phd national security

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

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Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

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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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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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] .

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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

About the program.

The Security Studies Program’s 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.

Degrees Offered

Accelerated program (Georgetown students only)

• B.S.F.S./M.A.

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
• $90.00 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 page 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 below 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.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Application Deadlines

• Spring Enrollment: October 1
• Fall Enrollment: 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
• One course from each of the following distribution categories: 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.

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Program Contact: SSP Admissions, [email protected]

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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.

Get the best training and knowledge as you study under experts in the field.

Have an invaluable asset for your career.

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Why earn a doctoratal 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 .

Accreditation

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

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Security Studies Ph.D.

The Security Studies PhD program at UCF is a fast-paced, focused program for people who have already completed an MA in a related field. Students complete coursework and write their dissertation in as little as three years, which makes it well-suited for advanced students, people with professional experience, and military officers who want to improve their skills in their field or make a career shift.  Our students have found academic and professional success.  In the past couple of years, despite the small size of our program, our PhD students have published in quality, peer-reviewed publications, both on their own ( Civil Wars ,  Intelligence and National Security,  and others) and with faculty ( Conflict Management and Peace Science, African Affairs, Journal of Conflict Resolution,  etc . )  Our students have been placed in research positions with respected organizations and government bureaucracies, and won a nationally competitive fellowship.

Program Timeline

First year students  develop basic research skills and receive a grounding in the literature. By the end of the year, when they hold their first meeting with the Dissertation Committee, they should be making progress towards developing their dissertation topic.

Second year students  complete their coursework and qualifying exams and start work on their dissertation proposal.  Ideally, students will complete the proposal by the end of the second year.

Third year students  work on their dissertation.  Those who chose to do so also have opportunities to teach undergraduate courses in the department.  Depending on the student and their topic, some students will complete their dissertation by the end of the third year.  Others may need continue working on it beyond the third year.

Applying to the Security Studies PhD program

Fall 2023 applications must be completed by December 1, 2022 for International Applicants and  January 15, 2023 for Domestic Applicants

Applicants to our PhD program must complete an earned Master’s Degree in Political Science, International Politics/Affairs/Relations, or a clearly related discipline before enrolling.

• Students who expect to complete their degree before beginning the program may also apply.
• Masters degrees from accredited Professional Military Education institutions (War Colleges, the Naval Post Graduate School, etc.) are usually sufficient to meet this requirement.

Students must apply on line using UCF’s online graduate applications system, and should expect to submit:

• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.*
• A 500 word personal statement that describes their preparation for PhD-level study, research interests, and post-degree career goals
• A 2500-word writing sample that demonstrates their ability to conduct graduate-level research
• An updated resume
• Three letters of references, at least one of which must be from a faculty member associated with their MA degree.
• If a student is not a native English speaker, a TOEFL score of 90 or better on the internet-based test (iBT); or a score of 232 or better on the TOEFL computer-based test; or a score of 575 or better on the TOEFL paper-based test; or a score of 7.0 or better on the IELTS
• Program statistics and admissions data can be found by visiting the College of Graduate Studies’ website .

*Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from  World Education Services (WES)  or  Josef Silny and Associates, Inc.  only.

The political science department makes funding offers to most students admitted to the program. Usually these are GTA positions that are guaranteed for three years, conditional on academic progress.  Depending on budgetary constraints, students who are making good progress may be funded in their fourth year.  We nominate our best applicants for UCF’s university fellowships.  The Presidential and Trustees Fellowships fund students for four years of study; other fellowships may be shorter but will be combined with department GTA positions to support students for at least 3 years of study.    We encourage applicants to apply for outside fellowships that they may also be eligible for.

Our faculty includes world-class researchers and teachers who have published in topic journals including the  American Political Science Review ,  International Organization ,  International Security ,  International Studies Quarterly ,  The Journal of Conflict Resolution, African Affairs , and other top journals.  We have a strong record of collaborating with students and guiding them as they develop their research.

Student Highlights

Our PhD students have published in high quality journals, both on their own and in collaboration with faculty members.

UCF Class Spotlight: Political Psychology

BY JENNA MARINA LEE Class Name POS 4206 – Political Psychology Description The psychological analysis of political behavior, with emphasis on the individual rather than the…

Students’ Papers Sweep Competition

The UCF Political Science Department is proud to announce that Jennifer L. Hudson, a graduate student in the Political Science master’s program, won the FPSA…

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the department fund PhD students in the summer?

Yes, PhD students who are enrolled during the summer are funded through GTA positions. During the summer, students may enroll in our online graduate courses or do independent work with individual faculty.

Do students typically secure funding in their fourth year, if they take more than a year to finish their dissertation?

