The Department of Defense and Strategic Studies in Washington D.C.

:: HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM ::

The Defense and Strategic Studies program started in 1971 in the School of International Relations at the University of Southern California, under the leadership of Dr. William R. Van Cleave. The primary objective of the DSS program was to provide graduate level education and training for students planning careers in national and international security affairs and policy-making, and for teaching these subjects at the university-level.

The program flourished at the University of Southern California until 1987, when it moved to Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State University) where DSS became a Department offering the specialized Master of Science degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. In 2005, the DSS program began a new era when the University moved the Department physically to Fairfax, VA, located just 10 miles from the District of Columbia, to take advantage of the many educational, financial, and employment opportunities that are unique to the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

:: PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY ::

The objective of the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS) is to provide professional, graduate-level education in national security policy; issues related to defense analysis; defense planning, programs, and industry; intelligence analysis; and associated areas. The Department welcomes both traditional and mid-career professionals. It offers a Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies, but accepts non-degree-seeking students. Educational emphasis is placed on the practical analysis of U.S. policies, programs, and options as well as on theoretical comprehension. In theoretical comprehension the focus is on a critical examination of defense and arms control concepts and policies. Some graduates go into college teaching and academic work, but the majority pursue professional careers in government and the defense industry.

A high degree of flexibility is permitted in course selection, and most courses are offered during the afternoon and evening for the convenience of students. Opportunities for students to participate in professional internships provide valuable experience and professional contacts. The Masters degree program requires 36 semester hours of study and takes approximately two academic years to complete.

:: RESEARCH FACILITIES ::

The Department houses a library with a large number of books, journals, government documents, and other reference works and research materials, including bibliographies and files on virtually all subjects covered by the curriculum. The Department's library holdings consist of materials central to DSS and include long-standing subscriptions to security journals and periodicals. Personal computers are available for student use in the DSS library.

Through an arrangement with George Mason University (GMU), the Department provides students with stack privileges at GMU's library. Students also have online access to a large number of periodicals through the Missouri State University library, and the Fairfax County library system offers a variety of resources. In addition, federal institutions, such as the Library of Congress and the National Archives, are located in the National Capital Region.

:: LOCATION ::

The Department is located in Northern Virginia in Fairfax County. The Vienna Metro subway station is located less than half a mile from the Department, and there is a shuttle service to and from the Metro station. The National Capital Region is one of the main tourist areas in the United States and offers a broad variety of cultural, educational, and employment opportunities. Approximately 10 million people live in the region.

The program’s location also provides DSS with the opportunity to draw adjunct faculty members from the top ranks of government, the defense industry, and the intelligence community. The Washington, DC region’s stable economy and ever-expanding employment base provide the type of career opportunities that graduates of the DSS program find attractive. In fact, over 90 percent of our students are employed in their chosen career field prior to graduation.

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	:: HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM :: The Defense and Strategic Studies program started in 1971 in the School of International Relations at the University of Southern California, under the leadership of Dr. William R. Van Cleave. The primary objective of the DSS program was to provide graduate level education and training for students planning careers in national and international security affairs and policy-making, and for teaching these subjects at the university-level. The program flourished at the University of Southern California until 1987, when it moved to Missouri State University (then Southwest Missouri State University) where DSS became a Department offering the specialized Master of Science degree in Defense and Strategic Studies. In 2005, the DSS program began a new era when the University moved the Department physically to Fairfax, VA, located just 10 miles from the District of Columbia, to take advantage of the many educational, financial, and employment opportunities that are unique to the Washington, DC metropolitan area. :: PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY :: The objective of the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies (DSS) is to provide professional, graduate-level education in national security policy; issues related to defense analysis; defense planning, programs, and industry; intelligence analysis; and associated areas. The Department welcomes both traditional and mid-career professionals. It offers a Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies, but accepts non-degree-seeking students. Educational emphasis is placed on the practical analysis of U.S. policies, programs, and options as well as on theoretical comprehension. In theoretical comprehension the focus is on a critical examination of defense and arms control concepts and policies. Some graduates go into college teaching and academic work, but the majority pursue professional careers in government and the defense industry. A high degree of flexibility is permitted in course selection, and most courses are offered during the afternoon and evening for the convenience of students. Opportunities for students to participate in professional internships provide valuable experience and professional contacts. The Masters degree program requires 36 semester hours of study and takes approximately two academic years to complete. :: RESEARCH FACILITIES :: The Department houses a library with a large number of books, journals, government documents, and other reference works and research materials, including bibliographies and files on virtually all subjects covered by the curriculum. The Department's library holdings consist of materials central to DSS and include long-standing subscriptions to security journals and periodicals. Personal computers are available for student use in the DSS library. Through an arrangement with George Mason University (GMU), the Department provides students with stack privileges at GMU's library. Students also have online access to a large number of periodicals through the Missouri State University library, and the Fairfax County library system offers a variety of resources. In addition, federal institutions, such as the Library of Congress and the National Archives, are located in the National Capital Region. :: LOCATION :: The Department is located in Northern Virginia in Fairfax County. The Vienna Metro subway station is located less than half a mile from the Department, and there is a shuttle service to and from the Metro station. The National Capital Region is one of the main tourist areas in the United States and offers a broad variety of cultural, educational, and employment opportunities. Approximately 10 million people live in the region. The program’s location also provides DSS with the opportunity to draw adjunct faculty members from the top ranks of government, the defense industry, and the intelligence community. The Washington, DC region’s stable economy and ever-expanding employment base provide the type of career opportunities that graduates of the DSS program find attractive. In fact, over 90 percent of our students are employed in their chosen career field prior to graduation.
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