Back to Nova Southeastern University
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.
Quick Facts
Winter 2026: Friday, November 14, 2025
Summer 2026: Friday, April 17, 2026
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 McIntosh | M.S. in National Security Affairs ‘20 | Aprille currently resides in Washington, D.C., where she works for a private defense contractor.
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.
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.
National Security Affairs and International Relations Curriculum
Core Courses (21 credits)
Credits
Elective Courses (choose 15 credits)
Credits
Cybersecurity Concentration
Credits
**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.
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 Program Catalog.
The academic program and curriculum requirements listed on this page are from the NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Program 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.
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.
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.”
- Completed NSU Graduate Application and $50 Application Fee
- 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.
- An academic writing sample (it can be an academic paper, submitted journal writing, or a piece of professional writing).
- Submit a 'Resume' OR 'Curriculum Vitae'
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher; master's GPA 3.0 or higher.
-
Non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions (where English is not the primary language instruction) must demonstrate English-language proficiency through one of the following options:
- Successful completion of a degree at an approved U.S. institution of higher education where English is the primary language of instruction.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) official iBT score of 80+ (old test scale) or 4+ (new test scale).
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.
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.”
- Completed NSU Graduate Application and $50 Application Fee
- 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.
- An academic writing sample (it can be an academic paper, submitted journal writing, or a piece of professional writing).
- Submit a 'Resume' OR 'Curriculum Vitae'
- Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher; master's GPA 3.0 or higher.
-
Non-native English speakers and graduates of foreign institutions (where English is not the primary language instruction) must demonstrate English-language proficiency through one of the following options:
- Successful completion of a degree at an approved U.S. institution of higher education where English is the primary language of instruction.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) official iBT score of 80+ (old test scale) or 4+ (new test scale).
Meet Your Mentors
We know you’ve arrived full of excitement and uncertainty. Don’t panic; our NSAM Mentors are the support system you need. They are here to support you as you move through your first term with confidence, clarity, and community. Here’s what you can rely on:
- Academic Guidance
- Connecting and Belonging
- Emotional Support
- Campus Resources
Mentorship is a lifeline, not just a source of advice. So, whether you’re feeling excited, curious, or a little lost, our NSAM mentors are prepared to walk with you. Together, let’s make this journey one to remember.
Khashana Stewart
Gemma Cortes
Charlotte Opris
Program Director and Admissions Staff
George Nelsson Bass III, Ph.D.
Department Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Humanities and Politics
Ransford Edwards, Ph.D.
Program Director and Assistant Professor, Department of Humanities and Politics
