Master of National Security & Intelligence (NSI)
Prepare for a career in national security, intelligence, and diplomacy in the heart of Washington, D.C.Offered through the Diana Davis Spencer Program in National Security at the Bush School's Washington, D.C. teaching site, the NSI prepares early- and mid-career professionals to take on the field's hardest problems. You'll learn from well-published scholars and seasoned practitioners, build real analytical and intelligence skills including AI-enabled research, and graduate ready to contribute from day one. No prior professional experience is required.
Program at a Glance
- Credential
Master of National Security & Intelligence (NSI)
- Credit Hours
42 (14 courses), non-thesis
- Duration
approximately 2-2.5 years
- Format
In residence at the Washington, D.C. teaching site, evening classes
- Entry Requirement
Bachelor’s Degree; relevant academic or professional experience in fields related to national security, intelligence, and/or international affairs is preferred.
- Capstone
Yes, client-based group project
- Language
Intermediate foreign-language proficiency
About the Program
The Master of National Security & Intelligence, offered through the Diana Davis Spencer Program in National Security, is designed for early- and mid-career professionals preparing for careers in national security, intelligence, and diplomacy. The program attracts students from a broad range of educational and professional backgrounds and strengthens their ability to understand complex issues through rigorous coursework and direct exposure to real-world experts. Well-published scholars and seasoned practitioners lead in-depth classroom discussions, collaborate with students on research, and mentor inside and outside the classroom. Located in the heart of DC and taught in an evening format built around working schedules, the NSI puts students close to the agencies, organizations, and professionals who define the field.
Curriculum
The NSI is a 42-credit program of fourteen courses: six required courses, four courses in a chosen track, and four electives, culminating in a capstone. The required core grounds students in foreign policy, the global economy, the role of intelligence in security affairs, and modern analytical methods, including a distinctive course in AI-enabled research. A foreign-language proficiency requirement reflects the realities of careers in the field.
Required Courses
Six core courses in American Foreign Policy, International Politics, Global Economy, Role of Intelligence in Security Affairs, AI Enabled Research, and a Capstone.
Track
Students will take four courses in a chosen specialized track: National Security, Intelligence, or Regional Studies.
Electives
Four additional courses to focus your studies and career preparation.
Capstone Project
A group project for a real client on a national security or intelligence issue, producing professional experience, networking, and a final product you can share with employers. The Capstone Project is completed near the end of the degree.
Tracks
NSI students complete four courses in a chosen track to specialize their studies.
Career Track National Security For careers in national security policy, strategy, and homeland security.
Develop the knowledge to shape how the United States makes and executes security policy: national security law, homeland security, weapons of mass destruction, border security, terrorism, and emerging challenges in cyber, disinformation, and energy security.
Career Track Intelligence For careers in intelligence analysis, operations, and the intelligence community.
Build the craft of intelligence work: analytic tradecraft, counterintelligence, covert action, defense intelligence, collection systems, and briefing, taught alongside the study of strategic intelligence and insider risk.
Regional Studies For careers in regional affairs and geopolitical analysis.
Gain deep regional expertise spanning Russia and Eurasia, China, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Arctic, from great-power competition to the politics of energy, religion, and identity.
Beyond the Coursework
NSI students do real work for real clients and build the professional network that careers in this field depend on. Program experiences include:
Language Proficiency
Intermediate or better proficiency in a foreign language is required to graduate. Language tutoring supported by the DC location’s online language programming and conversational learning services.
Where & How You’ll Study
The NSI is offered at the Bush School’s Washington, D.C. teaching site, in the heart of the national security and policy community. Classes meet in the evening to fit working schedules, and up to six credit hours may be taken online. Explore the DC location, faculty, and community on the Bush School DC site.
The Aggie Network
The Bush School DC builds upon the strength and stellar reputation of Texas A&M’s Bush School in College Station, Texas. Students have access to the strength of the Aggie Network, a worldwide support system of over 500,000 alumni in more than 165 countries. A system known for its character and loyalty, along with the desire to help fellow former students.
Explore Further
Faculty
The NSI is taught by well-published scholars and seasoned national security and intelligence practitioners. Explore the DC faculty.
Explore the Faculty DirectoryCareers & Outcomes
NSI graduates pursue careers across the Intelligence Community, defense, diplomacy, and national security. For outcomes, see Careers & Outcomes.
Explore Careers & OutcomesCost & Funding
The Bush School DC offers an affordable fixed per-credit-hour tuition rate. See the Cost & Funding overview and the NSI Cost page for details.
Explore Cost & FundingReady to Apply?
Ready to Apply? The NSI admits for fall and spring entry. See requirements, instructions, and deadlines on the admissions page.
How to Apply