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Global Security, MA

Global Security, MA

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Global Security, MA

Conflict, Global, Governance, Human Rights, International, International Politics, Peace, Security, War

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 MA 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 Master of Arts 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 may advance at their own pace.

At a glance
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 plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Degree requirements

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 are eligible to apply to the program if they 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 applicants must have 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. Applicants may submit additional letters.

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

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 07/25Priority
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 12/11Priority
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/COnline 04/18Priority
Global opportunities
PLuS Alliance plus alliance logo

The PLuS Alliance partnership combines the strengths of three leading research universities from three continents --- Arizona State University, King's College London and UNSW Sydney --- to create and share knowledge that will solve pressing educational and societal challenges.

Students have the opportunity to collaborate with peers and specialists across the globe through PLuS-partner courses offered online. Through this PLuS Alliance collaboration degree program, students develop transferable global competencies and gain exposure to international teaching and academic content. https://www.plusalliance.org/global-learning-network-programmes

Career opportunities

Graduates possess 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 post-war 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
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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