The Rutgers–Camden National Security Studies Certificate Program (NSSCP) provides students an opportunity to develop their understanding of 21st century national security threats, including traditional great power competition between states, nuclear proliferation, global warming, pandemic disease, cyber security, humanitarian crises, the challenges posed by failed and failing states, among others. Courses counting towards the attainment of this certificate both emphasize and reflect the growing diversity of security challenges faced by the United States. Recognizing the longstanding tension between security and liberty, this program will also address the interaction of national security and civil liberties in times of emergency.

Who Should Apply to the NSSCP?

The NSSCP is open to any student of any major in the Rutgers system, click here for the application. The program is recommended for all students who are interested in learning more about policy and government in the broad field of U.S. National and Homeland Security.

What Are Some of the Professional Benefits of Enrolling in NSSCP?

Students who are interested in careers in the State, Defense and Homeland Security Departments, including the National Security Agency, CIA, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as in the Counter -Terrorism units of local police forces (or in law enforcement generally) will find this certificate an attractive—and in many cases, necessary—addition to their resumes.

What Are the Course Requirements for the NSSCP?

All students enrolled in the NSSCP must complete a total of five courses (15 credits) among those listed here to earn the certificate. The course requirements are as follows:

790:388-US National Security Policy
790:426-Civil Liberties in Times of Emergency
1 to 2 Courses on Regional Politics
1 to 2 Core Certificate Courses

What Are the Regional Politics Course Options?

790:305-Western European Politics
790:311-Latin American Politics
790:316-East Asian Politics
790:330 Comparative Politics of Eastern Europe
790:335-African Politics
790:336-Middle Eastern Politics
790:337-South & Southeast Asian Politics
790:339 Chinese Politics

What Are the Core Certificate Course Options?

790:320-Contemporary American Foreign Policy
790:333-The US Intelligence Community
790:350-Violence, Revolution & Terrorism
790:427-Energy Security Policy
790:429-Global Views of American Power
790:435-Counter Terrorism Strategies
202:319-Narcoterrorism (Criminal Justice)
202:320-National Security Risk Assessment and Analysis (Criminal Justice)

Where Will NSSCP Courses Be Offered?

While a number of classes will be offered off-campus, the vast majority of program course offerings will be based on the Camden campus.

Can I Apply Previously Taken Courses Towards Completion of the Certificate?

Any courses taken from the Spring 2013 semester forward may be applied towards completing the certificate.

Where Can I Go For Further Information?

For further information on the National Security Certificate Program, please contact the Department Chair of the Rutgers-Camden Political Science Department