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7 Jobs For Homeland Security Degree Graduates

Updated: Mar 28, 2024, 4:54am

Homeland security jobs are vital to our national security. Professionals in this field spearhead emergency management efforts, combat cybercrime and tackle responsibilities related to disaster preparedness and response, counterterrorism and crisis management. The homeland security sector provides solid job opportunities for many people, and many of these jobs require a homeland security degree.

In this article, we discuss jobs for homeland security degree holders and explore the different types of educational programs you can complete in this essential field. Discover job duties and salary potential, review program admission requirements and timelines, and get a brief overview of what you’ll study if you major in homeland security.

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What Is a Homeland Security Degree?

According to its website, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002 to protect the country from various threats. It comprises 22 agencies and federal departments and employs people in a wide range of jobs. Many of these positions require a strong foundation of homeland security knowledge. Earning a homeland security degree helps you qualify for a job in the homeland security field.

You may notice that some universities include homeland security degrees as part of their criminal justice departments. While a homeland security degree and criminal justice degree both involve working in the realm of public safety, there are distinct differences.

A criminal justice degree focuses on our law enforcement system, including crime prevention, legal proceedings, punishment and rehabilitation. A homeland security degree focuses on protecting the country’s infrastructure and communities in the face of human-made threats, natural disasters, terrorism and other public safety issues.

Homeland Security Degree Options

If you want to work in homeland security, choose a degree that helps you carve out your career path. Below are three degree types for positions in the homeland security field.

Associate in Homeland Security

An associate degree in homeland security introduces the fundamentals of homeland security, including interagency planning and how our country’s Homeland Security organizations protect our communities.

This degree typically requires at least 60 hours of coursework and takes about two years to complete. It may take more or less time, depending on the program you choose and if you study part time or full time.

An associate degree in homeland security prepares you to work in entry-level jobs or continue with your education by earning a bachelor’s degree in homeland security. In a homeland security associate degree program, you learn:

• Fundamentals of homeland security
• The role of homeland security in our government
• Functions of agencies responsible for homeland security
• How to address different types of security threats, such as natural disasters and terrorism
• Emergency planning and response
• Cybercrime and intelligence analysis
• Research methods

Admission requirements vary by program, but below are some typical requirements.

• Application
• High school diploma or GED®
• Transcripts

Bachelor’s in Homeland Security

A bachelor’s degree in homeland security prepares you for many jobs in the field. This degree typically requires at least 120 credit hours and takes about four years to complete. Full-time students with transfer credits and those attending accelerated programs may finish faster, while part-time learners may take more than four years to graduate.

While programs vary, below are a few typical subjects you may study while earning this degree.

• Emergency management, including disaster mitigation and recovery
• Global conflict
• Emergency disaster response
• Strategic planning
• Strategic risk reduction
• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum GPA
• SAT or ACT scores

Master’s in Homeland Security

Earning a master’s degree in homeland security is an excellent option if you’re already working in the field. It helps you build your leadership skills and develop a greater understanding of security policies and practices to prepare for homeland security threats.

Master’s in homeland security programs vary dramatically in what they cover and how many credits they require. Depending on your program, you may spend as few as eight to 16 weeks in an accelerated program or up to two years to complete your degree.

While programs vary, below are a few key essentials your master’s program may cover.

• Homeland defense
• Infrastructure protection
• Interagency government-related issues
• How to understand current national security issues
• Cybersecurity
• Forecasting risk from terrorist group threats
• Evaluating and suggesting federal, state or local changes that reflect strategic policy
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Transcripts from previous coursework

Jobs for Homeland Security Degree Graduates

Jobs for homeland security degree holders include positions in both the public and private sectors. We sourced the below career data from Payscale , the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection , Glassdoor and the Federal Bureau of Investigation .

Secret Service Agent

Secret Service agents protect U.S. government officials and visiting foreign officials. Their responsibilities may also include investigating financial crimes, cybersecurity issues and threats to national leaders. They may also develop security plans for national events. According to the FBI, new secret service agents can earn anywhere between $81,000 and $129,000 annually.

Fraud Investigator

Fraud investigators gather and study evidence, analyze data and conduct interviews to determine if fraudulent activity has occurred. They typically work in the insurance or accounting industries, where fraudulent activity is common. Their work often involves investigating fraudulent insurance claims. PayScale reports an average annual salary for fraud investigators of around $68,000.

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts monitor their organizations’ computer networks and systems to prevent, identify and investigate security breaches. They typically use specialized software, including data encryption programs and firewalls, to protect computer systems. They may also recommend updates or enhancements to help prevent security breaches from happening. The median annual salary for information security analysts is $112,000, according to the BLS.

Federal Air Marshal

Federal air marshals (FAMs) provide in-flight security in our national transportation system and assist with other law enforcement activities. They assess, address and prevent risks to transportation at home and abroad. FAMs are an integral part of the Transportation Security Administration. Air marshals earn a median annual salary of around $120,000, per Glassdoor.

