Earn a rare degree. Join one of the nation’s top graduate programs specializing in national security and defense.
Design your degree to fit your interests. Focus on security policy, defense analysis, arms control, diplomacy or other key areas.
Be ready to thrive in your field.
Choose the option area that meets your goals and interests.
Both options are available fully online, or you can take a mix of seated/online classes.
Focus more on WMDs and the impact they have on national and international security.
Don’t need a full master’s degree? Our certificates are designed for mid-career professionals.
The defense and strategic studies (DSS) department is located in the Washington, D.C. metro area, in the nearby suburb of Fairfax, Virginia. Our student body is diverse, with a mix of traditional, mid-career and active-duty military.
Want to know more? Review frequently asked questions.
Prep yourself to climb the ranks. Thrive in government, weapons and defense-related fields.
Our program is one of the most affordable in the region.
Review our estimated costs for more details.
The experts and pros teach you. Your faculty are leading scholars, analysts and policymakers.
Get a Washington, D.C. education with a Missouri price tag. You can earn a master’s degree at a lower cost than similar programs. Pay for school with scholarships and financial aid.
Meet people who actively work in the defense industry. Grow your contacts with the National Defense University (NDU) partnership and Van Cleave lecture series.
If you take seated classes, you’re in a great place to find internships and start your career. The Washington, D.C. metro area has many options. Most students land a job before or shortly after they graduate.