The department makes every effort to support students in their fourth year. However, the department cannot guarantee 4 th  year funding, and depending on budgetary constraints that vary year by year, may not be able to fund some or all students in their fourth year.

Do I need to be in Orlando during the summers?

No. The department offers online graduate courses in the summer to allow students to continue their studies while travelling. We encourage students to use the summer time to pursue additional training through summer graduate workshops (ICPSR, IQRM, SWAMOS, SIPP, EITM, etc.), do field research work, or engage in professional opportunities with government agencies, research institutes, or the private sector.

How important is quantitative (i.e., statistical) training for your program?

All students in our program receive basic quantitative training and basic qualitative training. Students can pursue further training in our department, through other UCF departments, and other training programs like ICPSR. While some experience with statistical methods is useful, we do not require students to have well developed methodological skills on entry.

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

Jeremy Weinstein

Gateway Courses

Elective courses.

Department of National Security Affairs

Degrees - department of national security affairs, regional studies curricula, security studies curricula.

•   -  Strategy and Policy
•   -  Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications
•   -  Space Operations

Certificate Programs

Phd program.

The National Security Affairs Department offers fully accredited programs leading to the Master of Arts in Security Studies. Master of Arts degrees always entail concentration in a particular regional or topical specialty, which is noted as part of the degree.

In addition to the Master of Arts Degree and Certificate Programs listed here, the NSA Department offers a small, rigorous and highly competitive PhD program, Curriculum 694, which leads to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Security Studies. NSA conducts cutting-edge research through various Navy and other U.S. government sponsored projects.

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)

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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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Security Studies (PhD)

Program at a glance.

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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.

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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

Professor of Practice

Adjunct Professor

Dissertation Chair

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?

Course Catalog | Liberty University

Public policy (ph.d.) - national security policy.

Important: This degree plan is effective for those starting this degree program in fall 2023 through summer 2024. This degree plan will remain in effect for students who do not break enrollment or who do not change degree programs, concentrations, or cognates.

PLCY 815 Advanced Quantitative Methods I (3 c.h.) and PLCY 816 Advanced Quantitative Methods II (3 c.h.) may be substituted for PLCY 810 Quantitative Methods I (3 c.h.) and PLCY 811 Quantitative Methods II (3 c.h.) by permission of the Department Chair

Once the student enters the Dissertation phase, he/she must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed

Any student who is not ready for enrollment in  PLCY 990 Dissertation IV - Dissertation Defense (0 c.h.)  after completing  PLCY 989 Dissertation III (5 c.h.)  may be required, as determined by the student’s dissertation chair, to repeat  PLCY 989 Dissertation III (5 c.h.)  until deemed ready for enrollment in  PLCY 990 Dissertation IV - Dissertation Defense (0 c.h.)

All applicable prerequisites must be met

Graduation Requirements

• Complete 60 hours
• A maximum of 50% of a post-graduate and doctoral degree may be transferred if approved and allowable, including credit from an earned degree from Liberty University on the same academic level
• No grades lower than a B- may be applied to the degree
• Successful completion of Research Concept
• Successful defense of Dissertation
• Degree must be completed within 7 years
• Submission of Degree Completion Application must be completed within the last semester of a student’s anticipated graduation date

Program Offered in Online Format

PLCY 815 and PLCY 816 may be substituted for PLCY 810 and PLCY 811 by permission of Department Chair.

Once the student enters the Dissertation phase, he/she must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) until all degree requirements are completed.

Any student who is not ready for enrollment in PLCY 990 after completing PLCY 989 may be required, as determined by the student's dissertation chair, to repeat PLCY 989 until deemed ready for enrollment in PLCY 990 .

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Liberty University 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog.

Liberty University 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

A PDF of the entire 2023-2024 Graduate Catalog.

Focus Your Degree

Earn your Master of Public Policy

National security & foreign policy, concentration: national security & foreign policy.

The National Security and Foreign Policy Concentration prepares MPP students to assume positions in the national security community, including consulting firms with federal contracts.

Graduates have secured jobs in key executive departments, such as defense, state, and homeland security, as well as in intelligence agencies and consulting firms. The economic outlook for employment in the national security community (including homeland security) is outstanding and unique.  

This concentration will equip you to understand the national security policymaking process and provides an opportunity to study in depth the national security challenges of the 21st century.  The gives provides a solid and diverse background on fundamental issues to prepare future public policymakers and practitioners to address the problems facing the United States. 

The goal is to provide a broad exposure to the theoretical and practical aspects of national security policy, in combination with more specialized subjects into which students may dive deeply through a variety of electives, such as terrorism, cyber, and American grand strategy.

