{"id":10054,"date":"2026-03-18T14:40:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T14:40:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/?page_id=10054"},"modified":"2026-06-24T20:07:36","modified_gmt":"2026-06-24T20:07:36","slug":"online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/","title":{"rendered":"Online Master of Science in Strategy in Security and Defense Technologies\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n    <div  class=\"purdue-home-diagonal-hero has-none-background\">\n        <div class=\"section has-padding-top-large has-padding-bottom-large\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-home-diagonal-hero__content\">\n                                    <p class=\"purdue-home-hero__subheader tagged-header tagged-header--gold purdue-home-diagonal-hero__subheader\">Online Master of Science<\/p>\n                \n                                                        <h1 class=\"second-level-page-heading purdue-home-diagonal-hero__header\">Strategy in Security &amp; Defense Technologies\u00a0<\/h1>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"purdue-home-diagonal-hero__subtext\">\n\n                        \n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaders in today\u2019s national security environment must navigate rapid technological change, evolving&nbsp;threats&nbsp;and complex policy&nbsp;challenges. Purdue University\u2019s online Master of Science in Strategy in Security and Defense Technologies prepares military,&nbsp;government&nbsp;and industry professionals to lead at the intersection of strategy,&nbsp;technology&nbsp;and national defense. This&nbsp;interdisciplinary&nbsp;program builds advanced analytical, leadership and decision-making skills&nbsp;to help&nbsp;guide organizations in high-stakes security environments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n                    <\/div>\n                \n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"image\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/defe.jpg\"\/>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-custom-container has-black-background full-width-bleed container\">\n    <div class=\"section has-black-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-small has-no-sidepadding\">\n            \n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Are you ready to Be a leader in security,&nbsp;strategy&nbsp;and defense technologies?<\/h5>\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-buttons \">\n    <ul class=\"purdue-home-button-list\">\n                    <li class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/courses\/\" target=\"_self\" >Courses<\/a><\/li>\n                    <li class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/academics\/ogsps\/admissions\/how-to-apply\/?utm_source=College+Page&amp;utm_medium=traffic+website&amp;utm_campaign=apply+now+msssdt\" target=\"_self\" >Apply now<\/a><\/li>\n                    <li class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/admissions\/\" target=\"_self\" >Admissions<\/a><\/li>\n                    <li class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/tuition\/\" target=\"_self\" >Tuition<\/a><\/li>\n                    <li class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/virtual-events\/\" target=\"_self\" >Virtual events<\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-custom-container has-gold-background remove-color container\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-bottom-none has-no-sidepadding\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column padding-right-cs is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a security and defense strategist, you will play a critical role in shaping decisions that&nbsp;impact&nbsp;national security, organizational&nbsp;readiness&nbsp;and mission success. Whether you serve in uniform, as a civilian government professional or in the defense industry, this program helps you take the next step in your leadership journey with confidence.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Experience the Purdue difference in your online master\u2019s in strategy and defense technologies<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Interdisciplinary curriculum: Integrate strategy, policy,&nbsp;ethics&nbsp;and emerging defense technologies&nbsp;into your coursework.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mission-driven focus: Apply learning to real-world national security challenges.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expert network: Learn alongside peers and faculty with deep defense and policy&nbsp;expertise.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flexible learning: Complete coursework 100% online.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purdue offers military and federal employees receive an exclusive rate of $250 per credit hour with the potential to pay as little as $0 per credit hour through Federal Tuition Assistance.*<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\"><div class=\"purdue-home-video-embed \">\n        <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-small has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container is-16by9\">\n            \n            <div class=\"purdue-home-cta-card purdue-home-cta-card--horizontal purdue-home-cta-card--video\">\n    <div class=\"image is-16by9\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"purdue-home-background-image\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/F_6vwRGtP88\/maxresdefault.jpg\" \/>\n            <\/div>\n    <div class=\"flex-container flex-container--align-center lyt-playbtn\">\n        <button class=\"playbtn\">\n            <span class=\"cta-link purdue-home-cta-card__link\">Watch Video<\/span>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"cta-icon cta-icon--play\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/themes\/purdue-home-theme\/imgs\/play_icon_gold.svg\" alt=\"\">\n        <\/button>                                       \n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"iframe-container is-sr-only\">\n        <div