By In Homeland Security Staff
Story highlights:
- Leading educator for national security and intelligence professionals recently announced two highly-anticipated doctoral programs
- First-ever doctoral programs for American Military University and American Public University, which are part of the accredited, American Public University System
- Application period begins July 1, 2017, and the inaugural class of cohorts begins in January 2018, with additional cohorts to be added throughout the year
- The new programs answer strong demand from university alumni, students, industry advisory councils, and employers for doctorate-level curriculum
- Online information session for applicants will take place July 11, 2017, or can visit their doctoral information page for more information
On July 1, 2017, American Public University System will begin accepting applications for enrollment in the University’s first-ever applied doctoral programs – a Doctor of Global Security (DGS) and a Doctor of Strategic Intelligence (DSI) offered by the School of Security and Global Studies. The development of the research-based programs within the school’s flagship programs is the result of recent industry surveys and student and alumni requests for continuing their studies at the highest level in a specialized and growing sector.
“We are looking for pioneers to be a part of our first cohorts for these two emerging, and co-evolving programs,” said Provost, Dr. Vernon Smith. “At the university we are committed to meeting the strong demand for relevant and respected doctoral-level education for the career professionals who are committed to leading the mission to protecting and serving the U.S. interests globally and at the highest level in government and private industry,” said Program Director of International Relations, Dr. Kate Brannum.
Global Security and Strategic Intelligence Doctoral Degrees
The applied doctoral degrees in global security and intelligence studies are the only programs of their kind taught online by an accredited university and backed by decades of experience led by a highly credentialed faculty working in the field.
Applied doctoral degrees, also called professional doctorates, are common in disciplines such as law (JD), medicine (MD) and education (EdD). The key difference between the doctoral degree and the Ph.D. is the type of research conducted.
The applied doctoral degrees are designed to equip students with the professional skills and research-based acumen to perform as top-level executives in the global security and intelligence domains.
Cohort classes of 30 students or fewer begin in January 2018. Students will take all first-year courses together until year two when they will chooses their electives.
In addition to the January class, students will have the opportunity to enroll in future cohort classes beginning in May and September 2018.
Doctoral Degrees: Applicant Qualifications
The programs are open to professionals who hold a master’s degree in a related field, three to five years of professional practice in global security or who expect master’s degree conferral by September 2017.
Related fields for acceptance into the doctoral programs include:
- International/Global Studies
- International Relations and Affairs
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Homeland Security
- Military Studies
- Cybersecurity
- Resource Management
- Global Business and Management
Other master’s degrees and doctoral experience may be considered as well.
Students can continue working in their field during the program but the curriculum workload is considered full time. Student should plan to spend at least 15 to 20 hours a week on their studies. Completion of the program requires eight terms plus a dissertation.
Required residencies in year one and three will be held in the Washington, D.C., metro area with class cohorts. Year one residency establishes program expectations and builds rapport with fellow students and doctoral faculty and staff. Year three residency focuses on dissertation preparation.
Students in year two will need to be excused from their professional work responsibilities to attend the required three- to 10-day residency with their cohort. Global Security students’ residency will be an international experience. Room, board and travel are provided. Strategic Intelligence students will present at an academic conference of their choice and will be responsible for all costs.
The applied doctoral degrees are designed to equip students with professional skills and research-based acumen for performing at a senior executive level within the professional world of global security and intelligence. Among the acquired skills, students will:
- Learn to defend their research, positions and judgments as they relate to issues, concepts, theory and proactive of global security discipline in a professional/academic setting
- Analyze the academic and professional practice of global security
- Design an applied research proposal on a global security-related topic
- Contribute to the body of knowledge in the global security discipline by producing unique research projects
- Articulate complex issues and challenges related to the global security discipline
- Demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language
Interested students can register for more information in mid-July. You can register for the webinar on July 11 from 2 to 3 p.m to learn more about the doctoral programs and what the process entails.
[Register for the July 11th virtual information session.]
The deadline for applying for the January 2018 cohort is September 1, 2017. Successful applicants will be notified in early Fall 2017. For those unable to begin classes in January, applications for the May cohort will be due February 1, 2018.
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