Student Benefits

Sanford has close connections to Duke schools of Law, Business, Political Science, Computer Science and more.

Our faculty members have an outstanding combination of academic and practical credentials in the world of foreign policy and national security, including professors of the practice with years of relevant experience in the Pentagon.

Each semester is packed with campus visits and talks   by current and former senior national security officials.

Sanford faculty have strong military connections, and we are in close proximity both to Washington DC and North Carolina military installations.

Knowledge and skills you can acquire

• Understanding of national security community members  and their roles and tensions
• Analysis  of the history and contemporary application of enduring principles and values, such as civil-military relations and the separation of powers
• Economic and political impacts  of sanctions, defense budgets, and personnel issues, such as women in combat and transgender personnel
• Protection  of the homeland, immigration, and civil liberties issues, such as the balance between liberty and security in the surveillance and information age
• Required core courses  in ethics, politics, economics, and statistics, as well as team and individual projects with real-world clients
• Practical skills  in writing, presentations, and teamwork

Policy Concentration Advisor

Bruce W. Jentleson

William Preston Few Distinguished Professor of Public Policy

Bruce W. Jentleson  is William Preston Few Professor of Public Policy and Professor of Political Science at Duke University, where he previously served as Director of the Terry Sanford Institute (now Sanford School) of Public Policy. In 2015-16 he was the Henry A. Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the John W. Kluge Center, Library of Congress. He received the 2018 American Political Science Association (APSA) International Security Section Joseph J. Kruzel Award for Distinguished Public Service. In 2020 he received Duke University’s Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Jentleson’s most recent book is  The Peacemakers: Leadership Lessons from 20th Century Statesmanship  (April 2018, W.W. Norton). His current book is  Economic Sanctions: What Everyone Needs to Know  (Oxford University Press, forthcoming 2022). Recent articles include “Refocusing U.S. Grand Strategy on Pandemic and Environmental Mass Destruction,”  The Washington Quarterly  (Fall 2020); “Be Wary of China Threat Inflation,”  ForeignPolicy.com  (7/29/21), and “Biden’s Democracy Summit Was Never a Good Idea. But Here’s How to Make It Work,”  Politico  (12/5/21).

From 2009-11 he was Senior Advisor to the U.S. State Department Policy Planning Director. Other policy positions include senior foreign policy advisor to Vice President Al Gore in his 2000 presidential campaign, in the Clinton administration State Department (1993-94),  as a foreign policy aide to Senators Gore (1987-88) and Dave Durenberger (1978-79).

In 2022 he is a Distinguished Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. He also is a Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs. In 2020 he was the Desmond Ball Visiting Chair at Australia National University, College of Asia and the Pacific. Other research appointments include the Brookings Institution, U.S. Institute of Peace, Oxford University, International Institute for Strategic Studies (London), and as a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar in Spain. He has served as a consultant to the Carnegie Commission for Preventing Deadly Conflict, the National Academy of Sciences, the American Assembly, the Atlantic Council, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and the U.S. Institute of Peace. He has lectured internationally including in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, the Netherlands, Qatar, Spain, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates. He is often quoted in the press and has appeared on such shows as the  PBS News Hour,   BBC, Al Jazeera, al Hurra, China Radio International, and NPR.

In 2009 he was Program Co-Chair for the Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association. He  was the longtime Co-Director and now Senior Advisor for the Bridging the Gap project promoting greater policy relevance among academics. He currently serves on the Editorial Boards of  Political Science Quarterly ,  Washington Quarterly, Global R2P,   and  CIAO (Columbia International Affairs Online) . He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University, and was recipient of the American Political Science Association’s Harold D. Lasswell Award for his doctoral dissertation.

Thomas W. Taylor

Professor of the Practice Emeritus in the Sanford School of Public Policy

Thomas W. Taylor is Professor of the Practice of Public Policy in the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. He retired in June 2006 as the senior career civilian attorney in the Department of the Army, where he served as the senior leader of the Army legal community during extended transition periods between successive political appointees. He has provided legal and policy advice to seven Secretaries and seven Chiefs of Staff during his past twenty seven years in the Pentagon on a wide variety of operational, personnel, and other issues, including military support to civil authorities following the attacks on September 11, 2001, and during domestic disaster relief operations. His primary areas of interest include national and homeland security; civil-military relations; leadership; and constitutional and intelligence law.

He began his career as an Army officer trying criminal cases in Alaska and Germany, before serving as an Associate Professor in the Law Department of the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a Reserve Colonel during annual training, he acted as the Academic Dean at the Army’s law school, which provides training and continuing legal education for military and Government lawyers, and confers the LL.M. degree. He has lectured at law schools and professional conferences on national security law topics throughout his career and published notes and articles in law reviews.