class=\"youtube-video\" id=\"F_6vwRGtP88\" data-title=\"\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/F_6vwRGtP88?rel=0&#038;autoplay=1&#038;enablejsapi=1&#038;mute=1&#038;origin=https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\"><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-custom-container has-gold-background remove-color container\">\n    <div class=\"section has-gold-background has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-small has-no-sidepadding\">\n            \n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Strategy in Security &amp; Defense Technologies Quick Program Facts<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-rtb-row \">\n        <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-small\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n                            <div class=\"columns\">\n                                            <div class=\"column is-one-third-widescreen is-half-desktop is-half-tablet is-full-mobile\">\n                            <div class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal purdue-home-rtb-horizontal--vertical\">\n                                <div class=\"columns\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"column is-highlight\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__highlight\">30<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                                                            <div class=\"column\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__content\">Total Credits<\/span>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"column is-one-third-widescreen is-half-desktop is-half-tablet is-full-mobile\">\n                            <div class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal purdue-home-rtb-horizontal--vertical\">\n                                <div class=\"columns\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"column is-highlight\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__highlight\">100%<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                                                            <div class=\"column\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__content\">Online Format<\/span>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"column is-one-third-widescreen is-half-desktop is-half-tablet is-full-mobile\">\n                            <div class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal purdue-home-rtb-horizontal--vertical\">\n                                <div class=\"columns\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"column is-highlight\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__highlight\">12-24<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                                                            <div class=\"column\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__content\">months completion time<\/span>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-rtb-row \">\n        <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n                            <div class=\"columns\">\n                                            <div class=\"column is-half-desktop is-half-tablet is-full-mobile\">\n                            <div class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal purdue-home-rtb-horizontal--vertical\">\n                                <div class=\"columns\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"column is-highlight\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__highlight\">$250<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                                                            <div class=\"column\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__content\">Cost per Credit Hour\n<\/span>\n                                                                                                <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__source\">\n                                                        uniformed services members and U.S. federal employees*                                                    <\/span>\n                                                                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"column is-half-desktop is-half-tablet is-full-mobile\">\n                            <div class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal purdue-home-rtb-horizontal--vertical\">\n                                <div class=\"columns\">\n                                                                            <div class=\"column is-highlight\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__highlight\">$633<\/span>\n                                        <\/div>\n                                                                            <div class=\"column\">\n                                            <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__content\">Cost per Credit Hour<\/span>\n                                                                                                <span class=\"purdue-home-rtb-horizontal__source\">\n                                                        in-state, out-of-state and international residents                                                    <\/span>\n                                                                                        <\/div>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><sub>*Eligibility for this tuition benefit is available to employees of the U.S.&nbsp;federal&nbsp;government, including members of the uniformed services and civilian employees of federal departments or agencies.