Seton Hall Program Equips Students for National Security Roles

The United States faces evolving threats from China, AI, and various global pressure points. Seton Hall University offers a program giving graduate students practical experience in addressing national security challenges before they enter the workforce. This program demonstrates a significant placement success.

The National Security Graduate Fellowship at Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy partners students with government agencies. These students conduct research and analysis on urgent foreign policy and national security matters. The program boasts an 80% placement rate, with graduates working at top agencies like the NSA, CIA, and Secret Service. Mohamad Mirghahari, program founder and a veteran in security leadership roles, acknowledges its impact.

My goal for my students is they’re ready day one if they get hired, Mirghahari stated.

Mirghahari spent 14 years in Department of Defense leadership roles and served as a senior advisor at TSA. He remains a special advisor to the Defense Department.

Mirghahari highlighted the uniqueness of their program. Students tackle real-world national security challenges, working directly with government agencies. Often, these agencies lack the resources for extensive research, and students fill this gap with their investigative work.

Guest lecturers, experts from across the government, enhance the program’s distinctiveness. They provide crucial insights, especially given the nation’s changing threat landscape over the last decades.

Our program addresses the real-world issues of today, Mirghahari explained. We’ve conducted projects on topics like the South China Sea and U.S. re-engagement with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Students also focus on incoming security challenges like AI and data management. Young students often bring fresh technical expertise, valuable in government operations.

Mirghahari noted that AI has shifted how the U.S. manages cyber threats. It serves as a “force multiplier” for students, aiding in their analysis of complex datasets and foreign influence patterns.

The fellowship equips students with tools to examine data and use AI to extract relevant insights efficiently. This capability saves time for government clients, who need comprehensive research presentations.

Feedback from agencies confirms the program’s effectiveness. Your students are well-equipped. They’re better than some who have been here for 5 to 10 years, they remarked.

This program prepares students for immediate engagement in the national security sector, a critical need considering today’s rapid global developments.