Why Study National Security Studies
Students completing the National Security Studies (NSS) program will be well versed in all aspects of National Security. This program emphasizes the application of theoretical perspectives to the multi-faceted security environment and research methodologies in the analysis of the real world's volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity environment. The NSS degree coursework is offered online and can be delivered globally to students who are currently working professionals. Some courses are hybrid and offered on either the Clarksville Campus or the Fort Campbell Campus for those students desiring the in-person experience. Furthermore, the NSS degree accepts Joint Service Transcripts (JSTs) for credit towards degree completion.
Take the first step towards safeguarding the future with our Bachelor of Science in
National Security Studies – apply now and embark on a journey of critical knowledge
and impactful change.
What engagement opportunities are available to National Security Studies Majors?
The Institute for National Security and Military Studies has several US and European partnerships that afford NSS students the opportunity to attend other partner institutions and/or work on National Security projects in collaboration with our partners. Additionally, the Institute for National Security and Military Studies strives to place NSS students into internships that offer meaningful experience and open the door for future employment opportunities.
What do National Security Studies Majors Do After Graduation?
The National Security Studies degree will prepare you for a successful career in a growing field by supplying you with up-to-date information of trends in the career field, as well as a broad understanding of theory and practice of analysis in the field.
National Security Studies majors go on to pursue a variety of career paths in the government and private sector:
- All Threats Intelligence Analyst
- All-Source Analysts
- Area Security Officer
- CBP Agent
- CIA Agent
- Compliance Officer
- Corporate Security Investigative Manager
- Corporate Security Red Team Specialist
- Corporate Security Specialist
- Criminal Investigator
- Data Analyst
- DEA Agent
- Emergency Management Analyst
- FBI Agent
- Foreign Service Officer
- Fraud Threat Intelligence Analyst
- GEOINT Analyst (imagery intelligence)
- GEOINT Analyst (photogrammetric image science)
- Homeland Security Agent
- Intelligence Analyst
- Intelligence Collection Expert
- Intelligence Officer
- Intelligence Operations Integrator
- Intelligence Operations Specialist (counterintelligence)
- Intelligence Research Specialist
- Law Enforcement Officer
- National Security Analyst
- NSA Analyst
- Open Source Intelligence Analyst
- Physical Security Specialist
- Risk Intelligence Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Security Program Manager
Learn from Expert Faculty
Housed in the Department of Criminal Justice, the NSS program draws on faculty expertise spanning homeland security, global security, terrorism studies, administration of justice, policy analysis, and other disciplines. As an interdisciplinary degree, NSS taps knowledge from many departments including Agriculture, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Public Management, Sociology, and Psychological Science and Counseling.
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What Will I Learn
National Security Studies students learn the fundamentals of National Security through US policies such as the National Security Strategy, the National Defense Strategy, and the National Defense Authorizations Act and how these policies shape the US’ security strategy against competitor nation states and violent extremists’ organizations, while also learning how our allies and partners view national security. Students will learn analytical and critical thinking skills and research techniques that are required in the intelligence and corporate security career fields through a variety of 8-week courses. Additionally, the NSS curriculum will focus on foreign affairs in regards to Western/Central/Eastern Europe security issues giving students the opportunity to work on current and emerging threats.
Supporting APSU's Mission
The NSS program supports APSU's vision of fostering collaborative learning environments that instill habits of critical inquiry and provide knowledge and skills for a global society. It also advances APSU's mission of raising educational attainment and developing programs that address regional needs.
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Sample Course Plan and General Education Requirements
National Security Studies Sample 4 Year Plan - Corporate Security
National Security Studies Sample 4 Year Plan - Geographic Information Systems (GIS)