Established in January 2016, the Center for National Security Studies is one of the premier national security programs in the country. The CNSS employs a multi-disciplinary academic approach to examine both the theoretical and practical aspects of national security policy and practice, with areas of focus in intelligence, emerging technology, cybersecurity, and homeland security. The CNSS offers students cutting-edge courses and degree programs, leadership and scholarship opportunities, assistance with jobs and internships, engaged learning, and mentoring.
The Intermountain Intelligence, Industry, and Security Consortium (I3SC) offers a robust suite of academic programs through its co-leading institutions, the Center for National Security Studies (CNSS) and Utah State University’s Center for Anticipatory Intelligence (CAI). These programs are designed to provide students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in areas critical to national security, intelligence, and industry. Through interdisciplinary coursework, research opportunities, and experiential learning, students are equipped to tackle complex global challenges and advance in their careers with a unique blend of theoretical and practical expertise.
The BA/BS in National Security Studies (NSS) will provide an interdisciplinary program
that prepares students for public and private sector national security careers through
acquisition of subject matter expertise and analytical skills.
National Security Studies, B.A.
National Security Studies, B.S.
The Minor in National Security Studies provides an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for public and private sector national security careers through acquisition of subject matter expertise and analytical skills.
The NSS Center has several short certificates and diplomas available in different specializations for students looking for advanced skills leading to direct employment in different careers. These certificates can stack into an associate degree.
18 Credits to Graduate
The NSS certificate of proficiency is aimed at students with a baccalaureate degree who are looking to re-tool or specialize in national security in order to enter or advance in a national security career. The certificate will provide an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for and allows existing professionals to advance in public and private sector national security careers.
21 Credits to Graduate
The National Security and Geospatial Intelligence (NSGI) certificate of proficiency provides an interdisciplinary platform that prepares students for, and allows existing professionals, to advance in public and private sector national security careers through acquisition of subject matter expertise and geospatial analytical skills.
18 Credits to Graduate
The Associate of Science in Computer Science is a transfer degree used when a student is contemplating changing schools and includes all general education courses.
18 Credits to Graduate
The Certificate of Proficiency in Intelligence is aimed at students pursuing a baccalaureate degree, as well as existing professionals, who are seeking to advance their career opportunities with a specialization in intelligence.
UVU’s Center for National Security Studies set me up for success in more ways than I can count. This program provided me with real-world experience in addition to a highly competitive and marketable academic core. On top of that, the Center’s faculty and staff provided top-notch practitioner experience and fostered relationships that I am able to retain as I begin my career in Washington, D.C.
The Center of National Security Studies changed my life. This program provided my college experience with a sense of belonging and boosted my real world readiness by its academics and extra curriculum opportunities. I am now a better professional because of the mentors and friends made here.
As a recent graduate, my experience was the best I could have imagined. I had the opportunity to learn from the most experienced professionals and professors, which enabled me to graduate with a job offer in my field of study.
Student development and success is at the core of everything we do at the Center for National Security Studies. From our coursework to our events to our labs and student organizations, we prioritize our students at every step of our operation and provide a variety of opportunities for our students to network, develop professional skills, and gain critical insight needed to succeed in the professional workforce.
Our results speak for themselves. Within six months of their graduation, over 48% of our alumni report receiving job offers from federal and state agencies, and over 29% report receiving job offers from private-sector companies. In total, over 90% of our graduates are working in full-time employment or attending graduate programs within six months of their graduation*. *According to 2023 Alumni data
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The Center for National Security Studies (CNSS) features faculty and staff who have both strong academic backgrounds and professional experience in the field of national security. Our team includes practitioners from federal, state, and local entities, as well as the private sector. CNSS faculty and staff have expertise in national security fields such as intelligence, law and policy, defense, diplomacy, advanced technology, law enforcement, politics, and public safety. They bring years of work experience from agencies such as the FBI, DIA, CIA, Pentagon, State Department, SIAC, Utah Department of Public Safety, the U.S. military, as well as private sector tech and security companies.
Our dedicated team collaborates with industry partners to design a curriculum that emphasizes professional experience, providing students with a practical learning environment and the skills demanded by national security and industry employers, ultimately equipping them with the necessary experiences and confidence to enter and succeed in a competitive job market.
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