Why study Security Studies at Dal?
Gain a relevant perspective on the world
Security encompasses some of the most important and contentious issues facing the international community today, such as conflict, peace, crime, terrorism, war and fear. You'll develop a thorough understanding of these topics and our innovative approach will draw on tools and concepts from multiple social science disciplines. You'll build a flexible skill set relevant to a variety of exciting careers.
Degree overview
Undergraduate Degree: Minor available with BACS, BA, BComm, BCD, BACSC, BCS, BMgmt, BMus, BScFaculty: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Campus: Studley Campus, Halifax
Program Length: 4 years
Program Start: Dependent on degree choice
What will I learn?
Our courses represent a wide range of social science fields, including Political Science, History, Sociology and Social Anthropology, International Development Studies, Contemporary Studies and more.
Some of our courses focus on specific historical periods or geographic areas, while others explore the theories and philosophies behind security. In some courses you'll discuss a specific contemporary security problem, while in others you'll compare international security and defence policies.
The variety of perspectives that inform this interdisciplinary program ensures that you develop a strong understanding of security issues, the contexts in which they exist and the possibilities for addressing them.
Sample courses:
- Contemporary Security Studies
- Globalized Security and Justice: the Challenge of Global Crime and Terrorism
- The Pirate and Piracy
Visit the Academic Calendar to view degree options and course details.
Careers and future study
Upon graduation, you'll have a deeper understanding of the security issues you hear in the news every day. You'll develop the ability to analyze global challenges such as conflict, war, crime, terrorism, environmental catastrophe and pandemic disease. Upon graduation you'll have a skill set that's in demand in multiple sectors and be prepared for careers in fields such as:
- government
- non-government organizations
- law enforcement
- social work
Future studies could include programs at the graduate level in political science, criminology or public administration.
Admission requirements
Undergraduate admission requirements vary based on your previous education and your intended program of study at Dalhousie. Learn about our admissions requirements, book a campus tour, or connect with an advisor if you have questions about your eligibility for admission.