AU to launch new PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy
“The PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy is the first of its kind in the world and fills a gap in the educational market and within the defense industry."
Starting in fall 2025, Augusta University's groundbreaking PhD program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to tackle the most pressing challenges in national security. Our synchronous online curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of intelligence, defense, and cybersecurity policy, preparing you for a rewarding career in government, the military, or the private sector.
As a student in our program, you'll delve into critical areas such as combatting propaganda, cyberwarfare, influence operations, great power competition, and public health intelligence. Our faculty, comprised of leading experts in the field, will guide you through a rigorous academic journey, providing you with the tools to analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions.
By choosing Augusta University's Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, you'll benefit from a robust core curriculum that includes essential courses in research methods, intelligence studies, cybersecurity policy, and security studies. Additionally, you'll gain valuable hands-on experience through coursework that explores US policy documents, military doctrine, and cutting-edge academic research.
Intelligence, Defense, & Cybersecurity Policy is for you if you consider yourself
A Calling
like no
other.
Want to learn more about the Intelligence, Defense, & Cybersecurity Policy program at Augusta University?
Request InfoWhat You'll Study
Our synchronous online curriculum offers extensive core work (with required credit hours in research methods, intelligence studies, cybersecurity policy, and security studies), that will equip students with a strong, broad-based understanding of security studies, especially as it pertains to the national security of the United States and its position in the international arena. Each course will expose students to US policy documents, military doctrine, and academic literature pertinent to the course of study.
In total, students must complete 84 hours, including 8 required courses (24 hours), 10 electives (30 hours), integrated research (6 hours), and 8 required dissertation courses, including prospectus and defense hours in addition to typical research hours for dissertation purposes (24 hours). Five of the elective courses must be in the chosen focus area, but the other five may be from any area. Eligible students may receive up to 30 transfer credit hours if they have obtained a relevant master’s degree before beginning the PhD Program.
Admissions Criteria | Tuition and Fees | Application Deadlines
EXPLORE. EXCEL. EXPAND.
Augusta University's graduate programs are among the best in the nation – and the world – and our graduate students are our most valuable assets. To ensure that our students earn more than a degree, the Graduate School offers a range of opportunities so they can develop the leadership, communication and personal skills needed for a rewarding life and academic, research or professional career.
See what the Graduate School has to offer »
About the Graduate SchoolExperience-based Education
Our PhD program in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy offers a wealth of experiences outside the classroom designed to enhance your academic journey and professional development.
Collaborate with our renowned faculty on groundbreaking research projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience and contributing to the field of security studies.
Connect with leading figures in the federal government, the Intelligence Community, the military, and industry through guest lectures, conferences, and networking events.
Work alongside students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich and stimulating learning environment.
Augusta University is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Our professors have robust experience working for top intelligence and security organizations, offering an unmatched level of first-hand understanding.
Our program is tailored to facilitate intelligence career growth, focusing on skills for high-level reporting, briefing and strategic analysis
Thanks to its proximity to and relationships with military bases, our military-friendly program connects military peers, instructors and community partners for a world-class, rigorous learning experience.
Your Future
The PhD in Intelligence and Security Studies prepares students for careers within military intelligence, industry security and academia. Potential careers include:
GPA: Overall GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale at the Baccalaureate level calculated on all undergraduate work OR an overall GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 scale at the graduate level calculated on all graduate work attempted in a related field.
Degree Requirement: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. Students with an eligible Master’s may be able to have 30 hours of the Master’s apply to the PhD coursework, essentially bypassing the first year of core/requirements.
Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from all universities and colleges ever attended. Unofficial transcripts from US colleges and universities can be used in the admissions review process in lieu of official transcripts for this program.
Standardized Test Requirements: None are required for this program.
Letters of Recommendation: Recommendations from three individuals are required. Only recommendations submitted through the online application portal will be accepted.
Writing Sample: Applicants must submit a response to the prompt, "Why do you think you are a good fit for a PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy and what are your Career objectives? What will you bring to the program?" Writing sample must be submitted within the application status portal after the application is submitted.
International Students: Please review the verification process for international transcripts and the english proficiency requirement.
Note: Augusta University cannot issue the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Form I-20 for F-1 student status or Form DS-2019 for J-1 Exchange Visitor Status for enrollment in this program per U.S. immigration regulations. Questions? Please email International & Postdoctoral Services Office at ipso@augusta.edu.
$5,700*
Estimated total
Full-time / In-State / Per Semester
$475
Tuition Per Hour
$675
Mandatory Fees
View Detailed Program Tuition
*Tuition & Fees listed here are for in-state students enrolling in the university for Fall 2024 semester.
Detailed Program Tuition InformationEarly submission of all application materials is strongly advised.
All required application materials and documents must be received in order for an application to be considered complete and before an admission decision can be made. The program does not accept applications after the published application deadline, however the program will continue to accept application materials up to 2 weeks after the application deadline.
Learning Like No Other
Augusta University’s relationships with the Georgia Cyber Center, the U.S. Army Cyber Center for Excellence and other military and civilian enterprises built around intelligence and security provide excellent networking opportunities that can have a positive impact on your career choices.
Work with internationally renowned faculty with stellar research portfolios in security studies; learn from them and have the opportunity to publish with them.
The PhD is truly innovative, and is the first-of-its-kind globally, bridging the gap between intelligence studies, national defense, and cybersecurity.
“The PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy is the first of its kind in the world and fills a gap in the educational market and within the defense industry."
‘Don’t be afraid to try different things. Don’t be afraid to fail. Keep looking for opportunities,’” said Lt. Col. Joseph Huitt.
“We have always been intentional with what programs we add to our portfolio, and MAISS and the MPA program were the next two logical choices for us,” said Marc Austin, PhD.
Craig Albert, PhD, said it appears victory does not seem likely for either side, and he expects it to form into a “frozen conflict.”