He received his BA from Guilford College and his J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Fellow and a member of the Order of the Coif and North Carolina Law Review. Upon his retirement, he received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the Department of Defense Defense Medal for Distinguished Civilian Service, and the Army Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. He has received four Presidential Rank Awards from the last three Presidents, as well as numerous military decorations, including the Legion of Merit.

David H. Schanzer

Professor of the Practice in the Sanford School of Public Policy

In 2023, he was awarded the Richard Stubbing Memorial Teaching and Mentorship Award for outstanding contributions to the graduate programs at the Duke Sanford School of Public Policy.

More: National Security & Foreign Policy

Explore faculty, centers and other resources the Sanford School has for the study of national security and foreign policy.

Student Story

David Marshall MPP/JD'22 was enrolled in Sanford's MPP program when 9/11 happened. At the time he was a reservist with the North Carolina Air National Guard and soon he was called up to active duty.  He left Duke, eventually serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Djibouti. He returned 20 years later to get his degree.

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Protecting National Security

HSI targets the people, money and materials that support terrorist activities in the U.S. and abroad and is a key player in the global counterterrorism mission.

With special agents assigned across the United States to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) , HSI participates in a significant percentage of JTTF disruptions of terrorist-related activity each year and has become one of the largest and most productive contributors to the JTTF.

HSI brings its exclusive authorities and capabilities to the government’s efforts to counter foreign intelligence and non-traditional collection threats and to identify, locate and investigate national security threats and human rights violators who violate their immigration status or commit other crimes.

On the international stage, HSI leads the Visa Security Program (VSP) , the Biometric Identification Transnational Migration Alert Program (BITMAP) and the Human Rights Target Tracking Team . These programs prevent the U.S.-bound travel of known or suspected terrorists, transnational criminals, human rights violators and other high-risk visa applicants. These programs extend beyond our borders to identify and stop threats before they arrive in the United States.

• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

Strategic Intelligence

Online doctor of strategic intelligence (dsi), about this program.

The Doctor of Strategic Intelligence addresses intellectual, cultural, and organizational challenges in the emerging field of intelligence studies. You’ll study the activities and relationships between actors in the global community, along with domestic intelligence topics and issues of strategic concern to the U.S. The curriculum integrates practice, research, and multidisciplinary study (international security, psychology, strategic leadership) to enhance your understanding of the complex problems you face in your professional practice today.

As a student in this doctoral program, you will conduct ethically-sound, original, applied research that extends the body of knowledge in the field, and prepares you for leadership and service in the intelligence community. This program embraces a scholar-practitioner model of education, and courses are taught by highly credentialed and experienced instructors, many of whom hold key positions in government agencies or public safety organizations.

What You Will Do

• Analyze the academic and professional practice of strategic intelligence.
• Synthesize the major theories, approaches, and concepts relevant to strategic intelligence.
• Evaluate complex issues and challenges related to strategic intelligence and intelligence analysis.
• Design research studies using appropriate qualitative and quantitative approaches for strategic intelligence operations.
• Assess the impact of strategic intelligence on domestic and global problems.
• Operate according to the ethical and professional behavior guidelines in accordance with university best practices.
• Defend and communicate research relevant to strategic intelligence issues before a body of peers, policymakers, or press, in a professional conference setting.
• Analyze strategic leadership, business, and financial management practices.

Degree at a Glance

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Admission requirements.

Admission to our doctoral programs is selective. Students are selected based on evidence of outstanding intellectual ability, strong commitment to applied research and practice in the discipline, and demonstrated ability to successfully complete post-baccalaureate study. Interviews will be held with selected students prior to a final admission decision.

Important Dates

Our doctoral programs are offered in September with an application deadline of April 1. 

All required admissions documents are due before the review can begin . We recommend you apply at least 3 months in advance.

Tuition & Fees

Doctor of Strategic Intelligence Total Costs: $50,054 plus dissertation credits

• Year One= $20,022 (3 terms x $6,674)
• Year Two= $20,022 (3 terms x $6,674) Plus all residency costs.
• Year Three = $10,010 (2 terms x $5,005)
• Continuing registration during the dissertation phase is $863 per term.
• Includes book grant for course materials.

Additional Fees:

• Application: $100 (non refundable)
• Graduation: $100
• AMU Transcript: $5 to $20 depending on delivery method.

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information,  please contact an AMU admissions coach at 877-755-2787  or  [email protected] .

