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National Security Studies (MA)

Safeguard Our Nation

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100%
Webster University Online
2 to 3 years
Time to Completion
(part-time, depending on course load)
$730
Cost Per Credit Hour
36
Credit Hours Required

Become a sought-after national security expert

Expertly secure our nation from a wide range of threats by earning your Master of Arts in National Security Studies from Webster University. Our engaging online curriculum provides an overview of national security decision-making ability, while strengthening your research skills. Focus your studies in one of three tracks: international and regional security, cybersecurity or criminal justice.

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Expand your professional horizons

Pursue a meaningful career

Webster’s National Security Studies master’s prepares you for exciting, advanced careers in the national security industry. This program is ideal for people interested in:

Gain career-launching knowledge and skills

As you progress through Webster’s National Security Studies curriculum, you’ll develop essential, practical skills to take the lead in safeguarding the nation from internal and external threats. Specifically, you can expect to:

Classes you’ll take

To earn your master’s degree in National Security Studies from Webster, you must complete 12 classes for a total of 36 credit hours. You’ll start with four core courses and four courses from your chosen track, followed by four courses (12 credit hours) of electives. You must choose two electives from other national security studies tracks, while the final two electives may come from any graduate program.

Core Courses
  • Introduction to National Security Studies
  • Research Methods in National Security Studies
  • International Security
  • Capstone in National Security Studies OR Thesis in National Security Studies and University Thesis Requirement

International, Regional, National Security Track
  • African Area Studies
  • Area Studies
  • Asian Area Studies
  • Central and Eastern European Area Studies
  • Energy Security
  • Food and Water Security
  • International Political Economy
  • Internship
  • Issues in National Security Studies
  • Latin American Area Studies
  • Middle East Area Studies
  • National Security Decision-Making
  • National Security Policy Development
  • South and Central Asia Area Studies
  • Terrorism in World Politics
  • US Foreign Policy or Comparative Foreign Policy
  • War and Diplomacy
  • Western European Area Studies

Students completing INTL 5590 (not listed; general elective) and three electives from this track may qualify for a graduate certificate in international and regional security. To gain the certificate, students must pay a second graduation fee.

Cybersecurity Operations Track
  • Cybersecurity Infrastructures*
  • Cybersecurity Intelligence/Counter-Intelligence*
  • Cybersecurity Law and Policy*
  • Cybersecurity Strategic Operations
  • Cybersecurity Threat Detection*
  • Encryption Methods and Techniques*
  • Introduction to Cybersecurity
  • Use and Protection of Space Assets

* Students completing these five courses and CSSS 5230 (not listed; general elective) may qualify for a graduate certificate in cybersecurity - threat detection. To gain the certificate, students must pay a second graduation fee.

Criminal Justice Track
  • American Constitutional Law
  • Institutional and Community Corrections
  • Organization and Administration of Criminal Justice
  • Policing and Law Enforcement

Students completing these courses may qualify for a graduate certificate in administration of justice. To gain the certificate, students must pay a second graduation fee.

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Designed for flexibility

By earning your degree through convenient Webster University Online courses, you won’t have to choose between professional, personal, and educational time to earn your degree and advance your career. We also participate in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program for GI education, which helps military students avoid out-of-pocket tuition and fees that may exceed their tuition benefits.

Join the frontlines of national security

A master's degree in National Security Studies from Webster University can open doors to a variety of exciting and challenging careers in government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, such as:

Intelligence Analyst

$112,000

Median Annual Salary
(National, May 2022)

Policy Analyst

$128,020

Median Annual Salary
(National, May 2022)

Security Manager

$164,070

Median Annual Salary
(National, May 2022)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Discuss Your Career Goals

Achieve your personal and professional goals

We’re here to help

Webster is committed to your success, and you'll never be alone as you pursue your master’s in National Security Studies.

An education nationally recognized for quality

Earn your master’s in National Security Studies from Webster, an independent, nonprofit university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Learn from experts

Combine theory and practice as you interact one-on-one with faculty members who are experts in a wide range of issues of national security. They serve as mentors who are willing and eager to support your career goals.