Where National Security Leaders Are Made.
Launch Your Career in National Security
The Master of National Security at the LBJ School is built for those ready to lead in a world defined by complexity, competition and rapid technological change. Whether you’re a student or seeking your next chapter in public service, policy or tech— this program empowers you to shape outcomes that safeguard nations, institutions and lives. Graduates will be equipped to lead in roles in:
- The Intelligence Community
- The Department of State
- The Department of Defense
- The Department of Energy
- The Department of Homeland Security
- FBI and state agencies
- Think tanks
- Defense technology firms
- Corporate intelligence and risk analysis roles
Learn About the MNS Program at an Upcoming Admissions Event
Please note, the application deadline for Fall 2026 entry has been extended to April 1, 2026!
The LBJ School Office of Student Affairs and Admissions hosts a variety of events—both virtual and in-person—to help prospective students learn more about our programs. These events are a great way to:
- Connect directly with admissions staff, current students, and faculty
- Gain insights into the Master of National Security program and career pathways
- Learn how to submit a strong application and stand out as a candidate
- Ask questions and get personalized guidance
Upcoming Master of National Security Information Sessions:
- February 27, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Attending an admissions event is an excellent opportunity to get a feel for the LBJ School community, hear firsthand experiences from students, and receive tips on making your application as competitive as possible.
Join us on March 26, 2026, for “Discover LBJ Day,” a great chance to learn all about our Graduate Programs!
Connect With Us
Office of Student Affairs and Admissions
Location
SRH 3.104
Phone
512-471-4292
Develop Essential Skills and Expertise
Our comprehensive curriculum provides a deep understanding of the Foundations of International Security, Grand Strategy, Military Operations, and National Security Institutions and Politics. Students gain advanced communication skills and receive cutting-edge training in data science, artificial intelligence, and economic statecraft.
Core Courses
Six Core Courses (18 credits) (*New courses)
- *NSP 383M National Security Institutions, Processes, and Politics
- *NSP 387M Foundations of International Security: Theory and Practice
- *NSP 395M Grand Strategy and Military Operations
- *NSP 393M Economics for Foreign Policy
- *NSP 386W Writing for National Security
- *NSP 397N Analytical Methods for National Security
Area/Regional Studies
Area/Regional Studies (6 credit hours)
Choose two graduate-level courses in contemporary history or political science related to a specific region. A list of eligible courses will be identified and maintained by the MNS program, and additional courses can be added with graduate advisor approval. (Students with 7 or more years of experience can petition to waive this requirement.)
Additional Credit Hours
Additional Credit Hours (6 credit hours)
These can be met by participating in one or two semesters of a PRP (*NSP 680P; *NSP 680PA & 680PB); writing a Master’s Report (*NSP 398R); taking graduate-level free electives; or a combination of these options.
Internship or Equivalent Work Experience
Internship or Equivalent Work Experience
A three-credit-hour internship is required; however, this requirement will be waived for students with seven or more years of experience and/or active duty service. These three credits (*NSP 396K) would be part of the six additional credit hours noted above.
Foreign Language Requirement
Foreign Language Requirement
All students must prove proficiency in a foreign language in one of two ways: either through proof of four semesters' worth of language study in an institution of higher education or by passing a placement test at one of UT's foreign language departments.
The concentration requirement gives students the freedom to choose electives that align with their interests and career goals. This flexibility supports the interdisciplinary expertise often needed in national security fields and results in a cohesive, customized portfolio of coursework that resonates with employers. Faculty advisors work with students to help shape a course plan that follows a clear, intentional academic path.
Intelligence
Students examine how intelligence is collected, analyzed, and used to inform national security decision-making across military, diplomatic, and economic domains. They learn how intelligence successes and failures shape policy, how to assess uncertainty and bias, and how oversight, ethics, and emerging technologies are transforming the intelligence enterprise.
Diplomacy and National Security
This topic explores how states use diplomacy, alliances, deterrence, and international institutions to manage conflict and maintain stability in an increasingly contested global order. Students learn how negotiations, coercive tools, and strategic communication intersect with military power and economic statecraft in real-world policy practice.
Technology and National Security
Students analyze how artificial intelligence, quantum, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, robotics, cyber capabilities, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies are reshaping the character of conflict and competition among states and non-state actors. They learn to evaluate technological risks, regulatory challenges, and policy tradeoffs that affect innovation and national security.
Space and Counterspace Policy
Students examines the strategic importance of space for communications, intelligence, navigation, commercial industry, and military operations, alongside the growing risks posed by counterspace capabilities. Students learn how legal frameworks, deterrence theory, and commercial actors influence space governance and security policy.
Insurgency, Terrorism, and Proxy Warfare
Students study how non-state armed groups and state proxies are increasingly using advanced technologies to challenge conventional military power through irregular tactics, asymmetric strategies, hybrid warfare, urban combat, and political mobilization. They learn how governments design counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and stabilization policies across diverse regional and political contexts.
