Curriculum: Joint BA/MA in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies
Our Joint BA/MA in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies is a six-semester, 150-credit program.
Start Dates | Credits | Thesis | Language Competency | Program Chair |
---|---|---|---|---|
August or January | 150 | Optional | Required | Jeff Knopf |
Requirements
Transfer credits (60 credits)
- Applied Social Science Research Methods (2 or 4 credits)
- International Security Research and Analysis (2 credits)
- Introduction to Policy and Data Analysis (4 credits)
- Global Politics (4 credits)
- Introduction to WMD Nonproliferation (4 credits)
- Introduction to Terrorism Studies (4 credits)
- Science and Technology for NPTS (4 credits)
- Economics (8 credits) sample courses:
- International Trade: Theory and Practice
- Development Economics
- Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
Methods/Skills Courses (4 or 6 credits) sample courses
- Writing and Briefing Memos
- Tabletop Exercise Design and Operation
- Geospatial Tools for NPTS
NPTS Seminars (8 credits) and NPTS Courses (8 credits) sample courses
- Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Terrorism
- Cybersecurity Governance
- Global Jihadism
- Proliferation and Intelligence
- Counterterrorism
- Deterring and Influencing Terrorism and WMD
- Drones and Surveillance
- South Asia and WMD
Language (12 credits) sample courses
- Topics in Security and International Relations (in Arabic)
- Citizenship, Security, and Development in Latin America (in Spanish)
- Challenges in Peacebuilding—Congo (in French)
- Vladimir Putin: Russia and Its President (in Russian)
- Japan in the World (in Japanese)
Intercultural Competence (4 credits)
- Intercultural Group Dynamics
- Multilingual Communication in Multicultural Setting
Policy and Management Electives (8 credits) sample courses
- International Migration, Security, and Human Rights
- Globalization and Development
Electives (18 credits) sample courses
- Nonproliferation Treaty Simulation
- Terrorism and Media in the Middle East
- Evolution of Chinese Nuclear Policy
- Cybersecurity Aspects of Nuclear Security
- Terrorism in Southeast Asia
- Introduction to Network Analysis
- Financial Investigation and Compliance
Transfer Credits
Visit the How to Apply: Transfer Credits section for details.
Core Course Work
Background Courses
Introduce students to world politics and the global economy as a way to provide a broader context for understanding terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Also give students practical training in research methods and related skills.
Introductory Courses
Courses introducing the fields of nonproliferation and terrorism studies, including training to give students the competence to understand the technical side of these issues.
NPTS Courses and Seminars
Advanced courses, seminars, and/or workshops that allow for deeper knowledge about a key region, policy tool, or other aspect of WMD proliferation or terrorism.
Electives
Electives—chosen in consultation with your career and academic advisor—build on expertise that can benefit your career. Elective credits can be used to take regular courses, seminar and workshops. This is also an opportunity to take classes in other Institute degree programs.
Language
Courses taught in your combine language skills development with topics related to your NPTS degree work and professional interests.
Intercultural Competence
Our intercultural competence offerings provide the cross-cultural communication skills needed to pursue global careers.
Professional Internship Option
An internship is not required, but for students who wish to do an internship during their studies, the Institute can assist with securing an internship, including the possibility of intern positions in government agencies, international organizations, and think tanks. You may also receive academic credit for your internship. Check out where our students recently interned.
Thesis Option
The NPTS honors thesis is a highly selective program. Students are challenged to design and conduct an independent research project of professional scope and quality under the guidance of a thesis advisor. A limited number of students are selected to participate in the honors thesis program each academic year. Students present their findings to a panel of faculty, students, and the public.
Additional Program Options
Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program
Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) are encouraged to apply for the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program.
Options for Peace Corps Service
Interested students can integrate Peace Corps service into their degree.
Sample Course Schedule
Fall Start, Full Time, Six Semesters
Fall 1 | 14 or 15 Credits |
---|---|
International Security Research and Analysis OR Intro to Policy and Data Analysis | 2 or 3 |
Economics Course | 4 |
Advanced Language | 4 |
Global Politics | 4 |
Spring 1 | 16 Credits |
Economics Course | 4 |
Methods/Skills Course(s) | 4 |
Advanced Language | 4 |
Intro to WMD Nonproliferation OR Intro to Terrorism Studies | 4 |
Fall 2 | 16 Credits |
Intro to WMD Nonproliferation OR Intro to Terrorism Studies | 4 |
Science and Technology for NPTS | 4 |
Nonproliferation and/or Terrorism Studies Advanced Courses and/or Workshops |
4 |
Advanced Language | 4 |
Spring 2 | 15 or 16 Credits |
Methods/Skills Course | 1 or 2 |
Nonproliferation and/or Terrorism Studies Advanced Courses and/or Workshops | 4 |
Nonproliferation and/or Terrorism Studies Seminar | 4 |
Additional Credits of Courses, Seminars, and/or Workshops in Non-NPTS Programs | 4 |
Intercultural Competence Course | 2 |
Fall 3 | 14 Credits |
Additional Credits of Courses, Seminars, and/or Workshops in Non-NPTS Programs | 4 |
Free Electives | 10 |
Spring 3 | 14 Credits |
Nonproliferation and/or Terrorism Studies Seminar | 4 |
Free Electives | 8 |
Intercultural Competence Course | 2 |
TOTAL | 90 |