Academics / Concentrations

Security and Intelligence Studies

Tackle global security challenges.

Learn to analyze and develop strategies for mitigating threats to state and human security around the world. You’ll be prepared for careers in diplomacy, intelligence, defense and foreign policy strategy, and homeland security.

This concentration is only available for students enrolled in the Master of Public and International Affairs program.

Areas of Focus

  • National defense strategy
  • Diplomacy
  • Terrorism
  • Intelligence collection, analysis, and covert action
  • Regions like Russia, China, and the Middle East

Major Courses and Plans of Study

With the security and intelligence studies concentration, you will choose from a range of core courses tailored to you interests as well as taking a set of required degree courses.  A set of required degree courses are outlined in the MPIA plan of study for this concentration.

Faculty Experts

Work with faculty whose academic backgrounds, fieldwork, and research make them experts in security and and intelligence studies. 

Michael Kenney

Michael Kenney
Posvar Chair in International Security Studies, Director of the Ridgway Center, Professor

Kenney conducts research in the areas of terrorism and organized crime in countries around the world.

Julia Santucci

Julia Santucci
Senior Lecturer in Intelligence Studies, Director of the Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership and Frances Hesselbein Leadership Forum

Santucci brings extensive real-world experience in national security and foreign policy from her time working at the CIA and the State Department.

Melinda Haas

Melinda Haas 
Assistant Professor

An expert in law and international security, her current research focuses on how congressional regulation can have unintended effects on the types of covert action used in U.S. foreign policy.