Best Global Universities for National Security Studies in 2022-2023

Top universities and colleges for National Security Studies in the world

National Security Studies is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for public and private sector national security careers through the acquisition of subject matter expertise and analytical skills.

Whether students are interested in counterterrorism, homeland security, intelligence gathering and analysis, foreign relations, law and politics, diplomacy, or international development, the best universities for National Security Studies like Harvard University, LSE, Oxford, etc will provide insight and skills needed to succeed in these professions. 

Countries like the USA, UK, Netherlands, France, etc have the best programs for National Security Studies. The most common bachelor’s and master’s programs are in Homeland Security, Disaster Response, Public Policy, International Relations, etc. The average cost of studying National Security studies is about USD 18,000 to USD 35,000 depending on the country and university of education.

Areas of study under National Security Studies

•  Intelligence Analysis and National Security
•  National Security Policy
•  Executive Communications for National Security
•  Domestic Terrorism
•  Extremist Groups
•  Critical Thinking
•  Security Fraud
• Ethical Hacking
• Homeland security
• Disaster Response
• Risk Analysis
• Policy and Legal Analysis

Popular degrees under National Security Studies 

Different countries have different versions of National Security Studies. The programs are tailored according to the national security systems in those countries. Countries like the USA, the UK, Russia, Australia, etc are known to have the best National Security studies programs.

Bachelor programs for National Security Studies are about three to four years. Master’s degree programs are usually one year in duration. Some universities also offer more than 12 months of degree programs. 

For Bachelor Level

• Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
• Bachelor in National Security Affairs and International Relations
• Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Intelligence (BSHS)
• Bachelor in Defense and Security Systems Development
• Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Security

For Master Level

• Master in Defense and Security Systems Development
• Master of Arts in National Security Studies
• MSc Security, Conflict and Justice
• Master of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security
• Master’s degree in security, defense and geostrategy
• Master’s Degree in Security, Crisis and Emergency Management
• Master of Science in Public Policy and Security

Duration of Programs in National Security Studies

Top 50 global universities for National Security Studies based on popular rankings

Top Universities for National Security Studies in the USA 

The United States of America offers one of the best programs for National Security Studies. Programs in Homeland Security are especially popular for those who wish to study in the USA.

Bachelor’s degree programs in the USA are usually 3-4 years in duration. The modules include Intelligence Analysis and National Security, National Security Policy, Executive Communications for National Security, Domestic Terrorist, Extremist Groups, etc. Master’s degree programs in National Security Studies are usually over a year in duration in the USA.

Top Universities for National Security Studies in the UK

Bachelor degree programs in the National Security Studies in the UK are offered for a duration of 3-4 years. Prestigious universities like the University of Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, LSE, etc offer great courses in National Security Studies to study in the UK.

Master Degree courses in the UK are mostly one year in duration. Thousands of international students choose to study in the UK every year for its quality education, infrastructure, and great international student community.

Top Universities for National Security Studies in Australia

Australia is the top study destination for international students. Bachelor’s programs in National Security in Australia are offered for 3-4 years in duration. The modules include Homeland security, Disaster Response, Risk Analysis, Policy, and Legal Analysis, etc for those who study in Australia.

Master’s degree programs in Australia are usually one year in duration. Some universities in Australia require work experience after undergraduate programs 

Top Universities for National Security Studies in Canada

Canada ranks among the highest in international measurements of government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom, and education. This makes it a student favorite for education. Canada offers great bachelor’s programs in National Security Studies.

The research work and internships in several governmental and non-governmental organizations make master’s degree programs in National Security Studies one of the best.

Academic requirements for studying National Security Studies

For bachelor degree programs, the academic requirements for studying National Security Studies are usually a high school diploma, personal statements, and essays. Most universities require an English Language Proficiency Test results for both bachelor’s and master’s level programs.

For master’s degree programs, the requirements are usually a bachelor’s degree in a similar field. Some universities might require work experience. 

For Bachelor

• Academic transcripts of high school
• SATs or ACTs score depending on the country of education
•  Personal statement 
• Letter of recommendation (optional for some universities)
• Valid passport
• English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL (generally above 90) or IELTS (generally above 6.0)
• Essays (Some universities require candidates to write essays as a form of selection criteria)

For masters

• GRE scores are required and are an important factor for admission;
• Undergraduate degree in a similar field.
• Two-three letters of recommendation;
• Resume/CV
• A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 210 on the computer-based TOEFL, or 80 on the internet-based TOEFL (for students whose native language is not English);
• An undergraduate degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, Transcript.

Career Scope in National Security Studies

A degree in National Security Studies equips students with a comprehensive understanding of national, corporate, and cyber security theories and practices, and prepares them to operate on an entry or supervisory level within law enforcement, national security, and business environments.

There are several governmental and non-governmental roles available in this field. The average pay for graduates in the National Security Studies is USD 40,000 to 58,000. Some common jobs are

• Operations Officer
• Targeting Officer
• Federal Agent
• Signals Intelligence Analyst
• Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
• Language Officer
• Law Enforcement Intelligence Analyst

Average salary of National Security Studies Graduates

*Note: All salaries mentioned in the USD are for reference only. Exchange rates may vary from time to time and from country to country.