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M.S. in National Security Affairs
Program Description
M.S. in National Security Affairs in the Department of Multidisciplinary Studies is designed
to provide students with theoretical, research, and applied skills in the emerging academic
field of national security affairs. Students in this program will build a core understanding of
critical issues informing the field of national security today, including the assessment and
analysis of the threat of terrorism in the US and beyond and the analysis of intelligence
collection.
The program consists of a core of 5 courses (15 credits) offered by the department, and
developed specifically for this program. Pedagogically, the program core focuses on
building the critical analytical skills graduates need to succeed professionally in the field of
National Security Affairs. The ability to critically analyze intelligence information, historical
and contemporary issues informing the field, and to perform textual analyses, defines the
program core's most important learning outcomes.
Following completion of the program core, students will be able to choose one of four
concentration tracks offered through SHSS, and through partnership agreements with
other academic units at NSU, including the Criminal Justice track from the Institute for the
Study of Human Service, Health and Justice, and the Graduate School of Computer and
Information Sciences. To complete a concentration track successfully, students must take
4 courses in their chosen track (12 credits). Students will also complete 2 elective courses
(6 credits) from any of the four concentration tracks offered through the program.
Students choosing the concentration in Cyber-terrorism offered in collaboration with the
Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences will earn an accredited certificate
in data security alongside their M.S. in National Security Affairs by taking a 5th required
track course. Students interested in this track are encouraged to speak with the
Department as early as possible. After a consultation with CSIS, it will be determined
whether the student can enter the cyber-terrorism track or if additional foundation courses
will be required in order to enter and successfully complete the track. The additional
courses can count as electives.
Program Formats
NSA aims at convenience and accommodation by utilizing online course delivery format.
The students enrolled in the program are afforded the great flexibility in selecting one of
the four concentrations and electives. We know many of our students are already engaged
in work in the field of national security and this may preclude them from participating in
residential classes. Therefore the program is designed to be completed entirely online.
However some of the courses are also offered in residential format and students may
select those sections as appropriate.
NSA students are not required to attend Residential Institutes (RI) on the Fort Lauderdale
campus. However, they are encouraged to attend and participate in the event. Currently
the RIs are held in February and late September/October. Please visit
Students may enroll full or part time, taking six to nine credit hours per term. Students
who enroll in nine credits per term may complete the program in four terms. Part-time
students can complete the program in 2 years. Students register for three terms a year.