Crime Prevention Specialist

Crime prevention specialists create community programs and teach people how to protect themselves. They may develop initiatives that focus on youth programs, promote crime prevention within a community, prevent violence and promote personal safety. Crime prevention specialists earn a median annual salary of around $66,000, according to Glassdoor.

Customs Agent

Customs agents are responsible for securing our national borders, preventing drug smuggling across the border, ensuring trade compliance, protecting agriculture and enforcing national immigration laws. Depending on the pay grade, customs agents can earn between about $46,500 and $121,000 per year, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Emergency Management Director

Emergency management directors develop plans and procedures to address emergencies such as national disasters. They collaborate with elected officials, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and public safety officials. They may also organize emergency response training, coordinate emergency resources, and apply for funding for federal emergency management. The median annual salary for emergency management directors is $79,180, per the BLS.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Homeland Security Jobs

Do you need a degree to get a job in homeland security.

While not always required, a homeland security degree is a versatile degree that prepares you for a variety of jobs in emergency management, infrastructure protection, intelligence analysis and law enforcement. If you’re interested in working to help keep our nation safe from natural disasters, public health crises, terrorism and other threats, then a homeland security degree may be an excellent option.

What are the highest-paid homeland security jobs?

Careers in information security (around $112,000) and as a Secret Service agent (up to $129,000) are some of the highest-paying homeland security roles.

Is the homeland security major hard?

Earning any degree takes effort and commitment. If you’re interested in the subject matter and you’re willing to study and learn as you complete your coursework, a homeland security major should not be more difficult than any other degree.

Is a homeland security degree good for a career at the FBI?

Yes, a homeland security degree may help you secure a position within the FBI. It’s important to remember that while your education may help qualify you for a job, the FBI has additional requirements, which may include a background check, drug screening, being a U.S. citizen, not having any felony convictions and not defaulting on taxes or child support payments.

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Security Studies

Topics of study include:

• Grand strategies of the major powers.
• Arms competitions.
• Coercive diplomacy.
• Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
• Rapid shifts in regional and global distributions of capabilities.
• Insurgency, civil war, and regional political instability.
• Military force composition and capability.
• Civil-military relations.
• Innovations in military technologies.

The cluster combines social science training in international security and national defense policy, focused study of specific regions of the world, and exploration of the technical and scientific aspects of proliferation, weapons innovations, terrorist and counterterrorist operations, and insurgency and counterinsurgency warfare. This is an in-residence program, though absences may be taken for approved field research.

Security Studies Doctorate

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Prepare for a career in international affairs, foreign policymaking, policy research or military service with this rigorous interdisciplinary program covering a wide range of issues related to international security.

The online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in security studies will help prepare you for a career in research, teaching, foreign policymaking and military service through a broad exploration of topics, including war, civil conflicts, insurgencies, terrorism, foreign policymaking and international affairs. Students will receive an interdisciplinary education from award-winning faculty that builds on rigorous historical and social scientific research methods. The two core departments are history and political science, but students may draw on expertise and coursework from other disciplines as well.

*This estimate is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.

**With qualifying master's degree

Career Prospect Highlights

Graduation Rate

Median salary.

Nationwide Median Salary

Jobs Nationwide

5-Year Nationwide Job Growth

Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet the general university admission requirements.

Additional Requirements

• Undergraduate and graduate degree from a recognized and accredited institution
• International applicants must provide an Affidavit of Financial Support and documentation of English language proficiency. Detailed information about these issues is provided on the   international students website .

Program-Specific Application Deadlines

• For fall semester: January 8 or May 7*
• Fall semester: January 8

Additional Documentation

Your application must include the following:

• See the security studies application page for details and forms.
• At least two of the three letters should be from those who can speak authoritatively to your potential to succeed in graduate studies in an academic context.
• The test scores may not be more than five years old, and they must be sent to Kansas State University directly from ETS (photocopies of scores are not acceptable).
• There is no code available for Security Studies. Please use the general Kansas State University code (6334) and inform the KSU Graduate School that your scores have been sent to K-State and should be uploaded to your online application in Security Studies.
• Official reports of Graduate Record of Examination (GRE) test scores are required for the Ph.D. program.
• An official transcript from each academic institution you have attended (including Kansas State University, if applicable) since high school.
• This should be between ten and thirty pages and representative of your best scholarly work. Term papers, thesis chapters, and copies of published articles are all examples of acceptable writing samples.
• These requirements may be waived for applicants who have earned a degree from a college or university in the United States not more than two years before the time of application.
• The fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. is $65.00.
• The fee for international applicants (individuals who are neither citizens nor permanent residents of the U.S.) is $75.00.

*The application deadline can be extended to May 7 for domestic applicants who do not require funding to attend.