&nbsp;<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-buttons \">\n    <ul class=\"purdue-home-button-list\">\n                    <li class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/academics\/ogsps\/admissions\/how-to-apply\/?utm_source=College+Page&amp;utm_medium=traffic+website&amp;utm_campaign=apply+now+msssdt\" target=\"_self\" >Apply now<\/a><\/li>\n                    <li class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/request-information\/\" target=\"_self\" >Request Information<\/a><\/li>\n                    <li class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/courses\/\" target=\"_self\" >Courses<\/a><\/li>\n                    <li class=\"\"><a class=\"purdue-home-button \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/virtual-events\/\" target=\"_self\" >Virtual Events<\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column padding-right-cs is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Program overview&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;online&nbsp;Master of Science in Strategy in Security and Defense Technologies aligns with Purdue\u2019s FORCES Initiative, combining policy,&nbsp;technology&nbsp;and social science to prepare leaders for defense innovation and homeland security preparedness. Students learn to evaluate emerging technologies, apply ethical frameworks, analyze strategic&nbsp;risk&nbsp;and translate complex information into actionable&nbsp;strategy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The program also&nbsp;offers a pathway for students who begin with the&nbsp;Graduate Certificate in Strategic Defense Technologies&nbsp;and later apply those credits&nbsp;toward the full master\u2019s degree.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-1394026680-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8816\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-1394026680-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-1394026680-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-1394026680-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-1394026680-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/GettyImages-1394026680-1.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<section  class=\"purdue-home-link-cards \">\n\n    <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-small has-no-sidepadding\">\n        \n        <div class=\"container\">\n                                <div class=\"purdue-home-link-cards__cards\">\n                        <div class=\"columns is-multiline\">\n                                                            <div class=\"column is-4-desktop is-4-widescreen is-3-fullhd is-half-tablet\">\n                                    <article class=\"purdue-home-cta-card purdue-home-cta-card--story\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/admissions\/\" data-target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"card-image\"><figure class=\"image is-16by9\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/2022_JU19174.jpg\"\/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"flex-container flex-container--align-center has-black-background\"><h2 class=\"purdue-home-cta-grid__card-title\">Admissions  <\/h2><a class=\"purdue-home-button purdue-home-button--story \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/admissions\/\" target=_blank aria-label=\"Learn More (Opens in a new tab)\">Learn More<\/a><\/div><\/article>                                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"column is-4-desktop is-4-widescreen is-3-fullhd is-half-tablet\">\n                                    <article class=\"purdue-home-cta-card purdue-home-cta-card--story\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/tuition\/\" data-target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"card-image\"><figure class=\"image is-16by9\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/GettyImages-1172964234-CAREER-scaled.jpg\"\/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"flex-container flex-container--align-center has-black-background\"><h2 class=\"purdue-home-cta-grid__card-title\">Tuition  <\/h2><a class=\"purdue-home-button purdue-home-button--story \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/tuition\/\" target=_blank aria-label=\"Learn More (Opens in a new tab)\">Learn More<\/a><\/div><\/article>                                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"column is-4-desktop is-4-widescreen is-3-fullhd is-half-tablet\">\n                                    <article class=\"purdue-home-cta-card purdue-home-cta-card--story\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/courses\/\" data-target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"card-image\"><figure class=\"image is-16by9\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1543680497.jpg\"\/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"flex-container flex-container--align-center has-black-background\"><h2 class=\"purdue-home-cta-grid__card-title\">Courses<\/h2><a class=\"purdue-home-button purdue-home-button--story \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/courses\/\" target=_blank aria-label=\"Learn More (Opens in a new tab)\">Learn More<\/a><\/div><\/article>                                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"column is-4-desktop is-4-widescreen is-3-fullhd is-half-tablet\">\n                                    <article class=\"purdue-home-cta-card purdue-home-cta-card--story\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/jobs\/\" data-target=\"_blank\"><div class=\"card-image\"><figure class=\"image is-16by9\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Strategic-Defense-Technologies-Grad-Cert.jpg\"\/><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"flex-container flex-container--align-center has-black-background\"><h2 class=\"purdue-home-cta-grid__card-title\">Jobs <\/h2><a class=\"purdue-home-button purdue-home-button--story \" href=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/online-master-of-science-in-strategy-in-security-and-defense-technologies\/jobs\/\" target=_blank aria-label=\"Learn More (Opens in a new tab)\">Learn More<\/a><\/div><\/article>                                <\/div>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                \n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-intro-text has-layout-one-left \">\n        <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-bottom-large has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n                                    <h5 class=\"tagged-header tagged-header--gold\"><strong>Service recognition<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h5>\n                                                \n            <h6 class=\"purdue-home-intro-text__header header-font-acumin\"><em>Empowering