The School of Security and Global Studies – Online Degree and Certificate Programs

The programs taught in the School of Security and Global Studies truly embody our motto, "Educating those who serve.” Students with majors in this school have an understanding of the world—appreciating differences in political, economic, and social cultures. Our faculty members are highly-credentialed and respected leaders in their fields; and many of them currently work in the U.S. government and in the U.S. intelligence community. Our graduates are employed in leadership positions at agencies ranging from the Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security to the intelligence services, as well as private businesses throughout the world. 

At the School of Security and Global studies you can pursue a an online degree in competitive intelligence, intelligence analysis, intelligence studies, international relations, international relations and conflict resolution, Middle Eastern studies, national security studies, political science, public administration, terrorism studies and the United Nations.  Students are quite active outside of the classroom, through organizations such as the Golden Key Honor Society, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Student Veterans of American (SVA).

Take the next step and complete a no-fee application.

We want you to make an informed decision about the university that's right for you. For more about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, visit www.apus.edu/disclosure.

• Available Programs

  • Graduate Certificate in Competitive Intelligence
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks 
  • Undergradute Certificate in Cybercrime Essentials 
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Enterprise Web Applications Using .Net 
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Information Systems Security Essentials 
  • Graduate Certificate in Intelligence Analysis
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Intelligence Analysis
  • B.A. in Intelligence Studies
  • M.A. in Intelligence Studies
  • Graduate Certificate in Intelligence Studies
  • B.A. in International Relations 
  • M.A. in International Relations and Conflict Resolution 
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Internet Webmaster 
  • Undergraduate Certificate in IT Project Management Essentials 
  • A.A. in Management
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Microsoft Office Applications
  • B.A. in Middle Eastern Studies
  • Graduate Certificate in National Security Studies 
  • M.A. in National Security Studies
  • B.A. in Political Science 
  • M.A. in Political Science
  • M.A. in Public Administration
  • Graduate Certificate in Terrorism Studies 
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Terrorism Studies
  • Undergraduate Certificate in United Nations
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Visual Basic Application Development
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Visual Communications
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Web 2.0 

• 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

AMU Feature Video
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

Gwendolyn M Hall
Dean
PhD: University of Maryland

Dr. Gwen Hall is Dean, School of Security and Global Studies. She is also Principal Infrastructure Protection Planner, URSCorp. Her work includes homeland security strategic planning and infrastructure security and resiliency planning for the 18 CIKR Sectors. Prior to joining URS, she was Senior Director of Homeland Security at Hicks and Associates from 2004-2009. Her work included defense planning, homeland security and homeland defense programs, and efforts to counter and respond to the use of weapons of mass destruction.

Prior to joining Hicks and Associates in 2004, Dr. Hall was a professional staff member for the House Select Committee on Homeland Security. She maintained the committee portfolio for homeland defense issues, nuclear proliferation, radiological and chemical weapons, counter-proliferation and non-proliferation concerns, Nunn-Lugar programs, and all Department of Defense homeland defense issues (including Northern Command, NORAD, and the National Guard).

Dr. Hall is a retired Air Force officer. Her last assignment was Chief of the National Security Policy Division, Headquarters Air Force. Before arriving at the Pentagon in 2002, Colonel Hall was deployed to the Combined Air Operations Center (CAOC) at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, as the Director of the Combined Forces Air Component Commander’s Action Group.

From 1999-2002, Dr. Hall was the Commander and Director of Operations of the Dean of Faculty Squadron at the United States Air Force Academy. She was also a member of the Superintendent's primary senior advisory board, responsible for advising on all admissions, disenrollments, disciplinary matters, and major Academy policies. Prior to assuming command responsibilities, Dr. Hall was a Professor of Political Science, and Director of Education, Curriculum, and Assessment in the Political Science Department. She was President of the Senior Faculty Forum, the senior faculty advisory group to the Dean of Faculty.

Dr. Hall is an internationally recognized national security expert who has researched and published numerous articles, occasional papers, and book chapters. Her nuclear weapons study won the prestigious Air Staff award for the best overall project with direct relevance to the Air Force, which became mandatory reading at three DOD schools. She has held and continues to hold leadership positions in major professional organizations.

Dr. Hall received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Public Policy and Ph.D., both in National Security Studies, from the University of Maryland, School of Public Policy.