The security studies doctorate will prepare you for roles in research or teaching or to advance your career in fields such as:

• international affairs
• foreign policymaking
• policy research and analysis
• intelligence analysis
• military services
• homeland security
• law enforcement

An additional 30 hours will be research hours towards the dissertation.

Required Courses (15 credits)

Historical Research Sequence (6 credits)

• HIST 911 – Historical Approaches to Security (3 credits)
• Hist 912 – Historical Methods in Security Studies (3 credits)

Political Research Sequence (6 credits)

• POLSC 900 – Advanced Research Methods I
• POLSC 901 – Advanced Research Methods II

Final Doctoral-Level Required Course (3 credits)

This course must be taken after completing the history and political science two course research sequences. Each student must complete a directed reading with the chair of the student’s doctoral committee. The course is intended to allow the student to hone his or her dissertation topic in one-on-one consultation with the doctoral chair.

• HIST 985 – Readings in History (1-3 credits)
• POLSC 985 – Readings in Security Studies (1-6 credits)

Additional Coursework (15 credits)

The other fifteen hours of coursework will be elective courses chosen in consultation with the Ph.D. committee to prepare the student for research and teaching in security studies, as well as to help prepare for the Ph.D. exams. These electives may be drawn from History, Political Science, or other disciplines. Courses outside history and political science, or below 700-level, require prior approval of the student's supervisory committee.

The intent of the Ph.D. coursework is to prepare students for writing the dissertation. Upon completion of the Ph.D. coursework students will have the research skills necessary to complete a dissertation-length scholarly study on a well-defined topic developed in consultation with their Ph.D. Chair.

Foreign Language Requirement

There is no fixed language requirement for the security studies Ph.D. program. In some cases, English language skills may be sufficient for completing the degree. In other cases, a student’s research plans may necessitate a deeper knowledge of statistical research methods rather than a foreign language skill. Different projects will ultimately require a different set of skills. Accordingly, each student’s advisory committee will determine what, if any, foreign language requirement may be necessary for the completion of the dissertation project.

Related Programs

Security Studies Ph.D.

The Security Studies PhD program at UCF is a fast-paced, focused program, for people who have already completed an MA in a related field. Students have the opportunity to complete coursework and write their dissertation in as little as three years, which makes it well-suited for advanced students, people with professional experience, and military officers who want to improve their skills in their field or make a career shift.  Our students have found academic and professional success.  In the past our PhD students have published in quality, peer-reviewed publications, both on their and with faculty.  Our students have been placed in research positions with respected organizations within the private sector and in government and nationally competitive fellowship.

Program Timeline

First year students  develop basic research skills and receive a grounding in the literature. By the end of the year, when they hold their first meeting with the Dissertation Committee, they should be making progress towards developing their dissertation topic.

Second year students  complete their coursework and qualifying exams and start work on their dissertation proposal.  Ideally, students will complete the proposal by the end of the second year.

Third year students  work on their dissertation.  Those who chose to do so also have opportunities to teach undergraduate courses in the department.  Depending on the student and their topic, some students will complete their dissertation by the end of the third year.  Others may need continue working on it beyond the third year.

Applying to the Security Studies PhD program

Fall 2025 applications must be completed by December 1, 2024 for International Applicants and  January 1, 2025 for Domestic Applicants

Applicants to our PhD program must complete an earned Master’s Degree in Political Science, International Politics/Affairs/Relations, or a clearly related discipline before enrolling.

• Students who expect to complete their degree before beginning the program may also apply.
• Masters degrees from accredited Professional Military Education institutions (War Colleges, the Naval Post Graduate School, etc.) are usually sufficient to meet this requirement.

Students must apply on line using UCF’s online graduate applications system, and should expect to submit:

• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.*
• A 500 word personal statement that describes their preparation for PhD-level study, research interests, and post-degree career goals
• A 2500-word writing sample that demonstrates their ability to conduct graduate-level research
• An updated resume
• Three letters of references, at least one of which must be from a faculty member associated with their MA degree.
• If a student is not a native English speaker, a TOEFL score of 90 or better on the internet-based test (iBT); or a score of 232 or better on the TOEFL computer-based test; or a score of 575 or better on the TOEFL paper-based test; or a score of 7.0 or better on the IELTS
• Program statistics and admissions data can be found by visiting the College of Graduate Studies’ website .

*Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from  World Education Services (WES)  or  Josef Silny and Associates, Inc.  only.

The School of Politics, Security and International Affairs makes funding offers to most students admitted to the program. Usually these are GTA positions that are guaranteed for three years, conditional on academic progress and work performance.  Depending on budgetary constraints, students who are making good progress may be funded in their fourth year.  We nominate our best applicants for UCF’s university fellowships.  The Presidential and Trustees Fellowships fund students for four years of study; other fellowships may be shorter but will be combined with department GTA positions to support deserving students for at least 3 years of study.  We encourage applicants to apply for outside fellowships that they may also be eligible for.

