Program Overview
This program is an 84-credit-hour degree that focuses on enhancing practical, theoretical, doctrinal, and policy concerning the United States national security apparatus. The coursework is state-of-the-art and is designed to help the intelligence community seek new paths forward in areas such as combatting propaganda, cyberwar and cyberterrorism, influence and social media operations, great power competition, medical intelligence, and traditional coursework in security and national defense strategy and policy. Our curriculum offers extensive core work equipping 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. Courses expose students to U.S. policy documents, military doctrine, and academic literature pertinent to the course of study. Students take two comprehensive exams. All students take a mandatory exam in Security Studies, then students take a comprehensive exam focused on their selected are of focus, choosing from either: Intelligence Studies, National Defense Studies, or Cybersecurity Policy. Eligible students may receive up to 30 credit hours if they have obtained a relevant master’s degree before applying to the PhD Program. This will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the program director using the institution’s transfer equivalency hours policy. Conversely, students are awarded their master’s degree (if they have none) after completion of 36 hours of coursework. There is no thesis or capstone requirement for the awarding of a master’s degree.
augusta.edu/programs/intelligence-defense-cybersecurity-policy-phd
Program Contact
Dr. Craig Douglas Albert, Program Director
706-737-1710
calbert@augusta.edu
Admissions Information
- An undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA or a master’s degree in a related field with a minimum 3.25 GPA
- Students with an eligible master’s degree can apply 30 hours toward the PhD coursework, essentially bypassing the first year of core/requirements
- Students with only a bachelor’s degree are expected to complete all 84 hours within the program
- No GRE required
- Three letters of recommendation (academic and military letters are allowed)
- Writing sample
Within your application, using an essay format, you will be prompted to discuss and elaborate in detail on the following questions: 1) Why do you think you are a good fit for a PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy 2) What are your Career objectives and how will this PhD help obtain them? 3) What skills and tools will you bring to the program in terms of the type of research you want to contribute to the field, and/or what type of practical experience do you bring that would benefit the program and discipline overall? (500 word limit)
For more information on admissions requirements, visit the Office of Admissions website.
In addition to standard graduate admissions requirements, applicants to this program must meet certain conditions. Because this program’s courses are aligned with U.S. national security objectives and doctrines, applicants to the PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy program must be eligible for and have a reasonable expectation of receiving U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance to be admitted to the program. Applicants need not possess or apply for DoD security clearance prior to being admitted to the program but must be able to demonstrate that they meet the requirements to receive such a clearance.
DoD requirements to receive security clearance include the following:
- United States Citizenship
- Demonstrated loyalty to the United States
- Demonstration of good character and conduct
- Passing a background check
- Completing a Personal Security Questionnaire (SF-86)
- Undergoing Fingerprinting
Factors that can impact your ability to gain DoD security clearance include, but are not limited to:
- Criminal conduct
- Drug involvement
- Financial considerations
- Use of information technology systems
- Foreign influence
- Alcohol consumption
- Psychological conditions and personal behavior
- Handling protected information
- Dishonorably discharged from the military
- Illegal drug use
- Revocation of prior security clearances
- History of financial difficulties, such as unpaid bills
Progression and Graduation Requirements
- Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA throughout the duration of the program.
- After 24 earned hours (36 without prior hours applied), students must choose a Mentor/Dissertation Advisor and start discussing dissertation plans.
- After 36 hours (48 without prior hours applied), students must complete their prospectus, signed off by the appropriate advisor.
- After 36 hours (48 without prior hours approved), students must have taken their comprehensive exams, which are incorporated within the coursework for SECR 9900. Students take two exams.
- After the above requirements have been completed, students have the dissertation hours and the defense hours to complete the minimum required 84 hours of coursework (assuming no prior credit awarded).
- Students enter official candidacy for the PhD after comps and prospectus have been passed. University regulations then stipulate that students must complete at least two more semesters of research hours before being granted their PhD.
Program Information
- Program Length: 4 Years
- CIP Code: 45.0999 - International Relations and National Security Studies, Other.
- Program Code: DPHIL_IDCP
- Major Code: IDCP
- Campus Code: OLC
- College Code: 03
