Military, Security and Strategic Studies
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Program overview
Our PhD program addresses a critical need for analysts who can study and assess the multitude of security threats that exist around the world, emphasizing the importance of both a theoretical and policy perspective. This thesis-based degree is focused on interdisciplinary work and is designed to help students interact with military officers, government personnel, security-focused NGOs, and military scholars. With flexible programs, leading scholars in a variety of disciplines, and highly competitive funding packages, we strive to ensure our PhD students achieve success in their strategic studies.
Outcomes and next steps
Banking, Police Service, Government, Military Procurement, Oil and Gas, NATO, Advocacy Groups.
A PhD in military and strategic studies is usually considered a final degree.
Degree at a glance
Completion requirements
Thesis-based
Courses
Three core courses and three electives
Program requirements
Class delivery
Classroom
Commitment
Four years full-time; six years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted
Fees and funding
Flat annual fee; students normally funded for four years.
Related programs
If you're interested in this program, you might want to explore other UCalgary programs.
Supervisors
A supervisor is required for this program. The supervisor must agree to oversee the student's research prior to admission.
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Alexander Hill
- Soviet military history
- The Second World War
- Soviet military and naval policy
accepting inquiries
Frank W Stahnisch
- 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
accepting inquiries
Gavin Cameron
- Terrorism and counterterrorism, WMD proliferation, intelligence
accepting inquiries
Ian Brodie
- Political science
- Political science
accepting inquiries
Rob Huebert
- International Relations
- Strategic Studies
- Arctic Security and Circumpolar Relations
- Naval and Maritine Security
accepting inquiries
Thomas P, (Tom) Keenan
- Social Implications of Technology
- Privacy and Security
- Smart Communities
- Technocreepiness
- Cybersecurity and Cyberwarfare
- Non-financial Applications of the Blockchain
accepting inquiries
Additional supervisors may be available. Contact the Your Program of Interest for more information.
Completion requirements
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.
Thesis
Students are required to submit and defend an original research thesis.
Additional Courses
May include arctic security, Canadian military studies, U.S. security, ethics and morality, intelligence, and other topics.
Candidacy
Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
Admission requirements and information
Requirements for the Military, Security and Strategic Studies Program
GPA
A minimum of 3.7 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.Minimum education
A completed Master's degree.Work samples
A representative piece of written work, normally a master's thesis chapter or major research paper.Documents
- A detailed statement of the proposed thesis research
- A completed application to the Centre, along with supporting documentation
- All post-secondary transcripts
Reference letter
TwoTest scores
NoneEnglish language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- TOEFL score of 97 (Internet-based), or higher. Our institution code is 0813
- IELTS score of 7.0 (Academic version)
- MELAB score of 83, or higher
- PTE score of 68, or higher (Academic version)
- Tier 3 of the International Foundations Program with minimum grades of B,B,B (Writing & Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension & Oral Fluency)
Deadlines
For admission on September 1
Canadian and permanent residentJan. 15 Application deadline (for admission and funding)
InternationalJan. 15 Application deadline (for admission and funding)
If you’re not a Canadian or permanent resident or if you have international credentials make sure to read and learn about international specific requirements
Tuition fees and funding
All graduate students must pay general fees each year, as well as program fees.
Fees
Estimate for full-time students
Canadian and
permanent resident
International
student
General fees
12 months of study
$1,843 CAD
$1,843 CAD
Program fees
First 12 months of study
$5,593 CAD
$12,965 CAD
Total fees
For first year of studies
$7,436 CAD
$14,808 CAD
What are annual continuing fees?
Domestic Continuing Fees: $1,627 CAD
International Continuing Fees: $3,693 CAD
Continuing fees apply in the first term following completion of candidacy requirements.
Funding availability
CMSS will normally provide competitive funding for each PhD student admitted to the program. Support may come from a variety of sources. Students in the PhD program will normally be funded for four years dependent on good academic standing, satisfactory progress and overall program funding.
Fees listed here are estimates only, and have been rounded to the nearest dollar. These amounts should not be considered accurate. All amounts are in Canadian Dollars.
Fees are subject to change.
For more details and the most accurate information go to the Academic Calendar
For more general information, see our Fees and Funding Guide
Highlights of the Military and Strategic Studies Program
Multidisciplinary Approach
Explore military, defence, security and strategy from perspectives in anthropology, history, economics and more
Recent Research Theses
Explore the wide range of topics represented in recent graduate theses
UCalgary supports innovation and entrepreneurship
My GradSkills offers courses, workshops and networking opportunities for students looking to start or build their own businesses
Learn more about this program
Faculty of Arts
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.3580
Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies - Graduate Studies
Social Sciences 856
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403.220.4038
Go to our contact page and connect with the right person to answer any questions you might have
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