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Master of Arts in Strategic Studies

Strategize a Means to Peace

The world doesn't wait. Conflicts evolve, alliances shift, and the decisions made in boardrooms, command centers, and diplomatic halls ripple across nations. A Master of Arts in Strategic Studies prepares you to understand those decisions, and to make them.

This program goes beyond theory. You'll develop the analytical frameworks, historical grounding, and policy fluency needed to assess complex security environments and craft strategies that hold up under real-world pressure. Whether you're advancing within the military, moving into government service, or shaping policy at a think tank or international organization, this degree equips you to lead at the intersection of power, conflict, and diplomacy.

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.

At Norwich University, the birthplace of ROTC and the nation's oldest private military college, strategic thinking isn't just an academic exercise. It's a tradition.

Program Cost and Information Alumni Testimonials Career Outcomes

Next Graduate Session Start Dates:

FALL: August 31, 2026

WINTER: November 23, 2026

SPRING: February 22, 2027

Next Graduate Session Application Deadlines:

FALL: August 21, 2026

WINTER: November 13, 2026

SPRING: February 12, 2027

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

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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

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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

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student Scott Moore

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

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Ethan Jensen headshot

Ethan Jensen

Pashayan Profile

Angela Pashayan

Brett Adams headshot

Brett Adams

Rebecca Lloyd

Rebecca Lloyd

student Scott Moore

Scott Moore

Faculty & Staff

All Faculty & Staff

Career Outcomes:

Strategy isn't academic, it's a decision made under pressure with lasting consequences. The professionals who make those decisions well are among the most sought-after in government, defense, and national security. A Norwich Master of Arts in Strategic Studies prepares you to be one of them. See where a Norwich MASS can take you. 

  • Operations Research Analyst

    Applies analytical and quantitative methods to help military commanders and defense organizations solve complex strategic problems, from force structure planning and logistics optimization to threat modeling and resource allocation. The Department of Defense is among the largest employers of operations research analysts. It offers a strong advancement pathway for officers moving into joint staff and strategic planning roles. Median Salary: $91,290

    Operations Research Analyst Careers
  • Intelligence Analyst

    Gathers and evaluates information from surveillance networks, intelligence systems, and open-source data to assess threats and inform strategic decisions across government, defense, and law enforcement agencies. A direct career path for Master of Arts in Strategic Studies graduates entering the national security and defense sectors. Median Salary: $101,190

    Intelligence Analyst Careers
  • Military Officer

    For active-duty personnel, a Master of Arts in Strategic Studies provides the strategic and analytical foundation needed to advance into senior command, joint staff, and advisory roles, positions where policy, strategy, and leadership intersect. BLS does not publish a standalone civilian median for this track, as compensation follows military pay grade structures. Check pay table by clicking Military Officer Careers below.

    Military Officer Careers

Admissions 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: 1-888-409-1480   
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.*
    • 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: $550 - $698
Additional fees & military discounts may apply.


Financial Aid Resources
Paying for your Education

Get a head start on your master's while completing your bachelor's. Norwich offers two pathways for accelerating your master's: Concurrent and Sequential. Explore your options and find what works best for you. 

Concurrent: More strenuous pathway, with a more direct path to your master's, earning 12 graduate-level credits with up to six credits counting towards your bachelor's as well. To be eligible, students must submit a request to enroll, which requires approval from both their undergraduate program and the graduate program.

Sequential: Less course load, less credits, no application required. Take up to six graduate-level credits that apply to your bachelor's degree for a seamless transition into your master's with the Norwich plus pathway: Course code NT510, Strategy and Policy
 

Accelerated Master's

Program Requirements

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.

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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