What to Expect and Skills You’ll Learn in National Security Studies

What to Expect and Skills You’ll Learn in National Security Studies

Do you want to grow your expertise in the security and intelligence field so you can work in a federal agency like the FBI or NSA? Under UT San Antonio Online’s Multidisciplinary Studies master’s degree, you can earn a Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies. You can be one of the people who helps shape national policy to keep our country safe. Let’s review what to expect and what skills you’ll learn in National Security Studies.

Maybe you’re already working in a government agency, law enforcement or the military, or maybe you want to pivot into a career where you can make a difference. Our fully online National Security Studies Graduate Certificate takes input from national security professionals and ROTC leadership to create a powerful curriculum designed to help you grow. You’ll build the skills and knowledge you need to step into high-stakes roles with confidence.

You won’t stop at earning a graduate certificate when you select National Security Studies, though. You’ll pair this program with another 100% online graduate certificate of your choice to earn a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies. If you’re interested in creating a flexible, customized graduate degree, this program is for you. 

In this post, we’ll explore the importance of national security studies, what you’ll learn in our program, and what careers you can hope to work in after completing the certificate.

What Is the Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies?

With our 100% online National Security Studies Graduate Certificate, you’ll deepen your expertise in the security and intelligence field. We’ll dive into topics that are at the core of national security, like intelligence interpretation and risk assessment. 

In our fully online program, you’ll learn from the same faculty members who teach UT San Antonio’s in-person students. These professors have worked in national security and understand what you’ll need to succeed in the field. You’ll gain practical experience through immersive training so you can learn how to evaluate threats and defense priorities.  

The Importance of National Security Studies

National security isn’t just about military strategy, although that’s an important part. At its core, national security is about protecting people, systems and information from a range of threats. When you study national security, you’ll learn how to help keep our country safe from:

• Cybersecurity breaches
• Geopolitical tensions
• Global terrorism
• Disinformation campaigns
• And more

Since these challenges are always evolving, the demand for skilled professionals like you continues to grow. In fact, information security analyst roles alone are expected to grow 29% between 2024 and 2034. 

Education plays a huge role in preparing you for this kind of work. At UT San Antonio Online, you’ll learn to analyze threats and recommend strategic responses. You’ll also start to understand global defense strategies so you can help navigate a complex political environment. 

Maybe you want to work in the public sector with the Department of Homeland Security. Or maybe you’d prefer to work in the private sector for a defense contractor or an intelligence organization. Whatever your goals, you’ll gain expertise so you can assess risks, develop smart policies and safeguard critical infrastructure. 

What Skills You’ll Gain in National Security Studies

We’ve touched on this briefly, but you’ll need some specialized skills to work in national security. At UT San Antonio Online, we’ll combine theoretical knowledge and practical skills. You’ll study policy and learn how to apply it to real-world scenarios while gaining critical thinking skills that are crucial for today’s environment.

Here’s a closer look at what you’ll gain.

Intelligence Analysis

What it is: You’ll need to know how to collect, evaluate and interpret data so you can find insights that inform national security decisions. 

How UT San Antonio Online prepares you: Through classes led by national security professionals, you’ll learn how to work with real-world data, apply analytical frameworks and produce actionable intelligence.

Homeland Security Policy

What it is: You’ll need to learn how to protect the U.S. from threats like terrorism, natural disasters and cybercrime.

How UT San Antonio Online prepares you: In our program, you’ll come to understand the legal, political and operational aspects of homeland security. This will help you contribute to policy development or implementation in an impactful way.

Counterterrorism Strategy

What it is: Knowing counterterrorism strategy means you’re skilled in identifying, preventing and responding to terrorist threats.

How UT San Antonio Online prepares you: With our expert faculty, you’ll explore real-world tactics and frameworks used by professionals to combat terrorism. 

International Relations

What it is: With international relations, you’ll examine methods of interaction – like diplomacy, trade, conflict and cooperation – between countries. This is key because global events often impact domestic safety and policy.

