Master's Fellowship in National Security

Overview

Defense, diplomacy, and intelligence are the fundamental components of U.S. national security. Successful careers in each of these career fields requires personnel who understand all three components.

The Master's Fellowship in National Security supports the professional development of University of Texas master's students preparing to enter the fields of defense, diplomacy, and intelligence. This one-year fellowship at the Clements-Strauss Intelligence Studies Project (ISP), offered in partnership with the Clements Center for National Security, is open to master's students in every UT Austin school and college.

Fellows train with practitioners drawn from across all three fields, build a professional network in the work they are entering, and can apply for support to pursue the intensive language study and hands-on experience these careers require.

What Fellows Receive

• Funding for intensive summer study. Fellows are eligible to apply for Clements Center support for summer intensive programs and internships that advance their career goals. Intensive study in critical national security languages is a priority but other relevant programs will be considered. Funding is competitive and subject to steering committee approval.
• Seminars built for this cohort. Seminars with practitioners brought to campus specifically for the fellows, covering areas of government most students never encounter from the outside.
• Access to visiting experts. Small-group breakfasts and dinners with practitioners and scholars visiting UT for other programming.
• Mentorship and regular check-ins with Clements Center and ISP staff and practitioner mentors.
• A cohort drawn from across campus. Fellows come from a wide array of academic subjects and disciplines including public affairs, area studies, computer science, and other master's programs. Drawing upon different expertise and perspectives enhances national security work.

What Is Expected

The fellowship runs for one calendar year. Fellows are expected to:

• Attend seminars, held in the fall and spring semesters and typically scheduled on a Saturday morning or Friday afternoon to avoid conflicts with coursework
• Maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA
• Meet regularly with Clements Center and ISP staff
• Participate in cohort programming and events as scheduled

The fellowship is focused on professional development beyond academic coursework; participation will appear on your résumé rather than your academic transcript. The year gives you access to practitioners who know your field, language study when you need it, and a working knowledge of national security career fields.