MA in Defense and Strategic Studies
The MA in Defense and Strategic Studies is an online degree program within the Truman School of Government and Public Affairs. Defense and Strategic Studies is an important area of study centered on understanding political and military strategy, including understanding topics such as the causes of conflict between and within states, military power and effectiveness, intelligence, diplomacy, and deterrence. These subjects are continually important for understanding international politics and security in an increasingly complex world.
The program is targeted towards US military officers and the civilian workforce in industries, government agencies, and think tanks related to international relations and national security. For military officers the degree is beneficial in order to be promoted to higher ranks, and will help them further understand international politics and strategy needed for their jobs. Military officers should be able to make command decisions and complete staff assignments with greater understanding of the broader context surrounding them because of their broadened intellectual horizon and increased understanding of international relations theory, conflict, and security learned through the program. Similarly, the intellectual base and knowledge gained in the program will enable civilian graduates to become qualified for and/or better perform job duties at positions in government agencies, think tanks, and industries related to international security.
Degree Requirements
Requires 30 credit hours offered entirely online. Students take three core courses and seven electives. At least two electives must be at the 8000-level. All courses are 3 credit hours. 12 hours of transfer credit will be accepted to current or former US military officers who are in or have previously completed Intermediate Level Education (ILE) at particular military command and staff colleges.
| Major Requirements | 9 | |
| POL_SC 8450 | International Conflict | 3 |
| POL_SC 8470 | Understanding Civil War | 3 |
| POL_SC 8550 | Strategic Studies | 3 |
| Electives (select seven) | 21 | |
| POL_SC 7410 | Politics and War | 3 |
| POL_SC 7411 | Genocide, Terrorism, and Civil War | 3 |
| POL_SC 7412 | Strategy and Warfare | 3 |
| POL_SC 7413 | Politics of Cyber-Security | 3 |
| POL_SC 7415 | Peacekeeping and Intervention | 3 |
| POL_SC 7500 | Insurgency and Counterinsurgency | 3 |
| POL_SC 7510 | Intelligence and National Security | 3 |
| POL_SC 7520 | Deterrence and Nuclear Weapons | 3 |
| POL_SC 7540 | American Foreign Policies | 3 |
| POL_SC 7560 | Military and Strategic Thought | 3 |
| POL_SC 7680 | Chinese Politics and Foreign Policy | 3 |
| POL_SC 7690 | North and South Korea | 3 |
| POL_SC 7700 | America’s Wars in Asia | 3 |
| POL_SC 7900 | Topics in Strategic Studies | 3 |
| POL_SC 8400 | International Relations Theory | 3 |
| POL_SC 8430 | Economics and National Security | 3 |
| POL_SC 8560 | Military Innovation in Peace and War | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8170 | Public Policy Processes and Strategies | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8210 | Public Service and Democracy | 3 |
| PUB_AF 8530 | Strategic Management of Public Service Organizations: People, Information and Money | 3 |
Admissions
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Applicants must have a BA or equivalent from an accredited institution. Applicants should have a GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). Those with a GPA under 3.0 will need very strong qualities in other areas (such as professional experience) to gain admission. GRE scores are optional. For international applicants, TOEFL scores (or other proof of English language proficiency) are required. If you are not an active MU non-degree-seeking or graduate student, you will need to apply through the Graduate School online portal. There is a non-refundable application fee.
Application Materials
- Statement of purpose
- Two letters of recommendation (minimum)
- Resume/CV
- GRE scores (optional)
- Transcripts of all previous college/university education
- Proof of English language ability (required of applicants whose native language is not English)
For general questions about the program, contact:
Stephen Quackenbush, Program Director
(573) 882-2082
quackenbushs@missouri.edu
Jacob Owen, Student Support Specialist
(573) 882-2062
jacobowen@missouri.edu