Our faculty includes world-class researchers and teachers who have published in well renown topic and interdisciplinary journals and have been awarded grants by both public and private foundations.  We have a strong record of collaborating with students and guiding them as they develop their research. Our objective is to mentor and guide our students so that they can become the expert of tomorrow’s security problems both globally and nationwide.

Student Highlights

Our PhD students have published in high quality journals, both on their own and in collaboration with faculty members.

UCF Class Spotlight: Political Psychology

BY JENNA MARINA LEE Class Name POS 4206 – Political Psychology Description The psychological analysis of political behavior, with emphasis on the individual rather than the…

Students’ Papers Sweep Competition

The UCF Political Science Department is proud to announce that Jennifer L. Hudson, a graduate student in the Political Science master’s program, won the FPSA…

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the department fund PhD students in the summer?

Yes, PhD students who are enrolled during the summer are funded through GTA positions. During the summer, students may enroll in our online graduate courses or do independent work with individual faculty.

Do students typically secure funding in their fourth year, if they take more than a year to finish their dissertation?

The department makes every effort to support students in their fourth year. However, the department cannot guarantee 4 th  year funding, and depending on budgetary constraints that vary year by year, may not be able to fund some or all students in their fourth year.

Do I need to be in Orlando during the summers?

No. The department offers online graduate courses in the summer to allow students to continue their studies while travelling. We encourage students to use the summer time to pursue additional training through summer graduate workshops (ICPSR, IQRM, SWAMOS, SIPP, EITM, etc.), do field research work, or engage in professional opportunities with government agencies, research institutes, or the private sector.

How important is quantitative (i.e., statistical) training for your program?

All students in our program receive basic quantitative training and basic qualitative training. Students can pursue further training in our department, through other UCF departments, and other training programs like ICPSR. While some experience with statistical methods is useful, we do not require students to have well developed methodological skills on entry.

Doctor of Defense and Strategic Studies

Protect, advise and serve across the world

This professional doctoral degree prepares you for high-level roles in today’s security community.

Explore the policies, theories and methods used in diplomacy and defense. Advise on security issues.

• Get started
• Review program requirements

Why earn a doctorate degree in defense and strategic studies?

Study on your schedule

This program is perfect for the working professional. You can take courses fully online, in-person (Washington, D.C.) or a hybrid of both. Go to school full-time or part-time. Complete your degree from anywhere.

Achieve your career goals

The job market needs highly skilled and educated national security professionals. Work in government, defense, international affairs, diplomacy and other areas. Serve in a variety of policy and field positions.

Have a deeper focus

Your classes cover advanced topics like nuclear strategy, intelligence, security affairs and cyber warfare – among others. Dr. Keith Payne, a world-renowned strategist and defense analyst, teaches the capstone course, “Advanced Nuclear Strategy, Deterrence and Arms Control.”

Learn from the best

Your faculty and guest speakers are current/former national security experts. They know the field and have hands-on experience in the topics they teach.

The defense and strategic studies (DSS) department is located in the Washington, D.C. metro area, in the nearby suburb of Fairfax, Virginia. Our student body is diverse, with a mix of traditional, mid-career and active-duty military.

Want to know more? Review frequently asked questions .

Accreditation

• Missouri: Higher Learning Commission
• Virginia: State Council of Higher Education for Virginia

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Find support for your education

Get involved on and off campus

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• Apply online

IWP scholar-practitioners teach all the arts of statecraft in a setting that encourages discussion and debate and thoroughly prepares students for career success.

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IWP offers seven master’s degrees with a curriculum that includes statecraft, history, American political philosophy, the Western moral tradition, economics, and moral leadership.

• Master of Arts in Statecraft and National Security Affairs
• Master of Arts in Statecraft and International Affairs
• Master of Arts in Strategic Intelligence Studies
• Executive Master of Arts in National Security Affairs
• Master of Arts in Strategic and International Studies (Professional)
• Master of Arts in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)
• Executive Master of Arts in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)
• Professional Master of Arts in Statecraft and Strategy (Online)

Doctor of Statecraft and National Security (Professional)

• Graduate Certificates
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• Cyber Intelligence Initiative
• Strategic Leadership Seminar
• Foreign Language Study
• Internships
• American Statecraft Fellowship
• Civic Thought and Statecraft Fellowship
• In-Person Courses
• Online Courses

The faculty are experts from the national security and international relations fields, scholar-practitioners with both academic credentials and high-level experience.

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The student body includes recent graduates and a mix of mid-career professionals whose various perspectives enrich the classroom experience.

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IWP students become leaders in the national security and foreign policy fields through the study of all the instruments of power, and 97% earn jobs in their field.

