National Security Minor

mcfarland

Understand the threats to our world. Develop and shape the responses.

From cyberattacks to great-power rivalry, from AI in military systems to novel and dangerous pathogens, from climate-driven conflict to regional wars with global impacts, the forces threatening American and global security are more complex than ever — and the world needs well-trained minds to resolve them.

The National Security Minor gives undergraduates the history, theories, tools and real-world context to understand how national security crises unfold and how U.S. policy responds. You'll dig into the politics, institutions and strategy behind national security decision-making and graduate ready to take that expertise into government, international organizations or graduate study.

And you don't have to wait to get started! Coursework you've already completed or are taking right now may count once you're admitted.

You'll be equipped to pursue paths such as:

  • Careers with the State Department, Department of Defense, intelligence community and beyond
  • Graduate research in national security studies, international relations and public policy

Program at a Glance

  • 15 credit hours
  • 2 foundational courses:
    • PA 309.2 / NSP 309: Introduction to National Security
    • NSP 331: National Security Institutions, Processes and Politics
  • 3 upper-division electives, chosen from an extensive list spanning Government, History, Asian Studies, European Studies, Middle Eastern Studies and more. A full list of pre-approved electives will be provided.
Open to

Undergraduates in any UT Austin college or school who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility criteria

Rising sophomore standing (by credit hours)

At least one completed semester at UT Austin

Minimum 3.0 GPA

Retroactive credit

Coursework you've already completed or are taking right now may count once you're admitted.

First admitted cohort

Spring 2027

Application deadline

Nov. 15, 2026, for Spring 2027 admission

Additional deadlines will be announced on a rolling basis each fall and spring.

Decision notified

Approximately two weeks after the application deadline (around Dec. 1, 2026, for the first cohort).

Admission basis

Competitive; based on academic merit, fit with the program and course/seat availability.