Skip to main content

Global Security, MA

On this page:
Degree Requirements Admission Requirements Next Steps Career Opportunities Request Information
  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Global Security

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No
Learn from a world-class faculty of global thought leaders, seasoned practitioners and scholars from security-related fields. You'll have firsthand experience paired with the academic rigor of challenging, interesting and relevant coursework.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA Global Security

The Master of Arts program in global security is an interdisciplinary, fully online program designed to aid professional advancement in government, military, nonprofit and private sector careers. Students are trained to critically engage international security issues in a comprehensive manner.

The MA program in global security is based on four key pillars: enabling innovative strategic thinking, developing analytic tools, supporting critical interdisciplinary engagement, and encouraging flexible and resilient approaches to the inherently complex challenges of current and future global security.

Students may pursue the master's degree from anywhere in the world, study while working full time or part time, and advance at their own pace.

This fully online program is highly flexible and designed for students from various backgrounds and with existing responsibilities. Students may complete their degree from anywhere in the world and proceed at their own pace. MA in Global Security students can:

  • Advance their careers in global security, international relations, intelligence, diplomacy, and other related fields. In an age where global security impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, the possibilities are endless. See what past graduates have done with their MA in Global Security degree.
  • Learn from and network with leading professionals in the global security arena. Our highly engaged faculty include top advisors, military strategists, humanitarian leaders, award-winning journalists and renowned scholars. See who you’ll be learning from.
  • Connect with fellow students all over the world, engage in weekly discussions, attend exclusive events with faculty and students, and gain access to our growing alumni networks in Phoenix and Washington, DC. See what events you’ll have access to as a student or graduate of the program.
  • Work closely with the Future Security Initiative (FSI), a collaborative research & policy hub linking ASU and New America, that includes experts and thought leaders in Washington, D.C. Learn more about FSI.

Concentrations

The MA in Global Security also offers a Cybersecurity Concentration option as well as an Irregular Warfare Concentration option. Both are embedded in the MA in Global Security program. 


Degree Requirements

Curriculum Plan Options

  • 30 credit hours including the required capstone course (GSC 550)

Required Core (3 credit hours)
GSC 501 War, Conflict and Security (3)

Electives or Research (24 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
GSC 550 Capstone (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
For electives, students take eight courses from a restricted list, for a total of 24 credit hours. Students should contact the academic unit for the approved course list. Other coursework may be used with approval of the academic unit.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. letters of recommendation
  4. resume or curriculum vitae
  5. personal statement
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Applicants must submit at least one letter of recommendation for admission; additional letters may be submitted.

The application requires a two- to three-page personal statement.

Curriculum

Students in classroom listening to professor talk

Expand your horizons with cutting-edge curriculum designed and taught by world-class faculty. Coursework is designed to develop a holistic perspective on complex global problems, to view contemporary issues through a practitioner’s lens, and to send students out with practical skills for careers in global security. Learn more about the curriculum.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

BS - Political Science

Are you interested in politics and public issues in the United States and abroad? Do you see yourself heading to law school, working on political campaigns or serving as a diplomat? Springboard your education in preparation for a wide variety of careers, both inside and outside of government.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Global Studies

Study how cultures, economics, institutions and social issues shape our increasingly globalized world. Through a global experience or an internationally focused internship, you'll put your learning to work as you help to address current challenges.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

BA - Political Science

Are you interested in politics and public issues in the United States and abroad? Do you see yourself heading to law school, working on political campaigns or serving as a diplomat? Springboard your education in preparation for a wide variety of careers, both inside and outside government.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.



Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs

Request information

Apply to a program

Apply now

Visit our campus

Schedule a visit

Application Deadlines

Fall

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
July 25th
Priority

Spring

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
December 11th
Priority

Summer

Session
Modality
Deadline
Type
Session A/C
Online
April 18th
Priority


Career Opportunities

Graduates have a grounded and relevant understanding of major global trends and critical analytic skills, improving their capacity to succeed in multiple career paths related to domestic and international security.

Career area examples include:

  • conflict zone and postwar reconstruction
  • consulting
  • global security intelligence (public and private sector)
  • humanitarian and human rights
  • policy analysis
  • regional affairs
  • risk assessment (public and private sector)
  • U.S. military advancement

Graduate Certificate

Those interested in the curriculum but who do not need a full master's degree should consider a Graduate Certificate in Global Security and Competitive Statecraft. The certificate program is specifically designed to expand knowledge in strategic statecraft, global security, or military strategy. It is a fully online, 15-credit hour, non-degree program taught by a cadre of senior experts in national security, diplomacy, cybersecurity, and statecraft. Learn more about the Certificate in Global Security and Competitive Statecraft.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/965-8563


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
ASU endorsed logo
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram
A unit of The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Contact us

Support ASU

Academics
Undergraduate Degrees Graduate Degrees Accelerated Master's Programs Programs
Student Life
Admission Academic Advising Career Services Alumni Network
Scholarships
Undergraduate Scholarships Graduate Scholarships
Connect
Faculty Contact Us Subscribe to our newsletter
Repeatedly ranked #1 for innovation, sustainability, and global impact
Maps and Locations Jobs Directory Contact ASU My ASU
Copyright and Trademark Accessibility Privacy Terms of Use Emergency COVID-19 Information