National Security Studies Online Degrees & Certificates
Broaden your international perspective and bring depth to your study of the world regions and national security areas. Earning a degree or certificate in National Security Studies online from American Military University (AMU) is your first step. Graduates obtain preparation for entry and advancement in the fields of defense, state, intelligence, and security organizations.
AMU is the #1 provider of education to the U.S. military and a respected provider of higher education to adult learners working in the areas of national and homeland security, public safety, and beyond.
Take the next step and complete a no-fee application.
*As ranked by Military Times Edge Magazine, based upon 2009 enrollment figures
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Why Choose AMU?
Academic Quality meets Affordable Tuition
American Military University (AMU) provides quality and affordable online education to U.S. Armed Forces, members of the public safety, service and national security communities, and working adults in a wide range of fields. AMU closely partners with industry organizations and is highly respected by public service, intelligence, homeland security and criminal justice communities for developing curriculum that is relevant to today’s job market. AMU is a member of the regionally accredited American Public University System. Here’s why more than 100,000 students make us their school of choice.
- #1 most popular provider of education to the U.S. military*
- Admission fees are waived for active duty, guard and reserve members
- No application or technology fees; and textbooks are provided at no cost to all undergraduate students earning academic credit
- Active duty tuition assistance covers up to 100% of undergraduate tuition and up to 75% of graduate tuition for as many as six courses per year**
- Affordable tuition that is 20 percent less than the average four-year public university’s in-state rates according to the College Board’s 2010-2011 study
- Save time and money by transferring previous education and training credits
- Nationally recognized for quality online education and effective practices
- Experienced faculty; many who are executives in government and nonprofit organizations including the United Nations, State Department, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
- 96% of AMU seniors say they are satisfied or very satisfied with their education
- 97% of AMU seniors say they would recommend AMU to friends and colleagues
To get started, complete our no-fee application now.
*based upon 2011 DoD enrollment figures for U.S. servicemembers
**refer to your service's policy on tuition assistance eligibility and availability
Video Spotlight
Just what is online learning all about? Hear from our faculty and students about how AMU achieves academic excellence each day through online learning and take a tour of our virtual campus and classroom.

Faculty Spotlight
Ronald S. Mangum
Professor of National Security Studies
J.D.: Northwestern University
Dr. Ron Mangum is a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General and current consultant on national security affairs. As a full time faculty member at American Military University, he teaches several core national security courses in the master's program, as well as several electives. He received a B.A. in History from Northwestern University, a J.D. in Law from Northwestern University Law School and an M.A. in Diplomacy and Military Science from Norwich University.
General Mangum’s last assignment was Commanding General, Special Operations Command Korea and Commander, United Nations Special Operations Component, a theater component war fighting command. His military specialties include Infantry, Special Forces, Armor, Engineer, Military Intelligence and Civil Affairs; and military schooling includes Airborne (Master Parachutist), Ranger, Special Forces, SCUBA and Pathfinder. He is a graduate of the Army War College, General Officer Capstone Course and the General Officer/Flag Officer Joint War fighting Course. General Mangum has been an adjunct instructor at the US Army Command and General Staff College, a guest lecturer at West Point, and has published a number of articles on various military topics.
He currently consults in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia as Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Defense, responsible for advising the Georgian government on the development of its National Security Strategy.




