Featured Career Opportunity: National Security

National security is evolving: Prepare to lead in one of today’s most dynamic, interdisciplinary government sectors.

Beyond military strategy, national security is about resilience and public service. It’s a commitment to protecting people, systems and democratic values. 

From cybersecurity to climate resilience, national security careers span disciplines and sectors. 

Explore the Field

National security is one of the fastest-growing areas in government, with real hiring power and long-term career potential. 

And it’s about more than defense. It’s about safeguarding democracy, infrastructure, and public health. Glenn students are contributing to this work through internships and careers in:

  • Climate Security: Preparing for disasters, protecting infrastructure and responding to global displacement.
  • Cybersecurity: Securing elections, data and communications in an age of digital warfare.
  • Public Health Preparedness: Applying lessons from COVID to prevent and respond to future threats.
  • Disinformation and Democracy: Fighting misinformation while upholding civil liberties.
  • Supply Chain and Economic Security: Protecting the flow of goods, energy and commerce.
  • Technology Policy and AI Ethics: Governing innovation while protecting public trust.

This is interdisciplinary work that requires knowledge in public policy, law, communication, ethics, and science.

From a Graduate:

“By its nature, public policy work is not usually flashy, but I’ve had the opportunity over the last several years to engage in some of the most exciting work on artificial intelligence and emerging technology as well as hot regions like Afghanistan, Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel.”

— Brian Nguyen Le, MPA-DC ‘21, Director of Public Affairs, With Honor Action

How Do I Start My Career in National Security?

Glenn students and alumni are working in roles that shape strategy, operations and policy to make a national impact.

We’ll prepare you for national security roles such as:

  • Analyzing data to make sound decisions
  • Advising on policy making
  • Evaluating programs and performance
  • Managing budgets and resources
  • Managing contracts and the acquisition lifecycle
  • Leading people and supporting mission-oriented work 

Internship Opportunities

John Glenn Fellows can be placed in impactful internships through Ohio State’s MPA-DC and our undergraduate Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP).

Your internship could launch a career as a program manager at Homeland Security, a budget analyst at GAO, an acquisition professional in the Air Force, a policy analyst at the Department of State, or a staffer on the House Armed Services Committee.

How We’ll Support You

  • Internship Application Support: Our dedicated D.C. team helps MPA-DC, WAIP and FED-PM students prepare competitive applications, connect with alumni mentors, and explore career paths in federal policy and administration.
  • Scholarships: Special scholarship support is available for graduate students with national security internships.
  • Ongoing Professional Development: Once on the ground in D.C., students will participate in seminars, networking, special events, professional development workshops, and study tours that deepen their understanding of public service and policymaking.
  • Alumni Connections: Glenn College alumni work at places like the Department of Homeland Security, Government Accountability Office, Brookings Institution, Congressional Committees and the Department of State. Meet with our graduates to build lasting connections in the field.
  • Faculty Research: Learn from and engage with Glenn College faculty who conduct research in acquisition, cybersecurity policy, climate resilience and democratic governance. 

From our Faculty:

“Our Washington Fellows aren’t just studying government — they’re immersed in it, engaging with policymakers, analysts and leaders shaping the nation’s future. This firsthand exposure to various aspects of national security equips students with the confidence and expertise to drive meaningful change.”

— Associate Professor Amanda Girth, Faculty Director of Washington Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Undergraduate students from any major can apply to WAIP; graduate students pursuing the MPA-DC program or the Federal Policy and Management Certificate must meet admission requirements for the Glenn College.

Please visit individual program pages for specific detail on eligibility and application.

No. Our programs are designed to help you build experience and confidence to begin your career.

Ohio State undergraduate students from any major are welcome to apply to WAIP. 

MPA-DC and FED-PM students come from a variety of academic disciplines. 

Yes. Please visit individual program pages to understand credit hours per course and internship requirements. 

The Glenn College’s Washington team coordinates housing for all graduate and undergraduate students studying in D.C. 

Graduate students can opt-out of housing if desired. 

Estimated housing costs coordinated through the Glenn College D.C. Office:

  • Graduate: $5,800/semester
  • Undergraduate: $4,800/semester 

Housing scholarships may be available.

Get Started

If you’re interested in a national security career, your path to impact starts here. 

We can help you get started.

Questions?

John Glenn College Washington, D.C. Office

Contact

444 N Capitol Street NW, Suite 445B, Washington, DC 20001

 

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