Preparing Ethical Leaders in National Security

Once a niche academic pursuit rooted in Cold War strategy, national security studies programs have surged in relevance in the 21st century — especially in a post-9/11 world defined by terrorism, cyber threats and global instability.  

As student interest in the field grows nationwide, Cedarville University is meeting the needs of the moment with a new national security minor that combines rigorous coursework and analysis from a biblical worldview. 

Leading the program is retired U.S. Air Force Col. Greg Thompson, a highly sought-after expert on national security law and ethics. Since joining Cedarville University as a professor of criminal justice in fall 2023, Thompson has been a resource for national media outlets — including the Associated Press and ChurchLeaders.com — offering insight on pressing issues from international conflict to cybersecurity. 

Thompson served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer in the U.S. Air Force and held multiple senior legal roles, including chief national security lawyer for both U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Pacific Air Forces. His experience advising military leaders on global threats and security operations informs every aspect of the program. 

“National security is not theoretical; it is happening every day, and students benefit from seeing how law, ethics and leadership intersect in real time,” Thompson said. “National security touches every corner of society. We are not just training students to fill jobs; we are preparing them to be wise, ethical leaders in a world that desperately needs both.” 

Program Structure and Coursework 

The 19-credit-hour minor blends core courses, electives and an internship focused on national security. Required classes include national security law, homeland security and international relations. Thompson frequently reshapes the syllabus around unfolding events, ensuring students confront current threats and policy dilemmas as they arise. 

Classroom discussions go beyond breaking news. Thompson incorporates National Security Council simulations, where students role-play top government officials navigating global crises. “Students discuss issues from the perspective of different leaders, just like a real national security council would function as the president works through complex global decisions,” Thompson said. 

Faith-Based Approach to National Security  

In addition to the practical analysis, the curriculum integrates a biblical worldview, encouraging students to consider security through an ethical and faith-based lens. Courses prompt students to examine questions of justice and moral responsibility, emphasizing the role of godly leadership in security decisions.  

This moral framework encourages students to consider not just outcomes, but the human cost of national security decisions — an approach that resonates in an age of drone warfare, refugee crises and shifting alliances. 

Interdisciplinary Opportunities  

The minor complements majors such as criminal justice, international studies, political science and computer science. It offers students a broader understanding of the intersections between law, foreign policy, technology and ethics — essential tools for navigating today’s complex security landscape. Together, these interdisciplinary connections prepare graduates for informed leadership in an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable world. 

About Cedarville University 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.