Certificate in National Security Affairs
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Program Overview
The National Security Affairs Program (NSAP), which offers the Certificate in National Security Affairs, is an executive-level graduate education program that is tailored to the needs of the Department of Energy (DOE) National Security Laboratories. A professional development and leadership program, the NSAP provides Fellows with tools—the concepts, approaches, and frameworks—that will enhance their ability to think critically, analytically, and systematically about national security policy and strategy and the role of science and technology in U.S. national security. The NSAP focuses on national security policy and strategy issues that are critical to the missions of the DOE National Security Laboratories. This broadening experience enables Fellows to engage more effectively with sponsors, and even come to anticipate sponsor needs, as they assume positions of increasing responsibilities at the laboratories. Notably, the program has prepared Fellows for IPA assignments with Laboratory sponsors in Washington, DC.
Laboratory staff members selected for the program are designated NSAP Fellows at the George H.W. Bush School of Government and Public Service. Fellows complete a series of two or four graduate courses (two in-residence at Texas A&M University in College Station and two via VTC for the full four-course certificate program) and participate in seminars and other professional development activities over a 12-month period. NSAP Fellows who complete the full four-course program are awarded a Certificate in National Security Affairs. Ninety-two laboratory Fellows have participated in the program since its inception in in 2008.
The current program of study consists of four courses:
- INTA 617 Deterrence & Coercion
- INTA 689 Cyberspace and National Security
- INTA 665 National Security & Defense Planning
- INTA 670 National Security & Defense Planning Research Capstone
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals may apply who hold an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited university. The program has been open primarily to candidates designated as an applicant by an agency or organization that has entered into a contract with the program. It is potentially open as well to individuals with a graduate degree and a minimum of three years employment experience in a firm, laboratory, agency, or nongovernmental organization engaged in the development or provision of systems, services, or products related to national or international security. Five years employment experience is required for those who hold a bachelor’s degree.
Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to graduate study at Texas A&M University as non-degree seeking students (G-6). Proficiency in reading, writing, and spoken English at a level necessary for graduate instruction is required.