Military, Veteran, and Military-Connected Students at Purdue University<\/em><\/h6>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Purdue University proudly holds Indiana\u2019s highest distinction for supporting service members, the Tier 1 Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana Award. Purdue provides personalized support for veterans, service&nbsp;members&nbsp;and military families from application through graduation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Named among the <strong>best online master\u2019s programs for military service members<\/strong> by&nbsp;<em>Forbes<\/em>&nbsp;in 2026, Purdue\u2019s program equips learners with the skills to navigate evolving threats, analyze emerging technologies, and lead in complex defense environments. Its fully online format offers flexibility for active-duty personnel and working professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column padding-right-cs is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who should enroll in the online master\u2019s program<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This program is designed for early-, mid- and senior-career professionals seeking leadership roles in national security and defense environments, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Active-duty military and veterans&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Department of Defense civilians and federal employees&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Defense contractors and industry professionals&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cybersecurity and intelligence analysts&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Policy and legislative professionals&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technology leaders supporting security missions&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Homeland security and emergency management professionals&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Learning objectives&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Graduates of this program will be able to:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Analyze how emerging technologies shape military strategy and national security.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply systems thinking and strategic foresight to complex security environments.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate cyber,&nbsp;space&nbsp;and AI domains through a strategic lens.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Integrate policy,&nbsp;ethics&nbsp;and governance into technology-driven decisions.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lead organizations through uncertainty,&nbsp;risk&nbsp;and change.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communicate strategic insights to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"purdue-home-intro-text has-layout-one-left \">\n        <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-bottom-large has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"tagged-header tagged-header--gold\">Our Faculty\u00a0<\/h2>\n                                                \n            <h3 class=\"purdue-home-intro-text__header header-font-acumin\">Recognized Faculty and Researchers<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The master\u2019s program and its graduate certificates are taught by nationally recognized faculty and researchers in defense strategy,&nbsp;technology&nbsp;and policy.&nbsp;The program is&nbsp;supported by Purdue\u2019s FORCES Initiative.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-image-fill-element\" style=\"grid-template-columns:20% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sorin-adam-matei-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Purdue professor and FORCES director Sorin Matei\" class=\"wp-image-9907 size-large\" style=\"object-position:45% 17%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sorin-adam-matei-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sorin-adam-matei-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sorin-adam-matei-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sorin-adam-matei-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/sorin-adam-matei.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAs security challenges evolve alongside rapid technological change, leaders must be prepared to connect policy,&nbsp;strategy&nbsp;and innovation. This program equips professionals with the strategic thinking and leadership skills&nbsp;required&nbsp;to succeed in high-stakes environments.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Program Director &#8211; Dr. Sorin Adam Matei is&nbsp;director of the Strategic Defense Technologies program and&nbsp;a professor of&nbsp;communication&nbsp;in&nbsp;the Brian Lamb School of Communication.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-c5d1effd-3fa3-4b1f-b4c8-a0bb9ae09fdc\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-c5d1effd-3fa3-4b1f-b4c8-a0bb9ae09fdc\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>How does this degree differ from programs in public policy,\u00a0cybersecurity\u00a0or business?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-c5d1effd-3fa3-4b1f-b4c8-a0bb9ae09fdc\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;master\u2019s&nbsp;in&nbsp;defense&nbsp;technology is uniquely interdisciplinary, bridging&nbsp;<strong>technology, national security,&nbsp;policy&nbsp;and strategy<\/strong>. Unlike public policy programs that focus primarily on governance, cybersecurity programs that focus narrowly on IT security&nbsp;or business programs centered on management, this degree is designed to help students understand&nbsp;<strong>how emerging technologies are developed,&nbsp;evaluated&nbsp;and deployed in defense and national security environments<\/strong>. Students gain a systems-level view of technology, acquisition, strategy, and real-world application in government and defense sectors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-757ee918-3587-4c27-9b48-8d6faaf1f1b8\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-757ee918-3587-4c27-9b48-8d6faaf1f1b8\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>How do online classes work?