Seton Hall National Security Graduate Fellowship Provides Hands-On Experience

The United States faces complex threats from China and other foreign influences, artificial intelligence, and global geopolitical tensions. In response, Seton Hall University’s National Security Graduate Fellowship offers graduate students real-world experience in tackling national security issues, preparing them for careers in various government agencies.

Established by Mohamad Mirghahari, the fellowship is part of Seton Hall’s School of Diplomacy and International Relations. It pairs students with government agencies seeking research and analysis on foreign policy and national security, boasting an 80% placement rate. Graduates often move on to roles in the NSA, CIA, Secret Service, military, and defense contracting firms.

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

Mirghahari is a Seton Hall alumnus with extensive experience in national security, including roles in the Department of Defense and as an advisor to the Transportation Security Administration.

The fellowship stands out nationally by engaging students in current national security challenges through government projects. Government agencies benefit from students’ research, addressing urgent national security requirements.

Guest lecturers and professors from various government sectors enrich the program with practical insights. This is crucial as threats evolve since the landscape has significantly changed over the past decades.

The fellowship’s projects include strategic research on geopolitical areas like China and the South China Sea. One significant project involved a detailed analysis for the State Department on how the U.S. might interact with the Taliban in Afghanistan, which circulated within the government for years.

Mirghahari notes that emerging challenges, including artificial intelligence and data, require new approaches. Many students contribute technological expertise, influencing the strategic outlook of government agencies.

“Artificial intelligence has become a force multiplier for students,” Mirghahari said.

Students use advanced tools for analyzing large datasets, providing insights into foreign influence and data management’s role in national security.

Mirghahari emphasizes that the analytical skills offered at Seton Hall could take years to gain in the workforce, noting that government agencies have praised the preparedness of the program’s graduates.

“Your students are well-equipped and better than some seasoned professionals,” reported multiple government agencies.