Why Pursue a Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies
Earn a Master’s Degree
Are you ready to take your career and academic journey to the next level? Combine this program with another eligible certificate to earn a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies!
Choose from 35+ other disciplines (like intelligence studies, data science, cyber security and more). Take advantage of the opportunity to customize your degree to align with your professional and educational goals.
Admission & Application Requirements
Applications are submitted through the UT San Antonio Graduate Application. Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UT San Antonio Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UT San Antonio by the appropriate application deadline.
For international students, please note that student visas are not issued at UT San Antonio for non-degree-seeking students, including certificate programs. For more information, visit our international students admission page.
| National Security Studies (Certificate) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Required Degree | Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution. | |
| Minimum GPA | 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) Departments may consider GPA of last 60 semester credit hours | |
| Transcripts* | Required from all institutions attended; international transcripts must be recorded/translated to English | |
| Credential Evaluation | Required if you have earned university-level credit from foreign institutions. Submit an evaluation of your transcripts from FCSA or any NACES-approved credential evaluation agency. | |
| English Language Proficiency | 79 TOEFL iBT / 6.5 IELTS / Duolingo 100 For exams taken on or after January 21, 2026: We require a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 4.0. |
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| Purpose Statement | Required | |
| Resume | Required | |
| *Unofficial transcripts will be taken into consideration for admissions; however, if admitted into the program, you must submit official transcripts to the University. | ||
Application Deadlines
Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.
| National Security Studies (Certificate) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing on Admission Decision: Completed applications will be reviewed for admission on a rolling basis. Decisions generally will be made and sent to applicants within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the application. | |||
| Application Deadlines for: | Priority | International | Domestic |
| Spring 2026 | October 1 | December 1 | |
| Summer 2026 | Not Available | Not Available | |
| Fall 2026 | June 1 | August 1 | |
| Spring 2027 | October 1 | December 1 | |
| Summer 2027 | Not Available | Not Available | |
Funding Opportunities
Learn MoreCareer Options
UT San Antonio prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below are based on data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Certificate in National Security Studies will give you the opportunity to cultivate a holistic understanding of security studies, fostering interdisciplinary expertise and practical experience in matters of defense, intelligence and diplomacy.
This graduate certificate covers topics like national security law and governance, international law, international affairs, homeland security, conflict and peace. It is perfect for students or current professionals who want to learn key concepts of national security or individuals with a background in security, law enforcement, foreign relations and more. Students benefit from expert faculty and robust networking opportunities, fostering connections with peers and professionals through events, workshops and seminars.
Coursework in this degree program covers: National Security Law and Ethics, Leadership in the Global Arena, National Security and Human-Digital Technology Relationships, International Politics and Cyber Security and Understanding Global Hotspots.
The program requires 9 credit hours, typically completed in 1 or 2 academic semesters, depending on course load.
This certificate prepares you in careers as a Security Management Specialists, Emergency Management Directors, Customs and Border Protection Officers, Intelligence Analysts, Security Analysts, and Security Managers.
This certificate also prepares students to apply national security in diverse disciplines such as:
- Cyber Security
- Immigration
- Emergency Management
- Prevention and Response
- Travel Security
- Operations and Mission Support
Admissions requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree, 3.0 GPA or higher, College Transcripts, Credential evaluation from any NACESS-approved evaluation agency, English Language proficiency (79 TOEFL iBT/6.5 IELTS/Duolingo 100), Purpose statement and resume.
