University of San Diego

What you'll study

The programme blends core international relations theory and comparative politics with specialised study of national security, strategy and intelligence. You will take foundational courses in international relations theory, global political economy, international law and research methods, alongside courses that examine terrorism and counterterrorism, military strategy, intelligence analysis, homeland security, cyber policy and regional security studies.

• Core modules: introduction to international relations, research design and qualitative/quantitative methods, international institutions and law.
• Security-focused modules: national security policy, intelligence and information analysis, strategy and military affairs, homeland and border security, cyber security policy.
• Regional and topical studies: security issues in the Asia-Pacific, Latin American politics, Middle East security, transnational threats, human security and humanitarian intervention.
• Skills and experiential learning: policy writing, open-source intelligence techniques, negotiation and conflict resolution workshops, and a capstone seminar or senior thesis.
• Opportunities: internships with government agencies, military and defence organisations, think tanks, NGOs and international organisations; study abroad options; and collaborative research with faculty.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on a holistic review of academic achievement, extracurricular involvement and personal qualities. Typical requirements include a strong secondary-school record and coursework in social studies, history and foreign languages. For applicants from the U.S., competitive candidates usually present a solid GPA and coursework that demonstrates academic rigour. International applicants must provide an equivalent secondary credential and evidence of English proficiency unless exempt.

• Required materials usually include transcripts, a personal statement or essay, and letters of recommendation.
• Standardised tests (such as the SAT or ACT) may be optional or considered when submitted; check the university’s admissions guidance for current policy.
• Transfer applicants should present college transcripts and a record of success in college-level coursework; relevant community-college coursework and prior internships strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates are well positioned for roles across the public, private and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include diplomacy and foreign service, defence and military careers, intelligence and homeland security, policy analysis and public policy, international development and humanitarian work, and roles in cybersecurity policy and risk management. Many alumni also pursue further study in law, public policy, international affairs or security studies.

• Typical entry-level roles: policy analyst, foreign service officer, intelligence analyst, legislative staffer, programme officer at NGOs, security analyst in the private sector.
• Employers: government departments, defence and intelligence agencies, international organisations, think tanks, consultancies, and multinational corporations with global security needs.
• Career support: internship placement assistance, career counselling, alumni networks and on-campus recruiting help graduates move into public service, defence-related employment and graduate programmes.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and faculty who combine academic expertise with practical experience in international affairs and security. Its location in a major Pacific port city provides direct access to government, defence and nonprofit organisations for internships and applied learning. The curriculum emphasises interdisciplinary study, hands-on skills such as policy writing and analysis, and opportunities for research, fieldwork and study abroad.

• Faculty engagement: mentors who publish on security and international politics and who supervise independent research projects.
• Practical advantages: proximity to military installations and regional policy organisations that expand internship and networking opportunities.
• Pathways to further study and professional advancement: partnerships and advising that help students transition to graduate programmes or careers in government, international organisations and the private sector.