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Careers in National Security
What Can You Do with a Master of National Security?
National security professionals play vital roles across government, industry and international organizations, working to protect people, safeguard critical systems and shape strategic policy in an increasingly complex global landscape. Careers in national security are as diverse as the challenges they address. Graduates will be prepared to lead across all levels of government, shape policy at tech firms and think tanks and drive innovation in defense, diplomacy and intelligence.
- Government, Military and Intelligence Agencies - Prepare to work on the front lines of national defense, intelligence gathering and diplomatic strategy. This program is ideal for active-duty military personnel seeking to strengthen their leadership profile, transition into strategic roles or grow as officers. Possible roles include intelligence analyst, foreign service officer, policy advisor and special operations planner.
- Private Sector and Tech - Contribute to the evolving security landscape through cybersecurity, risk analysis, AI policy and global crisis management. Career opportunities span Fortune 500 companies, defense contractors and leading tech firms.
- NGOs, Think Tanks and International Organizations - Engage with pressing global issues, such as conflict resolution, human rights and climate security, through research, policy development and on-the-ground operations at prominent international institutions.
Career Outcomes
Employer Examples
- Central Intelligence Agency
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. Department of the Treasury
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- State and Local Government Agencies
- U.S. Military Services
- National Security Contracting Firms
- Academia
- Tech Companies
- Investment Firms
- International Corporations
- International and Local Non-Governmental Organizations
- Nonprofits
- Think Tanks
- Federally Funded Research Centers
Areas of Opportunity
- U.S. Foreign Policy and Decision-Making
- Intelligence
- International Law and Diplomacy
- Grand Strategy
- Emerging and Disruptive Technologies
- Armed Conflict
- Conflict Prevention and Management
- Post-Conflict Reconstruction
- Counter-Terrorism
- Cybersecurity
- Trade and Economic Stability
- Domestic and Global Health Security
- Humanitarian Crises and Human Rights
- Energy Policy/Critical Minerals
- Nuclear Proliferation and Arms Control
- Irregular Warfare
- Transnational Criminal Organizations
- Covert Action
- Special Operations
- Environmental and Climate Resilience
- Data Analytics
Ready to Apply?
Know-how to change the world. Join a community of change-makers and take the next step toward a career in national security.
Applications open in August 2025!