Augusta University has garnered approval from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents to launch a groundbreaking PhD program in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy, branded as AU’s PhD in National Defense.
This pioneering initiative marks the inaugural PhD offering from the Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at AU. The program will immerse students in an extensive curriculum that encompasses core areas such as research methodologies, intelligence studies, strategic cybersecurity, and traditional security studies. Its objective is to equip students with a comprehensive grasp of security dynamics.
Kim Davies, PhD, dean of Pamplin College, remarked, “Expanding from our successful Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies with this unique PhD in National Defense is a logical progression. Dr. Craig Albert and his team have meticulously crafted a demanding, cutting-edge program that will deepen students’ understanding of security studies, particularly in relation to U.S. national security and its global position.”
Tailored for professionals in academia and government, this advanced degree integrates theoretical and practical knowledge. It aims to refine the strategic and practical expertise of those already involved in national defense or aspiring to careers with the Department of Defense (DoD), federal agencies, or academic and think tank institutions related to defense.
The program will employ a hybrid-online format, featuring a blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses. This approach is designed to accommodate professionals nationwide, including those at DoD installations and federal agencies, thereby extending its reach across the country.
Craig Albert, PhD, who directs the MAISS program and will soon lead the new PhD program, highlighted, “With the robust foundation laid by the MAISS program, this new PhD will establish AU as a premier institution for cutting-edge education in intelligence and defense.”
This PhD is crafted to offer an in-depth perspective on theory, policy, doctrine, and strategy, enhancing national security and protecting vital interests. Unlike programs centered on coding and cyber sciences, it focuses on security studies, U.S. national security, and intelligence analysis.
Dr. Albert emphasized, “This PhD in Intelligence, Defense, and Cybersecurity Policy is unprecedented globally, bridging a significant gap in educational offerings within the defense sector. The program will cover a broad spectrum of security studies, including intelligence analysis, propaganda, misinformation, data analytics, terrorism studies, counterterrorism, warfare theories, and cyber intelligence.”
As the nation and intelligence community navigate challenges such as propaganda, cyber threats, influence operations, and traditional security strategies, AU’s program aims to produce graduates capable of enhancing Georgia’s critical role in national security.
Grayson LaHatte, a 2022 MAISS alum and DoD employee, noted, “The new PhD program at AU will further my education and bolster my ability to safeguard the U.S. from emerging threats. The MAISS program was invaluable, and I’m confident this PhD will elevate Augusta University as a leading institution in national defense education.”
With around 36,000 jobs in Georgia related to intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, and national security, the demand for advanced training is evident. Georgia’s significant role in the intelligence community, including federal agencies and DoD sites like Fort Eisenhower and Fort Moore, underscores the necessity for such specialized education.
Dr. Albert concluded, “Augusta, Georgia, is already a pivotal location for the U.S. intelligence and cybersecurity missions. We envision Augusta University becoming the global epicenter for intelligence studies, with the new PhD program solidifying our position as a top-tier institution for national defense education.”
