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Master of Arts in Defense Policy

Grow Your Career in the Interests of National Defense

You know that insightful and influential policymakers at the highest levels of national defense remain vital to the protection of the United States and its citizens and to the diplomatic presence of the U.S. abroad. Prepare to take on advisory and supervisory roles with the Department of Defense and other government agencies, independent contractors, think tanks and organizations in the defense industry with the Norwich University online Master of Arts in Defense Policy program. Gain the research, analytical and communications skills to think and act decisively in critical, real-world defense scenarios from one of only a few master’s-level programs. 

Norwich is dedicated to your career success. Learn from expert faculty of retired military and defense personnel, as well as academic specialists. You will be able to easily balance school, work and military schedules with a flexible online learning platform.

If you are a military veteran, a professional seeking to advance your current career in non-combat military roles or a civilian working in the Department of Defense, the State Department or defense-related industries, a master’s in defense policy is a crucial next step to achieving your goals. Learn to evaluate significant trends in defense policy as it relates to human rights, international law, intelligence, kinetic operations, diplomacy, conflict management and interagency activities with coursework grounded in historical context. You will gain a graduate-level understanding of the current security environment, national and international defense policies, defense strategies and decision-making methodology.

Norwich’s Defense Policy Graduate Certificates:

Use your certificate towards a master's degree.

If you are considering exploring a graduate program, you can build the same valuable field expertise in six months with Norwich’s graduate-level certificates. To ensure your progress never goes to waste, the 12 graduate-level credits earned can be applied toward the Master of Arts in Defense Policy program, allowing you to take the next step in your academic journey on your terms.

Norwich’s defense policy certificate programs include:

Next Graduate Session Start Dates:

SUMMER: May 25, 2026

FALL: August 31, 2026

WINTER: November 23, 2026

Next Graduate Session Application Deadlines:

SUMMER: May 15, 2026

FALL: August 21, 2026

WINTER: November 13, 2026

Quick Info

100%

Online

Courses completed entirely online

24/7

Access

Access the online classroom anywhere, anytime

11.2k

Graduates

Over 11,000 previous online students

Alumni Testimonials

Hartley 2016 Computer Security & Information Assurance Major

In high school, Joshua Hartley defended attacks on the gridiron as an offensive lineman. At Norwich, the computer programming phenom studied network defense for malware, cyber attacks, and other malfeasance as a CSIA major.

Joshua Hartley

'16 Computer Security & Information Assurance

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

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Karl Weber headshot

During my clinical experience, I was able to immediately apply what I learned in the classroom while talking with patients about their mental health issues.

Karl Weber

'24 Master of Science in Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Read Story
andy anderson headshot

A master’s degree transformed me into an even more effective international military operations planner and provided a broader strategic perspective in future assignments with a focus on international security.

Andy B. Anderson

'19 Master of Arts in International Relations

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Jaivean Mensie headshot

My time at Norwich provided me with a new perspective on international relations, the country, and myself. I will cherish the memories, lessons, and achievements from being a Norwich student.

Jaivean M. Mensie

'25 Master of Arts in International Relations

Read Story
Hartley 2016 Computer Security & Information Assurance Major

Joshua Hartley

Matthew Hecht

Matthew Hecht

Karl Weber headshot

Karl Weber

andy anderson headshot

Andy B. Anderson

Jaivean Mensie headshot

Jaivean M. Mensie

Faculty & Staff

All Faculty & Staff

Admissions Details

At a Glance

No GRE/GMAT required 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: 1-888-409-1480   
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.

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.).

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.*
    • Duolingo - a minimum score of 110 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
ATTN: CGCS
158 Harmon Drive
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: 1-888-409-1480
Email: learn@norwich.edu

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: $599 - $698
Additional fees & military discounts may apply.


Financial Aid Resources
Paying for your Education

Program Requirements

Norwich's defense policy program is one of a few master's-level programs in the country and is designed to prepare students for advisory and leadership roles throughout the defense industry. Norwich’s online master’s courses are delivered over 11 weeks at a time, and the typical program completion time is 18 months.

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For full course listings, requirements, and registration information, head to the Norwich University Course Catalog.

Summer Immersion Courses – ​​​Berlin, Germany

Norwich Online is thrilled to announce that this summer 2026, we are holding two graduate-level courses with a one-week immersive in-person instruction in Berlin, Germany. These courses are available to current Norwich Online students

 

Hybrid Warfare

Throughout the course, participants will engage in an intensive, hands-on, cumulative exercise in which they will develop and test offensive and defensive hybrid campaign strategies, analyze information and influence operations, and apply structured frameworks for risk and escalation management. Topics include megatrends and concepts and theories of hybrid warfare, offensive and defensive toolkits, intelligence preparation, institutions and laws, mapping vulnerability, and the role of cyber and information operations in modern conflict.

Students enrolling in this course can take advantage of a unique opportunity to visit Norwich’s Berlin, Germany campus. While in Germany, participants will engage in a simulation exercise that applies hybrid warfare frameworks within a European context. This hands-on activity will help them hone their decision-making skills, enhance leadership abilities, and put into practice the knowledge gained throughout the course.

Following this exercise, students will participate in an after-action report to reflect on their performance in Berlin, including factors such as participation, leadership, decision-making, application of key principles, metacognitive awareness, and mastery of course objectives.  

This innovative hybrid course is dedicated to the critical study of Hybrid Warfare and its application within today’s complex security landscape. The dynamic program spans 11 weeks, featuring 10 weeks of engaging, instructor-led asynchronous online learning and a week of immersive in-person instruction in Berlin, Germany.

Participants will delve into the multifaceted nature of hybrid conflict, exploring it as both a dynamic and contested field of scholarship and a practical toolkit used by both state and non-state actors to achieve strategic objectives without crossing the line into open warfare. Rather than portraying hybrid warfare as a rigid doctrine, this course emphasizes the themes of ambiguity, competitive strategies, and informed decision-making.

The deadline for applying for the summer seminar is April 30, 2026. Accepted students may use this seminar as a capstone replacement or elective, depending on eligibility and approval from the Academic Director. There is also a $3500 fee to cover the cost of the Berlin experience.

Graduate programs with eligible students include:

View the Application

Global Strategic Leadership

In partnership with Helmut Schmidt University (HSU), this 11-week graduate seminar delves into strategic leadership in complex global environments and examines the growing threat of disinformation to global security.

Throughout the program, participants will enhance their skills in executive communication, decision-making under uncertainty, and cross-cultural leadership, all while gaining international academic experience. Plus, you will tackle real-world strategic issues related to global security and disinformation.

The program will conclude with an immersive, one-week in-person workshop in Berlin from July 28 to August 3. Here, you will join a dynamic German-American cohort, focusing on cross-cultural collaboration, virtual teamwork, systems thinking, and strategic leadership, all through the lens of national and international security. This is a unique chance to learn from global experts and build international relationships that will enhance your leadership skills.

Enrollment is limited to 10 Norwich students and 10 Helmut Schmit University (HSU) students. Graduate programs with eligible students include:

The deadline for applying for the summer seminar is April 30, 2026. Accepted students may use this seminar as a capstone replacement or elective, depending on eligibility and approval from the Academic Director. There is also a $3500 fee to cover the cost of the Berlin experience.

This is a unique opportunity to expand your global leadership abilities, gain hands-on experience in international security, and collaborate with peers from around the world.

View the Application