Institute for Security Policy and Law

"SPL has inspired my continuing education in security studies and opened doors to professional opportunities.”

“I enjoyed the PCR program and learned a lot—especially in Humanitarian Action—which helped reaffirm my passion for the field of international development and encouraged me to work for the United Nations.”

"SPL's reputation was the reason I chose to attend law school at Syracuse University. I have gained valuable insight, experience, and professional connections as a student and research assistant that I would never have been able to find elsewhere."

"The experience I gained from SPL goes well beyond knowledge of the black letter law. I learned to quickly analyze problems while incorporating policy and ethical considerations and to effectively convey the results of that analysis to the appropriate audience. Most importantly, I made connections with practitioners in the field, especially alumni, that helped launch my career."

"SPL alumni are everywhere in the national security world, and the invaluable advice and recommendations I received from my predecessors have helped me gain employment in the federal government after graduation."

"SPL was one of my deciding factors to attend the SU College of Law. Looking back, becoming involved with this organization was one of the best decisions I ever made."

"Simply put, I could not imagine completing law school without SPL. The coursework, personnel, and experiences are priceless to any student who has hopes of developing a more secure nation. The courses are practical, taught by experts in the field, and the Institute offers outside the classroom experiences to further support its students."

"The Institute connected me to incredible projects and employers, and it is where I completed some of the most fulfilling advocacy work in my academic career."

"Taking Institute classes and working with its faculty provided a priceless experience, with truly amazing job opportunities and formative professional relationships I will maintain long after the end of my academic career."

"I owe much of my future career and academic successes to SPL. The faculty not only provided high caliber expertise in the classroom, but acted as advisors and networking pros throughout my time at Syracuse University."

"SPL is a unique asset of the College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship. As a student and Graduate Assistant, I have seen how the interactions between law and policy students creates an incredibly beneficial interdisciplinary academic environment."

“Through SPL I participated in projects that have reached actual clients and that introduced me to giants in the field. I cannot imagine a better network and foundation of knowledge than the one the Institute has provided.”

"In the classroom I learned the laws that apply to national security issues; in simulations, I developed skills to creatively apply these laws to complex security policies; and in research, I learned disciplined habits that have given me a firm grasp of the theoretical underpinnings of our nation's legal and political choices."

"SPL has helped me establish a strong foundation in professionalism and a knowledge base in the national security field. The people I met will continue to be good friends and important contacts as I begin my career."

"The connections I made in my classes have been essential to building my professional network. I was given unique opportunities to explore domestic and international legal issues, and I recommend SPL to any law student interested in national security, intelligence, or international law."

"Participating in SPL has been an invaluable experience that I will carry with me throughout my career. I’ve been able to dive into trending issues in national security, such as the Internet of Things, presidential decision-making, and use of governmental powers. I recommend SPL to any student considering studying national security!"

"Combining my Information Management master's degree with SPL's Security Studies program was a perfect match and definitely assisted me in getting my first job."

"Being a part of the SPL's community coupled with hard work is a near guarantee for postgraduate success!"