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The Doctor of Statecraft and National Security (Professional) (DSNS) is a degree tailored towards national security professionals, as opposed to those who wish to pursue a teaching career. This program is designed to educate national security professionals in the art of employing the integrated instruments of national power to achieve the ends of policy.

52 Credit Hours (beyond an Master’s degree) Three years to complete with full-time student status

The Doctor of Statecraft and National Security (Professional) (DSNS) offers a unique approach compared to other PhD in national security programs by focusing on the practical application of the instruments of national power, such as diplomacy, intelligence, economics, and military force, rather than extreme specialization. Graduates of this doctorate in security are well-prepared to employ strategic tools effectively in real-world scenarios.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will be able masterfully to: Understand the main ideological currents of the modern era and their influence on U.S. and foreign behavior.

• Demonstrate expertise in one of the major instruments of statecraft, such as diplomacy, public diplomacy, strategic influence, intelligence, economics, or military affairs.
• Integrate the instruments of statecraft into a cohesive national strategy.
• Exhibit deep knowledge of the culture, political landscape, and security challenges in a selected region of the world, with an understanding of U.S. interests in that region.
• Appreciate the principles of the American founding and the Western moral tradition and apply these to national security and foreign policy.

Prerequisite Knowledge:

Before starting the DSNS program, students will be tested on their understanding of national security policy, process, implementation, history, theories, and geography. Those without a background in these subjects will need to take prerequisite courses offered by the Institute of World Politics (IWP), guided by their Doctoral Advisors.

For professionals seeking a PhD in national security with an emphasis on applying knowledge rather than developing theory, this DSNS degree provides the perfect foundation. With real-world applications of national security principles, the program prepares students for impactful careers within government agencies.

(Note: Students will be responsible for, and will be tested on, the following outcome which includes basic elements not already required in the curriculum for this program. Students without background on these topics should take the relevant courses IWP offers as prerequisites under the guidance of their Doctoral Advisors.)

I am looking to apply my knowledge, rather than develop theory… When I talk about issues in the federal system, my professors understand where I am coming from.

– Dr. Curt Klun (’23)

Doctor of Statecraft and National Security Requirements

To earn the degree of Doctor of Statecraft and National Security, the student will:

• Successfully complete the required courses and electives. All DSNS courses are taught as enhanced versions of our MA courses, which entail: extra readings; a more challenging exam; a longer, more robust paper; and an additional 4-6 meetings with the professor outside of the MA class, which can occur during office hours, and the length can be based on the professor’s judgment of the student’s needs.
• Pass an oral thesis defense in each area of study: 1) Principles of Statecraft and Strategy; 2) Functional Specialty; and 3) Regional Specialty. Note: A student will complete the Principles of Statecraft area of study first. Once he or she has passed the oral defense, the student may then take courses in both the Functional and Regional areas of study. 
• Pass a final written comprehensive examination at the end of one’s studies consisting of a philosophical essay question and strategy memorandum.
• Deliver a paper of 75 pages that demonstrates mastery in each area of study (three 75-page papers in total).

The program is designed to provide students with the flexibility to customize their curriculum according to their interests and needs. This degree is not meant as preparation primarily for teaching, but for those who are or who wish to become national security professionals.

IWP doctoral students are required to take 52 credits within 3 areas of study : Principles of Statecraft and Strategy (20 credits); Functional Concentration (16 credits); Regional concentration (16 credits)

Principles of Statecraft and Strategy

Four required classes, totaling 8 credits:

• 6060 (enhanced version of IWP 606 ): Ideas and Values in International Affairs Two credits
• 6080 (enhanced version of IWP 608 ): Sources of American Political Thought Two credits
• 6150 (enhanced version of IWP 615 ): Western Moral and Political Thought Two credits Note: Students who have taken either 606, 608, or 615 (or all three) should consult with their doctoral advisors to identify suitable substitutions.
• 6900 Principles of Strategy Two credits

Two of the following classes, 4 credits each:

• 6090 (Enhanced version of IWP 609 ): Economic Statecraft and Conflict
• 6280 (Enhanced version of IWP 628 ): Military Strategy: Theory and Practice
• 6360 (Enhanced version of IWP 636 ): The Art of Diplomacy
• 6370 (Enhanced version of IWP 637 ): Public Diplomacy
• 6050 (Enhanced version of IWP 605 ): Intelligence and Policy

IWP 9900 Thesis Research/Writing, 4 credits

Functional Concentration

• Any combination of enhanced classes equaling 12 credit hours ( Note: Selected courses will automatically have the number ‘0′ added to the end of the course number to indicate doctoral level.)
• 9910 Thesis Research (Functional), 4 credits

Regional Concentration

• Any combination of enhanced classes equaling 12 credit hours (Note: Selected courses will automatically have the number ‘0′ added to the end of the course number to indicate doctoral level.)
• 9920 Thesis Research (Regional), 4 credits

The IWP education has been immensely valuable to me. I have not found the core curriculum anywhere else.

