Best institutions to study National Security Policy Studies
A program that focuses on the theory and application of intelligence, diplomacy, military power, and related tools of statecraft to national defense policy formulation and power projection.
42 U.S. institutions graduated 836 National Security Policy Studies students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 45.0902, a specialization of International Relations and National Security Studies (CIP 45.09), and leads most directly to the Political Scientists occupation (BLS SOC 19-3094).
About National Security Policy Studies programs
A program that focuses on the theory and application of intelligence, diplomacy, military power, and related tools of statecraft to national defense policy formulation and power projection. Includes instruction in history, political theory, public policy analysis, civil-military relations, military and defense studies, homeland security, leadership, threat scenarios, regional and local issues, alliance and coalition issues, defense budgeting and economics, intelligence, and strategy.
See also: 28.0601 - Strategic Studies, General.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The National Security Policy Studies program, a subset of International Relations and National Security Studies, focuses on the theory and application of various tools of statecraft, including intelligence, diplomacy, and military power. This program is designed for students interested in understanding national defense policy formulation and the dynamics of power projection on a global scale.
Students will gain core skills in critical thinking, writing, and active listening, alongside knowledge in law, government, and history. Coursework often includes topics such as civil-military relations, defense budgeting, and threat scenarios, equipping graduates with a comprehensive understanding of national security issues.
Credentials awarded
What National Security Policy Studies graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree527 graduates / yr · 24 institutions63%
- Bachelor's degree189 graduates / yr · 14 institutions23%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate80 graduates / yr · 12 institutions9.6%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year39 graduates / yr · 6 institutions4.7%
- Doctor's degree - other1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
National Security Policy Studies completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 446 |
| 2013 | 582 |
| 2014 | 609 |
| 2015 | 620 |
| 2016 | 666 |
| 2017 | 583 |
| 2018 | 586 |
| 2019 | 697 |
| 2020 | 766 |
| 2021 | 644 |
| 2022 | 747 |
| 2023 | 709 |
| 2024 | 780 |
| 2025 | 836 |
Top 42 institutions for National Security Policy Studies, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Angelo State University San Angelo, TXPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 104 | 44% | — | $53,246 |
| 2 | Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 68 | — | — | — |
| 3 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 61 | 65% | $28,911 | $43,567 |
| 4 | Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MDPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 50 | 94% | $11,888 | $44,004 |
| 5 | University of Massachusetts - Lowell Lowell, MAPublicMaster's | 41 | 65% | — | — |
| 6 | The University of Texas at El Paso El Paso, TXPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 40 | 50% | — | — |
| 7 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicBachelor'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 36 | 45% | — | — |
| 8 | Bellevue University Bellevue, NEPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 33 | 33% | $29,230 | — |
| 9 | Norwich University Northfield, VTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sPost-degree cert.Master's | 32 | 60% | $23,982 | $43,621 |
| 10 | Fairmont State University Fairmont, WVPublicBachelor'sMaster's | 31 | 44% | — | $35,925 |
| 11 | Institute of World Politics Washington, DCPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert.Doctoral | 27 | — | — | — |
| 12 | San Diego State University San Diego, CAPublicMaster's | 25 | 76% | — | $35,361 |
| 13 | Syracuse University Syracuse, NYPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 21 | 84% | $28,851 | $43,249 |
| 14 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TXPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 21 | 84% | — | — |
| 15 | Duke University Durham, NCPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 20 | 97% | $16,260 | $71,278 |
| 16 | Harvard University Cambridge, MAPrivate not-for-profitPost-degree cert. | 19 | 98% | $15,013 | — |
| 17 | RAND School of Public Policy Santa Monica, CAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 18 | — | — | — |
| 18 | Auburn University Auburn, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 82% | — | — |
| 19 | Excelsior University Albany, NYPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | — | — | — |
| 20 | University of New Mexico - Main Campus Albuquerque, NMPublicMaster'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 16 | 55% | — | — |
| 21 | University of Missouri - Columbia Columbia, MOPublicMaster's | 15 | 75% | — | — |
| 22 | California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CAPublicMaster's | 14 | 55% | — | — |
| 23 | East Carolina University Greenville, NCPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 13 | 63% | — | — |
| 24 | Hawaii Pacific University Honolulu, HIPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 11 | 35% | $30,299 | — |
| 25 | University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GAPublicBachelor's | 11 | 37% | — | $43,564 |
| 26 | University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OHPublicMaster's | 9 | 52% | — | — |
| 27 | Lebanon Valley College Annville, PAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 8 | 65% | $24,925 | — |
| 28 | Anderson University Anderson, INPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 54% | $21,789 | — |
| 29 | Utah State University Logan, UTPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 7 | 59% | — | — |
| 30 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TXPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 6 | 89% | — | — |
| 31 | University of Maryland - Baltimore County Baltimore, MDPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 5 | 70% | — | — |
| 32 | Park University Parkville, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 5 | 38% | $16,013 | — |
| 33 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 68% | — | $44,644 |
| 34 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicPost-degree cert. | 5 | 0% | — | — |
| 35 | Baldwin Wallace University Berea, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 67% | $25,104 | — |
| 36 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TXPublicPost-degree cert. | 4 | 69% | — | — |
| 37 | Stephen F Austin State University Nacogdoches, TXPublicMaster's | 3 | 53% | — | — |
| 38 | Westminster College Fulton, MOPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 55% | $25,185 | — |
| 39 | Tiffin University Tiffin, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 2 | 40% | $24,126 | — |
| 40 | University of New Haven West Haven, CTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 1 | 63% | $32,614 | — |
| 41 | Austin Peay State University Clarksville, TNPublicBachelor's | 1 | 40% | — | — |
| 42 | Augusta University Augusta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 49% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader International Relations and National Security Studies field (CIP 45.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 23 states
Where National Security Policy Studies graduates come from. Each state links to all International Relations and National Security Studies programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-3094, Political Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the National Security Policy Studies program can pursue careers as political scientists, with an annual median wage of $139,380. Although the job outlook reflects a decline of 3.1%, there are approximately 500 annual openings in this field, typically requiring a master's degree for advancement.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 45.0902
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Political Scientistsprimary SOC 19-3094 | $142,080 | -3.1% Decline | ~500 | Master's degree |
Managers, All Other SOC 11-9199 | $141,900 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~106,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1065 | $98,070 | +2.0% About as fast as average | ~1,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in National Security Policy Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Teach political science.
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- Advise political science students.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
Tools and technology used
Other International Relations and National Security Studies specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under International Relations and National Security Studies (CIP 45.09).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Master's degree, Bachelor's degree, postbaccalaureate certificate, or a shorter award.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, writing, active listening, and more.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a political scientist, political science teacher, or in various management roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 3.1%, with about 500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for National Security Policy Studies?+
National Security Policy Studies is CIP 45.0902 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within International Relations and National Security Studies (CIP 45.09). NCES defines it as: A program that focuses on the theory and application of intelligence, diplomacy, military power, and related tools of statecraft to national defense policy formulation and power projection. Includes instruction in history, political theory, public policy analysis, civil-military relations, military and defense studies, homeland security, leadership, threat scenarios, regional and local issues, alliance and coalition issues, defense budgeting and economics, intelligence, and strategy.
How many institutions offer National Security Policy Studies programs?+
42 U.S. institutions reported National Security Policy Studies graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 23 states, awarding 836 credentials in the year. That is 7.0% of all International Relations and National Security Studies graduates.
How much do National Security Policy Studies graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Political Scientists occupation, which National Security Policy Studies most directly leads to, pays a median of $142,080 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader International Relations and National Security Studies field report median earnings of $43,621 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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