What Will I Learn in the Military Studies Minor?

University of Portland’s minor in Military Studies equips you with the strategic and ethical vision to lead in today's complex security landscape. You will study the role of military from a variety of lenses, including historical, political, judicial, and ethical, and gain a broad understanding of theories and concepts of military training, the use of force, and its profound impact on domestic and international societies. The program will deepen your understanding of the current U.S. national security strategy and the laws of war (including the military justice system) while developing the modern leadership skills necessary to manage diverse, complex teams.  

Military Studies Minor Courses

The military studies minor focuses intensely on leadership, national security, and practical military operations. Courses are divided into two main tracks (Air Force and Army) but share core themes. You'll study Leading People and Effective Communication to develop essential soft skills. Content covers National Security Strategy and the Leadership Responsibilities required for commissioning. Army-focused courses explore Training Management and Applied Leadership in Small Unit Operations. Both tracks emphasize hands-on learning through extensive Leadership Laboratory sessions, culminating in advanced study on the roles of the commissioned officer. 

Degree Requirements

University Core

University of Portland’s 40-credit-hour Core Curriculum ensures you graduate with a well-rounded education rooted in the Holy Cross tradition. From philosophy to communication, these courses broaden your perspective, complement your accounting major, and empower you to approach problems creatively and ethically.

The Core

Careers and Outcomes

The military studies program provides a competitive edge in civilian and government career fields by cultivating leadership, analytical thinking, and organizational skills that employers consistently value. Students gain an understanding of strategy, history, and decision-making under pressure, preparing them for complex roles in government agencies such as Homeland Security, FEMA, the State Department, the intelligence community, and law enforcement administration. The program pairs well with majors in political science, business, history, and criminal justice, equipping graduates for careers in project management, corporate security, operations oversight, or nonprofit leadership.  

Military Studies Jobs

With a minor in military studies, you could pursue careers like:

• Program Management 
• Federal Policy Analyst 
• Intelligence Analyst 
• Operations Management  
• Conflict Resolution Specialist 
• Defense Contracting & Consulting