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National Security Studies
Graduate Certificate
The graduate certificate in National Security Studies looks at national and international security policies, security and intelligence analysis, globalization’s impact on national security, and national security institutions. Graduates of the certificate can be found across the national and international security community as civilian and military policymakers, action-officers, analysts, instructors, and consultants. This online certificate is intended for graduate students who want to expand their knowledge of national security without committing to a degree program.
Program Courses
The curriculum for this program follows industry trends to help ensure relevancy to today's marketplace. View all courses.
Program Objectives
In addition to the institutional and degree level learning objectives, graduates of this program are expected to achieve these learning outcomes:
- Appraise classic and contemporary theories, strategies, doctrines, and procedures related to the causes, conduct, and termination of armed conflict and the maintenance of peace.
- Compare the structures, functions, capabilities, and activities of national and international security community members.
- Assess and predict traditional and non-traditional threats to national and international security.
Degree at a Glance
- Number of Credits 18
- Max Transfer Credits 9
- Tuition Per Credit $350 | $325 with military grant
- Program Length 1 year full time
- Program Format Online | Monthly course starts
- Program Director Kelli Frakes
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Admission Requirements
- All APU graduate programs require you to have earned a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- If you have a non-U.S. transcript, please view our International Admissions page for more information.
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application. View steps to apply.
Please be prepared to submit a legible copy of your valid government-issued photo ID (civilian students) or government issued JST or CCAF transcript (military students) upon request.
An APU admissions representative will contact you with further details about how to submit the required documentation after you complete the enrollment application.
Need help?
Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-777-9081 or info@apus.edu.
Graduate Tuition Rates
Per credit hour: $350 | $325 with military grant*
*To help minimize out-of-pocket costs, APU offers a tuition grant for U.S. active-duty servicemembers, Guard, Reserve, military spouses and dependents, and veterans. See all military-affiliated student benefits.
Paying for School
Because our university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), (the same as the Ohio State University, Univ. of Chicago, and U.S. Air Force Academy, to name a few), we can accept the following forms of financial aid and payments:
Ways to Save
Transfer Credits
Accelerate your degree completion by taking full advantage of our transfer credit options, including credit for your previous college courses, military service schools, American Council on Education (ACE) and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests, and prior learning experiences.
Employer Contributions
APU has educational partnerships with many employers and associations. Be sure to accurately enter your employer information when you complete our admissions application. Your employer might also offer a tuition reimbursement plan as one of your benefits.
