Program Overview

Bachelor of Science In Security & Defense Policy

Defend and Protect Our Way of Life

The notion of national security is a historic concept, with its origins dating back to the 17th century and the Peace of Westphalia, which established sovereign nation-states. In the modern era, national security seeks to ensure the security and defense of a country. It also endeavors to sustain a rule-based international order that promotes global security, prosperity, and human rights.

The University of New Haven’s B.S. in Security & Defense Policy degree provides students with the knowledge, skills, and insight needed to combat threats to the nation’s physical, economic, and human security. The program will prepare students for an exciting and rewarding career in the national security, diplomacy, and intelligence fields in both the public and private sectors.

Career Opportunities

• In the public sector, your opportunities include working with federal organizations such as the CIA, the FBI, the NSA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense. On the international stage, you could work with The United Nations and its associated institutions, plus many other organizations or agencies.
• In the private domain, your career could involve international business, trade and banking, supporting physical and cyber security operations, human rights organizations, and everything in between that has the potential, intent, or capacity to impact the nation, our citizens, our institutions, and our economic viability.

What to do with a Security & Defense degree

This degree opens up a wide range of career fields, including intelligence analysis, legal practice, military service, and diplomacy.

With our B.S. in Security & Defense Policy in hand, you will be qualified to work as a general national security practitioner in all of the above areas. Throughout the four years of your preparation for this field, you will:

• Acquire an understanding of the dynamics of cyber conflict and disruption, international law and lawfare, and the nation’s domestic security structure. You will develop skills necessary to confront entities that may internally or externally challenge our home front and survival.
• Develop a cultural understanding of the international community and proficiency in foreign languages through multiple semesters of study in Russian, Chinese, Arabic, or in any one of the other languages we offer.
• Study abroad to expand language and cultural depth at our campus in Prato, Italy, at Saxion University in The Netherlands, and through other international study opportunities.
• Gain analytical skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving, incident mapping, data mining, data analysis, intelligence reporting, economic fundamentals, and the inner workings of governmental and non-governmental organizations.
• Engage in an intensive internship experience. There is no substitute for time spent in the real world before graduation. This invaluable preparation for professional practice ensures you will graduate ready to make a serious contribution to your employer and country.

Program Details

• This program can be completed on-ground or online.

Meet the Interim Chair

Envision Your Future

The information below is designed to show the many possible careers you could pursue with your major. The research is provided by Encoura, the leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on higher education. It includes median national salaries and industry growth projections over the next decade.

• $125K: Political Scientists (5% Growth)
• $104K: Information Security Analysts (23% Growth)
• $96K: Financial Investment Analysts (8% Growth)

Spotlights

• Maverick Melchiore ’25: From Campus to Quantico — A Journey of Purpose and Preparation
• Emma Murphy ’24: National Security Major: ‘I Have Become Much More Confident in Myself’
• OLENA LENNON, Ph.D.: National Security Professor Earns Prestigious ‘Immigrant Day Award’

Selected Courses and Programs

• National Security Law
• Intelligence Analysis
• National Security Internship
• Full List of Courses and Learning Outcomes for Security & Defense Policy, B.S.

Learn from Professors Who Are Dedicated to Your Success

Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

Charger Advantage

Get an inside look at what differentiates the University of New Haven and how your experiences as a student will prepare you for success.

• Nationally Recognized
• Study Abroad
• Career Development

Nationally Recognized Center for Career Development

All University of New Haven students have access to the many resources available through the University’s Career Development Center, which has been named one of the best in the nation by The Princeton Review.

News

• National Security Major Reflects on Meeting Ukrainian Senior Lieutenant and Combat Veteran
• From the Classroom to the FBI: Graduate Reflects on Journey Studying National Security

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• Information Sessions and Campus Tours 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.

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