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
- 17
- Annual completions
- 189
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | 0 | 30 | 30 |
| Norwich University | Northfield, VT | 0 | 28 | 28 |
| Angelo State University | San Angelo, TX | 0 | 24 | 24 |
| Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | 0 | 23 | 23 |
| The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, TX | 0 | 20 | 20 |
| Fairmont State University | Fairmont, WV | 0 | 19 | 19 |
| Excelsior University | Albany, NY | 0 | 17 | 17 |
| University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | 0 | 11 | 11 |
| Anderson University | Anderson, IN | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, OH | 0 | 4 | 4 |
Related majors to explore
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International Relations and Affairs
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Public Policy Analysis, General
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Political Science and Government, Other
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Political Economy
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American Government and Politics (United States)
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Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
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International Relations and National Security Studies, Other
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Considering this direction?
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