National defense policy in the United States,as designed and implemented by the Department of Defense (DOD), iscomplex and ever-changing.When Brad Hoffman had the opportunity to engage experts in this field, he pursued a partnershipwith the American Enterprise Institute’s (AEI) Summer Honors Program.

Hoffman, a seniorpolitical sciencemajor at Cedarville Universityfrom Reading, Pennsylvania, was selected by AEI. He was a member of the program in Washington, D.C.titled,From Capital to Combat: Understanding America’s Defense Policy. AEI is a leading public policy think tank in Washington, D.C., dedicated to defending human dignity, expanding human potential and building a freer and safer world.

“The AEI honors program appealed to me because it wasa unique opportunity to deeply study the topic ofdefense at the feet of experts,” said Hoffman.

This was not Hoffman’sfirst learning experience in the nation’s capital.One year earlier, he participated in Cedarville’sD.C. semester, an immersive learning program that allows students to complete coursework while giving internships on Capitol Hill.

“It was a great semester that confirmed my interest in politics but shifted my focus to areas of government like defense, security, or the department of state,” said Hoffman. “Working in any of those areas would be remarkable.”

Hoffman wanted experience in a different area of politics, which led to his interest in the AEI Summer Honors Program. The program functions as an academic think tank with an intentional variety of beliefs that enables students to discuss complex topics from different worldviews.

The program included lectures from Dr. Edward Glaeser, the Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics and the chair of the Department of Economics at Harvard University.

Hoffman plans to pursue an MBA in cybersecurity managementat Cedarville after he completes his undergraduate degree. He plans to pursue a career in either the Department of Defense or the National Security Agency.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduate programs. With an enrollment of 6,384 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, such as their political science majorandMBA in cybersecurity management graduate program, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.