Overview

Why earn a doctorate degree in Defense and Strategic Studies from Missouri State University?

Study on your schedule

This program is perfect for the working professional. You can take courses fully online, in-person (Washington, D.C.) or a hybrid of both. Go to school full-time or part-time. Complete your degree from anywhere.

Achieve your career goals

The job market needs highly skilled and educated national security professionals. Work in government, defense, international affairs, diplomacy and other areas. Serve in a variety of policy and field positions.

Have a deeper focus

Your classes cover advanced topics like nuclear strategy, intelligence, security affairs and cyber warfare – among others. Dr. Keith Payne, a world-renowned strategist and defense analyst, teaches the capstone course, “Advanced Nuclear Strategy, Deterrence and Arms Control.”

Learn from the best

Your faculty and guest speakers are current/former national security experts. They know the field and have hands-on experience in the topics they teach.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Seminar on Nuclear Strategy and Arms Control
Seminar on International Security Affairs
Strategy and U.S. Defense Policy
Seminar on Congress, National Security, and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Seminar on International Terrorism and Security
Strategic Culture
Missile Defense, Proliferation and Contemporary Warfare
Emerging Strategic Challenges
Counterproliferation
Seminar on Instruments of State Power
Chemical and Biological Warfare: Global and Community Perspectives

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-24 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

30 or 66
Students who hold a master's degree in a related field can be admitted with advanced standing and may not be required to complete additional foundation courses.

Delivered

On Campus, Blended, Online

Campus Location

Springfield, United States

Disciplines

Terrorism & Security View 8 other PhDs in Terrorism & Security in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

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Other requirements

General requirements

Completion of the baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.
Cumulative GPA of 3.00 over the last 60 hours of academic work taken.
A personal philosophy statement that addresses the applicant's professional career goals and how the program will help accomplish these goals.
Two letters of recommendation from graduate faculty or professionals acquainted with the student's academic work or research and analytical skills.
A brief C.V.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16180 USD / year

≈ 16180 USD / year
Out-of-State

16180 USD / year

≈ 16180 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

4562 USD / year

≈ 4562 USD / year

Living costs

Springfield

United States

725 - 1020 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

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