Program Overview
The Global Security, MA program is a fully online degree that equips students with analytical skills and critical thinking abilities to navigate complex security environments. The curriculum emphasizes strategic problem-solving, data analysis, interdisciplinary engagement, and adaptability. Graduates are prepared for careers in government, military, non-profit, and private sectors, including conflict resolution, consulting, intelligence, and policy analysis.
Program Outline
Global Security, MA
Degree Overview:
This fully online program aims to enhance career advancement opportunities in governmental, military, nonprofit, and private sectors. It equips students with the ability to critically evaluate international security issues through comprehensive training. The curriculum focuses on four primary objectives:
- Enabling innovative strategic thinking: Develop analytical skills for strategic and creative problem-solving in complex security environments.
- Developing analytical tools: Enhance the capability to assess diverse data sources, evaluate evidence, and construct sound arguments.
- Supporting critical interdisciplinary engagement: Encourage engagement with various theoretical perspectives and practical approaches across security-related disciplines.
- Encouraging flexible and resilient approaches: Cultivate adaptability and resourcefulness in tackling the multifaceted challenges of contemporary and future global security landscapes. The program's flexibility permits students to pursue the degree while working full-time or part-time and adjust their study pace based on individual needs. Additionally, the global reach allows participants from any location around the world to learn from renowned security specialists and seasoned scholars.
Outline:
The MA in Global Security comprises 30 credit hours, consisting of:
- Required Core (3 credit hours):
- GSC 501 War, Conflict and Security
- Electives or Research (24 credit hours):
- Eight electives chosen from a prescribed list
- Option for additional coursework with program approval
- Culminating Experience (3 credit hours):
Teaching:
The program utilizes the expertise of a world-class faculty composed of:
- Global thought leaders
- Seasoned practitioners
- Scholars from diverse security fields Students gain firsthand practical experience while engaging with academically rigorous curriculum and challenging, yet relevant coursework.
Careers:
Graduates acquire a deep understanding of critical global trends and develop advanced analytical skillsets. This prepares them for diverse career paths encompassing:
- Conflict zone and post-war reconstruction
- Consulting
- Global security intelligence (public and private sectors)
- Humanitarian and human rights work
- Policy analysis
- Regional affairs
- Risk assessment (public and private sectors)
- U.S. military advancement
Other:
- Accelerated program options are available with compatible bachelor's degrees in Global Studies, Political Science (B.A. & B.S.).
- Program benefits from the PLuS Alliance, offering collaborative opportunities with renowned international universities like King's College London and UNSW Sydney. This collaboration enhances global competency development and exposure to diverse academic content and teaching perspectives.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
For All Applicants:
- A bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.
- 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.
- An official transcript.
- Letters of recommendation (at least one is required).
- A resume or curriculum vitae.
- A personal statement (two to three pages).
- Applicants whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
- The application requires a two- to three-page personal statement.
- Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. This typically involves submitting scores from an English proficiency test such as TOEFL or IELTS.
