The Master of National Security Policy is a hybrid executive program offering working professionals an opportunity to expand their learning and grow their careers.
The MNSP is a rigorous 30-credit program designed so students can continue to work while completing their degree in as little as one year or up to 20 months.
The program includes:
- online learning that can be done at any time convenient to the student
- weekly interaction with faculty
- projects directly related to work in national security
- several immersion experiences at Duke
Featured Video
Andrea Orlowski MNSP‘24 and Philip Knight MNSP‘23
This program was developed with working professionals in mind:
Mid-career contractors and consultants working in public policy/national security will deepen their understanding of client needs and build the knowledge base and expertise needed to gain promotions.
Civil Service professionals working in national security will be able to continue working, get a world-class education, and be more competitive for promotions.
Active-duty military personnel will develop the knowledge and skills to grow in their careers, contribute more on a senior level, gain an enhanced understanding of the problems of the world, and understand national security in a new complex framework (including diplomatic and economic factors.)
Featured Video
Christian Jones MNSP‘24
MNSP Faculty
A former Director of National Intelligence and former commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Command. A cyber strategist at the U.S. Cyber Command and National Security Agency. A former intelligence officer in the Marine Corps for more than 20 years. A budget and policy director for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. The MNSP program is taught by qualified, experienced, national security leaders.
Additional DUKE Faculty with Expertise in National Security
| Tim Nichols | Tom Taylor (Emeritus) |
| Abdullah Antepli | Kyle Beardsley (Political Science) |
| Doug Brook | Rachel Myrick (Political Science) |
| Peter Feaver | Charles Dunlap (Law) |
| David Hoffman | Gen. Martin Dempsey |
| Bruce Jentleson | Sue Gordon |
| Steve Kelly | Patrick Duddy (Fuqua) |
| Simon Miles | American Grand Strategy affiliated faculty |
| David Schanzer |
Option 1: 12-Month Plan of Study
Summer: On Campus
Week 1 (beginning of the summer): Orientation, meet and work with faculty.
Week 2 (end of summer): Experience residential life for one week.
"Concepts"
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Methods of Policy Analysis
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Leadership in the National Security Policy Environment
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National Security Ethics
Fall: Virtual & On-Campus
Fall courses occur virtually and include synchronous and asynchronous elements. There are two required on-campus immersion weekends (week 5 and 9).
Please note: immersion weekends include full days Friday and Saturday.
"Process"
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National Security Budgeting
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National Security Strategy
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Institutions of National Security
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Team-Base Learning for National Security Professionals
Spring: Virtual & On-Campus
The immersion experience will be similar to the fall, and will include two immersion weekends. In addition to the on-campus experience, the 14 weeks of the semester will include approximately 5 hours/week of synchronous or asynchronous interaction, totaling 33 hours of instruction/class.
"Outcomes"
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Threats and Opportunities
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Elective
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Professional Practice in National Security
Option 2: 20-Month Plan of Study
Summer: On Campus
Students will experience two weeks on campus.
Week 1 (beginning of the summer): Orientation, meet and work with faculty.
Week 2 (end of summer): Experience residential life for one week.
"Concepts"
-
Methods of Policy Analysis
-
Leadership in the National Security Policy Environment
-
National Security Ethics
Fall: Virtual & On-Campus
Fall courses occur virtually and include synchronous and asynchronous elements. There are two required on-campus immersion weekends (weeks 5 and 9).
Please note: immersion weekends include full days Friday and Saturday.
"Process"
-
National Security Strategy
-
Institutions of National Security
Spring: Virtual & On-Campus
The immersion experience will be similar to the fall, and will include two immersion weekends. In addition to the on-campus experience, the 14 weeks of the semester will include approximately 5 hours/week of synchronous or asynchronous interaction, totaling 33 hours of instruction/class.
"Outcomes"
-
Threats and Opportunities
-
Elective
Summer 2
No classes.
Fall 2: Virtual & On-Campus
Both in-person and virtual experiences.
-
National Security Budgeting
-
Team-Based Learning for National Security Professionals
Spring 2: Virtual & On-Campus
Both in-person and virtual experiences.
Professional Practice in National Security
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In this course, students will explore common barriers in day-to-day national security work and then work one-on-one with faculty members to solve a professional practice issue wither their work on through research or a large-scale project.