Global Security (Irregular Warfare), MA
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Global Security with a concentration in Irregular Warfare is designed for future leaders in the field of global security. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex and competitive global security environment, focusing on components of irregular warfare, including proxy wars, counterinsurgency, narrative warfare, and other features of modern conflict.
Program Description
The program balances theoretical and practical aspects of irregular warfare through rigorous scholarly work with historical and contemporary case studies. Classes integrate case studies, policy exercises, and critical thinking to prepare students for career advancement. Students can complete the program in one year or over a six-year period, allowing them to pursue the degree while working full-time or part-time.
At a Glance
- College/school: The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Location: Online
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
Accelerated Program Options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share 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.
Eligible Bachelor's Degrees for Acceleration
- Applied Military and Veterans Studies, BA
- Global Studies, BA
- International Relations, BA
- International Relations, BS
- Political Science, BA
- Political Science, BS
Degree Requirements
- 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 510 Governance in Post-conflict and Transitional Contexts (3)
- GSC 511 Terrorism and Insurgency (3)
- GSC 571 Narrative Conflict (3)
- GSC 572 Proxy Warfare, Strategic Thinking, History and Operational Arts (3)
- GSC 573 Understanding Great Power Competition (3)
- GSC 598 Special Topics
- Restricted Electives (12 credit hours)
- Culminating Experience (3 credit hours): GSC 550 Capstone (3)
Admission Requirements
- General university admission requirements
- Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution
- 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
- Required documents:
- Graduate admission application and application fee
- Official transcripts
- One letter of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Professional resume
- Proof of English proficiency
Tuition Information
Tuition fees vary, and students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Application Deadlines
- Fall: Priority deadline is July 26
- Spring: Priority deadline is December 16
- Summer: Priority deadline is April 15
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Analyze a warfare case study applying key theories and concepts
- Evaluate patterns of conflict to explain the response of actors
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different operational approaches to irregular warfare
Career Opportunities
Graduates will have a grounded and relevant understanding of major global trends as well as critical analytic skills, improving their capacity to succeed in multiple career paths related to domestic and international security, including:
- Conflict zone and postwar reconstruction
- Consulting for private, public, and nongovernmental organizations acting in conflict zones
- Global security intelligence (public and private sector)
- Military advancement
- Risk assessment (public and private sector)
- Security policy analysis
Conclusion
The Master of Arts in Global Security with a concentration in Irregular Warfare at Arizona State University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of global security. With its flexible online format, accelerated program options, and rigorous curriculum, this program is ideal for busy professionals and high-achieving students seeking to advance their careers in domestic and international security.
