Bachelor of Science In Security & Defense Policy

"This program immediately threw me into the world of national security and made crystal clear what would be required of me to be successful in this field," said Sarah Caron ‘20. "The experiences I have had reaffirmed my decision to study here."

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Defend and Protect Our Way of Life

The notion of national security is a historic concept, with its origins dating back to the 17th century and the Peace of Westphalia, which established sovereign nation-states. In the modern era, national security seeks to ensure the security and defense of a country. It also endeavors to sustain a rule-based international order that promotes global security, prosperity, and human rights.

The University of New Haven’s B.S. in Security & Defense Policy degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and insight needed to combat threats to the nation’s physical, economic, and human security. The program will prepare students for an exciting and rewarding career in the national security, diplomacy, and intelligence fields in both the public and private sectors. In fact, the University of New Haven is a recognized leader in developing the skills necessary for a successful career.

  • In the public sector, your opportunities include working with federal organizations such as the CIA, the FBI, the NSA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense. On the international stage, you could work with The United Nations and its associated institutions, plus many other organizations or agencies.
  • In the private domain, your career could involve international business, trade and banking, supporting physical and cyber security operations, human rights organizations, and everything in between that has the potential, intent, or capacity to impact the nation, our citizens, our institutions, and our economic viability.
What to do with a Security & Defense degree

This degree opens up a wide range of career fields, including intelligence analysis, legal practice, military service, and diplomacy.

With our B.S. in Security & Defense Policy in hand, you will be qualified to work as a general national security practitioner in all of the above areas. Throughout the four years of your preparation for this field, you will:

  • Acquire an understanding of the dynamics of cyber conflict and disruption, international law and lawfare, and the nation’s domestic security structure. You will develop skills necessary to confront entities that may internally or externally challenge our home front and survival.
  • Develop a cultural understanding of the international community and proficiency in foreign languages through multiple semesters of study in Russian, Chinese, Arabic, or in any one of the other languages we offer.
  • Study abroad to expand language and cultural depth at our campus in Prato, Italy, at Saxion University in The Netherlands, and through other international study opportunities.
  • Gain analytical skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving, incident mapping, data mining, data analysis, intelligence reporting, economic fundamentals, and the inner workings of governmental and non-governmental organizations.
  • Engage in an intensive internship experience. There is no substitute for time spent in the real world before graduation. This invaluable preparation for professional practice ensures you will graduate ready to make a serious contribution to your employer and country.

Envision Your Future

The information below is designed to show the many possible careers you could pursue with your major. The research is provided by Encoura, the leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on higher education. It includes median national salaries and industry growth projections over the next decade. Click here to view the full report.

$125K

Political Scientists

5% Growth 2021-2030

$104K

Information Security Analysts

23% Growth 2021-2030

$96K

Financial Investment Analysts

8% Growth 2021-2030

Spotlights

The University has provided me with many leadership opportunities that have led to my success.

Selected Courses and Programs

  • This course introduces students to National Security Law and is intended as an overview of legal issues for National Security majors.  Students completing this course will know the nature of the legal regulations governing national security organizations and their operations, be aware of the major statutory enactments and case decisions interpreting national security law, and aware of the sources of legal authority for national security operations.

  • This course introduces students to Intelligence Analysis as applied in the National Security Agency context.  This course focuses on the application of analytical software tools and analytical techniques specific to the Intelligence Community for the purpose of developing usable information to assist in the development and deployment of national security policy.  Students completing this course will have an understanding of analytical techniques and software used by the intelligence agencies in the United States.

  • Provides field placement in a National Security Agency under the supervision of a faculty member.  The course includes classroom discussions to facilitate a better understanding of the issues presented during the internship experience.

  • The University of New Haven offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Security & Defense Policy, B.S., check out the Academic Catalog:

Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.

Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

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Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development

All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.

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Next Steps

  • Whether you're still in high school or are transferring from another college, we offer full- and part-time opportunities for undergraduates from inside the U.S. and abroad. The admission process can begin as early as the end of your high school junior year.

    The Application Process

  • We offer a comprehensive financial aid program, with students receiving assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, student loans, and part-time employment. Funds are available from federal and state governments, private sponsors, and from university resources. More than 85 percent of the University's full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.

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