Minor in National Security Studies

Arcadia University’s National Security Studies minor offers students across disciplines a strong foundation in security policy, strategy, and analysis. Designed to complement majors such as political science, international relations, criminology, and criminal justice, the minor prepares students to understand how security challenges affect both the United States and the wider world.

The program emphasizes the connections between security and issues of race, equity, and civil liberties. Students explore how structural racism has shaped policies in areas such as immigration, counterterrorism, surveillance, and law enforcement, as well as how security practices have impacted marginalized communities. This critical perspective is reinforced through inclusive teaching practices that build writing, research, and analytical skills.

Through the National Security Studies minor, students learn to:

Analyze the roles of military, intelligence, and law enforcement organizations.
Evaluate threats including terrorism, cyberattacks, pandemics, and geopolitical conflicts.
Apply social science approaches to security and conflict resolution.
Critically assess arguments, evidence, and policy outcomes.

The minor expands career pathways in government, defense, law enforcement, homeland security, and international organizations, while also preparing students for graduate study. With opportunities for internships and global learning, Arcadia’s National Security Studies minor equips students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate the complex challenges of security in the twenty-first century.

Featured Courses

Terrorism and Counterterrorism

Required course

This course explores the causes, strategies, and organizational structures of terrorist groups, alongside the political, social, and economic conditions that give rise to them. Students also analyze counterterrorism strategies at the national and international level, from intelligence gathering and law enforcement to military operations and policy development. The course prepares students for careers in intelligence, homeland security, counterterrorism strategy, and international security policy.

Introduction to Security Studies

Required course

Security today involves much more than military strength. In this course, students explore what it means to be secure at the level of individuals, states, and the international system. Topics include terrorism, war, crime, cyber threats, and environmental challenges that shape global agendas in the 21st century. Students gain insights that connect directly to careers in homeland security, intelligence analysis, counterterrorism, and public safety.

Policing and Society

Elective course

Police work plays a central role in the criminal justice system and in community safety. This course examines the structure and administration of policing, as well as how law enforcement adapts to changing social and political conditions. Students study police culture, community relationships, and the effects of policy on policing practices, preparing for fields such as law enforcement, public administration, and criminal justice policy.

Introduction to International Relations

Elective course

Global issues demand professionals who understand both theory and practice in international relations. This course introduces the key ideas and subfields of the discipline, including international law, international organizations, security studies, human rights, foreign policy, and political economy. Students also study major historical events shaping world order and engage in debates on today’s pressing global policy challenges, building skills that connect to careers in diplomacy, intelligence, and foreign policy analysis.

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