National Security Strategy Certificate

This certificate program will provide students with an introduction to national security strategy and its implementation through the integration of instruments of state power, including an exploration of:

• Basic concepts and issues of strategy, deterrence, defense, and arms control in the modern era.
• An overview of American defense policies, programs, and problems since World War II.
• The major actors and components of American national security policy since 1945, and their performance in major foreign policy crises.
• The role of grand strategy in international security, including the major systemic and domestic factors that influence the development and implementation of such strategy.
• The components of good national security leadership, and the consequences of leadership failures.
• The broad range of instruments of state power available to national leaders - including diplomatic, economic, intelligence, scientific, and military levers of influence - their limitations, and the challenges of their effective integration in support of national strategy. 

This certificate could be completed in one year and consists of four courses (12 credit hours) to be chosen from among five options. No technical background or prerequisites beyond a bachelor’s degree are required. Once completed, the courses could also be credited towards a DSS Master’s or Doctoral degree.