience has been crafted and refined to maximize flexibility for our students.

Choose Your Pace

Complete the SPS degree in two years as a full-time student or take up to five years as a part-time student.

Start Date Options

We accept rolling admissions for the SPS program and even have a robust summer course offering (around 12 different courses). Start your degree in the spring, summer, or fall. View  the latest application deadlines .

A Variety of Course Formats

From traditional, 14-week courses to independent studies you design to a Capstone course where you’ll work collaboratively to develop a complete policy proposal for a real-world client facing a real-world security challenge, you’ll have options with the SPS program. We also offer  nearly 40 specialized skills courses  that put the theory you’ll learn into action. Many of these one-credit courses can be completed over a long weekend.

Keep Your Career Moving

Our evening classes open up more opportunities for you to pursue internships, or attend exclusive networking sessions and other Elliott School events. You won’t need to put the rest of your life on hold to complete this degree.

Study On Campus or Online

If you're looking for a flexible remote option, we offer the U.S. National Security concentration in a fully online format. Complete all program credits virtually, and benefit from the same curriculum as our on-campus classes.

An Investment that Pays Off from Enrollment to Retirement

During our regular information sessions, we have the space to answer many questions about tuition, scholarships, and financial aid. Along with the costs of the program, we also help prospective students like you understand the true value of the SPS degree, which begins immediately and lasts your entire career.

As a student …

Your program director will coordinate with a career coach and an academic advisor as a team to provide you with a clear sense of career options and ways to optimize your  program of study  to prepare you for success. 

You’ll be invited to the 370+ events the Elliott School sponsors each year, including exclusive networking events, lectures and Q & A sessions with global security leaders, and other unique opportunities.

As a graduate …

You will continue to have lifetime invitations to Elliott School events, including special opportunities especially for alumni, as well as access to our Graduate Career Development office. If you ever decide to change careers, our staff will be here to help you and connect you with resources like Handshake, GW’s career database with job, internship, and co-op opportunities from more than 9,000 employers.

We also invite our alumni to give back to current students by sharing their career expertise and donating funds to enhance academic and professional opportunities for students. Read the new SPS case statement celebrating the program's 45th anniversary, and contact Max Kaplan at  [email protected] for more information.

Donate to the SPS Program

Read the SPS Case Statement

Keep Exploring the SPS Program

Our most urgent security issues, threats, and risks will impact billions of lives and the health of our entire planet. You already know you need a master’s degree and the skills to lead us through these challenges, so take another step toward that goal now. Download a program preview today and  sign up for a future information session . Inside your program preview, you’ll find:

• A snapshot of graduate success statistics, employer information, and earning potential in the security field
• Details about the policy focus of this degree, the two foundational courses you’ll take, and the Capstone class benefits
• Information about our connections and the D.C. experience for our students

Download Your Program Preview to Learn More

Discover online and on-campus program details, view a snapshot of employers of our most recent graduates, applicant requirements, and more in your free program preview.

Our graduate admissions counselors are some of the exceptional resources available to you through the Elliott School of International Affairs. Contact us directly with your requests or questions about the SPS program. We’ll help you explore the benefits, align this opportunity with your career goals, or compare the SPS degree with our other master’s programs in international affairs. 

Call: (202) 994-7050

Email: [email protected]

Information Session:  Join us for an  information session  to speak with an admissions counselor.

Supporting strategic thought and education.

The Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS operates as a center for strategic thought and education, promoting the study of the relationship between politics and military power to the national security community and providing graduate students with extracurricular programming.

The Center holds analytical workshops for rising national security leaders, training opportunities for practitioners, and events for the Johns Hopkins SAIS community. It also supports strategic studies faculty and fellows’ research and other initiatives.