Strategic and Security Studies (B.A.)
The Bachelor of Arts with a major in strategic and security studies program focuses on the theory and application of intelligence and military power to the construction of national defense policy. You will have the opportunity to develop a foundation for strategic thinking and problem-solving competencies that are absolutely indispensable to solving highly complex security and strategic issues, and will position you to help navigate America’s future strategic challenges whether as a military officer or a civilian leader in government or business. Gain a deep understanding of both American and international issues and processes related to national security through the classroom and real-world experience.
Our program introduces various aspects of security and you will have the opportunity to specialize in one of the following seven areas of concentration for the degree: Cyber-Security; Geo-spatial Intelligence; History; Intelligence; International Affairs; Language; Military Science. Since most of your upper-level coursework will be focused within your selected area, you will be well-positioned to become an “expert” in that particular aspect of strategic security.
Along the way you will have the opportunity to expand your knowledge base and professional credentials, as well as earn credit hours toward your degree, through the completion of an Strategic & Security Studies Internship or an Education Abroad Program at a non-US university.
Degree Type
Campus Availability
Why Strategic & Security Studies at 91ÁÔÆæ
Several areas distinguish the Political Science & International Affairs Department from others offering similar programs.
- Our small class sizes allows for focused instruction and engagement between students and faculty and a more personal interaction between your instructors, your classmates and you.
- Our students regularly receive accolades and scholarships for advanced study from several national-level organizations including Fulbright, Boren, Gilman, and Freeman-Asia.
- Our students have participated in an Education Abroad Program in nearly 30 different countries around the world.
- Our students have interned with organizations across the globe - organizations as diverse as NATO, foreign Consulates, the State Department, and variety of non-governmental organizations such as the International Red Cross.
What Your Journey Could Look Like
Your First Year
Having already selected one of the six concentrations available within the major at Registration, during your first year you will focus mostly on coursework in the core curriculum including POLS 1101 -- American Government and POLS 2401 -- Global Issues which are prerequisites for all upper division courses.
You will meet with your professional academic advisor to help plot the next three years of your journey. In addition, take the time to visit 91ÁÔÆæ’s Center for Global Engagement to discuss ideas and options for your international experience (whether you are considering a study abroad program or an international internship).
Sophomore Year
During your second year you will be getting close to finishing your requirements in the core curriculum and will start taking upper-level courses in your major and in your chosen field of concentration.
As you transition from meeting with your professional academic advisor to your faculty academic advisor, it is a very good idea to become acquainted with the faculty who teach in the Department of Political Science & International Affairs and find out what their research interests are and what their previous employment experiences are.
It is also a good idea to “join” one or several of the different social media platforms of the department to keep informed about your major. Be sure to meet with the Center for Global Engagement to finalize plans for your required international experience.
Junior Year
During your third year you will finish the remaining requirements in the core curriculum (seven common curriculum classes) along with continuing to take courses in your concentration (remember no grade lower than a “C” in a POLS course counts toward graduation).
This would be the recommended year to complete your international experience prior to the start of your senior year the end of this year.
Senior Year
During your final year you will finish the remaining coursework in your major and complete your international experience if you haven’t already done so.
Now is the time to work with Career Services starting in the Fall semester to help prepare a CV and do a practice job interview, as well as, help you develop the skills necessary to successfully enter the workplace after graduation.
Make sure to contact your professors along the way and ask them to write letters of recommendation for you or to receive their support as employment references.
Define Your Own College Experience
Practice the Language
There's no better way to become fluent in a language than to learn the culture and surround yourself with native speakers.
Have a New Adventure
Sign-up for an adventure trip, rent camping equipment, or climb to new heights on the Pine Valley Ropes Course.
Where All Are Welcome
We're all different, and we encourage and empower you to be you. We provide a welcoming environment to celebrate all identities and encourage all to learn from one another.
Where Can This Program Lead You?
Where Our Students Have Interned
- Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu, Estonia
- NATO Defense College
- Marshall Center, Germany
Where Our Students Found Jobs
- US Armed Forces
Where Our Students Have Gone to Grad School
- George Mason University
