National Security & Public Policy Cohort Program
Develop your analytical and strategic decision-making abilities as part of the Schar School’s National Security & Public Policy (NSPP) cohort program! Whether you’re building on your recent undergraduate degree, or shifting career direction, this program provides you with transferable skills to take with you as your career progresses. Students in the program will earn a Master of Public Policy degree with an emphasis in National Security, in one year!
The cohort program is currently accepting applications for the next cohort, beginning Fall 2026.
✔ Fast-Track Your Career – Earn your Master of Public Policy (MPP) in just one year, gaining the skills and credentials needed to enter and advance in national security policy roles.
✔ Cohort-Based Learning & Professional Development- Join a select group of peers with shared interests in national security, benefiting from inside and outside of the classroom networking and career development opportunities.
✔ Specialized national security policy curriculum
Develop expertise in:
• Economic Analysis • Budgeting • Effective Communication • Policy Evaluation
While exploring security issues from a variety of lenses including:
• Energy Policy • Transnational Crime and Corruption • Intelligence • International Relations.
✔ International Study Experience – Gain a global perspective on governance and diplomacy through a required short-term study abroad during the winter term.
U.S. News & World Report, 2025 Best Graduate Schools
- No. 4 in Homeland Security (Best in Virginia)
- No. 13 in Nonprofit Management (Best in Virginia)
- No. 24 in Public Finance (Best in Virginia)
- No. 34 in Public Policy Analysis
- No. 36 Overall Among Public Affairs Institutions
Thursday, January 8, 2026, at noon to 1 p.m. Eastern
Click below to complete the form and join our mailing list to receive updates about the NSPP Cohort, upcoming events, and application details.
Program Format
The NSPP Cohort is a full-time program, where students complete 4 courses each semester. Classes and extracurricular requirements are primarily during the day, at the Mason Square (Arlington) campus. There is a robust schedule of workshops, field trips, and networking events throughout the program that cohort members are expected to participate in.
The program is not suitable for working professionals or those requiring a flexible schedule.
Sample Curriculum
Fall 2025
Daytime Courses
- PUAD 662: National Budgeting Process with Andy Pavord
- POGO 511: Intro Data Analysis: Pol/Govt with Laurie Schintler
- PUBP 500: Theory/Practice Public Policy with Jerry Mayer
- POGO 750: Energy in a Turbulent World with Rich Kauzlarich
Winter 2026
-
The Future of NATO and U.S.-EU Relations: Belgium study abroad course*
Spring 2026
Daytime Courses
- PUBP 720: Microeconomics for Public Policy with Sita Slavov
- POGO 750: Corruption, Elites and Policy with Janine Wedel
- POGO 646: Policy & Program Evaluation with Nikki Forry
- POGO 750: Foreign Intelligence in a Free Society with Bob Deitz
Summer 2026
Evening Courses
- GCP 605: Technology, Culture and Commerce with Mark Langevin (12 weeks)
- GCP 503: Macroeconomic Policy in the Global Economy with Menelik Geremew (12 weeks)
- POGO 750: Public Sector Leadership with Jill Rough (8 weeks)
- POGO 750: Consulting Practicum course with Jude Sunderbruch (12 weeks)
Application Requirements
The NSPP Cohort program has a selective application process.
Step 1: Express interest in applying by filling out the cohort information form
Step 2: Meet with the Schar School Admissions Team to talk about your goals to see if the program is the right fit
Step 3: Receive cohort specific application instructions
Step 4: Submit application following instructions and schedule interview when requested. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted via email after initial application review.