– Dr. Matthew Jenkins (’23)

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Ma in global security studies.

Global security in the 21st century is complex: rising powers, non-state actors, hybrid wars, cyber challenges, resource scarcity. With these challenges comes an opportunity to create smart, effective policies that help shape and protect our world.

MA in Global Security Studies Program Overview

Prepare for a rewarding career in foreign affairs or national security with the MA in Global Security Studies program at Johns Hopkins University. Our comprehensive program rests on three pillars: military security, economic security, and energy and environmental security.

Courses cover theoretical and practical aspects of global security always closely connected to today’s most pressing issues. Additional elective courses are available from relevant degree programs including Government, Public Management, Intelligence Analysis, Energy Policy and Climate, Environmental Sciences and Policy, and Communication.

Study on Your Terms

About 90% of our students work full-time while enrolled in the program. We offer a flexible schedule with start dates in the fall, spring, or summer. You can earn your degree online, attend evening classes in Washington, D.C., or a mixture of both.

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Where Will a Master's Degree in Global Security Take You?

Prepare for a career in foreign affairs or national security with an MA in Global Security. View career paths and how this program helps you meet personal and professional goals.

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Security Studies (PhD)

Program at a glance.

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Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

The Security Studies doctoral program is designed to produce specialists capable of analyzing and communicating security issues to policy makers, the general public, the government, and academia.

Many graduates will work in military and other governmental organizations, international corporations, and agencies that deal with security. Others will seek employment in research and teaching in institutions of higher education.

The PhD degree consists of 56 credit hours beyond the master's degree. A master's degree is required for admission to the program with at least 30 credit hours of master's level work (including both coursework and thesis hours). The 59 credit hours consist of 17 credit hours of required courses, 15 credit hours of restricted electives, 9 hours of unrestricted electives (including courses offered in other departments, research, independent study, and internship), and a minimum of 15 credit hours of dissertation work.

Total Credit Hours Required: 56 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree

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Program Prerequisites

An earned master's degree or it's equivalent in Political Science, International Politics or International Relations, or related discipline. The Graduate Program Director will evaluate the suitability and applicability of MA degrees in other disciplines for admission purposes.

Application Requirements

Financial information.

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

PhD in Global Security

A PhD in global security is an opportunity to investigate in-depth global security issues and develop a rigorous academic research piece. Supported by academics and current security practitioners, students on PhD programmes in global security narrow their focus and study to specific topics and conduct literature and field-based research. Global security PhD topics often focus on niche areas of security and intelligence practice and aim to develop actionable research to improve policies.

Studying a PhD in global security often follows several years of experience in the security industry. Graduates with PhDs in global security often go onto further academic research or lectureships within universities on the subject of security. They can also be employed in government, international organisations and think-tanks as resident researchers.

MPhil/PhD Security and Intelligence Studies by Research – University of Buckingham

The University of Buckingham offers a PHD or MPhil in Security and Intelligence Studies. The doctoral research position is within in the Centre for Security Studies which hosts many prominent academics conducting research into global security issues. The PhD in Security and Intelligence allows students to investigate in depth a specific area of international security based on a submitted research proposal. Previous PhD graduates have investigated the judicial system, security and intelligence agencies, counter-terrorism in Pakistan and the use of soft power as a tool of statecraft in inter-African relations. The MPhil or PhD in Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham aims for students to develop systemic understanding and critical analysis of the current worldwide security context through in-depth independent study. Research can be carried out over three years full-time of six years part-time.

Entry requirements for the MPhil or PhD in Security and Intelligence Studies at the University of Buckingham are a first- or second-class master’s degree. English language requirements include an IELTS score averaging above 6.5 with 6.0 on all components or a TOEFL score of 87 with minimum component scores of listening 21, reading 22, speaking 23 and writing 21.

Fees for UK and EU students to do the MPhil or PHD in the University of Buckingham are 22,950 GBP. For overseas students’ fees are 41,850 GBP. The university has a wide range of scholarships and bursaries but says students need to have an offer of a place before they can apply for funding.

Intelligence and Security Studies PhD – Brunel University

The PHD in Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University in London allows students to research the areas of intelligence organisations, security management and analysis. Hosted in the Brunel Centre for Intelligence and Security Studies, which combines research from law, engineering, politics and history with in-depth academic study of global security. The PhD especially recruits students who have broad working experience in the field of security and intelligence, allowing them to research in-depth on security developments and intelligence policy. Students on the PhD Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University work as part of a research team, allowing them to work together on large-scale policy and consultancy projects. Brunel University has a range of academics who supervise students on the Intelligence and Security Studies PHD and can provide additional practical knowledge to the research.

