Program: National Security Studies Graduate Certificate - University of South Florida

Mar 31, 2025

2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Department: Dean’s Office

Certificate Contacts, Deadlines, and Delivery Information

Office of Graduate Certificates Website

The Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies is part of USF’s National Security Initiative (NSI) and the Strategic and Cyber Intelligence Program, USF’s federally designated Intelligence Community Center of Academic Excellence (legacy IC-CAE). The interdisciplinary curriculum provides a foundation of study in national security policy and practice. This Certiﬁcate complements a number of existing USF graduate degree programs, including STEM Programs, Cybersecurity, Foreign Language Study, International Studies, Political Science, Government, and Intelligence Studies. Students will learn about the theory and application of intelligence, diplomacy, military power and related tools of statecraft to national security/defense policy formulation and power projection.

Graduate Certificate Admissions and Process

Students must apply and be admitted into the Graduate Certificate to be eligible to receive a Graduate Certificate. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Graduate Certificate Director prior to applying.

Applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

Additional Admission Requirements

In addition, applicants should also include:

Professional Resume
Statement of Purpose (max 500 words)

Curriculum Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

Required Courses (6 Credit Hours):
LIS 6703 Core Concepts in Intelligence Credit Hours: 3
INR 6007 Seminar in International Relations Credit Hours: 3
Elective Courses (6 Credit Hours):

Choose two of the following courses:
LIS 6700 Information Strategy and Decision-Making Credit Hours: 3
LIS 6709 Cyber Intelligence Credit Hours: 3
PHC 6235 Critical Infrastructure Protection for Public Health Concepts Credit Hours: 3
PHC 6236 Business Continuity for Global Health and Security Credit Hours: 3
PHC 6254 Public Health Implications and Concerns in Homeland Security Credit Hours: 3
PHC 6255 Homeland Security: Law, Policy and Public Health Credit Hours: 3
PHC 6373 Protecting Public Health: Bioterrorism/Biodefense Credit Hours: 3
RLG 6145 Religion and Politics Credit Hours: 3
POS 6933 Selected Topics in Political Science Credit Hours: 3
Or other graduate course approved by the Certificate Director

Graduate Certificate Time Limit

Five (5) Years.

Graduate Certificate Completion

For procedures to confirm completion of the Graduate Certificate, please refer to the website.