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Defense Policy

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Strategic Studies ProgramsGraduateMaster of Arts
Completion requirement
Fulfill ALL of the following requirements:
Earn a minimum B of 3.0 in the following:
  • NT510
  • NT560
AND
Fulfill ANY of the following requirements:
Earn a minimum B of 3.0 in the following:
  • MH540
  • GD520
  • GD560
    OR
    GD561
    OR
    IR530
  • GA541
    OR
    GA542
    OR
    GA543
    OR
    GA544
    OR
    GA546
    OR
    GA545
    OR
    GA548
OR
Earn a minimum B of 3.0 in the following:
  • GA547
  • IR520
  • MH550
  • GD560
    OR
    GD540
    OR
    GD561

One concentration is required.

Each course must earn a grade of B, or higher. A grade waiver for a grade below B, up to six credits, may be requested between the core and concentration. Course requirements must have a combined minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Program Delivery

Online Program

Degree Designation

Master of Arts

Program Level

Graduate

Program Type

Major

College

College of Graduate & Continuing Studies

School/Department(s)

Program Description

The Defense Policy graduate program is designed for U.S. military personnel, Defense Department civilian personnel, State Department personnel, government contractors, and non-profit organization employees. The program will explore the relationship between defense policies and national power. Relevant topics of study will include human rights, international law, intelligence, kinetic operations, conflict management, and interagency activities. Students will focus on North America or one of five other regions in the world. The program also has broad applications in areas such as leadership, technology, communications, and management.

Additional Program Information

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Outcome

Synthesize contemporary and past scholarly and official sources regarding defense policies in a region of the world.

Outcome

Evaluate major trends in defense policies relating to kinetic operations, contingency planning, human rights, international law, intelligence, conflict management, diplomacy, international relations, peacekeeping, and/or historical patterns in a region of the world.

Outcome

Analyze theories of defense policy with the goal of applying these theories to better understand contexts, causes, conduct, and consequences of defense-related activities.

Outcome

Assess the interrelationship of defense policy and strategy in a regional operating environment.

Outcome

Research and design a capstone project that plans for the effective application of defense policy that could achieve a national objective or solve a real-world problem.

Admission Criteria

  • A minimum of an awarded bachelor's degree from a an accredited undergraduate institution;

  • A score of 550 or higher on the TOEFL (or equivalent on the computer-based version) for
    students whose primary language is not English;

  • Personal statement outlining career objectives, suitability for graduate study, on-line study, and reasons for undertaking graduate work;

  • Résumé or curriculum vitae

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  • GD540, or GD 560, or GD 561(6 cr)
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