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Military, Security and Strategic Studies

Master of Strategic Studies (MSS)

Thesis-based program

Program overview

The Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary is committed to promoting and developing excellence in military, security and defence studies and is one of the leading centres of excellence in military and strategic studies in North America. This thesis-based master’s program places the study of war, defence, and security issues within the context of past and present human experience. With flexible programs, leading scholars in a variety of disciplines, and generous funding opportunities, we strive to ensure our students achieve success in their pursuits.

Completing this program

  • Core Courses: Classics of Strategy, Advanced Analysis of International Relations and Strategic Studies.

  • Block Week Course: Students will complete Military and Strategic Studies: Questions and Methods in the week preceding their first term.

  • Additional Courses: May include arctic security, Canadian military studies, U.S. security, ethics and morality, intelligence, and other topics.

  • Thesis: Students are required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Outcomes

Banking, Police Service, Government, Military Procurement, Oil and Gas, NATO, Advocacy Groups.

A master’s degree in military and strategic studies will give you the pre-requisite for a PhD.

Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Two years full time; four years maximum

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

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Supervisors

Learn about faculty available to supervise this degree.
Please note: additional supervisors may be available. Contact the program for more information.


  1. Gavin Cameron

    Gavin Cameron

    Accepting Inquiries
  2. image of profile holder

    Beau Cleland

    Accepting Inquiries
    Empire and Non-State Violence in North America
  3. Alexander Hill

    Alexander Hill

    Accepting Inquiries
    Soviet military history, The Second World War, Soviet military and naval policy, The Soviet Union and southern Africa
  4. Rob Huebert

    Rob Huebert

    Accepting Inquiries
  5. Thomas P Tom Keenan

    Thomas P, (Tom) Keenan

    Accepting Inquiries
    Social Implications of Technology, Privacy and Security, Smart Communities, Technocreepiness, Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare, Non-financial Applications of the Blockchain
  6. Frank W Stahnisch

    Frank W Stahnisch

    Accepting Inquiries
    History of Medicine and the Life Sciences, History and Philosophy of the Neurosciences, History of Physiology, Medical Visualizations throughout History, History of Public Mental Health and Psychiatry

Admission Requirements


GPA

A minimum of 3.4 GPA on a 4.0 point system.

Minimum education

A four year baccalaureate degree, or equivalent from a recognized institution.

Work samples

  • A writing sample

Documents

  • A research proposal

Reference letters

Two

Test scores

None


English language proficiency

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

*Please contact your program of interest if you have any questions about ELP requirements

Deadlines

For admission on September 1:

  • Canadians and permanent residents: Jan. 15 application deadline
  • International students: Jan. 15 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements

Learn more about this program

Centre for Military, Security & Strategic Studies

Social Sciences 856
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator

Visit the departmental website

Faculty of Arts

University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4

Visit the Faculty of Arts website