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Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies

Gain a Comprehensive Approach to National Security

You know that global and domestic threats to the United States can take many forms and vary in their impact. Critical thinking skills, advanced problem-solving techniques and the ability to anticipate and plan for all hazards are crucial to your success. Norwich University’s online Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies program is designed to help you meet such challenges head-on. 

Your learning experience is backed by 200 years of developing leaders in the military, public sector, and private industry. Norwich’s faculty of seasoned experts will provide you with personalized support. With multiple start dates and a 100% online classroom, you can complete coursework when it fits your schedule.

Are you prepared to build upon your Combat Arms and Combat support education and experience in the military, intelligence or law enforcement communities? Your Norwich degree will sharpen your skills in research and analysis, decision-making, leadership and communication so you can move forward with your current job, forge a new career path or go on to earn your master’s degree in a related field of study.

You, at Norwich

Our approach to integrated curricula allows you to take courses in a wide range of subjects, as well as the opportunity to explore a specific topic of study in depth.

Transfer up to 90 semester credits and complete your degree in fewer than two years.

Several start dates per year offer you the ability to enroll when it fits your schedule.

Relevant electives, including Strategic Communications or Business and Professional Writing.

Accreditation & Recognition

NECHE Accredited

 Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

 

 

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Program & Details

At a Glance

  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • Multiple start dates per year

 

 

Contact Admissions

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT    
Extended hours available by appointment

Call: 1-866-684-7237    
learn@norwich.edu

Transfer Credits


You may receive the equivalent of up to 90 semester credits for training and prior learning that meet specific course requirements in the program.
Learn more »

International Admissions


Norwich University welcomes students from all countries who want to study through our online programs. You must complete all steps in the admissions process.
International Admissions »

Norwich Alumni Benefits


Reconnect with Norwich to complete your master's degree. As a part of our alumni community, you are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship and other benefits.
Connect with our advisors »

Non-Discrimination Statement

Norwich University, in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Meet one of the following criteria:
    • Prior college courses, completed with a grade of C or better, from regionally or nationally accredited institutions of higher learning, or the equivalent from a foreign institution, as evaluated by a NACES approved agency.
    • ACE-reviewed military or professional training for which college credits are recommended.*
    • Other military or professional training reviewed by Norwich University for which college credit has been assessed, or is stipulated in a MOU.
    • Credit recommended based on scores on standardized tests such as CLEP.
    • High school diploma or equivalent GED.
  • If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
    • TOEFL - a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test) on the TOEFL is required unless otherwise noted in specific articulation agreements.**
    • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.**
    • Successful completion of an associate’s degree from an accredited U.S. higher education institution.

*Prospective students who have completed military or professional training that has not been ACE reviewed may petition to Chair of Continuing Studies to have their training reviewed and assessed for transfer credit.

Please Note: All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

SPECIAL NOTE TO NORWICH UNIVERSITY RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS:

  • If you are a residential undergraduate student at Norwich University, you may enroll in CGCS courses only with written permission of the Dean of the College of Graduate of Continuing Studies, your undergraduate advisor, and your major undergraduate department chair and/or dean via the petition to enroll at CGCS form on the registrar's webpage.

Admissions Process

To apply, you must submit the following no less than four weeks prior to your desired start date:

  • Application form
  • Resume is required if applying for transfer credit.
  • Official military training transcripts (Joint Services Transcript/CCAF), sent to the address below.
  • Official transcripts of all courses taken at regionally accredited colleges, sent to the address below.
  • If entering with no military or college credit, applicants must show proof of high school completion via diploma or GED.

Transcript Links

Mail transcripts to:
Norwich University
College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
P.O. Box 367
Northfield, VT 05663

For electronic delivery, we accept transcripts delivered from Parchment, National Clearing House, and other services if sent to cgcsamt@norwich.edu via password protection.

To contact an admissions advisor:

Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu

The program strikes a balance between core courses and electives, encouraging you to sharpen your skills in research and analysis, decision making, leadership and communication. Whether you are looking to advance in your current career, or planning to transition to another role entirely, Norwich’s flexible virtual classroom allows you to focus on issues of national security and intelligence that are most relevant to the United States. For a Norwich bachelor's degree, you must earn at least 120 semester credits, including transfer credits.

To view additional program details such as course offerings, requirements, and curriculum maps for the National Security Studies program, visit the Norwich University Course Catalog using this link.

Major

2024-25 Tuition and Fees

Norwich University Online's Bachelor's programs are an investment in your future that we can help you manage from a financial perspective. There are many ways to get financial assistance and many strategies that can help you achieve your goals. Whatever your individual situation, we can guide you through the financial planning process.

Tuition at a Glance

  • Credit Hours: 30-120
  • Credits per Term: 3-12
  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $375; $250 (active military) 

Financial Aid Resources

2024-25 Tuition and Fee Schedule

Bachelor's Program

Rate Per Credit 2024-25Tuition Additional Expenses Total
$375; $250 (Military; Veteran; and Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve spouses) $750-$4,500 /term

Technology - $300/term
Library - $75/term
Graduation Application Fee - $150

$30,000 - $45,000

Quick Info

100%

Online

Courses completed entirely online

90

Credits

Transfer up to 90 credits

18

Months

Average time to program completion

Alumni Testimonials

Ryan Leonard

Every advisor, teacher, and counselor throughout my degree completion was heavily invested in helping me succeed in the classes and helping me to craft and refine the skills [needed] for a career in national security.

Ryan Leonard

'21 Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies

Read Story
Tim Strong

Where Norwich says to excel, you do excel. Not only was I challenged, but I also achieved a level of comprehension and academic understanding that over my 40 years of government service, I thought I would never meet.

Tim Strong

'19 Master of Arts in Strategic Studies

Read Story
Benjamin Bragdon headshot

I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing young men and women over the course of my enrollment – often those individuals I doubt I would have had the opportunity to work in other settings.

Benjamin Bragdon

'18 Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Read Story
Matthew Hecht

This program exposed me to a broad perspective and made me think outside my small box.

Matthew Hecht

'22 Master of Science in Leadership

Read Story
Mai Nguyen Khac headshot

During the length of my fifth class, I got the promotion to move from the operation side to the corporate side and have the opportunity to achieve my dream job.

Mai Nguyen Khac

'18 Master of Business Administration

Read Story
Ryan Leonard

Ryan Leonard

Tim Strong

Tim Strong

Benjamin Bragdon headshot

Benjamin Bragdon

Matthew Hecht

Matthew Hecht

Mai Nguyen Khac headshot

Mai Nguyen Khac

Faculty & Staff

Join professionals from around the globe and learn from experienced faculty as you complete your degree and open up new professional and personal possibilities for yourself.

Careers & Outcomes

Program Rooted in a Legacy of Military and Public Service

An increasingly complex geopolitical landscape demands competent leaders with the critical thinking skills and tact to make difficult decisions for the greater good. The Bachelor of Science in National Security Studies program is backed by Norwich’s near 200-year history of developing leaders in the military, public sector, and private industry.

Norwich’s online national security studies program is ideal for those who wish to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the global and national security issues affecting the United States—as well as develop the skills necessary to combat any and all threats to the nation. The program can assist you in moving forward with your current job, forging a new career path, or going on to earn your master’s degree in a related field of study.

Example career paths for graduates:

  • Linguist/Foreign Language Expert
  • National Security Analyst
  • Cyber Security Specialist
  • Business Intelligence Analyst
  • Political Scientist
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Police Detective
  • Logistics Specialist
  • Intelligence Officer
  • Cryptologist
  • Security Officer
  • Immigration and Customs Agent
  • Infrastructure Analyst