I am a second-year student in the NSAIR program at Halmos College. I proudly serve as the Halmos College Student Government Representative for the Department of Humanities and Politics. Additionally, I contribute to the broader university community as the vice president of the Graduate Student Leadership Council. It gives me pleasure to give service and help others become a better version of themselves.
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.
I enrolled in this program because it perfectly aligned with my goals for postgraduate education. Its innovative curriculum and fresh perspective made each semester engaging and intellectually rewarding. Diplomacy is my core interest, especially as global integration continues to grow. This program deepened my understanding of the field and expanded my analytical thinking and deepened by multidimensional approach to problem-solving skills. Mentorships from Dr. Robin Cooper and Dr. Ransford Edwards enriched my perspective and sharpened my nuances of diplomacy. Aprille currently resides in Washington, D.C., where she works for a private defense contractor.
Aprille McIntosh | M.S. in National Security Affairs ‘20
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
Visit the Tuition and Fees page for more information.
Application Deadlines
Fall 2026: Friday, July 17, 2026
Winter 2026: Friday, November 14, 2025
Summer 2026: Friday, April 17, 2026
Career Outcomes
National Security Affairs and International Relations Curriculum
Core Courses (21 credits)
Credits
NSAM 5001
Current Issues in National Security (NSAM 5001 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5003
National Intelligence Collection (NSAM 5003 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5004
Border Protection and Military Issues (NSAM 5004 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5005
Research and Evaluation in National Security Affairs (NSAM 5005 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5010
U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security (NSAM 5010 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5014
Ethical Issues in National Security (NSAM 5014 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5015
International Relations: Theory and Practice (NSAM 5015 / Credits: 3 )
3
Elective Courses (choose 15 credits)
Credits
NSAM 5002
Terrorists and Terrorism: Theory and Practice (NSAM 5002 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5016
Civil Liberties and National Security (NSAM 5016 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5020
International Law and Institutions (NSAM 5020 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5030
American Government and Domestic Security (NSAM 5030 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5040
Cyber Conflicts and Statecraft (NSAM 5040 / Credits: 3 )
3
DEM 5090
Weapons of Mass Threat and Communicable Diseases (DEM 5090 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5502
Directed Readings in National Security Affairs (NSAM 5502 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 5650
Economic Statecraft in National Security Affairs (NSAM 5650 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 6130
Practicum/Internship (NSAM 6130 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 6690
Special Topics in National Security Affairs and International Relations (NSAM 6690 / Credits: 3 )
3
NSAM 6700
Directed Thesis in National Security Affairs and International Relations** (NSAM 6700 / Credits: 3 )
3
**In addition to successfully completing all course work, students must EITHER a) pass a comprehensive examination to be administered by the National Security Affairs and International Relations Program; or b) complete a 6 credit, directed thesis option. ( )
Cybersecurity Concentration
Credits
ISEC 615
Fundamentals of Cybersecurity (ISEC 615 / Credits: 3 )
3
ISEC 620
Applied Cryptography (ISEC 620 / Credits: 3 )
3
ISEC 640
Database Security (ISEC 640 / Credits: 3 )
3
ISEC 650
Computer and Network Forensics (ISEC 650 / Credits: 3 )
3
ISEC 660
Advanced Network Security (ISEC 660 / Credits: 3 )
3
ISEC 690
Information Security Project (ISEC 690 / Credits: 3 )
3
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.
Student Resources
- Academic Schedule
- Course Frequency Chart
- Course Rotation List
- Comprehensive Exam/Thesis Guide and Forms
- Department of Humanities and Politics Winter Newsletter
- Practicum Guidelines
- Testimonials
Meet Your Mentors
Step into the National Security Affairs and International Relations (NSAIR) program with total confidence. Our peer mentors are here to be the lifeline and dedicated support system you need, ensuring you thrive from your very first term. They provide essential, confidential guidance across four key areas:
- Academic Guidance
- Connecting and Belonging
- Emotional Support
- Campus Resources
Your NSAIR mentor is ready to walk with you through every challenge and victory. Reach out to build your network and make this an unforgettable academic journey.
Khashana Stewart
Gemma Cortes
I'm currently in my first year here in the NSAIR program. I'm originally from Spain, and I came to NSU because of my lifelong passion for global affairs. From the beginning, I have felt welcomed and supported, both at the university and outside of it, which made the transition much easier. That experience motivates me to give back by helping new students who are interested in starting the master's program feel at home from day one.
Charlotte Opris
I've been a student at NSU since the beginning of my undergraduate studies. My background, with origins in France and Russia, naturally fuels my passion for international relations. I've actively conducted academic research across both philosophical topics and political theory. Becoming a peer mentor is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the DHP's culture and environment, which has always been very supportive throughout my studies.
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. |
| 4 | An academic writing sample (it can be an academic paper, submitted journal writing, or a piece of professional writing). |
| 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:
|
Graduate Open House
Join us on Monday, October 13 at 12:00 p.m. 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.
Department Chair & Associate Professor
Department of Humanities and Politics
Ransford Edwards, Ph.D.
Program Director, Assistant Professor
Department of Humanities and Politics
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