Major in National Security Studies

Arcadia University’s National Security Studies major prepares students to address today’s most pressing security challenges with both a global and domestic focus. Offered in collaboration with Criminology and Criminal Justice, the program builds on Arcadia’s strengths in International Relations and Global Studies while adding greater emphasis on security issues within the United States.

The National Security Studies curriculum provides a strong foundation in political science, intelligence studies, and international relations, while also examining how race, structural inequities, and civil liberties influence security policies and practices. Students engage with issues such as racial profiling, surveillance, hate crimes, terrorism, immigration, and the rise of extremist movements, gaining the tools to analyze how security strategies affect diverse communities at home and abroad.

Graduates of the program demonstrate advanced expertise by:

Analyzing geopolitical dynamics, historical conflicts, and regional security issues.
Interpreting the legal frameworks that govern national and international security, including human rights, laws of war, and intelligence operations.
Evaluating the balance between security and civil liberties in democratic societies.
Assessing the role of cultural, religious, and political factors in shaping conflict and security policy.

By combining global insight with domestic focus, the National Security Studies major equips students with the critical thinking, analytical, and strategic skills needed to assess threats, evaluate policy, and design solutions that protect both national and global interests. Arcadia graduates are well-prepared for careers in government, defense, homeland security, intelligence, law enforcement, and international organizations, as well as for advanced academic study.

Featured Courses

Crime and Punishment

Required course

Understanding the criminal justice system is key for anyone interested in careers in law enforcement, homeland security, or legal professions. This course introduces students to policing, the courts, and correctional systems, while also exploring theories about criminal behavior and why societies choose certain punishments. Historical shifts in justice are connected to today’s approaches, giving students a strong foundation for work in public safety and national security fields.

Introduction to International Relations

Required course

Global politics shape the world students will work in, from diplomacy to intelligence and defense analysis. This course explores the major theories of international relations and introduces areas like international law, global organizations, security, human rights, foreign policy, and political economy. Students will study defining historical events alongside today’s global challenges, preparing them to analyze policy decisions that impact international security and diplomatic careers.

U.S. Foreign Policy

Required course

From the Cold War to contemporary security concerns, U.S. foreign policy has defined America’s role in the world. This course traces foreign policy from Truman to the present, combining theoretical approaches with detailed historical study. Students will examine how administrations crafted strategies and addressed global threats, building critical insights useful for future roles in intelligence, government service, policy research, and international affairs.

Introduction to Security Studies

Required course

Security in the 21st century goes far beyond military defense. This course examines what it means to be secure at the personal, national, and global levels, analyzing threats like terrorism, war, organized crime, cyberattacks, and environmental risks. Students learn how security agendas are shaped and studied, gaining knowledge that supports careers in homeland security, intelligence analysis, counterterrorism, and global risk assessment.

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