2023 National Security Management Course will take place April 26-June 9
Spring 2023
The spring 2023 NSM course, 60 instructional hours in total, will be delivered in the following two phases.
Phase I
The course is delivered online at 1 – 5 p.m. (EDT) every Wednesday from April 26 to May 24. There are five weekly sessions altogether, each of which explores a building block of national security affairs by a combination of lectures and panel discussions addressing:
- Tectonics
- National Defense Strategy
- Hard Power
- Implementing Strategy
- Soft Power
Phase II
Phase II, on-campus June 3-9, includes activities:
- “In the Arena”, first-hand accounts of national-security leadership experiences;
- “The Kinmen Crisis”, an inter-agency crisis simulation in which students play the roles of executive-branch officials and elected representatives in Congress;
- “Project Kyiv”, an exercise involving small groups working in collaboration with Maxwell School faculty to explore the implications of the Russo-Ukraine War for all the instruments of national power;
- “Erie Canal”, a “staff ride” to downtown Syracuse to consider the early-19th century history of the Erie Canal as an exemplar of grand strategy.
“Outstanding course overall. The quality of presenters and topics were second to none. As the course progressed, when I didn't think it could get better another great session would follow.” — 2021 NSM Alum
The course is geared to the needs of senior executives-flag and general officers of the military, SES civilians, and senior and executive vice presidents in commercial enterprises. However, those at the ranks of O-6/GS-15 and their commercial equivalents may also apply. Enrollment is limited.
The program fee is $9,000. It covers tuition, curricular materials, housing, meals and course-related transportation. Participants will be responsible for expenses associated with transportation to/from Syracuse University. Payment for the course is due before April 26, 2023, the first day of class.
Participants will be awarded a Maxwell executive certificate upon the successful completion of the course. Those who wish to earn academic credit for participation in the NSM course may do so by completing an independent-study assignment which complements the course syllabus.
“Well worth my time and my agency’s investment.” — 2021 NSM Alum
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-Attribution Policy
This is an unclassified executive development program, and all presentations, comments, and discussions among peers, staff, faculty, and guest speakers are not for attribution.
University Resources
Class participants will formally register for this course. As a registered Syracuse University student, you will have access to many University’s resources, both virtually and when on campus. Our staff looks forward to working with you one-on-one, to assist you in discovering resources, providing guidance and support ahead of the course start, and throughout the entire program.
Online there are several services and applications available to you. The NSM course uses Office 365, primarily MS Teams and SharePoint, to deliver course content and host virtual weekly meetings. SUMail accounts are also provided, utilizing Microsoft's cloud services.
All class participants will have access to Syracuse Libraries, throughout the entire course, both virtually and in person.
When on campus, you will have access to campus fitness and workout facilities.
Travel
The program fee covers the cost of all ground transportation to and from course-related events. Program participants, or their sponsoring agency, are responsible for the total cost and arrangements for transportation to and from Syracuse, New York.
Accommodations
You will stay at the Sheraton University Hotel and Conference Center, just a five-minute walk from the Maxwell School, where the majority of your classes will be held. Once you register for the course, we will secure your reservation at the Hotel.
The program fee covers all lodging expenses and meals, the majority of which will be served either in private hotel dining facilities or catered on campus. Telephone charges and miscellaneous expenses such as room service, alcoholic beverages, movies, or dry cleaning are your own personal obligations.
The Sheraton Hotel offers free wifi and high-speed ethernet access.
Daily Schedule
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. : Program Sessions and Activities, Lunch Break
2 - 5 p.m.: Program Sessions and Activities
6 - 8 p.m.: Variation of informal and formal dinners on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
Weather
Weather in upstate New York in June can be unpredictable but is most often warm and dry. Please visit our local news web page for the most updated forecast.
“The single best short (1-2 weeks) professional development course I’ve taken.” — 2021 NSM Alum
David Van Slyke
Co-director, NSS
Dean, Maxwell School
Steve Lux
Co-director, NSS
Director, Executive Education
“Thank you for creating this amazing program and the opportunity to meet so many other senior leaders. This is hands-down the most well thought out and professional course I have attended.” — 2019 NSM Alum