Hampden-Sydney has a long history of preparing students to enter the National Security arena. The College's liberal arts approach develops the critical thinking, analytical skills, and clarity of expression essential for navigating the complex challenges of modern national security. Comprehensive academic programs, specialized courses, and co-curricular opportunities shape well-rounded leaders equipped to address evolving threats in an interconnected world.
Tiger Tracks are designed to help students chart a course to his career goals, providing a roadmap of classes, activities, resources, and alumni connections.
Leadership in the Public Interest
The Leadership in the Public Interest minor is an interdisciplinary minor designed to provide opportunities to study leaders and leadership concepts that are applicable to leadership and citizenship at Hampden-Sydney College.
National Security Studies Minor
The National Security Studies is an academic minor at Hampden-Sydney College, is designed for students who are interested in the historical, political, and ethical dimensions of national security policy as well as the place and role of the military in American society.
The Politics department offers a Government major, a Foreign Affairs major, and a minor in Law and Public Policy.
The History department offers a variety of courses in African-American, American, Asian, European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern studies toward a major and a minor in History.
The Religion department offers a major and a minor in Religion focusing on four major areas: biblical studies, Christian theology and ethics, American religious history, and world religions.
The Modern Languages department offers both majors and minors in in French, German, and Spanish.
Interdisciplinary Studies offer student the opportunity to study across various departments and disciplines.
The Economics and Business department offers a major in Economics, Economics and Business, and Mathematical Economics.
The academic offerings for the National Security track span across a variety of departments. Students will immerse themselves in curriculum from History, Economics, STEM, Religion, and other disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of the global operational environment. In addition, students will be highly encouraged to pursue critical language studies and participate in a study abroad program. Guiding students is a distinguished faculty composed of a former U.S. Ambassador, retired military officers, and renowned experts in foreign affairs and policy.
Outside of the classroom, students have many opportunities to advance themselves on the National Security track. The Wilson Leadership Fellows Program is the College’s experiential leadership development program, designed to shape students into effective and ethical leaders. Students pursuing military service can join Army ROTC to train toward becoming Army Officers. The Alexander Hamilton Society is a student-run chapter that prepares students for careers in national security through expert lectures, discussion groups, and national programming.
Internship opportunities allow students to gain valuable exposure to the National Security track, often leading to postgraduate employment offers. Students have interned with a variety of prominent organizations, including:
Students who pursue the National Security track will be equipped with the skills to thrive in both public and private sector careers. Opportunities in the public sector may include roles within government agencies or in policy-making through Congress. On the private side, students have found rewarding paths in defense contracting firms, government consulting with companies such as Booz Allen Hamilton, or at influential think tanks.
National Security track students are able to take advantage of Hampden-Sydney College’s graduate school agreements.
A foundation for success
From economics and literature to physical sciences and fine arts, you can choose from 25 majors and 28 minors toward a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree—that's 50+ majors, minors, and special programs to help you find your passions, gifts, and purpose.
Preparing men of character for lives of consequence
The Wilson Center for Leadership in the Public Interest, established in 1996 and named for the College's former president Lt. Gen. Samuel V. Wilson (U.S. Army, Ret.), provides students with the opportunity to explore, practice, and hone their leadership skills so that they may become tomorrow's CEOs, business founders, military officers, and civic and political leaders.
Welcoming students, alumni and employers at any stage in their process
The Career Center not only helps students navigate the journey from exploring a career to finding a job, but it is also dedicated to supporting alumni and building success in whatever path they choose to pursue.
