Students who pursue a Master of National Security Policy degree may choose to complete their degree in either 12 or 20 months.
Option 1: 12-Month Plan
In addition to the on-campus experience, the 14 weeks of the semester will include approximately five hours per week of synchronous or asynchronous interaction, totaling 33 hours of instruction/class.
Summer
Courses are virtual and include synchronous and asynchronous elements. Courses will be offered online for the summer session and include two weeks on Duke’s campus:
- Week 1 (beginning of the summer): Orientation, meet and work with faculty.
- Week 2 (end of summer): Experience residential life for one week.
Fall
Courses are virtual and include synchronous and asynchronous elements.
There are two required on-campus immersion weekends and that schedule will be provided as early as possible.
Note: Immersion weekends include full days on Friday and Saturday.
Spring
Courses are virtual and include synchronous and asynchronous elements.
The schedule is similar to the fall semester 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.
Course Content Overview for 12-MONTH PLAN OF STUDY
Summer: "Concepts"
- Methods of Policy Analysis
- Leadership in the National Security Policy Environment
- National Security Ethics
Fall: "Process"
- National Security Budgeting
- National Security Strategy
- Institutions of National Security
- Team-Based Learning for National Security Professionals
Spring: "Outcomes"
- Threats and Opportunities
- Elective
- Professional Practice in National Security - Students explore common barriers in national security work and work one-on-one with faculty members to solve a professional practice issue either through research or a large-scale project.
Option 2: 20-Month Plan
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 five hours per week of synchronous or asynchronous interaction, totaling 33 hours of instruction/class.
Summer
Courses are virtual and include synchronous and asynchronous elements. Courses will be offered online for the summer session and include two weeks on Duke’s campus.
Week 1 (beginning of the summer): Orientation, meet and work with faculty.
Week 2 (end of summer): Experience residential life for one week.
Please note: 20-month students will have their second summer off. The first summer must include on-campus immersions.
Fall
Courses are virtual and include synchronous and asynchronous elements.
There are two required on-campus immersion weekends and that schedule will be provided as early as possible.
Note: Immersion weekends include full days on Friday and Saturday.
Spring
Courses are virtual and include synchronous and asynchronous elements.
The schedule is similar to the fall semester and will include two immersion weekends.
summer
No classes.
Fall
Both in-person and virtual experiences.
Spring
Both in-person and virtual experiences.
COURSE CONTENT OVERVIEW FOR 20-Month Plan of Study
Summer: "Concepts"
-
Methods of Policy Analysis
-
Leadership in the National Security Policy Environment
-
National Security Ethics
Fall: "Process"
-
National Security Strategy
-
Institutions of National Security
Spring: "Outcomes"
-
Threats and Opportunities
-
Elective
Summer: Off
Fall 2:
-
National Security Budgeting
-
Team-Based Learning for National Security Professionals
Spring 2:
- Professional Practice in National Security (Students explore common barriers in national security work and work one-on-one with faculty members to solve a professional practice issue either through research or a large-scale project.)
Sarah Blake
Student Profile
Sarah Blake says the hybrid MNSP program gave her the freedom to pursue her education while continuing to work as a liaison to the U.S. Senate.