National Defense university:

Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies

In September 2010, the United States Army Special Operations Center of Excellence, in partnership with the National Defense University (NDU), began offering a fully accredited program for a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies (MASSS).

The program mirrors the Joint Special Operations Master of Arts (JSOMA) offered by NDU’s College of International Security Affairs. The SCoE/NDU program is offered to eligible Non-Commissioned Officers, Warrant Officers, Officers from all Special Operations Branches and support personnel assigned to a Special Operations Unit, that have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.

The 10-month curriculum offers a strategic perspective on the global threat environment; the rise of newly empowered and politicized ideological movements; the relationship between political objectives; strategy; all instruments of national power; and the roles of power and ideology. Through seminars, independent study, research and the writing of a thesis, students will develop strategies for working with other agencies and with members of the international coalition. Through a combination of academic and practical learning, the program will prepare professionals to develop and implement national and international security strategies for conditions of peace, crisis and war.

Students who complete the MASSS degree should be able to meet the following learning objectives:

1. Analyze the 21st-century geopolitical environment characterized by the rise of nonstate armed groups and the uneven erosion of state sovereignty;
2. Evaluate the roles of power and ideology, the rise of newly empowered and politicized ideological movements, and the bases for authority and legitimacy;
3. Understand the relationship between political objectives, strategy and all instruments of national power;
4. Develop skills needed for thinking critically and strategically and for differentiating between policy and analysis. Put knowledge into practice in complex circumstances involving collaboration with diverse partners.

The program is fast-paced and demanding. Students’ education backgrounds will vary — some may have completed their undergraduate degree recently, while others may have completed it years ago. To better prepare all students for the academic rigors of the program, the SWCS Education Management Division is coordinating with the Army Center for Enhanced Performance – Fort Bragg to develop an academic-success program tailored to the needs of the students.

The curriculum begins in August. Please review the National Defense University (NDU) AY20 for all prerequisites and eligibility criteria.

Interested Soldiers should submit their completed application packet by email to the USAJFKSWCS Education Office or by mail to:

Dr. Andrew E. Rogers
Education Director, Clay Hall
U.S. Special Operations Command (Army)
3855 Ardennes St. Bldg D-2104, Room B110
Fort Bragg, NC 28310 (910) 432-5595

Application Packets Must Include:

• NDU Application
  Applicants need to send this form to Dr. Andrew Rogers once completed along with the rest of their application materials.


• ORB or ERB with a current DA Photo
  Elimination of Department of Army (DA) Photos, and Race, Ethnicity and Gender Identification Data for Officer, Warrant Officer, and Enlisted Selection Boards


• Last Three (3) OERs or NCOERs


• DA Form 1618 Endorsed by the first O-6 in your Chain of Command


• HRC Branch Approval Memo - Example | Example(enablers)


• Student Acknowledgment of Responsibilities


• Grade Point Average (GPA) Waiver for Entry into the Army’s Fully Funded Advanced Civil Schooling (ACS) Program


• ARSOF Graduate Program Participation Agreement – NDU


• Statement of Purpose (250-500 words), detailing SOF’s return on investment for your selection and must include any relevant research areas you would be interested in pursuing.


• Official Undergraduate Transcripts

NOTE: a GRE score is required to be included FOR BOTH NDU AND NPS. Due to the COVID Crisis, this may be waiver able.
Suggestion is to include a memo in your packet if you do not have one at this time. It is an ARMY requirement.

For additional information, questions, or concerns please contact the Education Department, Dr. Andrew E. Rogers or call (910) 432-5595.