Required Documentation

Upon completion of the application and payment of the non-refundable $100.00 application fee, you will be assigned a student ID. This will allow you to complete your admissions package, which consists of the following required documentation:

• Prior Education Your master’s degree in a closely related discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. Related disciplines include: Intelligence Studies; Military Studies; International/Global Studies; Homeland Security; Cybersecurity; National Security; Terrorism Studies; Public Administration/Public Policy. Other degrees and doctoral experience may be considered. Your official transcript verifying the award of your master’s degree must be sent from the issuing institution in sealed envelopes or by official electronic copy (such as National Student Clearinghouse transcript). No faxed or unsealed transcripts will be accepted.
• Professional Practice You must have 3-5 years work experience in the strategic intelligence field or closely related field.
• CV or Resume Must include work history, professional accomplishments, service to the profession, and any teaching and research experience.
• English Proficiency Applicants from a country whose native language is not English (regardless of current residence) must provide  proof of English proficiency .
• Three References Choose three references from colleagues or professors with whom you have current or recent (within the past 3-5 years) professional associations, and ask them to complete the doctoral reference form. Your references will assess your professional accomplishments, leadership in the discipline, written and verbal communication skills, service activities, and personal strengths necessary for successful completion of a doctoral program.
• Admission Essay In 750-1200 words, explain why you are applying to this doctoral program. Please discuss your rationale for earning a doctorate in this field and include specific examples for how this degree will help you obtain your long-term academic and professional career goals. Provide examples of how current issues in this field inform your decisions, making sure to include current relevant literature and cite using Chicago/Turabian style.
• Photo ID Submit a legible color copy of your valid government-issued photo ID.

Program Format & Length

This program is offered in cohorts of 30 students or less, and is taught predominantly online. You may continue working in your field during your studies, but the curriculum workload is considered full time, and you will need to be excused from your professional work responsibilities while attending the required annual residences.

Plan to spend at least 25-30 hours per week on your studies. Completion of the program requires 8 terms plus your dissertation. Each 16-week term includes:

• 8-week course (3 credits)
• 16-week course (1 credit)

You will take all courses together with your cohort until year two when you choose your electives. Research will be conducted individually, but there will be opportunities for peer feedback and group discussion of research methods.

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Federal Student Aid

Veteran Benefits

Scholarships and Private Loans

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Consumer information .

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate and $290 per credit hour for master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents. See all military student benefits .

Cost of Attendance Learn more about AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance . 

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A mass brawl involving over 100 employees and security personnel broke out at the Wildberries warehouse in Elektrostal on Dec. 8.

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At michigan state university, frib graduate research assistant caitlin mccormick earns national science foundation graduate fellowship.

Caitlin McCormick, graduate research assistant at FRIB, has earned a three-year fellowship from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program. NSF provides an annual stipend of $37,000 to each recipient. The foundation provides up to $16,000 for tuition and fees as well. 

McCormick’s research aims to enhance our knowledge of processes that compete with superheavy element formation. These processes include fission and quasi-fission. She plans to finish her degree and earn her PhD with the funding provided by the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Her goal is to work in nuclear security at a Department of Energy national laboratory. 

“I am extremely excited for Caitlin and very proud of her accomplishment,” said Kyle Brown, assistant professor of chemistry at FRIB and McCormick’s advisor. “As a previous NSF Graduate Research Fellow myself, it was doubly exciting to see my first graduate student receive the fellowship as well. Caitlin worked very hard on her application, and now she can enjoy the rewards of that hard work.”

McCormick is a part of FRIB’s nuclear reactions group. She is preparing to use the radioactive calcium-49 beam available at FRIB to investigate entrance channel effects on the formation of compound nuclei. This work includes developing a new detector array with improved position resolution and durability compared to detectors used in similar experiments. 

McCormick’s research is of fundamental interest to the nuclear reactions community, Brown said. It provides experimental data to theories regarding the interaction between beam and target and its influence on the outcome of the reaction. Her research could also guide the search for new superheavy elements. It may also contribute to the creation of new isotopes of existing superheavy elements.

McCormick said that FRIB is a great community to conduct her research. “The scientific and educational opportunities are among the best and most diverse in the world,” she said. “But it is the people who work here who make that possible. Everyone, including other graduate students, professors, and staff, are very kind, patient, and committed to the education of graduate students like me and of the general public through outreach.”

In addition to McCormick, Monika Fouad, an incoming graduate student who will begin attending MSU and conducting research at FRIB this summer, was also awarded a fellowship from NSF. 

Michigan State University (MSU) operates the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), supporting the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. User facility operation is supported by the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics as one of 28 DOE-SC user facilities.

The  U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science  is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of today’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit  energy.gov/science .

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