The Master of Science in Strategy in Security and Defense Technologies aligns with Purdue’s FORCES Initiative, combining policy, technology, and social science to help students become leaders in defense innovation and homeland security preparedness. You’ll learn how to apply advanced analytical tools and ethical frameworks to solve modern national security challenges and strengthen defense operations and for military and federal employees, the program offers an exclusive rate of $250 per credit hour.*
This program also offers a pathway for students who begin with the Strategic Defense Technologies Graduate Certificate, which can later be applied toward the full master’s degree.
Service Recognition
Purdue University proudly holds Indiana’s highest distinction for supporting service members — the Tier 1 Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana Award. From application to graduation, Purdue provides personalized support for veterans, service members, and military families, helping them translate their service experience into leadership success.
Named among the best online master’s programs for military service members by Forbes in 2026, Purdue’s 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.
Why Seek a Degree in Strategy in Security and Defense Technologies?
Experience the Purdue Difference in Strategy, Security, and Defense Technology:
Career-Ready Outcomes: Prepare for leadership roles in national defense, homeland security, intelligence analysis, and strategic technology planning.
Strategic Leadership Training: Gain interdisciplinary skills that merge policy, strategy, and defense technology to address real-world national security challenges.
Defense-Focused Curriculum: Build expertise across land, air, sea, space, and cyber domains — integrating social science, engineering, and strategic analysis.
Designed for Defense Professionals: Ideal for active-duty military, veterans, DoD civilians, and defense contractors seeking promotion or career advancement.
Technology Meets Strategy: Learn to evaluate emerging technologies and their strategic applications for U.S. and allied defense missions.
Ethical and Global Perspective: Strengthen decision-making through a systems-thinking approach rooted in ethics, diplomacy, and international security policy.
Flexible Online Learning: 100% online, built for working professionals balancing military or government service commitments.
Faculty Expertise: Learn from Purdue’s nationally recognized defense researchers, strategists, and policy experts.
Stackable Graduate Certificates: Begin with Purdue’s Graduate Certificate in Strategic Defense Technologies and seamlessly stack credits toward the master’s degree.
Benefits of a Master's Degree from Purdue University
For many professionals, earning a master’s degree can provide a big return-on-investment. In addition to financial benefits like salary increases and promotions, master’s degrees also help professionals learn in-demand skills, which can improve their job prospects, help them pivot to a new industry, or help them stay competitive in a rapidly changing market.
Many employers value the advanced skills that master’s programs teach, and research shows that job candidates with master’s degrees have average salary increases from 25% to more than 75% in select fields.