National Security, Major, Thesis

The intelligence field is a growing one, and the need for qualified intelligence analysts is increasing. The national security program is designed to help prepare students to work in the growing field of intelligence and security studies. The courses were designed to maximize student preparation for a wide range of intelligence careers and directly address the course components and skills identified and outlined by the Defense Intelligence Agency. The graduate courses will be available entirely online and will include courses that comprise two certificates: one in intelligence studies and another in homeland security.

The graduate program comprises a nine-hour required core, 24 hours of electives, plus three hours of comprehensive exam or three hours of thesis, with approval from the program director.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Master of National Security will require a minimal undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale with at least 2.8 on the last 60 hours, consistent with the Office of Research and Graduate Study's requirements.

• Submit official transcripts from each college/university attended to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies at least 30 days before entering.
• Complete the application available at applytexas.org. An application fee of $50 is required when applying.
• Submit a statement of purpose to the program coordinator, Dr. Julie Harrelson-Stephens, at harrelsoj@sfasu.edu.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate with a master's degree in national security, students must complete the nine-hour core along with 24 hours of electives and an additional three hours of comprehensive exam or three hours of thesis (in extraordinary circumstances and with approval from the program director).

Students will have to successfully pass comprehensive exams, which will cover critical concepts from their courses. The comprehensive exams will be used to evaluate the achievement of programmatic goals. In the case of students who intend to go on to a PhD program, a thesis option will be required. The thesis will examine a significant question in the field of national security by examining the culmination of research in their field.