UK applicants to the PHD in Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University need a first or upper-second class honours degree and often need a master’s qualification. EU and overseas students need the equivalent. All applicants must submit a written personal statement and pass an interview. English language requirements are a IELTS score 6.5 (with minimum of 6 in all areas), a Pearson score of 58 (51 in all sub-scores) or a TOEFL result of 92 (minimum 20 in all areas).

Fees for the Intelligence and Security Studies PhD at Brunel University are 4,407 GBP for UK students studying full-time and 2,203 for UK students studying part-time per year. International students pay 15,860 GBP for full-time study and 7,930 GBP for part-time for each year. Brunel University does have funding support for some research students.

PhD Study, National Security College – Australian National University

The PhD programme at the National Security College combines knowledge of worldwide security developments and policies with academic research skills Students undertake extensive independent research into the security field directed by a panel of experts in global security. The National Security College sits within the Australian National University (ANU) and provides study and research into crucial national and international security challenges, as well as focusing on the development of innovative security policies. Research at the National Security College has been completed in national, regional and global security, counterterrorism and countering violent extremism and security futures. The college has also seen research completed in national security policy and practice and cyber security.

Admission requirements to study a PhD at the National Security College are a 2.1 honour degree or international equivalent in a relevant programme such as security studies, international relations, political science or the humanities. Applicants also need to submit a theses proposal. English language requirements for non-Australian or English-speaking nationals, or applicants without two years previous study in English, are a IELTS total band score 6.5 with a score of at least 6.0 in all components or a TOEFL score of 570 and a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4.5.

Information on fees should be sought from the college. As the National Security College sits within the Australian National University, students can access a wide range of scholarships. To be eligible for ANU scholarships depends the area of study and type of student applying.

Security Studies PhD – University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers a PhD in Security Studies. The doctoral research programme allows students to investigate global security trends with in-depth analysis. In the first-year students work on developing research skills and conduct a literature review related to their specific research topic. At the end of the year they present a proposal to the Dissertation Committee. The second year focuses on coursework and qualifying exams, whilst also beginning the doctoral theses which is completed in the final year. Students from the Security Studies PhD at the University of Central Florida have been placed in research positions in government agencies and international bodies. The PhD is directed by security practitioners with a wide range of background and knowledge in the security field.

Applicants to the Security Studies PhD at the University of Central Florida require a master’s degree from a university or an accredited professional military education institution. Applicants also need to submit a 2500-word sample writing piece, previous degree transcripts and a 500-word professional statement. Non-native English speakers need a TOEFL score of 90 or a IELTS score of 7.0 or better.

Information on costs and fees can be obtained from the University of Central Florida. The University of Central Florida’s Political Science Department provides funding aid to most students admitted to their programmes. This includes the Presidential and Trustees Fellowships fund which can support students for four years of study.

Security Studies Ph.D. – Princeton School of Public and International Affairs

The five-year PhD in Security Studies at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is designed for students to undertake rigorous, expansive and in-depth research into the area of global security. The doctoral programme encourages students to explore the causes, effects, history and impact of national and international security events, whilst completing a piece of unique academic research. The Security Studies PhD at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs covers such areas as grand strategies of the major powers, arms competitions and coercive diplomacy. Students can also investigate insurgency, civil war, and regional political instability, military force composition and capability and civil-military relations. The PhD in Security Studies at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs is an in-residence programme, although time away may be taken for field research.

Details of entry requirements and fees can be got directly from the university.

Ph.D. in Public Policy (Online) – National Security Policy

Liberty University has a three-year online PhD in Public Policy with a focus on security. The programme has students develop research and policies on national security, as well as investigating contemporary security trends. With a particular focus on national security, the Liberty University PhD provides students with chance to research national resilience, counter-terrorism and intelligence policy and practice. Students doing the PhD in Public Policy (Security) at Liberty University cover several key subject areas including foundations of statesmanship and public policy, foreign policy, globalization, and statesmanship, policy analysis and statesmanship and introduction to national security policy. The course encourages students to analyse security problems and produce actionable solutions. The doctoral programme is led by current and former public policy and security practitioners.

Admissions requirements for the PhD in Public Policy, National Security Policy at Liberty University are a master’s degree of 3.0. Applicants must also complete and admission application, pay a fee, provide transcripts for previous study and prove English proficiency.

The online PhD in Public Policy, National Security Policy at Liberty University costs 595 USD per credit hour. The course has sixty credit hours. Liberty University has a wide range of scholarships, including potential awards for family heritage, ethnicity, study majors, religious affiliations, disabilities and for members of the armed forces.

Doctoral School on Safety and Security Sciences – Obuda University

Obuda University in Budapest, Hungary, hosts the Doctorial School on Safety and Security Sciences. The aim of the school is to provide technical teaching and research in safety and security, as well as encouraging a challenge to traditional thinking around global security. The school also aims to blend academic research with the development of practical methods that can be implemented in the current worldwide security context. The Doctorial School on Safety and Security Sciences at Obuda University covers research areas such as safety science and human-machine-environment analysis techniques. Research at the school has also been undertaken in the area of critical infrastructure protection research.

