National Security Policy Studies
A program that focuses on the theory and application of intelligence, diplomacy, military power, and related tools of statecraft to national defense policy formulation and power projection. Includes instruction in history, political theory, public policy analysis, civil-military relations, military and defense studies, homeland security, leadership, threat scenarios, regional and local issues, alliance and coalition issues, defense budgeting and economics, intelligence, and strategy.
- Schools offering
- 16
- Annual completions
- 210
- Typical degree level
- Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $67k
About this major
A program that focuses on the theory and application of intelligence, diplomacy, military power, and related tools of statecraft to national defense policy formulation and power projection. Includes instruction in history, political theory, public policy analysis, civil-military relations, military and defense studies, homeland security, leadership, threat scenarios, regional and local issues, alliance and coalition issues, defense budgeting and economics, intelligence, and strategy.
Examples of specialized tracks: National Security Studies, Strategic Studies.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, all other | $137k | +4.5% | Bachelor's degree |
| Political science teachers, postsecondary | $95k | +2.0% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Political scientists | $139k | -3.1% | Master's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$67k
Top colleges for National Security Policy Studies
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angelo State University | San Angelo, TX | 0 | 32 | 32 |
| Fairmont State University | Fairmont, WV | 0 | 31 | 31 |
| Norwich University | Northfield, VT | 0 | 30 | 30 |
| Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | 0 | 30 | 30 |
| Excelsior University | Albany, NY | 0 | 22 | 22 |
| Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | 0 | 18 | 18 |
| University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | 0 | 16 | 16 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, TX | 0 | 15 | 15 |
| Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, OH | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Tiffin University | Tiffin, OH | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Related majors to explore
Political Science and Government, General
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International Relations and Affairs
6,344 completions/yr
Public Policy Analysis, General
1,905 completions/yr
Political Science and Government, Other
769 completions/yr
Political Economy
231 completions/yr
American Government and Politics (United States)
168 completions/yr
Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
145 completions/yr
International Relations and National Security Studies, Other
76 completions/yr
Considering this direction?
We've taken a hard look at the debt, earnings trajectory, and degree-level tradeoffs for the National Security Policy Studies field. Read our verdict before you commit.
Is National Security Policy Studies worth it? Read verdict