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-757ee918-3587-4c27-9b48-8d6faaf1f1b8\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Courses are delivered in a&nbsp;<strong>100% online, asynchronous format<\/strong>&nbsp;designed for working professionals, military personnel and those balancing multiple responsibilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;You\u2019ll&nbsp;engage with course videos, curated readings, discussions, case studies, and applied projects designed to connect theory with real-world practice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;course&nbsp;content&nbsp;is&nbsp;based&nbsp;on\u202fa four-step thinking process&nbsp;\u2014&nbsp;<strong>Read, Watch, Reflect, Practice, Assess<\/strong>.<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong>Each module&nbsp;guides&nbsp;students&nbsp;through\u202factive reading,&nbsp;reflection,&nbsp;applied&nbsp;practice&nbsp;and&nbsp;assessment.\u202f Every&nbsp;step&nbsp;connects directly&nbsp;to&nbsp;learning outcomes and&nbsp;is reinforced through&nbsp;action-based&nbsp;activities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-333969a7-6b9f-4a5a-88a1-c0789e16e5e5\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-333969a7-6b9f-4a5a-88a1-c0789e16e5e5\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>How much time should\u00a0I plan to\u00a0spend each week?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-333969a7-6b9f-4a5a-88a1-c0789e16e5e5\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most students should expect to spend&nbsp;<strong>15-20&nbsp;hours per week per course<\/strong>, depending on their background and course load.&nbsp;Time is typically spent watching lectures, completing readings,&nbsp;participating&nbsp;in&nbsp;discussions&nbsp;and working on applied assignments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-3a7d4b33-3a17-45f9-b3b5-f2d5dc29a107\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-3a7d4b33-3a17-45f9-b3b5-f2d5dc29a107\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>Can a graduate certificate be applied to\u00a0the\u00a0master\u2019s degree?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-3a7d4b33-3a17-45f9-b3b5-f2d5dc29a107\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes.&nbsp;<strong>Approved graduate certificates can be applied toward the&nbsp;master\u2019s&nbsp;in&nbsp;defense&nbsp;technology<\/strong>, allowing you to build credentials along the way and apply completed coursework directly to your degree&nbsp;if you are admitted to the master\u2019s program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-54035f1c-a5ad-449b-8060-c4b5e751d718\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-54035f1c-a5ad-449b-8060-c4b5e751d718\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>What will my diploma\u00a0and transcript\u00a0say?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-54035f1c-a5ad-449b-8060-c4b5e751d718\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your diploma will&nbsp;state&nbsp;<strong>Master&nbsp;of Science<\/strong>&nbsp;and will not&nbsp;indicate&nbsp;that the program was completed online. It is the same Purdue University diploma awarded to&nbsp;West Lafayette&nbsp;on-campus students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your transcript will&nbsp;list your major as&nbsp;<strong>Strategy in Security and Defense Technologies<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion has-no-bottomborder\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-25309b96-12c3-4606-949c-0d5f390c96c2\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-25309b96-12c3-4606-949c-0d5f390c96c2\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>How often does the program start?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-25309b96-12c3-4606-949c-0d5f390c96c2\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The program offers&nbsp;<strong>three&nbsp;start dates throughout the year<\/strong>, giving you flexibility to begin when it works best for your schedule.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"purdue-accordion-wrap  purdue-accordion-wrap--small\">\n    <div class=\"section has-none-background has-padding-top-none has-padding-bottom-none has-no-sidepadding\">\n        <div class=\"container is-narrow\">\n            <div class=\"purdue-accordion\">\n                <h3 class=\"accordion__heading purdue-accordion__title  purdue-accordion__title--small\" id=\"title-1013b7ed-da25-46c0-83fe-86a78e4a533c\">\n                    <button aria-controls=\"content-1013b7ed-da25-46c0-83fe-86a78e4a533c\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><strong>How long does the program take to complete?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/button>\n                <\/h3>\n                <div class=\"accordion__content purdue-accordion__content\" id=\"content-1013b7ed-da25-46c0-83fe-86a78e4a533c\" hidden aria-hidden=\n                \"true\">\n                    \n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most students complete the program in&nbsp;<strong>12-24 months<\/strong>, depending on course load and whether they attend part-time or full-time. The flexible structure allows you to progress at a pace that fits your professional and personal commitments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10054","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"rttpg_featured_image_url":null,"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"Ryan M Olson","author_link":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/author\/rolson\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":null,"rttpg_excerpt":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10054","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10054"}],"version-history":[{"count":86,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10054\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11413,"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10054\/revisions\/11413"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.purdue.edu\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10054"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}