Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs
The Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs (NSFA) is a research center that provides critical insights into national and international security challenges and foreign policy solutions through policy-relevant research, education, and engagement with a global perspective.
Overview
The Baker School of Public Policy prepares students for careers in public service through a combination of coursework and real-world experiential learning. Baker students interested in national security and foreign affairs have opportunities for professional development.
Students have networking opportunities with visiting scholars, government officials, and others with national security and foreign affairs experience. Students are also afforded immersive travel experiences such as the Japan Ambassadors study abroad program and the Washington Fellows National Security trip to D.C. Finally, students get hands on training with drafting policy-relevant work for stakeholders. This includes the Baker Scholars senior thesis on national security or foreign affairs, internships, research experience, and for graduate students, capstone projects to support actual government, non-profit, or business clients, giving them the opportunity to network with visiting scholars and other experts.
NSFA also leads dialogues to build a deeper understanding of these critical issues by regularly engaging the university community, scholars, the media, and the general public on national security and foreign affairs issues through talks given by prominent officials and scholars, roundtables, and workshops. Several events are co-sponsored by the UT Japan Center, focusing on U.S.-Japan relations, acknowledging the military and diplomatic legacy of our school namesake, U.S. Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr., a World War II Navy veteran and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
“The world has never been more complex. We are committed to advancing research that strengthens national security while equipping our students with the knowledge and skills to meaningfully shape policy locally, nationally, and globally.”
Eric Keels
Interim Director
Center for National Security and Foreign Affairs
NSFA Events
NSFA hosts a variety of events, including various speakers and the Japan Matters for America series. If you are interested in learning more or exploring recordings and summaries of past events, please view the link below.
Upcoming Events
Stay connected with NSFA through our upcoming events, where students, faculty, and policy leaders come together to explore timely issues shaping our communities. Our events offer opportunities to engage, learn, and be part of meaningful conversations that extend beyond the classroom.
Past Events
Whether you want to rewatch a previous NSFA event or catch one you missed, our event recaps are a great place to start. Each recap offers a brief overview of what was covered, along with a direct link to the full video recording.
Research
NSFA focuses on policy-relevant research to strengthen national security and enhance global partnerships. Key research areas include nuclear security, defense technology, international conflict management, and Indo-Pacific affairs. For many projects, NSFA promotes interdisciplinary efforts that leverage expertise from partners across campus and around the world. Students regularly participate in collaborative research projects to support stakeholders in the national security enterprise. Ongoing projects reflect the challenges of nuclear command and control, strengthening the defense industrial base, and treating energy security as national security. For more information on ongoing projects, please reach out to NSFA for additional details.
Japan Ambassadors
The Japan Ambassadors program is a two-week international immersive experience and course about Indo-Pacific security in Japan. Students follow in the footsteps of former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Howard H. Baker Jr., to learn about Japanese culture, politics, economics, and history, U.S.-Japan relations, and Indo-Pacific security.
News
See how NSFA faculty and students are making an impact beyond the classroom. This includes media features and expert commentary to coverage of student research and achievements.
Academic Offerings
The Baker School offers several degrees that prepare students to lead in national security, foreign affairs, intelligence, and international policy.
Undergraduate Certificates
The Baker School’s undergraduate certificates are available as either add-on or stand-alone credentials for currently enrolled students. Each certificate consists of 12 credit hours of coursework. Explore the National Security Certificate and the Nuclear Policy Certificate.
Graduate Certificates
The Baker School’s graduate certificates are available both as add-on credentials for currently enrolled students and as stand-alone programs for students at other institutions or for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Explore the National Security Certificate and the Nuclear Security Certificate.
Concentrations
Beyond prerequisites and core requirements, the undergraduate major consists of 45 credit hours, including 30 hours of core coursework, a minimum of 3 hours in professional development, and 12 hours in a concentration. Explore NSFA-focused concentrations in National Security and Nuclear Policy.
NSFA Affiliates
The Center for National Security and Foreign Affair’s faculty, experts, and affiliates bring together interdisciplinary expertise to address today’s most pressing national and international security challenges through policy-relevant research, engagement, and real-world collaboration.
NSFA Board of Advisors
Learn more about the individuals who help advance the School’s mission through teaching, research, service, and engagement.