Information on entry requirements and fees to undertake PhD research at the Obuda University Doctorial School on Safety and Security Sciences can be sought from the University.

Careers in International Security

Graduates of our  Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies (NPTS) master’s degree program are in high demand for careers promoting the reduction and elimination of weapons of mass destruction and responding to threats from terrorism and financial crime.

Alumni Career Profiles

Michelle Alford

First Job After Graduation: Intelligence Analyst, Global Intelligence Center, eBay (San Jose, California)

Internship: Center for Global Security Research Intern, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (Livermore, California)

Specialization : Financial Crime Management

Institute Advantage: The Institute’s courses—such as Introduction to Terrorism, Apocalyptic Millenarianism, Weapons of Mass Destruction Nonproliferation Policy, and Science and Technology—helped secure my internship with the Center for Global Security Research. My connection to the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Student Chapter gave me the chance to visit the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for the initial networking opportunity.

Valentina Bianco Hormaechea

Current Employment:  Associate External Relations and Reporting Officer, UNHCR (Peru)

Internship: Research and Liaison Unit Intern, United Nations Operations and Crisis Centre (UNOCC)

Institute Advantage:  I truly believe that the skills I acquired at MIIS, plus my internship and field experience, contributed to my landing my current job at UNHCR.

Story: How I Got Hired

Lila Green

First Jobs After Graduation: Export Compliance Analyst, Autodesk (San Rafael, California); Consultant, Institute for Inner Economy (Marina, California)

Professional Associations: President, U.S. West Coast Chapter of Women in International Security

Institute Advantage: I was able to build meaningful relationships with professors and colleagues alike, including working as a graduate assistant for my favorite professor. I started my own student organization—the Middlebury Institute chapter of Women in International Security (WIIS)—which led to my work with the Institute for Inner Economy, where I consult on nonproliferation-related issues and security sector vernacular. It also led to me being appointed as the President of WIIS West after I graduated.

Mark Leon-Guerrero

Current Employment:  Platform Policy Enforcement Investigator in Developer Operations, Facebook (Sunnyvale, California.)

First Job After Graduation:  KYC Compliance Investigator, Mercari (Palo Alto, California)

Institute Advantage:   Language studies  helped me tremendously, as I ended up working for a Japanese company initially. The Center for Advising and Career Services team, especially  Elizabeth Bone  and  Bryce Craft , helped me with salary negotiation, searching through the alumni database for potential contacts, and so on. The Financial Crime Management specialization also helped me hit the ground running in my new field.

Kyle Pilutti

Current Employment:  Safeguards Analyst, National Nuclear Security Administration (Washington, D.C.)

First Job After Graduation: Research Assistant, Ploughshares Fund (Washington, D.C.)

Internship: Global Security Intern, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (Livermore, California)

Institute Advantage: The Middlebury Institute network has been very helpful in navigating the nuclear policy space—almost every sector has Institute graduates.

Story: Four Institute Graduates Awarded Fellowships with Nuclear Agency

David T. Zacks

Current Employment: Head of Compliance, Auka, a Norwegian VC-backed technology company that enables retail banks to issue mobile payment products (Oslo, Norway)

First Job After Graduation: Liaison to Mexico, U.S. Department of Treasury, FinCEN (Washington, D.C.)

Institute Advantage: I stayed in contact with Professor Moyara Ruehsen, who introduced me to the field—I have since hired several Institute students as interns and alumni for full-time positions. Good second-language skills are a great asset, and one thing that you can say about Institute graduates is that they can always be trusted to stand on their own feet as professionals from the first day.

Expertise: Payments and compliance

Story: GSIPM Young Alumni Achievement Winner 2018

Check out more profiles on our security career insights blog .

One Year After Graduation

Many of our alumni are in rewarding careers around the world; scroll down to see where they are and what they are doing within 12 months of graduation.

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Location (Employed or Continuing Education)

Afghanistan; Austria; China; Czechia; France; Hungary; Ireland; Jordan; Mexico; Peru; Russia; Switzerland; United Kingdom; United States

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Internships, partnerships.

The Middlebury Institute has partnerships with the following employers for unique internship opportunities—click on the link for more information:

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Employer Testimonials

“[This student is a] conscientious and efficient professional demonstrating advanced critical, analytical and communication skills … [She has a] great sense of responsibility, reliability and commitment … [and a] readiness to address new and challenging tasks.”

— International Professional Service Semester Supervisor, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Vienna

Summer 2019–2021

Secured Opportunity:  80% (several opportunities canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic)

Locations:  Fiji, Hungary, Mexico, Morocco, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States

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There are 35+ employers of recent NPTS interns, a few are highlighted below:

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