National Security Studies, B.S.

Visit the National Security Studies page for more information on the program and access to advising.

Program Description

The BA/BS in National Security Studies (NSS) will provide an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for public and private sector national security careers through acquisition of subject matter expertise and analytical skills. This baccalaureate degree program will expose students to the wide variety of critically important security challenges and issues faced in the twenty-first century such as: terrorism and cyber security, nuclear proliferation and weapons of mass destruction, piracy and global pandemics, sovereignty and the use of force, and civil liberties and the rule of law. Students will also acquire skills such as critical thinking, writing, briefing, and analysis techniques specifically tailored for the national security field, but applicable in many others. Whether students are interested in counterterrorism, homeland security, intelligence gathering and analysis, foreign relations, law and politics, diplomacy, or international development, the NSS BA/BS will provide insight and skills needed to succeed in these professions.

Program Requirements

Graduation Requirements

1. Completion of a minimum of 120 or more semester credits, 40 credits must be upper-division.
2. Overall grade point average of 2.0 (C) or above.
3. All discipline and core requirements must be passed with a C- or higher.
4. Residency hours: minimum of 30 credit hours through course attendance at UVU, with at least 10 hours earned in the last 45 hours.
5. Completion of GE and specified departmental requirements.
6. Successful completion of at least one Global/Intercultural course.
7. Successful completion of at least two Writing Enriched courses.

Graduation Plan

This graduation plan is a sample plan and is intended to be a guide. Your specific plan may differ based on your Math and English placement and/or transfer credits applied. You are encouraged to meet with an advisor and set up an individualized graduation plan in Wolverine Track.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Acquire general knowledge about the U.S. national security system and process, including familiarity with the National Security Council, executive departments and agencies, presidential powers, congressional roles and powers, applicable international and domestic law, and current geographical and functional issues in the national security field.
2. Gain skills through class simulations and instruction in analytical thinking and reasoning, professional writing, and public speaking and presenting.
3. Apply both theoretical and practical approaches to complex national security problems, employing appropriate context to a decision-making framework.