About NSS
The Maxwell School of Syracuse University has provided this program to participants since 1996 with a concentration on developing management, leadership, and decision-making competencies. This is done in the form of a two-week management course conducted each spring at Syracuse University. The National Security Studies Program offers a unique curriculum designed for each course at which distinguished guest speakers and members of the Syracuse University faculty interact with participants in the form of lectures, extended discussions, case studies, and simulations. The goal of the program is to address lessons of history and issues of contemporary relevance to national security.
NSS is a fully accredited OPM executive development program that is included for credit as a developmental opportunity as part of the SES Candidate Development Programs. NSS is recognized for credit by the Department of Defense, DOD Agencies, the Military Departments, and other Federal Agencies to whom the program has been opened. The Maxwell School of Syracuse University is an accredited institution of higher learning, and the NSS program is a recognized and qualified Executive Leadership Program within the school. An NSS participant is eligible for graduate credit if he/she completes our two-week National Security Management Course, then pursues three credits by submitting an approved topic in the form of a written paper.
The three credits are awarded through the Department of Public Administration and International Affairs at the Maxwell School, a top-ranked school of public administration in the nation. The Department and School are members of the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), a recognized professional body that reviews and accredits graduate degree programs in public administration. Additionally, Syracuse University is a member of the Middle State Association (MSA), a regional academic accreditation organization.
During the time the program has resided at Syracuse University, over 2,000 people have participated in the NSS program. Each has received a Certificate of Completion signed by the Maxwell Dean and the Program Director.
Frequently Asked Questions
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. Please indicate on the Administrative Registration Form the specific details of your travel plans so we can be prepared to assist you.
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 tuition 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.
Weekend Travel, Minnowbrook Conference Center at Blue Mountain Lake
The class will take a two-and-a-half day trip to a Syracuse University retreat in the Adirondacks for a case study simulation. For more information on the weekend accommodations please visit Minnowbrook's website.
Daily Schedule
Morning classes begin at 8:30 am and generally last three hours. Afterwards, lunch is provided and typically host to distinguished guest speakers. There are three or four hours of lecture and class work in the afternoons, followed by an informal dinner at the Sheraton from 6-8 p.m.
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.
Computing
You will be assigned a computer account and given access to the library. On campus, you may use Maxwell's internet to complete your assignments and access your home systems.
The Sheraton Hotel offers free wifi and high-speed ethernet access to those who bring their own laptops.
Contacting You during the Program
Colleagues, friends, and family will be able to contact you by mail, email, and phone at either the Maxwell School or the Sheraton Hotel. Contact details will be provided prior to the start of the program.
Weather and Fun
Spring weather in upstate New York in May is unpredictable but most often beautiful. Our area also boasts of beautiful lakes, rivers and streams where you might enjoy fishing, canoeing, or kayaking in your free time.
As a participant of the program, you will have access to campus fitness and workout facilities.
The Syracuse area is surrounded by some of upstate New York's finest golf courses. If you play golf, bring your clubs. The academic agenda is quite full but does include one afternoon for a golf outing for the class; all participants, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to play a round of golf as our invited guest.
Optional Activities
We are proud to have both an Army and Air Force ROTC program here on the SU campus. Each year during the program, volunteers from the class speak to the cadets if available.