Defense and Strategic Studies, DDSS

This program operates in Fairfax, Virginia, and is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Program Description

The Doctor of Defense and Strategic Studies (DDSS) program provides knowledge and skills in the field of international security studies with an emphasis on countering the threat posed by Weapons of Mass Destruction to U.S. and allied national security. This program will prepare national and international security professionals to work in various settings, including civilian and military public service, non-governmental “think tanks,” and commercial defense industry. Graduates specialize in various global or regional international security issues and are able to assess specific security challenges, formulate prospective options for addressing those challenges, and identify the prospective policy and other requirements needed to help implement those options to strengthen U.S. and allied security conditions.

Entrance Requirements

To be considered for admission to the Doctorate of Defenses and Strategic Studies (DDSS), a student must meet the requirements listed below.

1. Completion of the baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
2. Cumulative GPA of 3.00 over the last 60 hours of academic work taken.
3. A personal philosophy statement that addresses the applicant’s professional career goals and how the program will help accomplish these goals.
4. Two letters of recommendation from graduate faculty or professionals acquainted with the student’s academic work or research and analytical skills.
5. A brief C.V.
6. Students for whom English is a second language must earn a minimum score of 79 (internet-based) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or a 6.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Retention Requirements

Consistent with Graduate College policy, students may not accumulate more than 9 hours of grades below a B- and remain in the program