Transnational Crime
This topic explores how criminal networks exploit globalization to traffic drugs, people, arms, and illicit finance across borders, undermining state capacity, and governance. Students learn how law enforcement, intelligence, financial regulation, and international cooperation can disrupt these networks and inform effective policy responses.
Regional Security (e.g., Asian, Middle Eastern, or European Security
Students examine how history, geography, and politics shape distinct security challenges and strategic dynamics across key regions of the world. They learn to apply in-depth subnational and comparative analysis to understand regional conflicts, great power competition, and policy options tailored to specific local contexts.
Leveraging the University of Texas's extensive language and regional area studies expertise, students can pursue dual master’s degrees in Asian Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, and Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies. We also offer dual degrees with the prestigious McCombs School of Business and the UT Law School, providing a unique interdisciplinary approach to national security.
Asian Studies
The LBJ School and the Department of Asian Studies offer a dual degree program leading to two graduate degrees, the Master of National Security (MNS) and the Master of Arts in Asian Studies (MA). The dual degree program combines advanced studies of national security with a focus on the politics, economy, and cultures of East or South Asia, responding to an increased need in both the public and private sectors for specialists with that combination of backgrounds.
Program Structure
Students can earn both degrees simultaneously in approximately three academic years. Degrees are awarded when the required course work in both areas is completed.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 63 credit hours of work. The curriculum requirements include:
Master of National Security (33 credit hours)
- Six Core Courses (18)
- Concentration in a Functional Area (12)
- Internship or Equivalent Work Experience (3)
Master of Arts in Asian Studies – Report Option (30 credit hours)
- Five Asian Studies electives (15)
- One Asian history course (3)
- One additional related course in Asian history or one course in social sciences (3)
- Two courses in advanced language (6)
- Master’s Report (3)
Master of Arts in Asian Studies – Thesis Option (30 credit hours)
- Four Asian Studies electives (12)
- One Asian history course (3)
- One additional related course in Asian history (3)
- Two courses in advanced language (6)
- Master’s Thesis (6)
Business
The Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) School of Public Affairs and the McCombs School of Business offer a dual degree program leading to two graduate degrees, the Master of National Security (MNS) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The dual degree program responds to an increased need in both the public and private sectors for specialists with an advanced understanding of the national security space, governance within and among countries and companies, and cross-cultural challenges and opportunities.
Program Structure
Students can earn both degrees simultaneously in approximately three academic years. Degrees are awarded when the required course work in both areas is completed.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 83 credit hours of work. The curriculum requirements include:
Master of National Security (36 credit hours)
- Six Core Courses (18)
- Concentration in a Functional Area (12)
- Internship or Equivalent Work Experience (3)
- Master’s Report (3)
Master of Business Administration Requirements (44 credit hours)
First-Year Curriculum
- Financial Accounting (2)
- Financial Management (2)
- Statistics (2)
- Microeconomics (2)
- Marketing Management (2)
- Operations Management (2)
- Strategic Career Planning (1)
- Custom Core #1 (first of four Custom Core* classes) (2)
- Strategic Management (2 credit hours)
- Custom Core #2 (second of four Custom Core* classes) (2)
- Custom Core #3 (third of four Custom Core* classes) (2)
- Custom Core #4 (fourth of four Custom Core* classes) (2)
- Two electives from the College of Business offerings (6)
Remaining Hours
- Five electives (15 credit hours)
Law
The Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) School of Public Affairs and the School of Law offer a dual degree program leading to two graduate degrees, the Master of National Security (MNS) and the Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD). The dual degree program responds to an increased need in both the public and private sectors for specialists with an advanced understanding of the national security space, facility in legal reasoning and credentials for the practice of law.
Program Structure
Students can earn both degrees simultaneously in approximately four academic years. Degrees are awarded when the required course work in both areas is completed.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 106 credit hours of work. The curriculum requirements include:
Master of National Security (36 credit hours)
- Six Core Courses (18 credit hours)
- Concentration in a Functional Area (12 credit hours)
- Internship or Equivalent Work Experience (3 credit hours)
- Master’s Report (3 credit hours)
Doctor of Jurisprudence (70 credit hours)
First-Year Curriculum (30 credit hours)
- Law 433, 533, 480F or 580F, Civil Procedure (4-5)
- Law 434, 534, 480G or 580G, Constitutional Law I (4-5)
- Law 421, 521, 480H or 580H, Contracts (4-5)
- Law 423, 523, 480J or 580J, Criminal Law I (4-5)
- Law 431, 531, 480U or 580U, Property (4-5)
- Law 427, 527, 480V or 580V, Torts (4-5)
- Law 332R or 380S, Legal Analysis and Communication (3)
- Law 232S or 280T, Persuasive Writing and Advocacy (2)
Required Advanced Coursework (40 credit hours)
- Professional Responsibility (2-3)
- Law 285 or 385
- Law Writing Seminar (3)
- Law 397S
- Con Law II, Crim Pro, or Capital Punishment (choose one) (2-4)
- Law 251K, 351K, 283D or 383D, Criminal Procedure: Investigation
- Law 270M, 370M, 283E or 383E, Criminal Procedure: Prosecution
- Law 370M, 283C or 383C, Criminal Procedure: Bail to Jail
- Law 378R, 283F or 383F, Capital Punishment
- Law 181C, 281C, 381C, or 481C, Constitutional Law II
- Experiential Learning coursework (3)
- Electives (27-30)
Middle Eastern Studies
The Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) School of Public Affairs and the Center for Middle Eastern Studies (CMES) offer a dual degree program leading to two graduate degrees, the Master of National Security (MNS) and the Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies (MA). The dual degree program combines advanced studies of national security with a focus on the politics, economy, and cultures of the Middle East, responding to an increased need in both the public and private sectors for specialists with that combination of backgrounds.
