Program Overview

Overview of the Online Master of Arts in Global Security

The online Master of Arts in Global Security at Arizona State University prepares students to analyze political conflict, global trends, and complex international challenges. This program equips graduates for roles that influence global cooperation, manage conflict, and promote stability worldwide.

Program Details

• Total classes: 10
• Weeks per class: 7.5
• Total credit hours: 30
• Next start date: 01/12/2026

Program Tracks

The program offers three tracks:

• Global security (general track): Presents a broad, interdisciplinary approach to global conflict, cooperation, and security. Ideal for careers in diplomacy, humanitarian work, international organizations, journalism, and public policy.
• Cybersecurity concentration: Focuses on cyber threats, digital infrastructure, and the intersection of technology and security policy. Ideal for careers in intelligence, cybersecurity policy, government agencies, defense contracting, and tech-sector security roles.
• Irregular warfare concentration: Emphasizes nontraditional conflict, insurgency, terrorism, and counterterrorism. Ideal for military professionals, veterans, security analysts, and those working in national defense, intelligence, or international conflict response.

What You'll Learn

In this program, students gain advanced critical thinking and analytical skills to assess and respond to real-world challenges. Through coursework, students will:

• Apply academic insights to evolving global threats.
• Engage with emerging theories of conflict, power, and cooperation.
• Work with experts from New America, a partner think tank based in Washington, D.C.

Courses

The program includes courses such as:

• War, Conflict and Security: Analyzes interdisciplinary approaches to conflict and international security.
• Comparative Studies of Conflict: Explores foundational theories of armed political conflict.
• Emerging Technologies and Global Security: Examines how new technologies impact global security.
• Future of War: Studies how the nature of war is changing across political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions.
• Global Politics of Security: Analyzes the institutions and actors that shape international security.
• Global Trends: Examines broad global patterns related to governance, security, and social change.
• Governance in Post-Conflict/Transitional Contexts: Studies how societies address governance challenges after conflict.
• Law of War: Explores the foundations and principles of international humanitarian law.

Career Opportunities

Global security graduates have gone on to work in a wide range of industries, including defense, homeland security, human rights, intelligence, public policy, risk analysis, and more. Career examples include:

• Consultant
• Counterterrorism specialist
• Cybersecurity strategist
• Geopolitical analyst
• Humanitarian representative
• Intelligence analyst
• Intelligence specialist
• Military officer
• Policy analyst

Faculty and Expertise

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members, including:

• Fulbright American Scholars
• Guggenheim Fellows
• MacArthur Fellows
• Nobel laureates

Application Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program. Alternatively, applicants must have a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 12 units of their post-baccalaureate transcript. All applicants must submit:

• Official transcripts
• At least one letter of recommendation
• A personal statement
• A resume or CV

Additional Admission Information

An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

The college takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities. It inspires students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens, with:

• 31,572 students enrolled as of fall 2024
• $161 million in research expenditures in FY23
• 21 interdisciplinary schools and departments
• Over 100 undergraduate degrees

Tuition Calculator

A tuition calculator is available to estimate full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. NA