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Master of Arts in Strategic Studies

Strategize a Means to Peace

You know that in order for the United States to anticipate and influence future events, both domestic and international, it is necessary for its military personnel to approach tactical and strategic planning from a proactive rather than reactive point of view. Whether you are a current or former military servicemember, Norwich University’s online Master of Arts in Strategic Studies program will expand upon your educational and military experience to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake the evolving mission of the United States military, as well as to collaborate with agencies outside the Department of Defense on matters of national security. Explore the unique relationship between politics and national power, from the application of democracy to the threatened use of military action and beyond.

As the nation’s first military college, Norwich understands the challenges you face while serving your country. Under the tutelage of an experienced faculty of working experts, you can use our flexible online platform to complete coursework at your own pace while being deployed. 

You might be facing the pressure of tactical decision-making at the highest level of the United States military. Your degree from Norwich will allow you to synthesize the principles and objectives of the program and apply your theoretical and methodological skills to real-world affairs.

You, at Norwich

Learn from a faculty of active scholars with doctorate degrees.

Customize your studies based on your career goals and personal interests.

Develop essential skills relevant to not only careers in history but also in business, law, education, and government.

Improve your historical insight, research, writing, analysis and presentation skills.

Apply to one of four start dates per year.

Benefit from a university recognized as offering Best Value with respect to high academic quality and low net cost of attendance, according to the U.S. News & World Report.*

*Rankings are based on undergraduate programs and on students who recieved the average level of need-based financial aid.

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.).

Program & Details

At a Glance

  • No GRE/GMAT required
  • Current or prior military service
  • Undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher

 

 

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 12 semester credits for study conducted elsewhere. Norwich complies with VA regulations and guidelines as it pertains to transfer credits.
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 apart 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

 

  • A bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited U.S. institution, or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by a NACES approved agency. 
  • 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) is required.*
    • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.*
    • The applicant holds a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a college/university/institution in which the primary language of instruction was English.

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

Application Process

We encourage you to contact an admissions advisor (see below) if you need help at any stage of the application process. You will be required to submit the following items:

  • Application form
  • Official transcript of your undergraduate degree from a regionally or nationally accredited university, mailed to the address below.
  • Proof of English language proficiency if applicable (TOEFL)

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

This program is six courses (36 credits), each of which is 11 weeks in length. Students master one course at a time, with each course building on the next to create a strong foundation of knowledge and context for future topics.

The coursework will provide students with a broad exposure the relationship between politics and the various kinds of national power to better equip graduates with working collaboratively with agencies on matters of national security.

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

Online Master's

2024-25 Tuition and Fees

When applying for a graduate program at Norwich University, there are two essential factors to consider: what does it cost, and how can you pay for it? There are many ways to get financial assistance and several financial strategies that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. We are here to help you identify and pursue the options that are best for you.

Tuition at a Glance

  • Credit Hours: 36
  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $689; $550 (military; veteran; first responder) 

Financial Aid Resources

2024-25 Tuition and Fee Schedule

Master's Program

Rate Per Credit 2024-25Tuition Additional Expenses Total
$689; $550 (military; veteran; first responder) $3,300-$4,134 /term

Technology - $350/term
Library - $75/term
Graduation Application Fee - $150

$22,200-$27,204

Quick Info

100%

Online

Courses completed entirely online

15

Students

Maximum number of students per class

18

Months

Average time to program completion

Alumni Testimonials

Ethan Jensen headshot

By gaining my degree from Norwich, I was able to commission in the Air Force and become a pilot.

Ethan Jensen

'22 Master of Arts in Strategic Studies

Read Story
Pashayan Profile

I am constantly working on projects in the UAE, Africa, Asia, and the U.S. and was able to put my knowledge to work immediately, particularly in cross-cultural communication and negotiation styles.

Angela Pashayan

'14 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

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Brett Adams headshot

The interactive nature of the courses, which forced me to engage with other students, crushed my expectations and helped me see problems through lenses I generally would not have.

Brett Adams

'22 Master of Arts in Strategic Studies

Read Story
Rebecca Lloyd

Reading theory and case studies as I was living what I was reading while working for NATO and ISAF in Afghanistan was an amazing experience and kept me motivated on late night papers or group projects!

Rebecca Lloyd

'15 Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Read Story
Scott Moore headshot

I was able to apply the knowledge and experience gained from my strategic studies coursework to our actual mission set.

Scott Moore

'22 Master of Arts in Strategic Studies

Read Story
Ethan Jensen headshot

Ethan Jensen

Pashayan Profile

Angela Pashayan

Brett Adams headshot

Brett Adams

Rebecca Lloyd

Rebecca Lloyd

Scott Moore headshot

Scott Moore

Faculty & Staff

Careers & Outcomes

Meeting Change with Action

A world in turmoil demands decisive leadership. The need for skilled tacticians and strategic thinkers has never been greater, and the ability to back diplomacy with a standard of indisputable strength begets a tremendous opportunity for those with the vision to seize it. The Master of Arts in Strategic Studies program capitalizes upon Norwich University’s nearly 200-year tradition of grooming leaders in the military, public sector, and private industry. Students have the means to broaden their knowledge of global geopolitics, international diplomacy and military strategy—and thereby transform their careers. Whether they are looking to advance in their current line of work or transition to a new endeavor, the Master of Arts in Strategic Studies program is an essential building block for motivated individuals who seek to preempt change with innovation.

Graduates of the online Master of Arts in Strategic Studies program at Norwich University join a thriving network of highly motivated, successful and conscientious alumni who continue to shape the world in the image of Norwich’s sterling values. A master’s degree in Strategic Studies from Norwich University can open a number of doors, in relevant career paths with organizations including but not limited to:

  • U.S. Military
  • Department of Defense
  • Central Intelligence Agency
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • National Security Agency
  • State Department
  • Transportation Security Administration
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Government and private think tanks
  • Private security firms
  • Defense contractors