2025 Graduate Catalog

Graduate Course Descriptions

Intelligence Studies (SSGS)

SSGS500 Research Design and Methods (3 semester hours)

This course provides basic research methods skills for addressing problems and issues specific to the programs within the School of Security and Global Studies (SSGS). The course covers four basic approaches to social research including experimentation, survey research, field research, and the use of available data. Students will gain foundational knowledge in research planning, design, methodology, data collection, and analysis. This course prepares students for advanced research methods. Students in SSGS graduate studies are expected to be completely familiar with Turabian and APA writing styles. If you do not possess copies of these manuals, here is a link to the library, https://www.apus.edu/apus-library/resources-services/Writing/writing-center.html, specific to writing basics, that has quick style guides in use within SSGS. Purchase of the most recent writing guide in use in your program is highly recommended. If you are unsure what writing style is in use in your program, consult with your academic advisor.

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS595 Internship Program (3 semester hours)

Within this course, students have the opportunity to receive credit for completing an approved internship. Participating in an internship provides students with a valuable educational and professional opportunity. During the internship students explore and gain hands on experience in a field they have an interest in working within. Within the School of Security and Global Studies the primary responsibility for finding an internship belongs to the student, however there are a number of resources in place to help you in your search and application process. Students interested in completing an internship for credit may reach out to their Program Director, Academic Advising, or Career Services for additional information. In addition to completing formal internship hours, students will be required to keep a journal of their internship experiences and will complete a final paper.

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS696 Master's Project Capstone Seminar (3 semester hours)

The School of Security and Global Studies Masters Project Capstone course gives students the opportunity to address issues of public importance that are directly or closely related to their own career, occupation, profession or current position. Creative projects as program capstones may derive from a wide variety of organizationally defined formats such as legislative proposals (local, state or federal), amicus briefs, standard operating procedures, training program manual, procedure manuals, organizational change proposals, communication plans, or recruitment plans to name but a few. The format will be proposed by the student and approved by the instructor. The creative project must demonstrate originality and will follow the style requirements set by the student's academic discipline. For example, a criminal justice student would present work in accordance with the current American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual. NOTE: It is mandatory for students to contact their Academic Advising team when they are 2 or 3 courses out from the capstone. Guidance on the format of the research study proposal and a sample proposal are contained in the APUS Research Study Manual. NOTE: This course may not be taken until all other courses are COMPLETED. THIS COURSE IS 16 WEEKS.

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS700 Professional Practice I and Doctoral Program Foundations (3 semester hours)

This seminar lays the foundation for the program, introducing students to their peers and faculty members. Students will become acquainted with doctoral milestones and learn about emotional intelligence and resilience. In addition, students will be introduced to the principles of the research process, collaboration, research ethics, and academic integrity. (This course is one of two required first courses. Corequisite: GLBS710 or INTL710)

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS711 Psychology of Actors in the Global Environment (3 semester hours)

This seminar examines the role of theory and applies some of the major psychological theories and approaches regarding individuals and groups in the global environment. These groups inform the understanding, communication, and decision-making of global actors. (Prerequisite: INTL710 or GLBS710)

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS712 Nationalism and Identity (3 semester hours)

This seminar analyzes contemporary theories of nationalism and identity. Students will examine the complexities of building a nation-state: how diaspora groups challenge national identity, how subnational groups threaten national cohesion, and how gender relations reevaluate social hierarchies. By utilizing modern case studies across Europe and the Middle East, participants will utilize multidisciplinary approaches to analyze the rise of contemporary nationalism. (Prerequisites: SSGS711)

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS741 Big Data and Social Media Analysis (3 semester hours)

This seminar analyzes contemporary theories of nationalism and identity. Students will examine the complexities of building a nation-state: how diaspora groups challenge national identity, how subnational groups threaten national cohesion, and how gender relations reevaluate social hierarchies. By utilizing modern case studies across Europe and the Middle East, participants will utilize multidisciplinary approaches to analyze the rise of contemporary nationalism. (Prerequisites: SSGS711)

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS742 National Security Decision Making (3 semester hours)

This seminar examines different perspectives on the decision-making processes of U.S. decision-makers and other actors in the global environment. In particular, it examines and applies various disciplinary concepts, theories, and approaches to decision making related to individuals and groups, case study examples of how these are applied, and also the challenges encountered in the decision-making process. (Prerequisite: SSGS711)

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS750 Cyber, Policy, and Conflict (3 semester hours)

This course will immerse students in the world of global conflicts and the role that cybersecurity plays in these conflicts. The course will focus less on the technical aspects and more on the diplomatic, political, and security aspects of the role cyber plays not only in the real world but also in the virtual world. Also, the class covers the use of artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and facial recognition as well as other emerging cyber issues. (Prerequisites: SSGS711)

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS770 From Academics to the Profession: Publishing in the Social Sciences (3 semester hours)

This professional writing seminar is an introduction to the complex world of academic writing and publication. It is designed to give students in the social sciences an opportunity to overcome anxiety about professional level writing and the publishing process. Students in this course will gain practical experience in revising their work so that it may be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for possible publication. Using Wendy Laura Belcher’s best-selling Writing Your Journal Article in Twelve Weeks: A Guide to Academic Publishing Success, the course explains the publication process to students and shares strategies for achieving success in the academic writing arena, including setting up a work schedule, identifying appropriate journals for submission, working with editors, writing query letters, clarifying arguments, and organizing material. In a supportive environment, participants revise a previously completed classroom paper, conference paper, thesis, or other work into a peer-reviewed article and submit it for publication. The goal of this workshop is to aid participants in taking their papers from classroom quality to conference, and ultimately, journal quality. (Prerequisites: SSGS711)

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

SSGS792 Special Topics (3 semester hours)

This is a special topics course that is designed to afford students the opportunity to examine topics not covered by the existing curriculum. View the course schedule to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates. The subject matter of each special topics courses may vary; special topics courses may not be offered every term. (Prerequisites: SSGS711)

View the course schedule AMU or APU to find out details about each course including prerequisites, course objectives, course materials, a snapshot of the syllabi, and session dates.

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