Department of Defense Analysis

The Department of Defense Analysis is an interdisciplinary association of faculty, representing a wide range of academic and operational specialties. The Department has two curricula: the Special Operations curriculum and the Joint Information Operations curriculum.

The Special Operations curriculum provides a focused course of instruction in irregular warfare, sub-state conflict, terrorism and counterterrorism, information operations, and other "high leverage" operations in U.S. defense and foreign policy. The core program also provides every student with a strong background in strategic analysis, decision modeling, organization theory, and formal analytical methods. The student's program is built around a common set of core courses and a selected specialty track. The individual student, depending on his or her interests and academic background, chooses the specialty track. In selected cases, students are also able to develop a tailored area of specialization to satisfy a particular interest or requirement. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Defense Analysis, with their specialty track so specified.

While the Special Operations curriculum is sponsored by US Special Operations Command, the curriculum actively solicits student participation from across the services, regardless of branch. International students are an important element of the program. Students are encouraged to apply for the Winter or Summer Quarter, permitting them to take maximum advantage of the program’s sequenced course of instruction. The program is 18 months long and requires a completed thesis.

The Joint Information Operations curriculum educates military personnel and civilian officials in the strategic and operational dimensions of information relative to the use of force as an instrument of statecraft. Graduates will be able to develop information strategies to support military action by taking advantage of information technology, exploiting the growing worldwide dependence on automated information systems and capitalizing on near real time global dissemination of information to affect adversary decision cycles with the goal of achieving information superiority. This capability is possible only after students develop a thorough understanding of the enduring nature of war.

The curriculum is designed for both the specialist who will be assigned to an information operations position and the generalist who will be assigned to an operations directorate. The curriculum includes a core of military art and operations, the human dimension of warfare (psycho-social), analytical methods, and a technical sequence customized for each student. Additionally, each student will have an elective sequence designed to further develop an in-depth understanding of joint information operations. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science in Information Operations. The program is 18 months long and requires a completed thesis.