How UT San Antonio Online prepares you: You’ll study global political systems, foreign policy and international organizations so you can analyze events through a strategic lens. 

Career Outlook for National Security Studies

We’ve already talked about the growing need for national security professionals. Global threats are becoming increasingly complex, so we need people like you who can respond with agility, insight and expertise. 

As a national security professional, you can have a career in physical security, technology, linguistics or a legal industry. You could work for the National Security Agency/Central Security Service. Or you could work with the CIA. Or with a number of other organizations.

Here are a few examples of jobs:

• Intelligence Analysis – You’ll collect and interpret data to identify threats and inform strategic decisions.
• Homeland Security – You get to develop and implement policies to protect the nation from terrorism, cybercrime and natural disasters.
• Defense Policy – In this role, you’ll shape military and defense strategies at the national or international level.
• Counterterrorism – Here, you’ll work to prevent and respond to terrorist threats through analysis and strategy.
• Cybersecurity – You’ll protect critical systems and networks from cyberattacks and digital espionage.
• International Affairs – You will help manage diplomatic relations and assess global events that impact national security.

Wherever you choose to work, you’ll be prepared to make a strong impact through national security. 

While specific job placement rates and salary ranges vary, you should see competitive pay offers with strong benefits. For example, intelligence officer roles may pay over $100,000 per year, depending on experience and location. 

And since our National Security Studies Graduate Certificate is fully online, you can keep working while you study. You’ll have the opportunity to build expertise and earn a credential simultaneously. This will make you a strong candidate for security jobs as you grow. 

Who Should Enroll in the Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies?

The National Security Studies Graduate Certificate may be a good fit if you have experience in government or public administration, law enforcement, military and defense, intelligence/cybersecurity or international affairs. 

You may also be interested in this program if you have experience in a related area, such as political science, criminal justice or public policy.

If you’re a military member or veteran, you already understand discipline and leadership. This certificate will build on that foundation so you can translate your service experience into strategic or analytical roles. 

If you’re not in one of these fields yet but your goal is to work in the global security industry, this certificate can be your entry point. Through flexible online courses curated by industry experts, you can build your skills and make a difference. 

Pair National Security Studies with Other High-Impact Certificates

With our Multidisciplinary Studies master’s program at UT San Antonio Online, you’ll have the opportunity to create your own master’s degree. By combining the Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies with another specialized area, you can design a degree that matches your career goals. Here are two powerful examples:

National Security Studies and Data Science

Why it works: Whether you’re analyzing intelligence reports, monitoring cyber threats or predicting geopolitical risks, national security increasingly relies on data. With these two graduate certificates, you’ll gain the technical skills you need to interpret large datasets and make evidence based decisions for national security. 

What you’ll gain:

• Skills in data analytics, machine learning and statistical modeling.
• Ability to apply data-driven insights to threat assessment and policy development.
• A competitive advantage for roles in cybersecurity, intelligence analysis and defense strategy.

Explore the Data Science Graduate Certificate for details

National Security Studies and Facility Management

Why it works: Protecting critical infrastructure is vital to national security. By pairing these two programs, you’ll be equipped to protect physical assets like government buildings, military installations and data centers.

What you’ll gain:

• Expertise in risk assessment and emergency planning.
• Knowledge of building systems, sustainability and operational security.
• Career opportunities in government facilities, defense contractors and homeland security agencies.

Learn more about the Facility Management Graduate Certificate

With our multidisciplinary approach, you’ll have the flexibility you need to customize your degree towards your goals. You can make an impact while building the future you deserve. 

How UT San Antonio Online can Help with National Security Studies

With our 100% online programs, you’ll have the ultimate flexibility: we’ll provide deadlines each week, but you’ll study and complete your assignments when it works best for you. You’ll gain the skills, knowledge and credentials you need to step into high-demand roles.

If you’re ready to expand your career options and make a meaningful impact in national security, our Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies is here to help.