Program Overview

Introduction to the Online Master of Arts in Global Security – Irregular Warfare

The Online Master of Arts in Global Security with a concentration in Irregular Warfare from Arizona State University is designed for individuals interested in solving complex issues in global security and modern warfare. This program prepares students to navigate cooperation and competition between great powers in the 21st century.

Program Overview

• The program consists of 10 classes, each lasting 7.5 weeks.
• The total credit hours required for the program are 30.
• The next start date for the program is 01/12/2026.

Program Details

Irregular Warfare Concentration

The irregular warfare concentration emphasizes nontraditional conflict, insurgency, terrorism, and counterterrorism. This track is ideal for military professionals, veterans, security analysts, and those working in national defense, intelligence, or international conflict response.

Global Security (General Track)

The global security general track presents a broad, interdisciplinary approach to global conflict, cooperation, and security. This track is suitable for careers in diplomacy, humanitarian work, international organizations, journalism, and public policy.

Cybersecurity Concentration

The cybersecurity concentration focuses on cyber threats, digital infrastructure, and the intersection of technology and security policy. This track is ideal for careers in intelligence, cybersecurity policy, government agencies, defense contracting, and tech-sector security roles.

Courses

• War, Conflict and Security: Analyzes interdisciplinary approaches to conflict and international security, focusing on defining a strategic approach to short-, medium-, and long-term global trends.
• Adaptation and Military Innovation Since the Cold War: Explores the various instances of adaptation and innovation by would-be adversaries of the U.S. and the West, illustrated through case studies including China, Russia, Iran, and more.
• Governance in Post-Conflict and Transitional Contexts: Considers the challenges of governance in post-conflict and transitional contexts, including issues of peacekeeping, stability operations, reconstruction, and governance.
• Narrative Conflict: Examines how narrative shapes identities, the crucial role it plays in cohesive societies, and how it is used in contemporary warfare.
• Proxy Warfare, Strategic Thinking, History and Operational Arts: Explores the strategic theory, history, and operational art of borrowing armies to fight in another country's civil war, as well as the use of coercive diplomacy and irregular warfare to shape military and diplomatic outcomes.
• Understanding Great Power Competition: Learns about the interplay of war and peace during the era of the modern nation-state, with particular attention to the last two decades.
• Urbanization: Examines conflict and security in the urban context, focusing on trends of urbanization, littoralization, and connectivity as drivers for instability.
• Terrorism and Insurgency: Reviews key theories as to the causes, meaning, and impact of the deployment of terror as a strategy by distinct groups.

Career Opportunities

This irregular warfare master's concentration can complement roles that involve assessing, analyzing, and solving problems related to irregular warfare. Potential career paths include advanced military roles, positions in intelligence agencies, security consulting, and more. Additional fields this program supports include:

• Conflict zones and post-war reconstruction
• Global/international relations
• Humanitarian and human rights work
• Intelligence
• Policy analysis
• Regional affairs
• Risk assessment
• Security consulting

Faculty and Research

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members, including Fulbright American Scholars, Guggenheim Fellows, MacArthur Fellows, and Nobel laureates.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the irregular warfare master's concentration must fulfill the requirements of the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Requirements include:

• A minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of their bachelor's program or a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative GPA in the last 12 units of their post-baccalaureate transcript.
• Official transcripts.
• At least one letter of recommendation.
• A personal statement.
• A resume or CV.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition calculator can be used 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.

Conclusion

The Online Master of Arts in Global Security with a concentration in Irregular Warfare from Arizona State University offers a comprehensive education in global security, preparing students for careers in military, diplomacy, and more. With its flexible online format and renowned faculty, this program is ideal for individuals seeking to advance their knowledge and skills in this field.