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Henley-Putnam's Doctor of Strategic Security Subject Guide

Directed Doctorate Studies and Dissertation Guide

Getting Started

Using this Guide

Navigate through this guide using the pages and subpages on the left. This guide is a living document and as such, the material on the page may be updated frequently.  We recommended that you bookmark the guide for later use. Keep in mind, all NAU Library guides are available online. 24/7.

Who is it for?

Although all are welcome to use this guide, it was built for

  • Dissertation Candidates,
  • Doctoral Students reviewing materials in preparation for the dissertation,
  • Faculty members advising  dissertation candidates, and
  • Faculty members conducting research.   

Introduction to Doctor of Strategic Security

NAU's definition of strategic security is the study of the interaction of the application of tradecrafts and ongoing behaviors designed to forestall reasonable or probable threats.  Unlike traditional security studies or strategic studies programs, strategic security studies are a step back from the study of political and military strategies to influence the spectrum of peace and conflict.  Rather, strategic security is the application of objective information on the personal, local, and organizational developments that can deter and prevent conflict or disruption of the desired goals.

Henley-Putnam’s D.S.S. degree is an applied doctorate in keeping with the mission of the university and with program subjects.

A professional or applied doctorate, like the D.S.S., produces a qualification equivalent in status and challenge to traditional academic degrees such as Ph.D. but is more appropriate for those pursuing professional rather than academic career paths.  An applied or professional doctorate, like the D.S.S., aims to advance professional practice.

In order to receive a Doctor of Strategic Security, all doctoral students must successfully complete certain activities that demonstrate mastery of the DSS Program Learning Outcomes. At Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security, the DSS Program involves successfully completing four significant phases:

  1. course work with a cumulative achievement level of B or higher

  2. comprehensive exams with an achievement level of a pass or high pass

  3. dissertation research and writing

  4. dissertation defense and publication

These phased events mark major achievements on the way to the doctorate.  Each phased event requires the demonstration of certain skills and abilities critical to success in the field.

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