International Security Policy

Security Policy Studies is a policy-oriented program focusing on international security issues and the policy responses to those issues, with particular emphasis on emerging transnational threats. These threats include but are not limited to weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, regional and ethnic conflicts, international crime, and the security implications of a globalized economy. It also examines the national and international policy responses to these problems, including the operations of the intelligence community, the military, diplomats, and international economic policy-makers.

The graduate certificate program in the International Security Policy requires a minimum of eighteen credit hours consisting of six courses. Of these six courses, at least four must be at the graduate (201-300) level. Those six courses must be taken in at least two different disciplines. Students may take other courses not on the list of suggested courses with the approval of the Office of Student Services.

The program's faculty includes internationally recognized authorities in defense policy and resources, foreign policy, the national security policy process, and regional and transnational security issues. The faculty includes leading scholars at the George Washington University as well as an outstanding array of adjunct faculty drawn from the many research institutions and policy organizations in the nation's capital.

Curriculum Requirements

To successfully complete the program, students must complete the required core course plus five other supporting courses from at least two disciplines (e.g., Political Science and International Affairs).

Required Core Course
PSC 249 International Security Politics

Possible Concentrations*
Transnational Security Issues
Intelligence
U.S. National Security Policy and Process
Political Psychology
Defense Policy and Defense Programs
Conflict and Conflict Resolution
Homeland Security
Strategic Concepts and Military History
Science, Technology, and National Security
Security and Development
Regional Security

Descriptions of each of these can be found here.

* Other concentrations are possible in consultation with the Program Director.