Develop a Deep Understanding of Global Security and Advance in a Rewarding Career
Whether terrorism or cybersecurity, climate change or a global pandemic, the United States and the world face a range of security threats. There are a number of dedicated agencies, both in the U.S. and internationally, that serve to address these challenges. Nova Southeastern University’s Master of Science in National Security Affairs and International Relations is designed both for professionals and those aspiring for careers in the field, as well as for students with a strong academic interest in security affairs and international relations.
National Security Affairs is one of the fastest growing professions with positions open in federal, state, and local governments, and in the private sector. This program will provide you with a core mastery of critical issues informing the field of national security today, including the assessment and analysis of the threat of terrorism in the U.S. and beyond, and the analysis of intelligence collection. You will also develop a deep understanding of the international context in which U.S. national security issues are shaped. The knowledge and skills you will develop are applicable to a wide variety of jobs within the field.
My classes in the NSA program gave me insight into the ever changing local and international political climate, clandestine operations, race and ethnic relations and numerous topics. The latter has inspired me to further my scholastic endeavors in cultural studies, where I intend to look at the effects of slavery on the perception and portrayal of African American and Afro Caribbean women in the media, music industry and literature.
Kimba Collymore | M.S. in National Security Affairs ‘16
Cybersecurity Concentration
Cybersecurity is important now more than ever. According to the National Security Agency, “Cyber threats to U.S. national and economic security increase each year in frequency, scope, and severity of impact.” As a result, demand for intelligence threat analysts is projected to grow by 41 percent over the next five years, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (Burning Glass Technologies Report 2020).
You can choose to take a specific concentration in Cybersecurity, which will help you gain an understanding in topics such as cyber conflict, statecraft, and threat assessment.
Quick Facts
Curriculum
NSU’s M.S. in National Security Affairs and International Relations is 36 total credits to complete. You will be required to take 21 credits of core courses and 15 credits of electives. There is also an optional Cybersecurity concentration.
Start Dates
Admissions is on a “rolling” basis with program start dates offered in August (Fall term), May (Summer term) and January (Winter term).
Delivery Options
Classes for the M.S. in National Security Affairs and International Relations are offered online or in a hybrid format at NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus. You may enroll as a full-time or part-time student.
Tuition
Application Deadline
Fall 2025: Friday, July 18th, 2025, Winter 2025: Friday, November 15th, 2024, Summer 2025: Friday, April 18th, 2025.
Career Outcomes
National Security Affairs and International Relations Curriculum
For specific course requirements, refer to the “Master of Science in National Security Affairs and International Relations Program (M.S.)" in NSU's Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student catalog.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Catalog. Students are bound by policies and curricula published in the catalog in effect the semester they enter the university unless an agreement is made with appropriate NSU administration officials allowing them to abide by policies published in a later catalog.
Admissions Requirements
| 1 |
Completed NSU Graduate Application and $50 Application Fee |
| 2 |
Transcripts from all previously attended higher education institutions including degree conferral. International students: proof of all coursework from the international institution(s), if applicant attended any international institutions. Coursework taken at foreign institutions must be evaluated for U.S. institution equivalence by an approved National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) organization. |
| 3 |
An admissions essay - please briefly (500-1,000 words) explain why you are interested in the Master of Science in National Security Affairs and International Relations program, your professional goals, your assessment of your abilities to manage the challenges of graduate school, and any other information you would like to provide. The personal statement helps us get to know you beyond the objective data provided in a review of your course grades and other objective information. It also demonstrates your ability to communicate your thoughts in a professional, organized, and succinct manner. |
| 4 | An academic writing sample (it can be an academic paper, submitted journal writing, or a piece of professional writing). |
| 5 | Submit two academic or professional letters of recommendation written within the past six months. |
| 6 | Submit a 'Resume' OR 'Curriculum Vita' |
| 7 | Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher; master's GPA 3.0 or higher. |
| 8 |
For non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions (where English is not the primary language instruction). Demonstrate English-language proficiency is required through one of the following options:
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GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE
Join us on Tuesday, October 15th at 12:00 PM EST to learn more about National Security Affairs, including careers within the field, NSU graduate degree offerings, and the application process.
This event is free and open for all to attend. You may register for the Open House HERE.
Program directors and department faculty from the Department of Humanities and Politics and NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Admissions will be in attendance to answer your questions about your program(s) of interest.
Program Director and Admissions Staff
George Nelsson Bass III, Ph.D.
Ransford Edwards, Ph.D.
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