Program Overview

Master of Arts in Security and Strategic Studies

The Master of Arts (MA) in Security and Strategic Studies offered at the American University in the Emirates (AUE) is a rigorous interdisciplinary program that combines both theory and practice. It identifies, analyzes, and addresses current and emerging security challenges and threats. The program prepares students through educational and research-led courses for national and international positions.

About Program

The program's curriculum standards are framed according to the QF of Emirates level 9 and the CAA standards. Graduate students are provided with a broad but also specialized knowledge in regional and global, security and strategic affairs. Students with interdisciplinary approach and knowledge but also working-related experiences are welcome to apply.

Admission Requirements

The MA in Security and Strategic Studies is designed for professionals and academically qualified graduates with B.A. or other higher degrees from the field of International Relations, Political Science, International Studies, Security and Strategic Studies, Law, Humanities, or a closely related or inter-related field such as communication, and business with specialization to security, strategy, and international affairs. Students applying for the MA program must satisfy the University's admission requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

The program aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

1. Acquire comprehensive knowledge of the concepts and principles of Security and Strategy from various perspectives through inter-disciplinary, and critical approaches.
2. Interpret the current complex challenges from various paradigms and trends in Security and Strategy through advanced research and communication skills.
3. Examine the highly complex, unpredictable, and unfamiliar environments in Security and Strategy and provide solutions for real-world scenarios.
4. Manage professional practices in a multidimensional environment in the field of Security and Strategy in complex situations.
5. Contribute to the advancement of professional knowledge and practices in the field of Security and Strategy to produce original and advanced research abiding by culture and ethical framework.

Graduation Requirements

For graduate degree completion, graduate students must satisfy the following requirements:

• Earn a minimum CGPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00.
• Successfully complete all courses as described in the study plan.
• The Degree Completion requirements must be met within the timeframe of the program.
• Successfully complete the "Thesis" course.

Accreditation

The American University in the Emirates is licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education – Commission for Academic Accreditation.

Program Structure

The program consists of:

• Core Courses: 6 courses, 18 credit hours
• Free Elective Courses: 4 courses, 12 credit hours
• Thesis: 2 courses, 6 credit hours Total: 36 credit hours

Core Courses

1. International Security and Strategic Studies – (3)
2. Crisis Management Communication – (3)
3. Homeland Security – (3)
4. Research in Security and Strategic Studies – (3)
5. Sustainability, Growth, and National Security – (3)
6. International Law and Security – (3)

Free Elective Courses

Students are free to select two courses (6 credit hours) from the following courses:

1. Special Topics in the Middle East Security and Strategy – (3)
2. Diplomacy and the Use of Force – (3)
3. Contemporary Issues in Foreign Policy – (3)
4. Intelligence and Security – (3)
5. Management of Critical Infrastructures – (3)
6. Terrorism and Organized Crime – (3)
7. Internship – (3)

Thesis

1. Thesis 1 – (3)
2. Thesis 2 – (3)

Fee Structure

• Duration: 2 Years
• Yearly Tuition Fees: AED 63,030/USD 17,163 (VAT 5% inclusive, excluding service fees)

Scholarships

For Scholarship Details, contact the Office of Student Life & Community Engagement.

Program Director

Prof. Dusko Tomic, Professor/Acting Program Director, Master of Arts in Security and Strategic Studies.

Thesis Track

The Masters Program of Security and Strategic Studies includes a specialized based research Thesis. The program offers various research areas, including:

• Environmental Security
• Traditional and Non-Traditional Warfare
• Preventive and Pre-Emptive Operations
• Security and Safety
• Strategic Management of Security
• Medicine security
• Complex security
• Stadium security
• Biological security
• Nuclear facilities security
• Food Scarcity
• Smart Cities and Cyber-Security
• Symmetrical & Asymmetrical War
• Peace and Negotiations
• Space Security
• Future Challenges
• Environmental security
• Border security
• Roads security
• Transportation Security
• Strategic Statecraft
• Policy analysis making
• Critical infrastructure protection strategy
• Security
• Future affairs
• Space Strategy
• Water & Food Security
• Conflict & Peace Studies

Joining the Program

Students can join anytime during the year and at the beginning of any block. The program offers three semesters: Fall, Spring, and Summer.