National Security & U.S. Foreign Relations Law Degree Offerings

This practice area, which has grown exponentially since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, explores the nature and origins of the federal government’s foreign relations powers, and U.S. law implementing international law and affecting national security. The field includes law on the use of armed forces and intelligence operations abroad, counterterrorism, homeland security, management of crises, immigration, nonproliferation, treatment of detainees, congressional oversight, and classified information. The two foundational survey courses are U.S. Foreign Relations Law and National Security Law. The remaining advanced courses pursue in greater detail issues raised in the survey courses.

JD Concentration

JD candidates may earn Recognition of a JD Concentration in National Security and U.S. Foreign Relations Law by successfully completing (i.e., receiving a grade of C- or better) 14 credits of National Security and U.S. Foreign Relations Law Advanced Courses, including two required courses—National Security Law (6870) and U.S. Foreign Relations Law (6871)—and two credits graded on the basis of a research paper that meets the standards for the Law School’s legal writing requirement, either written in conjunction with one of the Foundation Courses or Advanced Courses in the practice area or with advance approval of the program director, written for a journal, independent legal writing, or a course that is not included in the Foundation Courses or Advanced Courses lists or on a national security and U.S. foreign relations law topic. Up to two credits earned through a national security-related Field Placement (6668) may count toward the concentration credits, with approval of the program director. Note: students cannot obtain concentrations in both National Security & U.S. Foreign Relations Law and International and Comparative Law or National Security & U.S. Foreign Relations Law and National Security & Cybersecurity Law.

Courses

Foundation Courses

• National Security Law (6870)
• U.S. Foreign Relations Law (6871)

Advanced Courses

**For 2024-2025:

• Public International Law Seminars may include Arms Control
• Selected Topics in National Security Law may include Law of Secrecy; and the Law of War, Civilian Harm Mitigation, and Response 
• Selected Topics in Cybersecurity Law may include Cybersecurity in the United Nations

Declare Your Concentration

For JDs who would like to formally declare a National Security & U.S. Foreign Relations Law concentration, please visit the GW Law Forms webpage and fill out the JD Concentration Declare/Withdraw Form for the Records Office.

LLM Degree

All candidates for the LLM degree must complete a total of 24 credit hours, including coursework that satisfies the written work requirement. Those working towards a specialized degree must complete the minimum required number of hours in courses listed for that program. Related courses are recommended for the remaining course work.

Learn more about an LLM in National Security & U.S. Foreign Relations Law

Master of Studies in Law (MSL)

A Master of Studies in Law (MSL), a degree designed for non-lawyers interested in law, can now be received with a concentration in national security and U.S. foreign relations (NS&FR).