Global Security (Intelligence Studies), MA

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  1. Degree Programs
  2. Graduate Degrees
  3. Global Security (Intelligence Studies)

Pursue a focused pathway into the fast-growing intelligence field. Designed and taught by experts and practitioners, this program blends academic rigor with applied learning, giving you the tools to navigate complex threats, harness emerging technologies, and produce insights that shape national and global security decisions.

Program Description

Degree Awarded: MA Global Security (Intelligence Studies)

The Master of Arts program in global security with a concentration in intelligence studies prepares you to analyze and address contemporary intelligence challenges at the intersection of global security and policymaking. This program equips you with advanced skills in critical thinking, research and analysis across multiple intelligence domains including open-source intelligence, technology-driven change, decision making under uncertainty, and the human dimensions of intelligence. Emphasizing both theory and practice, the program engages you in case studies, simulations and applied exercises designed to reflect the real-world demands of intelligence work. You emerge with the knowledge and analytical capabilities necessary to contribute effectively to the U.S. intelligence community, defense sector, and private industry roles concerned with security and risk.

GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.


At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    online
  • Second Language Requirement: No

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)

Concentration (12 credit hours)
GSC 581 Intelligence and National Security Decision-Making (3)
GSC 582 Intelligence and Technology (3)
GSC 585 Covert Action (3)
GSC 586 Open-source Intelligence (3)

Electives or Research (12 credit hours)

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

Admission Requirements

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

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree 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.

Applicants are required to submit:

  1. graduate admissions application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. professional resume
  5. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT)®, or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026 in a testing center; 6.5 on the IELTS; or 105 on the Duolingo English test.

Applicants should provide a two- to three-page personal statement describing their educational background, their interest in the program, and highlight any significant experiences that have led to their interest in the subject area.


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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


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Career Opportunities

Graduates of the intelligence studies concentration can seek employment in careers across the U.S. intelligence community's agencies, the Department of Defense, and other federal departments with intelligence elements.

Career roles in the private sector include:

  • consultant
  • corporate security specialist
  • intelligence analyst
  • operations research specialist
  • policy analyst
  • risk analyst
  • security analyst
  • think tank researcher

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.

Learn about online options

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.
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