DRAFT - War Studies Major - Standard - SO

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War Studies

Major

The War Studies major at West Point offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the theory, history, and practice of warfare, preparing cadets to analyze conflict and strategy at the highest levels. Through courses in military history, international relations, and operational art, you’ll develop critical thinking and leadership skills essential for success in complex, global security environments.

Offered by the Department of History & War Studies.

War Studies: Where Strategy Meets Leadership

The War Studies major is the foundation for understanding conflict, strategy, and the operational art - critical for success in modern military operations. Studying war studies empowers you to analyze the nature of war, develop strategic thinking, and lead effectively in complex, contested environments.

The West Point Advantage

At the United States Military Academy, War Studies is not just a major. It’s a strategic advantage. You’ll gain expertise in military history, international security, and operational planning while sharpening critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills. The program combines rigorous academics with practical application, preparing you to excel in high-stakes environments.

Integrated military focus

  • Combine your passion for military history and strategy with mission-driven applications that strengthen national defense.
  • Gain the skills to apply operational art and strategic concepts in real-world leadership roles.

Hands-on research

  • Step into immersive simulations and wargaming exercises where theory becomes action.
  • Drive innovation through projects that tackle military strategy and global security challenges head-on.

Ethics and innovation

  • Build a career grounded in ethical responsibility while advancing strategic thinking and operational planning.
  • Shape solutions that balance bold innovation with integrity and accountability.

Mentorship that matters

  • Learn from experienced faculty and military leaders who are invested in your success. Their commitment reflects the academy’s mission: to develop leaders of character who inspire trust and achieve results.
  • Forge lasting mentor relationships that guide your academic journey and career progression.

The Foundation to Solve Tomorrow’s Challenges

West Point’s approach ensures you graduate ready to innovate, inspire, and succeed in:

Operational planning and strategy

  • Apply operational art to design and execute complex missions.
  • Advise commanders on strategic considerations during joint and combined operations.

International security and defense policy

  • Analyze global security trends and their impact on military operations.
  • Develop strategies to counter emerging threats and safeguard national interests.

Military history and doctrine

  • Study historical campaigns to extract lessons for future conflicts.
  • Contribute to doctrine development and military education initiatives.

Research and wargaming

  • Participate in advanced wargaming and scenario planning exercises.
  • Integrate strategic insights into operational plans for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Information for Future Cadets

Resources for Current Cadets

War Studies: Mastering the Art of Strategy

War Studies at West Point offers a curriculum built on intellectual rigor, ethical leadership, and applied experience. This program prepares cadets to analyze conflict, plan operations, and lead with confidence in complex, high-stakes environments.

What makes this major unique? It’s the fusion of strategic education with West Point’s unmatched leadership development. You’ll be mentored by distinguished military and civilian faculty who bring real-world expertise and a passion for teaching. Every course is designed to build not only your intellect but your ability to lead in dynamic operational settings.

Core Foundation

The major begins with a robust foundation in military history, strategy, and international security. These courses develop your understanding of the nature of war and sharpen your analytical and ethical decision-making skills:

  • HI301 – History of Military Art
  • HI302 – History of Military Thought
  • SS307 – International Relations
  • SS357 – Strategy and Policy
  • LW403 – Law of Armed Conflict

Complementary courses in writing, leadership, and data analysis ensure you’re equipped with the intellectual tools needed to excel.

Advanced and Applied Courses

West Point’s War Studies curriculum emphasizes innovation and application. You’ll explore operational art, joint operations, and emerging threats through advanced seminars and practical experiences:

  • SS460 – Advanced Military Strategy
  • SS466 – Irregular Warfare
  • SS498 – Senior Capstone in War Studies
  • SS483 – Intelligence and National Security
  • SS485 – Wargaming and Decision Support

These courses prepare you for leadership roles in a rapidly evolving global security environment.

Hands-On Learning

At USMA, learning is active and immersive. You’ll analyze historical campaigns, participate in wargames, and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. Honors students can pursue:

  • SS499 - Independent Research Projects and Capstones
  • Staff rides to historic battlefields
  • Policy labs and strategy practicums

Whether you’re designing a campaign plan or studying emerging threats, you’ll work closely with faculty who are invested in your success.

Electives and Specialization

Customize your academic journey with electives that align with your interests and career goals. Choose from topics such as:

  • SS471 – Great-Power Competition and Deterrence
  • SS472 – Cyber and Space Operations
  • SS474 – Counterterrorism and Homeland Defense
  • SS476 – Peace Operations and Humanitarian Assistance
  • SS478 – Regional Studies: Indo-Pacific, Middle East, Europe, Africa

These options allow you to specialize in areas critical to operational readiness and strategic leadership.

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War Studies: Major Beyond the Classroom

At West Point, the War Studies major is more than a rigorous academic program. It’s a gateway to real-world impact, leadership development, and national recognition. You’ll engage in hands-on learning, advanced simulations, and prestigious academic enrichment programs that prepare you to lead in strategy, operations, and global security.

Internships

Gain practical experience through internships that connect classroom knowledge to mission-driven applications - from operational planning to defense policy and intelligence.

Experiential and Hands-On Learning

War Studies brings classroom concepts to life through immersive exercises, wargaming, and staff rides. Whether you’re analyzing historical campaigns or planning modern operations, you’ll gain practical experience that builds confidence and competence:

  • Participate in wargames and decision-making simulations for joint and combined operations.
  • Conduct battlefield staff rides to study operational art and leadership in context.
  • Present research and network with professionals at national security and military conferences - representing USMA among top scholars and strategists.

Research and Facilities

While completing your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in independent research for academic credit with the HWS, Resnick Center for Holocaust & Genocide Studies, Digital History Center, and the Center for Oral History Work alongside faculty mentors on projects in strategy, irregular warfare, and emerging threats. Your research contributes directly to Army readiness and innovation in operational planning. 

Scholarships, Honors, and Recognition

War Studies majors are eligible to participate in the West Point Scholars Program, which provides personalized support for competitive national scholarships, such as:

  • Rhodes Scholarship
  • Marshall Scholarship
  • Fulbright Fellowship
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The West Point Technical Scholars Program (TSP) mentors and guides cadets in pursuit of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship as they seek national and international honors for their performance. With over 240 scholarships and fellowships awarded, TSP continues to produce innovative leaders prepared for the challenges they will face throughout their careers.

West Point also celebrates academic excellence and leadership through:

  • Honor societies:
  • War Studies honors program: Conduct independent research and graduate with distinction.
  • Departmental awards: Earn recognition for academic excellence and leadership in strategy and operations.

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