Graduate

Degrees & Certificates

SPSIA offers five different graduate program options: a doctoral degree in Security Studies, a master’s degree in Political Science, and certificates in Intelligence & National Security, Network Analysis and Applications, and Survey Research.

Ph.D. in Security Studies

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

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

Program Advisor: Dr. Jacopo Baggio

M.A. Political Science

The Master of Arts in Political Science programs prepares students to enter positions in government and the private sector in which the ability to comprehend, influence, and respond to government policy is critical and prepares interested students for pursuit of a PhD degree in Political Science or International Relations at other institutions.

Program Advisor: Dr. Andrew Boutton

The graduate certificate in Intelligence and National Security provides an interdisciplinary graduate education for people engaged in or seeking professional careers in intelligence policy with a focus on analysis of security threats or crises, both domestic and international, through use of human, electronic and public domain intelligence sources. This certificate can be taken independently or concurrently with an MA or PhD program and is great option for those looking to explore graduate coursework or strengthen their resume. Coursework taken as part of the certificate can be transferred into both our Political Science MA and Security Studies PhD programs.

Program Advisor: Dr. Andrew Boutton

Certificate in Network Analysis and Applications

The School of Politics, Security and International Affairs, the School of Public Administration, and the Department of Computer Science, offer a Graduate Certificate in Network Analysis and Applications that consists of 12 credit hours at the graduate level. Upon completing the certificate, students will be able to analyze networks either via pre-determined network analysis programs, by implementing the analysis via packages available in libraries in a suitable programming language, or by programming the analysis from scratch.

Program Advisor: Dr. Jacopo Baggio

Certificate in Survey Research

The Survey Research Certificate will prepare students for work as a professional or academic survey researcher. Course requirements ensure that students are well-trained as designers and analysts for surveys, and that they have an understanding of the use and application of survey methods.

Program Advisor: Dr. John Hanley