National Security Studies Academic Requirements

Military Leadership/National Security Studies Director Dr. James Y. Simms, Jr., who teaches some of the Ml-NSS classes, is shown giving an evening lecture.

The Military Leadership/National Security Studies Program is designed for students who are interested in the historical, political, cultural, ethical, and legal dimensions of national security policy, as well as the place and role of the military in American society. Those who successfully complete the Minor receive the Military Leadership/National Security Studies Program Certificate and have their participation noted on their transcripts. Students who wish to participate in the program must apply for admission early in the fall of their sophomore year.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Full-time student
• GPA of at least 2.5
• Successful application submitted by deadline of sophomore year

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students enrolled in the military leadership and national security studies program must complete one required course during each of their final three years at Hampden-Sydney College:

• The Military and American Democracy (sophomore year)
• Military History (junior year)
• Leadership and Ethics (senior year)

Lt. General William F. Boykin (USA ret), one of the instructors in the program.

Students also must complete at least two courses from separate departments outside the major. The following courses are acceptable electives for this program:

• U.S. National Security (POLS 442)
• U.S. National Intelligence (INDS 465)
• American Foreign Policy (POLS 340) or History of American Foreign Relations (HIST 313)
• Public Speaking (RHET 210)
• Christian Ethics (REL 225) or Philosophy Ethics (PHIL 314)
• Introduction to World Religions (REL 103)
• Greek History (HIST 301)
• Roman History (HIST 302)
• Organizational Psychology (PSYCH 310)
• Literature of War (ENG 207)
• American Public Administration (POLS 230) or Constitutional Dimensions of Public Service in the U.S. (INDS 375)

The front porch of the Wilson Center.

In addition, candidates for the ML/NSS certificate will be expected to satisfy at least one of the following requirements:

• Hold a student leadership position
• Participate in the Society of '91 Program, and/or
• Complete an approved summer military training program

Participation in the Military Leadership/National Security Studies program should enrich the training received by students enrolled in the ROTC program or who hold positions with National Guard or Reserve units.

Students need not be in the ROTC program to participate in the ML/NSS certificate program, and participation in the ROTC program will not guarantee admission to the ML/NSS certificate program.