Program Structure
Students can earn both degrees simultaneously in approximately three academic years. Degrees are awarded when the required course work in both areas is completed.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 63 credit hours of work. The curriculum requirements include:
Master of National Security (33 credit hours)
- Six Core Courses (18)
- Concentration in a Functional Area (12)
- Internship or Equivalent Work Experience (3)
Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies Requirements – Report Option (33)
- Proseminar (MES 097) (0)
- Five MES Graduate Seminars (15)
- Two Intermediate to Advanced Language Courses (6)
- Three relevant courses (9)
- Master’s Report (3)
Master of Arts in Middle Eastern Studies Requirements – Thesis Option (30)
- Proseminar (MES 097) (0)
- Four MES Graduate Seminars (12)
- Two Intermediate to Advanced Language Courses (6)
- Two relevant courses (6)
- Master’s Thesis (6 credit hours)
Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
The Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) School of Public Affairs and the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREEES) offer a dual degree program leading to two graduate degrees, the Master of National Security (MNS) and the Master of Arts in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (MA). The dual degree program combines advanced studies of national security with a focus on the politics, economy, and cultures of the former Soviet Union and East European world area, responding to an increased need in both the public and private sectors for specialists with that combination of backgrounds.
Program Structure
Students can earn both degrees simultaneously in approximately three academic years. Degrees are awarded when the required course work in both areas is completed.
Degree Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 64 credit hours of work. The curriculum requirements include:
Master of National Security (33 credit hours)
- Six Core Courses (18)
- Concentration in a Functional Area (12)
- Internship or Equivalent Work Experience (3)
Master of Arts in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies Requirements – Report Option (31 credit hours)
- One seminar in REE 381 Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies: Civilization and Cultures (3)
- One course in REE 386 Topics Literature and Culture (3)
- One course in REE 387 Topics in Economics, History, or Government (3)
- One course in REE 388 Topics in Anthropology, Geography, or Sociology (3)
- Five electives in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (15)
- REE 398R Master’s Report (3)
- REE 189 Masters Writing Colloquium (1)
Master of Arts in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies Requirements – Thesis Option (31 credit hours)
- One seminar in REE 381 Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies: Civilization and Cultures (3)
- One course in REE 386 Topics Literature and Culture (3)
- One course in REE 387 Topics in Economics, History, or Government (3)
- One course in REE 388 Topics in Anthropology, Geography, or Sociology (3)
- Four electives in Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (12)
- REE 698A/B Master’s Thesis (6)
- REE 189 Masters Writing Colloquium (1)
Professional Development Opportunities
Our students benefit from unparalleled professional development opportunities. These include valuable internships, traveling classes to Washington D.C., Europe, and Asia, and numerous speaker and networking events through the LBJ Washington Campus, as well as the Clements and Strauss Centers.
DC Campus
Located in the heart of DC, the LBJ Washington Center allows students to have the opportunity to live, work, and study in the nation’s capital. Students can participate in the Foreign Policy Semester for an immersive look at how U.S. foreign policy is made and shaped, gain real-world experience in the federal arena, and enroll in specialized elective courses.
Strauss Center
The Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security and Law tackles global security challenges through interdisciplinary research, education, and student programming. The center connects UT and LBJ School students with fellowships, events, and courses on topics ranging from cybersecurity and technology to regional security and space policy.
Clements Center
The William P. Clements, Jr. Center for National Security at UT Austin is a nonpartisan hub drawing on diplomatic and military history to train the next generation of leaders. The LBJ School often partners with the center to bring thought leaders to the Forty Acres, giving students direct access to experts and real-world insights on national security.
Intelligence Studies Project
The Intelligence Studies Project (ISP) provides students with hands-on opportunities in intelligence and national security through initiatives including the annual National Security Career Fair, student research collaborations with the U.S. Intelligence Community, and frequent senior-level guest speakers and public events.
"Now is the perfect time to pursue a master’s degree in national security. Whether you're a military officer or a civilian, national security and geopolitics are now players in every decision you're going to make. The sooner you learn it, the sooner you understand it, the better you're going to be able to lead—whether in business or in government—at any level."
- Adm. William McRaven (Ret.)
Professor of National Security
Ask an Expert: McRaven on National Security
Learn From Experienced Practitioners and Leading Scholars
Leading policymakers and scholars of national security teach and mentor our students, providing invaluable insights and guidance.
Joseph Maguire
Jeremi Suri
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