National Security Programs

The Master of Science program in National Security offers unique courses for students seeking careers in national security by providing the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the field. The first of its kind when it launched in 2001, the University of New 51 National Security program provides students with extensive study in national security policymaking, international affairs, terrorism, and more. Students benefit by learning from experienced practitioners with backgrounds working in the CIA, FBI, United Nations, Department of Defense, Department of State, and various security agencies. Whether you are currently working in the security field or wish to embark on your first career, the program will prepare you with the necessary skills to succeed in the national security community.

Students in the program are required to complete an internship, research, or thesis experience prior to graduation. Areas of research include, but are not limited to, national security, counterterrorism, and homeland security. An optional concentration in Information Protection and Security in the program allows students to specifically study cybersecurity and the protection of information systems within the intelligence community.

  • M.S. in National Security

    The M.S. National Security degree provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of national security including the policymaking process, legal considerations, data analytics, and intelligence analysis. Graduate students may also pursue an optional concentration in Information Protection and Security that allows students the additional opportunity to study cyber-terrorism, and manage and protect vital information systems within national security agencies.

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  • National Security

    For students who may not be ready to commit to a full-length graduate program, or for those who already hold a master’s degree but wish to pursue additional work in the area of national security, this 12-credit graduate certificate provides an alternative.

    National Security Administration

    The certificate in National Security Administration caters to those interested in higher level organizational management and policymaking. This 12-credit certificate allows students to pursue courses in both the National Security and Public Administration departments.

    Information Protection & Security

    For students who may not be ready to commit to a full-length graduate program, this 12-credit graduate certificate provides an alternative to specifically study cybersecurity and the protection of information systems within the intelligence community.

    Transnational Cybersecurity

    This 12-credit certificate allows students to explore topics in cyber security and cyber intelligence that affect international relations.

    Terrorism Analysis

    Coming soon.

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  • The reduced cost for University of Ottawa participants for non-credit courses are $1,000 each. Upon successful completion of these courses students are awarded a digital completion badge. This digital badge can be used on all your social media channels and signifies to potential employers that you possess additional competencies that set you apart from other applicants. Note: Non-credit courses are not eligible to be used as transfer credit when matriculating into a certificate or degree program.

    NSEC 6601 - National Security Architecture, Mission, and Theory

    An introductory inquiry into the nature and scope of the U.S. national security programs’ architecture. Areas covered include the current architecture, legal and regulatory basis, and the formulation of security policies and strategies. The course also introduces students to major theories of international relations. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6603 - National Security Charter, Legal Issues, and Executive Orders

    An analysis of the legal framework, charter, and executive orders that guide the creation and operations of the U.S. intelligence community. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6604 - Securing National Security Information Systems

    A comprehensive introduction to network security issues, concepts, and technologies. The core technologies of access control, cryptography, digital signatures, authorization, network firewalls, and network security services are reviewed. Issues in security policy, risk management are covered. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6608 - The Development of the United Nations

    A study of the formation of the United Nations system, the drafting of the United Nations Charter, function of it principal organs, evolution of the role and structure of the organization from 1945 to present day, and its impact on international relations and conflict resolution. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6609 - Terrorism, Revolutions, and Insurgencies

    This course is designed to familiarize students with various manifestations of political violence including terrorism, revolutions, and insurgencies. Specific emphasis will be placed on acts of violence as perpetrated by non-state actors. Students will be introduced to major theories of political violence through the lens of comparative politics and national security doctrine. A key component of this course is the analysis and evaluation of counter-terrorism and counterinsurgency policy. Terrorism, revolutions, and insurgencies will be examined from a multidisciplinary perspective, and critical thinking by the students will be encouraged. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6624 - Problem Solving and Critical Thinking

    The focus of this seminar course is integrating and developing an effective, flexible, problem solving ‘tool kit’ for national security agencies. Quantitative and qualitative solutions will be stressed to fit the appropriate complex or complicated problems. Real-world problems will be featured. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6625 - Information Systems Threats, Attacks, and Defenses

    This course provides an overview of the actors, motives, and methods used in the commission of computer-related crimes and describes the methods used by organizations to prevent, detect, and respond to these crimes. Cross-listed with CJST 6625. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6626 - Firewall and Secure Enterprise Computing

    This course covers theory and practices of Internet firewalls and many of the details and vulnerabilities of the IP and embedded protocol sites. In the laboratory and online portion of the course students will construct, deploy, and test a real firewall against common Internet attacks. Cross-listed with CJST 6626. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6627 - Internet Investigations and Audit-Based Computer Forensics

    Theory and techniques of tracking attackers across the Internet and gaining forensic information from computer systems. The course includes case studies of Internet-based crimes and addresses limits of forensic techniques. Cross-listed with CJST 6627. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6628 - Computer Viruses and Malicious Code

    This course addresses theoretical and practical issues surrounding computer viruses. Cross-listed with CJST 6628. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6629 - Practical Issues in Cryptography

    Examples of current historical cryptography and steganographic systems; major types of cryptosystems and cryptanalytic techniques, and how they operate; hands-on experience with current cryptographic technology. Cross-listed with CJST 6629. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6634 - Issues in Deception

    This course focuses on scientific and operational challenges associated with the detection of deception at the level of individual. Students in the course will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of the scientific models and the implications for detecting deception in military, security, and intelligence settings. Specifically, students will learn about the difference between what people believe about deception and what has been validated scientifically. Students will experience what it is like to conduct interviews designed to detect deception and will learn about current technical approaches of detecting deception methods. Finally, when completing the course, students will be able to critically evaluate “detecting deception” claims made by manufacturers of different “detecting deception” methodologies that are marketed to the intelligence and law enforcement communities. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6645 - Political Violence and Theory

    This course addresses political violence. We will read about political violence for revolution, and for suppression, and explore what exactly that is, how it’s used as a tool by political and economic systems, and built into their foundations. In short, we are starting from zero and seeing what emerges. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6647 - The Economics of National Security

    This far-reaching course explores the fundamental economic national security questions facing our society. How much of our national wealth is allocated currently to help ensure our national security? How and by whom is our national security budget determined? What is a life worth? How can a more cost-effective national security budget be achieved? These and other economic questions will be explored in this far-reaching examination of national security economics. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6650 - National Security Policy and Strategy

    A foundational inquiry into national security policy and strategy which examines the structure, role, and processes employed by the government as well as agencies, departments, and sectors that comprise the aggregate national security community. Students will gain an understanding of the national security strategy and policy processes, and their relationship to national security operations, decision making, and architecture. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6668 - Weapons of Mass Destruction

    An in-depth analysis of national security and policy issues concerning weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Course examines key actors associated with the proliferation of weapons, disarmament efforts, and the role of international regimes. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6678 - Homeland Security and Practice

    This course is designed to familiarize students with the concept of homeland security from administrative, organizational, historical, and critical perspectives. Specific emphasis will be placed on homeland security as a public safety paradigm and the implications of this paradigm on government agencies at the state and local level, overall national security, and public perception/opinion. Risk assessment and mitigation strategies will be developed using industry techniques. 3 credits.

    NSEC 6680 - National Security Research Methods

    The purpose of this course is to help national security graduate students build skills for interpreting, conducting, and presenting quantitative research. These skills include: basic research and data collection practices, techniques for measuring concepts, hypothesis testing, interpretation of statistical evidence, and the presentation of findings in a clear and compelling manner. 3 credits.