About Security Policy and Law

Immerse yourself in the crucial fields of national security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and intelligence law. This program is your gateway to a career where you can make a real impact on the safety and security of our nation. Through a combination of legal theory and practical application, you’ll explore a wide range of topics that shape the world today. Collaborate with expert faculty and learn through coursework and research projects that delve into the nuances of security policy. Whether you’re drawn to cybersecurity, international conflicts, or the legal frameworks of national security, this program provides the skills and knowledge you need to excel.

Experience in this program will opens doors to a variety of career paths, from government agencies to international organizations and law firms, where you’ll address evolving challenges in national and international security as the next generation of security practitioners.

About the Institute for Security Policy and Law

Certificates of Advanced Study


Certificate of Advanced Study in Security Studies

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Security Studies is a 12-credit, interdisciplinary program for law and graduate students preparing for careers in national security, homeland security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism. Certificate students collaborate across range of subjects, benefitting from faculty expertise in national and homeland security; international and atrocity law; military operations and defense strategy; counterterrorism law and policy; counter-proliferation policy; diplomacy and international relations; mass communication; cybersecurity law, policy, and engineering; conflict and postconflict studies; and more. Alumni form an extended, active, and influential network, boosting INSCT’s reputation as a “go to” organization for shaping discourse on security challenges.

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Certificate of Advanced Study in Postconflict Resolution

The Certificate of Advanced Study in Postconflict Reconstruction (PCR) is a 12-credit, multidisciplinary program for law and graduate students preparing for careers in PCR, peace building, humanitarian relief, and international development. Topics include international law and the rule of law, human rights and human security, conflict studies, diplomacy and international relations, humanitarian relief, economics of development, and capacity-building. A sequence of specialized coursework is coordinated across SU’s campus, at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, College of Law, Martin J. Whitman School of Management, and S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. All students take the core course, Fundamentals of Post-conflict Reconstruction, and complete a capstone project related to PCR.

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Certificate of Advanced Study in National Security and Counterterrorism Law

Developed by a senior law faculty member who literally “wrote the book” on national security and counterterrorism law, the Certificate of Advanced Study in National Security and Counterterrorism Law is a highly interdisciplinary, 15-credit program of study for students looking to specialize in national security, counterterrorism, homeland security, cybersecurity, and related fields. Students benefit from multiple faculty perspectives, from College of Law professors and others in public policy, international affairs, information studies, computer science, engineering, and elsewhere. Academic opportunities include group research projects, simulations, field trips, and study abroad opportunities.

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Clinics, Centers and Institutes

Student Groups and Journals

  • National Security Students Association

All Student Groups All Student Journals


Student and Externship Stories

Alumni Stories

SPL Alumni News and Updates