Global Security (Cybersecurity), MA
Degree Awarded: MA Global Security (Cybersecurity)
The Master of Arts program in global security with a concentration in cybersecurity prepares students for a rapidly expanding field, with a focus on the complex relationship between cybersecurity and global politics. Students learn from top faculty, including global thought leaders, seasoned scholars and skilled practitioners. Classes integrate case studies, policy exercises and critical thinking to prepare students for career advancement.
The cybersecurity concentration is a distinct element within the MA program in global security, engaging cyber issues from an interdisciplinary perspective with a focus on global security.
This nontechnical program provides students with relevant and continually updated coursework, enabling them to understand of the complex risks, threats and modes of protection and response associated with cybersecurity. This program is more theoretical in nature and uses practical, relevant examples. Students may progress at a variety of paces and can pursue the degree while working full time or part time.
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 560 Overview of Cybersecurity (3)
GSC 561 Cybersecurity Threats and Trends (3)
GSC 562 Cybersecurity, Global Politics and Resiliency (3)
GSC 563 Cybersecurity Planning and Strategy (3)
Electives or Research (12 credit hours)
Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
GSC 550 Capstone (3)
Additional Curriculum Information
For electives, students take coursework from a restricted list, for a total of 12 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.
Applicants are required to submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- curriculum vitae or resume
- one letter of recommendation
- 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.
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
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BA - Global Studies
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
BA - Political Science
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
Apply to a program
Visit our campus
Application Deadlines
Fall
Spring
Summer

Career Opportunities
Graduates have the grounded and relevant understanding of major global trends and critical analytic skills that enhance their capacity to succeed in multiple career paths related to domestic and international security.
Example career areas include:
- conflict zone and postwar reconstruction
- consulting
- global security intelligence (public and private sector)
- humanitarian and human rights advocacy
- policy analysis
- regional affairs
- risk assessment (public and private sector)
- U.S. military advancement
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.
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