Global Security, MA
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.
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:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- resume or curriculum vitae
- personal statement
- 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.
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
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BA - Global Studies
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BA - Political Science
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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
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Application Deadlines
Fall
Spring
Summer

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
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