MA in National Security Studies

Welcome to the National Security Studies (NSS) program at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). We are one of a few graduate programs in the country that is devoted to the study of U.S. national security, and the only one in the California State University system. The program was founded in 1986. Our fully accredited Master’s program (M.A.) provides a comprehensive curriculum with foundations in strategy and strategic studies for students interested in pursuing security careers in the public and private sectors. NSS alumni serve in many different career fields, including defense, security, intelligence, and counter-terrorism. Federal service includes the various agencies of the U.S. Intelligence Community such as: Air Force Intelligence Agency (AFIA), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI), and National Security Agency (NSA) In addition, alumni serve in policy roles with the Government Accountability Office (GAO), branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, the Congress, the Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of State (DOS). Other alumni have pursued careers in law enforcement, including federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the FBI, Border Patrol, and various state and local agencies, with some appointed to their area Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;Satisfy the National Security Studies graduate admissions committee that sufficient preparation and a satisfactory course of study has been pursued in preparation for graduate study;A minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.5 overall and at least 3.0 ("B") in the student's undergraduate major;Completion of the graduate entrance writing requirement;Competence in the following prerequisite courses or their equivalents: PSCI 2030 and MATH 1301Competence in these areas may be demonstrated by:Formal completion of the course or its equivalent,ORCredit by examination.Submission to the National Security Studies Admissions Committee of a brief statement (one or two double-spaced typewritten pages) of the student's preparation for graduate study and professional aspirations following receipt of the master's degree;Submission of three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the student's academic or professional work and potential to complete the program successfully. Letters must come directly from the writer on National Security Studies forms, which may be obtained at the department office.