Graduate Certificate in Strategic Defense Technologies
The Strategic Defense Technologies graduate certificate provides a unique blend of strategy, military studies, social science and policy analysis. Designed for professionals who analyze, design and execute defense and civilian strategies, this program enhances skills and career prospects in defense, military and security fields.
Online Programs
Graduate Certificate in Strategic Defense Technologies
The Strategic Defense Technologies graduate certificate provides a unique blend of strategy, military studies, social science and policy analysis. Designed for professionals who analyze, design and execute defense and civilian strategies, this program enhances skills and career prospects in defense, military and security fields.
Graduate Certificate in Strategic Defense Technologies Overview
Purdue University’s 100% online Strategic Defense Technologies Graduate Certificate leverages Purdue’s proven expertise in defense research and education to prepare professionals for leadership roles in national defense. This program equips learners with the skills to evaluate emerging technologies and develop strategies that enhance security and innovation.
Designed for military and civilian professionals, the grad cert in Strategic Defense Technologies helps students build technical knowledge and critical thinking skills. It also serves as a pathway to Purdue’s Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Engineering with a focus on strategy and defense.
This certificate stands out as the only one of its kind in both the College of Liberal Arts and Purdue University.
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The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.
*Eligibility for this tuition benefit is available to employees of the United States Federal Government, including members of the uniformed services and civilian employees of federal departments or agencies.
More information on courses and faculty can be found at the program website.
Required Courses
- SCLA 50500 Technology, War, And Strategy – 3 Credit Hours
Elective Courses
Choose Two (courses cannot be substituted with any other similar courses)
- SCLA 50600 Space Strategy – 3 Credit Hours
- SCLA 50700 Grand Challenges in Defense Engineering – 3 Credit Hours
- SCLA 51000 Data and Science Storytelling – 3 Credit Hours
- SCLA 52000 Social and Digital Media Analytics for Business Communication Professionals – 3 Credit Hours
- SCLA 52200 Artificial Intelligence Policy, Governance and Ethics – 3 Credit Hours
- SCLA 53000 Strategic Foresight and Leadership – 3 Credit Hours
Source: LightcastTM (2025). Unique job postings for July 2024-25. Projected growth for years 2019-2029.
Top Job Titles
Strategic defense technologies prepare professionals for a wide range of technical, leadership, and analytical roles within defense and security sectors. These include Mid-Career Military Officers, Defense Acquisition Officers, and Logistics Officers, each contributing essential expertise to planning, procurement, and operational efficiency. Additionally, Defense Research Managers, Electronics Engineers, Survivability Engineers, Digital Signal Processing Engineers, Systems Engineers, Mechanical Engineering, and Managers play key roles in designing, implementing, and overseeing advanced defense systems and technologies.
Top Industries
Several major industries offer strong career opportunities for professionals in strategic defense technologies. These include US Military Branches and the Space Force, both of which rely on advanced technology expertise to support national security and operational readiness. Additionally, Lockheed Martin, JRC Integrated Systems, DoD and DoE National Research Labs, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, BAE Systems, and Northrop Grumman depend on skilled professionals to design, develop, and manage cutting-edge defense systems and innovative technological solutions.
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